In this post we’ll be exploring the different types of post-baccs that exist and how each one can benefit you specifically. I wanted to show you all that there are different options out there. However, as I always say, make sure you’re assessing your situation wisely before deciding on one. Let’s dive in.
DIY Post-Bacc
- As the name implies, this type of post-bacc is really dependent to you. There is no set structure with required coursework or, even, a timeline that you have to follow. You create and implement both as you see fit and as it works for your situation. I decided to go this route after completing undergrad. My process involved enrolling part-time at a local University (save some coins!) and taking more undergraduate science courses with the goal of increasing my sGPA. Thinking futuristically about medical school, I made sure that most of the courses I took during my DIY post-bacc were challenging and would showcase my mastery in science (i.e. Genetics). This worked out for me because being a Kinesiology major, I had not taken a majority of Biology courses so I had some room to work with. I had also already completed my prerequisites so I did not have to worry about that. But for those of you who haven’t, this is definitely a go-to and cost-effective option (I wish I’d thought about this during college, instead of forcing myself to take classes I wasn’t mentally prepared for). What I loved about this option was that it gave me the opportunity to add to my undergraduate GPA even after I had graduated with my bachelor’s. All while going at my own pace.
- Some things to consider:
- You can do this at any local University/College. This would help save money on room and board (assuming you live at home for free).
- You’ll most likely be paying out of pocket. It’s true that financial aid can cover part-time undergraduate enrollment. However, since you should only be taking a handful of classes with this approach, I’d recommend using your extra time to work and pay off these classes yourself. You do not want to be in more debt than you need to once you’re accepted into medical school because that can bring in a lot of debt as well.
- You won’t have a program director that could write you a recommendation letter after you’re finished with your classes. Due to this, I’d highly recommend getting to know your new professors and keeping in touch with any former professors who you feel could write you a strong letter of recommendation. This way, when you’re applying to medical school, you have old and new professors that can attest to your growth.
- There is no certificate upon completion but, of course, your academic records are available to access and send to medical schools.
Undergraduate Post-Bacc
- This approach is more structured compared to the first. It will be an official post-bacc program under a school where you will be taking undergraduate coursework. I’ve seen many of these types of post-baccs that focus on completion of your pre-medical prerequisites. Therefore, if you are someone who obtained their bachelor’s in a science or non-science degree but did not complete your prerequisites at that time, this is a great option for you. In regards to GPA, you’ll receive a new undergraduate GPA while in the program. However, essentially, once you enter that GPA as an undergraduate post-bacc on AMCAS, it will combine it with your bachelor GPA to give you a cumulative undergraduate GPA. Much like with the DIY post-bacc.
- Some things to consider:
- It’s a more expensive route. Since these are actual programs, they’ll include tuition and fees. Also, oftentimes, such programs are spread across the country and since there are labs, it’s mainly in person. This means you could have to move and pay room and board or off-campus rent as a result.
- You’ll have a program director who could write you a recommendation letter following successful completion of the program. Or even if it’s not the director, some programs will have a board that will look at your records and write you one.
- Depending on the program, you could get a certificate upon completion.
Graduate Post-Bacc
- Much like the undergrad post-bacc, this is also more structured. The main difference between the two lies in the type of classes you’re taking while in a program. So a student enrolled in a graduate post-bacc would be taking graduate-level courses. This will in turn give them a new, graduate GPA. It is important to remember that although this is a new GPA, it does not erase your undergraduate GPA. Schools will likely still look at your undergraduate GPA but if your graduate GPA shows significant academic improvement, it is more likely they won’t hold your undergraduate grades against you. I would ideally recommend this type of program to students who have completed their prerequisites and have a decent GPA but are unsure if they will be successful during a medical school application cycle. It would also be great for those who want exposure to graduate-level science coursework.
- Some things to consider:
- Again, you’ll have a structured program that will allow you to make more connections and potentially get a recommendation letter from someone in your program.
- Can be certificate or non-certificate granting.
- You will get to take graduate-level coursework, in most cases similar to what medical students at that school take.
- Graduate coursework costs money – a lot of it.
- Most require an MCAT score to meet application requirements.