What Post-Bacs should I apply to?

[RShebs]

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I graduated from Binghamton University with a 3.1 gpa, I have taken Calc, Bio 1,2, Chem 1,2, Orgo 1, and withdrew from Orgo 2. I have been working as a phlebotomist since Sept. 08 to try and improve my application to postbac.

I am working on my applications now, since I have been working in the medical field for almost a year now, but do not know where exactly to apply to maximize my chances of acceptance.
So far, I have been preparing applications to Columbia, Georgetown, CUNY-Hunter, and UConn. Have I set the bar a little too high? What other programs are out there that I may have a better chance of getting into but still hold some prestige from the perspective of medical schools?

Also, given my background in pre-med coursework, am I eligble for a program designed for students with little or no pre-med coursework, or am I only eligible for a program designed to enhance my gpa?

I really appreciate any help you may provide, thank you.

 

[wasvsdal]

I am in the same boat as you, and I can tell you for a fact that you are not eligible for "pre-med" post-bacs. Essentially, you need to take your MCATS, score well there, and may need to retake a few or all of your courses depending on how you did on them. Of course I am in essentially the same boat as you, so I would probably wait for someone with more experience to speak but if you were consistently hitting the refresh button, I know you were, so I figured I'd throw in an opinion haha.

I am retaking Organic I (B - Lecture, A - Lab) & II (C - Lecture, B - Lab), Physics I (B) & II (D), Cell Bio (D), Biochemistry (D), Human Anatomy, Mamm. Phys.

In the course of one year, this allows me to repeat all my major pre-med courses, prepare for MCATs, and also helps me get ready for the type of course-load one would more likely face at medical schools (of course at 10x the dosage).

My overall GPA is a 2.8, and my science GPA is a bit lower.

Hopefully I can start a post-bac program (SMP type) in the year 2011. Otherwise, I am going to the Caribbean, esp if I have proven to myself that I can handle this material - i.e. I get good grades in my unofficial post-bac and receive a solid MCAT score (30+).

At the end of the day you receive your M.D., and theres no point in spending another year to get into a post-bac esp since most of them dont help you save any time unless you enroll in the corresponding medical school.

What do the strategists here feel about this?

 

[wasvsdal]

After one year of A's and nothing but A's
My overall GPA should from 2.8 -> 3.0
Science GPA 2.1 -> 2.8

3.0 is the magic number for post-bacs isnt it?

 

[Jennet]

"They say 3.0 is the magic number but always aim for higher. The higher the better. Also volunteer and hold positions of responsibility. The experience in the field can boost your low scores."

This coming from my Harvard Medical mentor.

 

[RShebs]

well i have above a 3.0 so shouldnt I have a shot at a postbacc and I never took physics or completed orgo so I cant do a SMP.

 

[gl0baltrader]

There is a distinction between formal post baccalaureate program and a SMP (Special Master Program).

Typically a post bac:
1. Allows you to finish your med school pre-reqs (for people who haven't taken their pre-reqs)
2. Highly competitive, especially if it has a linkage to med school -> the good post-bac program usually does
3. MCAT may or may not be required for admission

SMP in general is:
1. for someone who has taken their pre-reqs and MCAT.
2. A competitive score is > 3.0/30
3. Very expensive ($40,000 ++/year)
4. If you don't perform well in the SMP your chance for getting into a med school is very bad.

 

[deleted248403]

Just so you know UConn had over 250 apps for approx 10-15 places this year.

 

[DrMidlife]

"postbac" simply means additional undergrad coursework taken after receving a bachelors degree. To say "postbacs are competitive" implies that the tiny, tiny number of structured premedical postbac programs at schools like Goucher or Bryn Mawr are the standard. Not true. You can do more undergrad, ie "a postbac" at any 4yr university, and arguably, at a community college (but imho please don't).

Furthermore, any structured premed postbac program that is competitive is not looking at applications from somebody who has already completed a bunch of med school prereqs, or somebody who doesn't have a very, very strong GPA.

See this thread for a listing of over 80 programs including postbacs and SMPs, for folks who are not squeaky clean candidates for Goucher/Bryn Mawr et al.

 

[RShebs]

See this thread for a listing of over 80 programs including postbacs and SMPs, for folks who are not squeaky clean candidates for Goucher/Bryn Mawr et al.

Great list of programs, thank you for your help.