Advice

[Longboarder]

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Greetings,

I'm a 36 year old male that graduated back in 2008 with an ASN in nursing. Prior to going into nursing school I managed to get my GPA up to 3.73 despite having an F and C on my transcript from when I was very young. Recently I started taking classes towards my AA degree. So besides the ASN I took a Sociology,another Humanities, Statistics, English 2 and I'm currently in US history and a Literature class ( have A's currently). I need one class next semester for my actual AA degree ( a wellness class ) I have A's now and managed A's in all the others except the humanities class (B). My AA degree is listed as a 3.63 currently by the way. If it is at all relative I've been working in ICU first as a tech and then an RN since 2008. To keep this part short...I could tell as I was going through nursing that I really wanted to be a doctor. Unfortunately I let my nursing degree slip down to 3.23 as I had a divorce among other issues. I figured I would become an ARNP or CRNA to overcome the desire to do and learn more. Over time this too has lost its appeal. ARNP because of the push to DNP..(not at all interested in a "doctor" of nursing degree. CRNA still has some appeal but I'm not interested in mid-level at this point. I know CRNA's are gaining ground in many places, but I'm not sure how I feel about that either.

**My question is...besides the one class I need next semester...I was thinking of taking an intro to chemistry and intro to physics class. Then applying to get into the local university for fall
( pre-professional/chemistry or something)...meanwhile taking pre-calculus over the summer at the CC. I havent had any Chemistry in 20 years and never had physics..so I would prefer to start with an intro type class if possible. College Algebra and Statistics are the highest level math I've completed to date. I also intend to start studying now for the MCAT. I've already been looking over some cards from Kaplan on Chemistry. Seems some here frown on Kaplan? On the nursing side..I think they have good stuff...but not sure about Medicine?

As a side note: if I can only take 3 classes a semester until I'm ready to apply ...but I'm able to achieve a great GPA and MCAT ( I previously did very well in sciences) ie Microbiology + Anatomies.... Will a course load of only 3 classes a semester look bad? Anyone with similar experience?

Any input appreciated on what classes and order to take them..while keeping in mind I will be working during this..and not working is not an option at this time.

Thanks in advance for any input. I do and am reading the forum as much as possible ...but also looking for some really fresh advice so to speak.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Ok. I am on my phone but I will try to be thorough. Don't study for the mcat. You are wasting your time as you are about 2 years from taking it. First, you need your prereqs. 1 year of gen chem (not intro to chem), 1 year of organic chem, 1 year of general bio, and 1 year of physics. Plus 6 credits english. You need to also get a bachelors degree, not an associates. Most importantly though, it is likely that none of your nursing classes will be of any value in taking your prereqs. Maybe bio, depending on if you took nursing bio or preprofessional bio. As far as the 3 classes per semester, it depends on the classes. One of my interviewers specifically mentioned that they question rigor when working FT and going to school PT. Maybe some have been accepted with PT school, but it is worth mentioning. After your prereqs are done you can start studying for the mcat. Make sure your gpa from every class you have ever taken is 3.3+ and you may have a decent shot in a few years. Good luck.

 

[Longboarder]

Ya unfortunately I think I really need the intro classes to both chem and physics. As far as the bachelors degree that is my intention right after this AA.(Only lacking 1 class)

Would you or anyone else ...care to share how you took the classes though. As far as the physics/chem/and bio...did you just take them all together..or spread out. If spread out how so? Thanks for the reply and well wishes...all the same to you.

Anyone out there get into med school... specifically anywhere in Florida and you did your bachelors 3 classes at a time?

 

[rrt]

Ya unfortunately I think I really need the intro classes to both chem and physics. As far as the bachelors degree that is my intention right after this AA.(Only lacking 1 class)

Would you or anyone else ...care to share how you took the classes though. As far as the physics/chem/and bio...did you just take them all together..or spread out. If spread out how so? Thanks for the reply and well wishes...all the same to you.

Anyone out there get into med school... specifically anywhere in Florida and you did your bachelors 3 classes at a time?

Funny your brought this up. I am a RT with a ASAST in RC. Most of my classes are technical and I need to supplement regular classes. On top of that, I already took a few sciences and did well in them back in 2003, but because I am going to enroll in a program (academic fresh start) that will get rid of all the classes (good and bad grades) that I took before 10 years from the day I enroll in the program (mid 2015) I am retaking all the classes that will be affected by the program.

When I look at the recommended path the college I expect to get my BS or BA from has for pre med students, it lays out in detail what classes to take what semester. If you want to lighten your work load during a regular semester I recommend taking filler classes instead of taking part time hours. Although, I don't think taking part time will hurt you if you have a lot going on and get great grades. Just have a good reason for taking part time courses and show that you can handle the rigors that a hard program like medical school will offer.

Most programs recommend taking these classes for your first semester.

English 1, Biology for science majors 1, Chemistry 1, and Algebra, for a total of 14 hours including lab

Semester 2 looks something like this

English 2, Bio 2, Chem 2 and Precal, for a total of 15 hours with labs since precal has a lab.

Year 2 usually follows suit with classes like organic chem and micro biology, then after you can start your upper division bio classes.

I took biology last semester alongside psychology so those are out of the way for me.

This semester I am taking Chemistry with lab, Physics with Lab, English 1301, and a music class to put me at 12 hours.

Next semester I am going to take Chemistry 2 with lab, Physics 2 with lab, both English 2 and History 1 online.

