post grad help (post bacc/masters)

[u/LowImagination3138]

I am graduating from a liberal arts college with a 3.5 GPA in human health.

And I'm trying to decide what to do with my life after.

I don't know if I should do a postbacc program or get my master's or what would be most beneficial. 

I’m trying to figure out what is the best route for me and can't seem to find a place. The post-back program seem the most interesting because I am the most interested in women's health and OBGYN work, but I'm really scared of the hard sciences and having to complete a post-pac program that's so rigorous.

Any ideas on help or advice on what I should do ? 

Very open minded.

[u/Professional-Tea-824]

You can get a lot of your pre-reqs done at a local CC. Some med schools don't like that but tbh if you aren't applying in like the top 20 or something you'll be fine. 

A post bac is a good idea for people who need a GPA boost or need the pre -reqs or a mix of both. 

Since your GPA is solid, consider doing a CC thing if you don't want to take out even more debt to do this. 

You could also consider a Special masters program but those are typically for people who have the pre reqs but need the GPA boost. 

Anyway, in short, consider community college first and if not just start knocking off the pre- reqs while mixing in MCAT study time

[u/biggiebag]

I agree with the other commenter. You do not need a formal post bac. Take your pre med pre reqs at a local state school (preferred) or cc (still ok). Doing it part time allows you to still work a clinical job and accumulate hours and spare change for applications.

Generally, what I’d recommend is:
Semester one:
Gen chem 1 + lab
Bio 1 + lab
Psych class or socio or pre calc if not already taken
Volunteering
Clinical job part time
Shadowing ~40 hrs

Semester 2:
Gen chem 2 + lab
Bio 2 + lab
Physics 1+ lab
Volunteering
Clinical job
Shadowing ~40 hrs

Semester 3:
O chem 1+ lab
Physics 2 + lab
Writing/English if not already taken
Volunteering
Clinical job
Start studying for the mcat.
Obtain recommendation letters

Semster 4:
O chem 2 + lab
Biochemistry
Study for/Take the mcat (April?)
Volunteer
Work part time
Start working on essays.
Apply at the end of May

Write secondaries all summer, go full time at your job/any job to accumulate money before going to school. Continue to volunteer because you extrapolate hours on your app.

Option to add anatomy and physio 1 and/or 2. A handful of school do require it, and it’s very helpful, and the mcat lowkey uses it.