What should I do about postbac? (semi-experienced)

[tranquilometro]

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Hey! I have currently finished two post-bac applications. UT Dallas (just submitted, and am waiting to hear from them), and F.I.U. (I got in!!!), anways, I just found out I don't qualify as a Florida resident so I want to expand my options.

Okay, my undergrad GPA is going to be about 3.1 from University of Florida in Anthropology. (BA)
Science GPA - it's like a 2.41 - 2.65 (accompanied with a compelling story). I've taken (w/ lab) Phys and chem 1 and 2, calc 1 and 2. This is a problem.

Anyways, what schools/programs would people recommend me to apply to? I am willing to stretch with my applications. I am looking to be in a bigger city in the northeast, California, Texas, or Washington. Right now I am looking at UC Berkeley, CSU Fullerton, F.I.U., UT Dallas, UT San Antonio, Columbia, and Charles Drew U. One problem is that some programs seem to discriminate against students who have taken even 1 pre-med class (NYU, Harvard, Columba). Does this void your applications, if you apply with the classes I have already taken? I'm really looking to re-take the ones I have already taken, and take the rest as well.

ALSO! Kind of a silly question: may I just apply to any college as a degree seeking freshmen, take the classes I want, and then technically "drop out" and apply to medical school?

P.S. I love remission!

 

[DrMidlife]

If you're a resident of a state that has decent, cheap public med schools, I recommend not leaving.

If you go out of state to go to school, that typically doesn't make you a resident of the new state. You typically have to pay some taxes before you get to draw benefits.

Big name, structured formal premed programs aren't likely to consider you because of your GPA. These programs aren't interested in taking risks or in supporting GPA comebacks. They let people in who have already done some prereqs only when the GPA/SAT/ECs are solid.

With a degree in hand, you can't be a freshman again. Most undergrad schools have a postbac or 5th year or nonmatric or extension status for people who have a degree. In your case, I think you should consider a 2nd bachelors, in a hard science, so that you can get financial aid, registration priority, and a ton of coursework for improving your GPA. In my view you'll need a couple more years of undergrad, regardless, so a 2nd bachelors is reasonable.

I suggest that it would be in your interest to get an A in a single math or science class before you start a full time program. In other words, don't start a full time program until you figure out how to get A's in math and science.

You should be aware that MD schools never forgive a grade on a repeat. All grades earned are averaged in. DO schools only average in the last grade on a repeat - but you still have to report every class you ever took.

What do you mean by remission?

Best of luck to you.

 

[tranquilometro]

Thank you for your advice.

Sorry, I used incorrect terminology. I should have said "transfer student already with a bachelors degree" instead of "degree seeking freshmen". But I could apply to almost any university then, right? I am just saying this because I would really like to live in San Antonio, TX for a number of reasons that would contribute to my success. It sucks being treated like a "bad student", when I have had a >3.5 GPA for over two years in very "hard" classes (upper division engineering courses). That was a lot of work. Oh well.

 

[tranquilometro]

I forgot to say that I always appreciate your advice, DrMidlife! By the way things are looking, I'm most likely going to end up doing a 2nd bachelors degree, unless I get into a 2 year premed program with a nice reputation.

 

[ScoobyDooo]

Hey tranquilometro,

Is the program at UT San Antonio a formal postbac program? I couldn't find anything on their website that mentioned it.

 

[tranquilometro]

UT San Antonio isn't a formal one. I just applied there because my friend has an extra room there and they have cheap(er) out of state tuition, so I could save money in two areas!​