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postbaccalaureate certificate > frequently asked questions

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in
Pre-Medical Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long is the program?
A. To receive the certificate, one must take a minimum of eight courses. The program is flexible, allowing you to target the courses that you need to take, in the timeframe that you want to take them. Students are cautioned against the practice of accelerating the completion of the premedical requirements in the shortest possible time. This may be counter-productive, since taking a highly compressed science program may result in poor grades. It is more advisable to start taking one or two science courses with the possibility of accelerating during the ensuing semesters.

Q. Who are the other students that would be in class with me?
A. You have the option of taking the courses in the daytime or evening. If you take the classes during the day, the courses are offered through the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and you would be in class with traditional-age Boston University undergraduate students. If you take the courses in the evening, the courses are offered through Metropolitan College (MET), which is the evening, continuing education division of Boston University. Metropolitan College students range from full-time traditional age students, to working professionals who are completing their degree in the evening, to individuals who are taking courses for personal or professional development and are not matriculated into a degree program.

Q. What if I need fewer than the eight required courses for the certificate – can I still apply?
A. You may still apply, and a premedical advisor will make suggestions as to higher level courses that might enhance your academic record. You must complete eight courses in the program, at least six of which must be finished before a Letter of Evaluation or Dean's Letter will be written.

Q. What is the cost of the program?
A. The cost for the fall and spring semesters depends on:

(1) How many classes you are taking

(2) Whether your classes are taken in the day or evening

For example, if you took one class in the fall of 2008, which was during the daytime at the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), the rate would be $1,142/credit, or $4,568 for a typical 4-credit course.

If you took one evening class in fall of 2008, which was offered through Metropolitan College, then the cost would be $340/credit, or $1,360 for a typical 4-credit course. If you took one day and one evening course, then the cost would be ($4,568 + $1,360) = $5,928.

If you took over 12 credits (3 courses) per semester, regardless of whether your courses were taken at the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) or Metropolitan College (MET), you would pay the full-time tuition rate of $18,270 per semester.

Please note, Summer Session tuition per credit varies from the academic year. For the summer of 2008, most 4-credit undergraduate courses were $2,000.

The above costs do not include lab fees or registration fees.

Q. Is there financial aid available?
A. As this is a certificate program and not a degree program, you are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Q. Can I take BU courses without being in this certificate program?
A. Metropolitan College (MET), which is the evening division of BU, has an “open enrollment” policy, which means that you can register for classes without being in a certificate program or matriculating into a degree program. However, you cannot take courses during the daytime without being a degree student, or being part of the certificate program. In addition, note that if you are not a degree student or part of the certificate program, you do not have access to the services offered through the Pre-Professional Advising Office.

Q. What is the benefit of the program?
A. (1) You have the option of taking courses in the daytime as well as in the evening.

(2) You will have access to the extensive services of the Pre-Professional Advising Office. Premedical advisors counsel students about all matters pertaining to their professional goals, including course selection, professional school admissions requirements, volunteer opportunities, internships, and the application process. In addition, the Assistant Dean for Premedical Advising oversees the preparation of a Letter of Evaluation or Dean’s Letter that is sent to schools as part of the application process. At least six courses must be completed in the program before a Letter of Evaluation or Dean's Letter will be written.

Q. To whom can I go to seek advice about premedical studies, volunteer opportunities, and the application process?
A. You may meet with a premedical advisor in the Professional Advising Office, which is located in Room B2 in the College of Arts and Sciences at 725 Commonwealth Avenue. You should open a file in the Professional Advising Office when you arrive on campus and make an appointment to meet with Dr. Glen Zamansky, Assistant Dean for Premedical Advising.

 

Undergraduate Student Services 755 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 102
Boston, MA 02215 617-353-2980 metuss@bu.edu