A little bit of background about myself. Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Religion, minor in Econ.) from Emory U., in Atlanta, GA in May of '07. The plan was to go into finance, and after having worked in the industry for almost a full year, I'm slowly realizing its not what its worked up to be. I've passed several of the stock brokerage exams needed, and things are going fine, but I just want more. I entered college in fall of '03 with the mindset that I wanted to go into medicine. So I enrolled in my first Chemistry class, and being immature and blindsided by other things and classes, I failed, and decided to take other classes that I enjoyed more. My first two years of college were not so hot, with an average GPA of a 2.3 after my sophmore year.
My junior year of college I decided to shape up, and changed my major and did very well, with an average GPA of 3.6. After graduating my total undergraduate GPA was a 2.9. Not so stellar I know, but I'm hoping my last two years are of somewhat importance.
So fast forward to now...I want to go back. I'm not a total noob to the whole thing, I know whats required, and whats needed, and what looks good, but my main question is how does an individual who has already graduated go back to take those pre-req. needed to apply.
I know I need: Chem 1 & 2; Bio 1 & 2; Orgo 1 & 2; and Physics 1 & 2. On top of that, is it necessary for me to have Genetics, Biochemistry, and additional classes?
Secondly, will I be a NON-degree seeking student? Or will I be trying to attain a Bachelor in Science--or does it even matter since I already have a B.A.? How important is the school I go to to take these pre-reqs? Do I have to go to a school with the same ranking that Emory has? Can I take these classes at my local state school, University of Central FL, University of North FL, University of South FL, etc...?
Thirdly, I understand what needs to be done. Get the grades, get the score, apply, cross your fingers and let destiny take its place. However, how should I attack the process. Would you recommend doubling up with Chemistry/Bio...or Bio/Physics? I get different opinions on this...some say, you don't want to double up with Physics since its a difficult subject, but again this seems to be with varying opinons. If everything is said and done as planned, I should be done with everything by Spring of 2010.
Fourthly, and lastly, my biggest question, that perhaps I should have placed at the first part of my post...is it even worth bothering? I don't mean that with all negativity. And I know the old saying goes, "Where theres a will theres a way." But, honestly, is my undergrad. performance going to several overshadow how I do in these required science classes in the next year or two. Yeah, I know straight A's and a 35 on the MCAT will account for something, and we all want to shoot for the stars, but worst case scenario, with A/B's and a 27-29 on the MCAT, am I just reaching for nothing. I'm really hell bent on going to a U.S. Med school (I know you all are thinking, "Buddy, get in line"), but there is determination and strong will here. Having graduated, been in another field, quitting my job, and going back (Though, I know my career change isn't as severe as some who have been working for years and years), but still, would this account for something. Does this show anything that an admissions committee may look at in a positive light?
Sorry for the long post...mostly questions I've had and I've been thinking about. I do have an appt. with a pre-med advisor at Emory soon, so I'll present the same questions to her, but its always nice to have people who are going through/or have been through the same ordeals answer. Thanks so much!!
My junior year of college I decided to shape up, and changed my major and did very well, with an average GPA of 3.6. After graduating my total undergraduate GPA was a 2.9. Not so stellar I know, but I'm hoping my last two years are of somewhat importance.
So fast forward to now...I want to go back. I'm not a total noob to the whole thing, I know whats required, and whats needed, and what looks good, but my main question is how does an individual who has already graduated go back to take those pre-req. needed to apply.
I know I need: Chem 1 & 2; Bio 1 & 2; Orgo 1 & 2; and Physics 1 & 2. On top of that, is it necessary for me to have Genetics, Biochemistry, and additional classes?
Secondly, will I be a NON-degree seeking student? Or will I be trying to attain a Bachelor in Science--or does it even matter since I already have a B.A.? How important is the school I go to to take these pre-reqs? Do I have to go to a school with the same ranking that Emory has? Can I take these classes at my local state school, University of Central FL, University of North FL, University of South FL, etc...?
Thirdly, I understand what needs to be done. Get the grades, get the score, apply, cross your fingers and let destiny take its place. However, how should I attack the process. Would you recommend doubling up with Chemistry/Bio...or Bio/Physics? I get different opinions on this...some say, you don't want to double up with Physics since its a difficult subject, but again this seems to be with varying opinons. If everything is said and done as planned, I should be done with everything by Spring of 2010.
Fourthly, and lastly, my biggest question, that perhaps I should have placed at the first part of my post...is it even worth bothering? I don't mean that with all negativity. And I know the old saying goes, "Where theres a will theres a way." But, honestly, is my undergrad. performance going to several overshadow how I do in these required science classes in the next year or two. Yeah, I know straight A's and a 35 on the MCAT will account for something, and we all want to shoot for the stars, but worst case scenario, with A/B's and a 27-29 on the MCAT, am I just reaching for nothing. I'm really hell bent on going to a U.S. Med school (I know you all are thinking, "Buddy, get in line"), but there is determination and strong will here. Having graduated, been in another field, quitting my job, and going back (Though, I know my career change isn't as severe as some who have been working for years and years), but still, would this account for something. Does this show anything that an admissions committee may look at in a positive light?
Sorry for the long post...mostly questions I've had and I've been thinking about. I do have an appt. with a pre-med advisor at Emory soon, so I'll present the same questions to her, but its always nice to have people who are going through/or have been through the same ordeals answer. Thanks so much!!