What is a post-bacc

[DudeLebowski]

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I'm sure this might come as a dumb question to some, but what in the world is a post-bacc?

I am a software engineer trying to improve my app for DS. I have all the basic sciences, chem,ochem(just 1) and phy.
Are there like specific programs at schools called post-baccs?does taking undergrad sci classes (like biochem,anatomy) as a non-degree student from my state uni count as post-bacc?

Once again, excuse the dumb question...and if it's been posted anywhere, kindly direct me. (Stay out of this, doc🙁)

 

[yjdentist]

classes you take after you receive your undergraduate degree.

Are there like specific programs at schools called post-baccs? No
Does taking undergrad sci classes (like biochem,anatomy) as a non-degree student from my state uni count as post-bacc? Yes

🙂

 

[peanutb123]

I'm sure this might come as a dumb question to some, but what in the world is a post-bacc?

I am a software engineer trying to improve my app for DS. I have all the basic sciences, chem,ochem(just 1) and phy.
Are there like specific programs at schools called post-baccs?does taking undergrad sci classes (like biochem,anatomy) as a non-degree student from my state uni count as post-bacc?

Once again, excuse the dumb question...and if it's been posted anywhere, kindly direct me. (Stay out of this, doc🙁)

Post means after. Bac is short for bachelors degree. post bac means after bachelors where you take undergrad classes to improve your app or for skills etc... You will not get a certificate for it.

People just call taking couple undergrad or sometimes grad classes as post bac. Which means they will just get credit and grades but their is no such thing as postbac degree...

 

[Angulimala]

A post-bacc is usually some kind of formal program (that employs a professional advisor, is recognized by the university, etc.) to put people through medical school pre-reqs that haven't been taken, or classes to improve a GPA or MCAT score.

Taking undergrad classes as a non-degree student doesn't qualify as a post-bacc, but it does pretty much the same thing if you're willing to do a little more leg work.

 

[HermeyScrivello]

You're getting some conflicting answers.🙁 A post-bacc is coursework done after earning a bacc degree usually for the purpose of building a transcript. This may include taking prereqs or just be a way to raise your gpa. There are formal programs offered by many schools and the requirements vary. Some award a certificate, second bacc, masters, or nothing and may be part or full time. Some may even be specifically geared toward pre-health profession school. Informal would be if you design your own course load outside of an organized program. I guess any coursework after your bacc degree could be called post bacc work, but when someone says they are doing "a post-bacc" it implies that it's more than just a continuing ed course. Getting a masters may sound like a better route, but graduate work won't count toward an undergrad gpa. This is, I believe, part of the reason why these programs are getting more popular. Applicants want to improve their undergrad gpa so these programs serve as a way to do undergrad work after graduating. Long post, sorry.😴

 

[DudeLebowski]

Thanks all....pretty helpful responses. and @Hermey, spelt it out quite nicely.

 

[HASassin]

if you know that you are not going to get in this cycle, can you just delay graduation for 1 year and do all of the same undergrad courses you would, then graduate that next year?

 

[UCLAzy]

if you know that you are not going to get in this cycle, can you just delay graduation for 1 year and do all of the same undergrad courses you would, then graduate that next year?

if you've got the money, go for it. take on a minor. knowledge is power

 

[peanutb123]

if you know that you are not going to get in this cycle, can you just delay graduation for 1 year and do all of the same undergrad courses you would, then graduate that next year?

Here are two options:

If you graduate and take classes then your New classes that you take after graduation, the GPA of these new classes will appear in a different column. It will be like this

UNDERGRAD GPA| POST BAC | GRADUATE |Cummul. GPA|BCP...

But if you were not to graduate and take classes all the classes will be included in your undergrad GPA.


I say the first option is better b/c lets say if you get couple A's it will look like you have a 4.0 GPA as a post bac(column). But you cum. GPA will be the same for both options.

 

[yappy]

Are adcom that lazy? Would they not look at your transcript in both cases and see that you got a 4.0 the year in both cases?
The reason it may be good to delay is for financial aid reasons. If you are getting alot of grants it would be wise to delay grad one year because once you get your first bacc degree you wont be able to receive the same aid.

 

[peanutb123]

Are adcom that lazy? Would they not look at your transcript in both cases and see that you got a 4.0 the year in both cases?
The reason it may be good to delay is for financial aid reasons. If you are getting alot of grants it would be wise to delay grad one year because once you get your first bacc degree you wont be able to receive the same aid.

Its all about standing out...

First they will look at your nicely created table thanks to AADSAS...

and if that table has even one 4.0 it will catch the attention of adcoms and they will look into there grades more carefully it might be an advantage. Instead of improving 3.0 to 3.1 it might not catch the adcoms eyes... (b/c they wont be able to see the improvement) or to encourage them to look into grades more deeply like a 4.0 in one column does. Do you get what i am saying?😕

 

[HermeyScrivello]

Delaying grad vs doing a post bacc seems to me to be a choice between taking five years to finish college vs finishing on time plus having some post grad work. One looks bad one looks good. This is oversimplified, and just my opinion.

 

[HASassin]

Its all about standing out...

First they will look at your nicely created table thanks to AADSAS...

and if that table has even one 4.0 it will catch the attention of adcoms and they will look into there grades more carefully it might be an advantage. Instead of improving 3.0 to 3.1 it might not catch the adcoms eyes... (b/c they wont be able to see the improvement) or to encourage them to look into grades more deeply like a 4.0 in one column does. Do you get what i am saying?😕

hrm im still deciding whether i should i apply for graduation this semester or not

but thats a good point you bring up about the 4.0 standing out

 

[youknowthedrill]

Some state schools charge more tuition if you already have a degree.