During the summer I will take filler classes like History 2 and philosophy. The way I see it, if you are able to utilize summers, this can explain for not having a full course load when you are taking upper level science classes. You probably already have a ton of your general education classes like history, gov, lit, art, kino, and so forth. In my case, to tell you the truth, I will apply DO before MD, because I have to wait until 2015 to start the academic fresh start program. I'll be able to utilize grade replacement through the DO route before I can utilize the fresh start program. If I can't get into DO school with grade replacement (I am already replacing all my old grades from 2002-2005 and starting new because of my plan to use the fresh start program, then when the time comes to start the program, I'll apply to both DO and MD.

The main thing is taking courses that you know you can handle. Many will tell you that taking a full schedule is best in adcom's eyes, but honestly, getting great grades part time looks better than getting below par grades full time. Especially when working full time and building ECs and such.

If all works out for me, during my first 2 summers, I'll takle classes like, Literature, History, Govt, computer class. I have to remember to leave a few classes to full space during regular semesters though. So I'll be taking French during the last two summers (or 1 summer if it is available for all 8 hours worth). As you can see, I'll be left with a bunch of hollow semesters towards the end, which is what you want as a working professional if you want to get doctor shadow time in, and volunteer time in.

Last, my friend just dropped Calculus because he decided to take Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Calculus all this semester. Probably not a good idea.

PS. Get the AA degree. All the private universities and some of the public ones in my area have grants and scholarships for students transferring in with associates degrees. OLLU and IWU both give 2000 a semester for transfer students with junior level degrees.

 

[Longboarder]

hey nice to meet you RRT & thanks for the response. I already have the English classes as well as the Algebra. I even have the Micro ( 5 credits with lab) Looks like you have a plan. I guess I could take history and spanish classes or something alongside the Science courses...maybe cut back my hours some...but I'm paying down some debt right now and wanted to also pay for the bachelors as I go. I plan to take summers as well. Good luck with everything.

 

[hawkbit]

I agree with frkybgstok that's it a little early to start mcat study. When are you planning on finishing the bachelors? My situation is fairly similar. I'm a 30yr old radiology tech, I'll be finishing my bachelors in the spring (radiologic science). All I will have left are the pre-reqs, I will actually start them in the spring (gen chem 1 and trig) with my last two radiology classes. So I'll be taking 4 classes this spring. I'm planning on clepping out of biology 1-2 this winter, to cut down on time and starting more upper level bio courses. I'll do gen chem 2 over summer, then in the fall I'll start ochem and physics and another biology class, or stats, or both. I'll also start mcat study during the fall with plan being to take mcat spring 2013, so I can apply 2013 cycle. I'll plan to do 3 more classes 2013 spring (ochem 2, phys 2 a bio). I can hit biochem in the fall along with some other upper bio course. I'll be working too... At this point its hard to say how much, really depends on my class schedule. I have been managing to pay for my classes as I go, but may have to start some loans when I get a higher class load/less work time. Of course my plan is subject to change depending on how well I feel my mcat studying goes next fall. I may have to push my app cycle back a year, but I'd rather not spend another year bleeding financially if I can help it. My target schools are the TX state med schools. I'm really looking forward to chem 1 next semester! Good luck to you! Stick around sdn, it's always cool to see others progress who have similar goals!

 

[Valadi]

I think it's admirable that you wish to pursue medicine now, knowing you won't be through with the process (Bachelors/MD/Residency) until you're 46ish.

Agree with the above that it is early for the MCAT. Focus on kicking butt on your classes. It will be tough working and getting through your bachelors, but many have done it before, so don't lose faith. It just requires extra diligence on your part. Be forewarned: although admissions committees will factor in working while taking classes, this will not lead to forgiveness for poor marks. As a rule of thumb, you can add .1 to your overall GPA if you work full-time to determine how much it will help. You also may be biased against because you'd be entering at an older age. Some places will respect your dedication, but know that others will write it off. For this reason, it's important you don't give anyone an excuse to write you off!

All my best to you in this process.

 

[E Tom Idate]

I like RRT's class schedule and plan. You definately want to take all the chem, orgo's, physics, and some bio (genetics, cell phys, etc.) before you take the mcat (maybe even an intro to biochem), and want them in a relatively close time to the test as well. While its true that you don't want to overload yourself and jack up your GPA, if you drag these out too long you won't be very comfortable with the material when you take the mcat.

The way I saw it was that by taking all of the prereqs for medical school within two years of the mcat, it was like a 2 year study session. I would be lying if I didn't have study some review material (like a Kaplan book...but not the expensive class), but I made a 32 on it. While not a "holy s#*t" score, it made me competitive, and I think a large part of that was due to how I timed my classes.

Your nursing knowledge may not be the end all be all of medical information, but it significantly helped me in school. Lots of "hey, I know that from work" moments while taking classes. I hate to say it but your wife is going to become your suga momma. If you want to do really well you will probably have to cut down on the work hours, atleast just partime. Honestly, I wouldn't be to afraid of student loans. Undergrad loans are a drop in the bucket compared to whats going to come. That being said, do some deep self analysis about your commitment to this path (not to imply that your not), but you want to make damn sure before dragging your family through personal and financial hell. This thing is very doable with determination and resolve, as long as you keep those I think you will do great. I would say good luck, but if you work hard you won't even need it.

 

[Longboarder]

Still thinking about this goal every day. Wrapped up the Literature and History with A's. Taking Wellness now and that is the last class I need for the AA degree. Also taking intro to chem and really enjoying it. Managed a 100 on the first exam ( I know its only intro ) but I find this so much more interesting in comparison to studying Nursing. Hoping to get into the University for fall and pursue a Biomedical Science's degree. This degree includes all the mandatory Chemistry,Biology and Physics. I plan to freshen up on College Algebra over the summer and hopefully do this in the fall...
Biology 1
Chemistry 1
Precalculus
? not sure about a 4th ?
Thanks for all the previous replies to this thread, and hope that everyones journey is going smooth as possible.