Post Bac premed question.

[straba]

I am fininshing up my undergrad degree this year (**, Nursing). I hope to begin my premed courses next fall. My question is, do I have to get accepted to a Post-Bac premed program, or can I just start taking classes anywhere I want, to fulfill the requirements. I will be applying to Tufts' and UMASS' post bac premed program. Are there advantaged to being in a program? Please clear this up for me!!

[stephew]

I am fininshing up my undergrad degree this year (**, Nursing). I hope to begin my premed courses next fall. My question is, do I have to get accepted to a Post-Bac premed program, or can I just start taking classes anywhere I want, to fulfill the requirements. I will be applying to Tufts' and UMASS' post bac premed program. Are there advantaged to being in a program? Please clear this up for me!!having done a post bac pre med i must say, i dont know that its worth it.

[Tyson]

I am finishing up my undergrad degree this year (**, Nursing). I hope to begin my premed courses next fall. My question is, do I have to get accepted to a Post-Bac premed program, or can I just start taking classes anywhere I want, to fulfill the requirements. I will be applying to Tufts' and UMASS' post bac premed program. Are there advantaged to being in a program? Please clear this up for me!!

Like most things there are advantages and disadvantages to these programs depending on which one you go to and what your needs are.

One thing that can be a big advantage is that as a graduate you usually have lower priority for the pre-med courses. In other words, If you live in a big city where there are a lot of students trying to take a few courses it can be difficult to get a seat in the classes you need. The post-Bac programs guarantee that you will get the classes you need to get into med-school.

Another potential advantage is a reduction in the cost of MCAT prep courses. You can also get some extra help with writing your personal statement and getting reference letters. All of these things are possible without a post-bac program, but you will need to organize them yourself. If you can get into the courses you need without a post-bac at a less expensive school that still has a good reputation then the post-bac program might not be worth it. It all depends on where you currently live and what schools are available to you now.

Good Luck,

Tyson