Considering a Post-Bacc to strengthen application to grad school

[corinthos]

I am looking for a way to get my cumulative undergrad GPA up and strengthen my application to grad school, but would rather not do so at a community college for at least a couple of reasons: (1) as a degree holder, I no longer qualify for financial aid, except for private loans. This might be the same for post-baccs or might not, (2) I think admissions committees of grad schools might give more weight to excellent grades earned at a 4-year institution than at a community college, (3) generally speaking, the atmosphere at a community college might not be as good for me personally as that at a 4-year school.

I think 1 full academic year of excellent grades, taking solid courses, would help me in that endeavor and strengthen my candidacy for admission to graduate school. Doing a search on Google it seems as if most post-bacc programs are catered to students wishing to get into a health-related field or Classics.

I am wondering if any of you have done post-bacc programs that are more generalized or focused on different professions/areas of study in grad school.

Also, I am wondering if all of those post-bacc programs have a 2.5 undergrad GPA requirement or if there are any in Northern California that have more relaxed admission requirements. I'm considering extension school courses or a post-bacc program as a means of achieving my goal of having the opportunity to earn the advanced degree required to work in my field of interest.

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge and personal experiences.

 

[everman]

Maybe good quality work experience would help more than taking classes you don't really need? Get some good references, letters of recommendation from employers?

 

[GoSharks]

Originally posted by: everman
Maybe good quality work experience would help more than taking classes you don't really need? Get some good references, letters of recommendation from employers?

What I do know about medical schools (not the same thing, but I imagine still similar) is that in general, academic performance is far more important than work experience.

Definitely try and find a program at a 4 year school. A's at a community college impress nobody at graduate schools - where they have more than enough A's from regionally and nationally known schools.

 

[Zugzwang152]

Depends on the field. Business schools put heavier emphasis on work experience and references. Others may value academics and research mroe.