Post-Bac Pre-Med Programs?

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
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<p>Sorry if these questions have been asked before, but I couldn't find many threads.</p>

<p>1) Who typically does post-bac pre-med programs? Those with bachelors? Those with advanced degrees (masters, PhDs, MBA/JD) ? Those with a bachelors degree, plus a year or two of work/internship experience?</p>

<p>2) What is the admissions rate? I've read about 20% for a 25-30 person class at JHU. Would you say it is easier or more difficult as compared to applying to undergrad?</p>

<p>3) Also... I guess a big question is, what is the criteria for admission? I assume a stellar undergrad GPA, regardless of major, and also a compelling story/reason for taking a post-bac rather than the typical pre-med route? The JHU website states: "Clinical volunteer work or employment in a health care setting is highly recommended." Should I do this as an undergrad? </p>

<p>Right now, I'm thinking that getting an education in the liberal arts and computer science to be more important than fulfilling pre-med requirements as an undergrad. I am still thinking about medicine down the line, but I think a post-bac is more of what I'm looking for: concentrated time when I can focus intensely on hard sciences and labs. </p>

<p>Thoughts? I've recently learned about post-bac programs and want to get any info and opinions on them as possible. Thanks!</p>

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<p>1) There are different kinds of post bacc programs, with 2 most common for “career changers” (people who have not completed the their pre med science requirements) and for “academic record enhancers” (people whose GPAs are not strong enough to get them admitted to medical school). </p>

<p>For either program, the enrollee typically has completed a BA/BS degree. Some may have work experience (esp if they are career changers); others won 't. Few hold advanced degrees.</p>

<p>2) admission rates varies with the prestige/competitiveness of the program. JHU’s program is very competitive. Others are less so. In fact, some public post bacc programs may accept nearly all applicants.</p>

<p>3) Criteria for admission vary by program, but generally you must evidence a sincere commitment to pursue medicine as a career. Some programs require a strong GPA, some require clinical experience, some require a MCAT or GRE score, some require none of these.</p>

<p>You can pursue a post bacc independently after graduation. You don’t need to be in formal program. Currently all you need to do is complete the basic science, math & writing requirements, take the MCAT and apply. A formal post bacc gives you the advantage of some advising when it comes to applying (advice which may or may not be useful again depending on the program) although you can simply take your coursework at a local university and use their health professions advising.</p>

<p>One note–the MCAT is changing beginning in 2015 with expanded science and non-science content. Medical schools will likely be changing their academic requirements to match the new MCAT. (Only Harvard and JHU have made any formal announcements so far.) It is unclear what effect this will have on career changers, except that the post bacc program will likely take longer than its current 15 month timeframe.</p>

<p>If you want to see a list of post bacc programs go here–</p>

<p>[Postbaccalaureate</a> Premedical Programs - Search](<a href=“http://services.aamc.org/postbac/]Postbaccalaureate”>http://services.aamc.org/postbac/)</p>

<p>Select “career changer” as the type of program.</p>

<p>The prestige and quality of programs varies enormously and it would be wise to research the placement rate of program graduates.</p>

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<p>NIH has programs for recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree.</p>

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<p>Thanks, WayOutWestMom.</p>

<p>The only program I’ve really researched is the one at JHU, which has “linkage institutions” and advising programs - which reflects the quality of the program and the low admissions rate.</p>

<p>And I didn’t know that about the MCAT changing in 2015. I really wonder how that will effect post-bacc programs. I guess I will ask my pre-med advisor about her opinion.</p>