<p>Since taking online pre-med classes is not recommended and med school will not accept them, wha do you think about the post baccalaureate pre-medical certificate programs. They look pretty good and they are campus based and NOT online. So, what I was thinking was to just finish my degree in criminal justice or finance and apply to one of these colleges that have the post baccalaureate pre-medical certificate. Georgetown has one of these programs and I was looking into it. If you have any opinions or advice it wiould be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>One of those “career-changer” type programs would probably be the quickest and most successful ways to get into medical school. IIRC, Gaucher has one that is highly regarded and has a near 90+% success rate for getting their graduats into med school. There are a bunch others out there, but make sure that you are applying to ones that put you through all the pre-reqs, have MCAT prep, support for the application process, etc.</p>
<p>Honestly, I’m gonna have to disagree with Icarus. Sure, such programs can be helpful, but typically they are FAR overpriced. My recommendation would be to go and do your prereqs at a state U and apply from there. Unless you have $25-50k to blow on such name-brand education, I’d avoid spending that kind of money on PRE-REQS. Either way, though, good luck!</p>
<p>I was thinking of doing that, but I mean, the only way I can imagine doing it is through what they call “open university”. Would med schools look down on this?</p>
<p>What is “open university”? Just apply/register as a “2nd-degree seeking” student. Drop out before you complete your “2nd degree.” It’s typically that easy…</p>
<p>Open uni is when 4-year universities give members of the community (non-students of their school) the chance to enroll in their undergrad/some graduate courses. Typically higher than the regular fees though. Enrollment for open uni is usually after the regular enrollment period for admitted students.</p>
<p>Not a lot of schools accept second bachelor’s applicants, so you might wanna check with the admissions offices first.</p>
<p>Why would you pay MORE to be treated as a 2nd class student?! That sounds absolutey asinine to me.</p>
<p>Assuming you don’t make it obvious you’re not planning on finishing, most schools, IME, will take 2nd bachelor’s applicants. If you’re in CA, I could see this being an issue due to the major cuts to higher ed out there but for most of the nation this should be less of an issue. Even the elite school in my area would have been willing to take me as a 2nd degree (not-trad)…had I been willing to shell out $50,000/yr for it, that is (minus whatever scholarship I could weasel out of 'em). I did my “2nd degree” at the state U nearby that’s part of a very well-respected system and about 1/10 the price of the private – simply registered as a 2nd degree seeking student w/ a double major in bio and chem. Because I was a transfer, I got the perks of being a 5th yr sr the whole time (i.e., first-day registration, alongside the honors kids, every semester along with first picks at research labs, TAships, etc.).</p>
<p>As a career changer myself, I can tell you…very few universities will allow you to enter for a second bachelor’s degree (at least, most of the ones I researched). The great exception being for nursing programs, and some schools for computer sciency stuff. This being said, you will of course, be able to find one according to your needs, just look into it.
I have seen a couple of these programs you mention, the one I recall is from Johns Hopkins, very very expensive. It sounds great though, and from a top top notch medical institution. But the options other posters have made, like getting your pre reqs in state universities sound good too. I mean, in this economy you need to make money work. So I’d say to investigate some programs (or options) and compare them.</p>
<p>Nerdy, you and I must live on opposite sides of the country or something. I’ve never heard of a university NOT allowing someone to attend as a 2nd bachelor’s student. It sounds pretty ridiculous to me, really, unless the school has that many overqualified 1st bachelor’s students. Schools I’ve been to will also generally allow alumni to return and finish study for another UG degree, etc. At the same time, this may depend on a variety of factors. I am still of an age where I can easily “fit in” with traditional UGs and so it was not difficult for me to get in as though I’d never been to college before.</p>
<p>Hey apumic, maybe we do live on opposite sides of the country. I can swear I mailed like a thousand colleges (ok so maybe not 1000, but many hahah) and most are always encouraging me to seek a master’s degree (at least the ones that allow in their policy to undergo a 2nd degree), and there’s the others that state they don’t allow them. Well, it’s quite ridiculous to me too! I finally found one, which is the one I’ll apply to as soon I finish my current degree (I’m hoping to attend Summer or Fall next year). I found few universities, but at the end I’m leaning towards the biggest bargain (good academics-good price tag)… if you care to share some you know of please do. Most of the ones I found were really expensive too, and with little to zero help for 2nd degree seekers.</p>
<p>As for the you still “fit in”, I’d like to think so will I. I’m 21 right now, and will still be by the time I start my new degree (which I hope to finish before 24, maybe?). </p>