UW Post Bac vs. Penn State Grad Program

[jchen25]

I'm having a bit of a hard time deciding and would like to get some other people's input or advice! For context, I'm an out-of-fielder. I've been accepted to the Penn State Grad program (which would include all the prerequisite classes that I need) as well as the University of Washington Post Bac Program. Both are amazing schools and I'm so excited, but I'm having trouble deciding whether the UW program is worth it, given that I would need to go through the application process again (I am particularly worried that since I will only have 2 quarters with the professors, I will not have great LORs)

Has anyone gone through a similar process or have been to these programs and could give some insight?

Thank you in advance!!!

[waffles19]

I’m a second semester post bacc currently and I cannot fathom going through the application process a second time. Getting applications done while taking 5 classes, 2 labs, adjusting to a new school, and working was a nightmare (and applications were expensive!). However, during my first semester as a post bacc, I got a much better idea of what I wanted out of a program and what my priorities were. Side note: I had two post bacc professors write LORs and three of my UG professors write LORs and I think it worked to my advantage big time. The post bacc professors didn’t know me as well but I think if you visit even just one or two office hours and get As they have no problem writing a decent LOR.

Penn State seems to stress the “general practitioner” idea, that they’ll prepare you for any situation, so that would be comforting to me. I got accepted there a few weeks ago and am going to visit, so I can update you with what it was like! 

I’m not sure what your situation is financially or where your residency is but I’m guessing Penn State (with living expenses and tuition) would be cheaper. BUT if you applied a second round, you could apply to cheaper schools. From my observations of my fellow post baccs, it seems a bit more difficult for post baccs to get funding, especially GA positions that are handed out so I don’t know how much lower out of state tuition you could if your looking at the top 50ish schools. Sorry this response is kind of over the place! Good luck with the decision! 

Edited March 16, 2019 by cakcak

[Rezzy S.]

Definitely agree with @cakcak. If I could have gone to a great school to get all my pre-reqs and the masters the first time around I would have. If you did do the post-bacc though, you can still earn those good LORs quickly. Just sit up front, be an active participant, and go to office hours. 

[jchen25]

@cakcak @Rezzy S. thank you guys for your suggestions!!

[jchen25]

8 hours ago, cakcak said:

I’m a second semester post bacc currently and I cannot fathom going through the application process a second time. Getting applications done while taking 5 classes, 2 labs, adjusting to a new school, and working was a nightmare (and applications were expensive!). However, during my first semester as a post bacc, I got a much better idea of what I wanted out of a program and what my priorities were. Side note: I had two post bacc professors write LORs and three of my UG professors write LORs and I think it worked to my advantage big time. The post bacc professors didn’t know me as well but I think if you visit even just one or two office hours and get As they have no problem writing a decent LOR.

Penn State seems to stress the “general practitioner” idea, that they’ll prepare you for any situation, so that would be comforting to me. I got accepted there a few weeks ago and am going to visit, so I can update you with what it was like! 

I’m not sure what your situation is financially or where your residency is but I’m guessing Penn State (with living expenses and tuition) would be cheaper. BUT if you applied a second round, you could apply to cheaper schools. From my observations of my fellow post baccs, it seems a bit more difficult for post baccs to get funding, especially GA positions that are handed out so I don’t know how much lower out of state tuition you could if your looking at the top 50ish schools. Sorry this response is kind of over the place! Good luck with the decision! 

Your response was super helpful! I would reaaally appreciate it if you could update me about what your visit is like, thank you so much!