Any truth to this?

[arybyinski]

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To begin, im a non-trad. I went to a CC ultrasound school and graduated with a 3.4, then did an online BS in ultrasound(~3.4GPA) in less than a year while working full time. In actuallity I work more than I *should* my primary job is 3 12hr days a week, and I pick up time in offices on my days off and went back to school this semester.

The idea to go to med school manifested toward the end of summer but at this point it was too late to apply to the local 4yr colleges. I was already matriculated at my CC so i signed up for classes with the intent to transfer out in the spring.

In another thread that I read the other day, but cant find it now, the poster said that going back to school part time is worthless in the eyes of medical schools - even if you are working to support yourself. Im paraphrasing here, but it was either go back to school full time, or dont waste your time.

Well after looking at classes for the spring I am suprised to find out that most colleges (even other local CC) offer their science classes over 3 days during the week(my CC offers over 2 days) which is not feasible for me since I need to work 3 of the 5 week days. I have read articles about CC vs 4yr and it seems that it is a moot point if I do well on the MCAT(even had a rep from Drexel tell me a 28 would make me a solid candidate there). My plan was to just stay at my CC and finish up the prereqs over the next year or so but now I am concerned about (1) being a part time student hurting me although I work full time and (2) having CC courses.

I am not a steller student by anymeans (~3.4 GPA) but come from a health care career as a highly credentialed sonographer (1 of 18 in NJ), have above avg EC, and will be able to get some fantastic LOR/shadowing experience based on the relationships I have with my physician coworkers.

I am also not looking to apply to Johns Hopkins, Duke, etc. Im targeting UMDNJ (RWJ, NJMS, SOM), Drexel, etc

Am I worried for nothing? or are there just too many things against me?
Sorry for the long post

 

[Tired Pigeon]

Not sure where you heard this info about not going to school full time being a deal killer on your med school app. IMO your performance academically is going to be more important. Adcoms look at what you were doing beyond school - were you volunteering, working full time, raising a child, etc.? If you're able to balance full time work with strong academic performance, I can't imagine that would hurt you.

Best of luck to you. I know it's a long road, but it can be done if you are determined. 🙂

 

[sgtbrushes]

Going to school less than full-time is absolutely not going to prevent you from entering med school. ADCOMs just want to see your time management skills. If you're taking "Jazz appreciation" and "Art history" while working 10 hours a week at McDonalds, they're not impressed. If you're working full-time and have 8 science credits per semester, then that is fine. All the usual suspects are important, too - GPA, MCAT, clinical experience (sounds like you're good to go here), volunteering.

 

[hector219]

Be VERY careful with the nonsense you read around here. Here's my nonsense.

I'm a non-trad (28), worked full-time clinically, took CC classes and now have multiple acceptances. The major difference between us is that my undergrad GPA was 3.75 ish before starting my classes. I have made As in 40 hours of prereqs since and got a 37 on the MCAT. It has STILL been an uphill battle, largely because of taking CC classes. (A university student with my grades, MCAT, leadership experience would be in a much better position than i am right now) Also, don't assume that all the CC classes will be easier. Out of 50 in my Gen Bio I was the only A (or B, before he added the curve)

Starting with a 3.4, then taking CC classes, even with straight As doesn't really prove much. Even though I think I took the right path, I'd highly recommend you look into 4-years, or at least take something difficult there, like your OChems.

I'm sure you can get in with your GPA and a 28 somewhere, but i wouldn't bet two years of my life on it. Rock the MCAT.

 

[alienwares]

If you take CC classes, I get the impression that you place yourself in a worse position in exchange for less risk-- you keep your day job, but you also make it a necessity to kick butt on the MCAT in order to demonstrate your competence in the science pre-reqs.

Is there any way at all that you could take some of the advanced Bio or Chem classes at a 4-year college? I'm still learning about this process myself, but at least one school that I emailed so far (Texas A&M) stated that some CC classes would be acceptable but that I needed to take my advanced bio/o-chem at a 4-year college or it would raise a red flag. So maybe you could begin at CCs but finish strong at a 4-year college?

Do what you have to do without committing financial suicide. CC courses may hurt you a bit, but if it's all you can take there's no point worrying more about it. Just be extra-motivated for the MCAT.

 

[ForrestG]

I am also finishing up 4 prereqs at the CC. I work F/T 5 days/week. I need money too🙂. But, I have a 3.8 u/g gpa from a 4 year university (mech engineering).

There's no way to judge if your CC class is too easy, if your u/g degree was too easy, or if the uni classes will be more rigorous until you already are in the class, but you have to at least think through the situation with consideration to your own preparation instead of what works for your job.

My CC biology class was EXTREMELY easy, and I know it. However, I had a couple of hell classes in engineering that I survived and am now confident that I can handle tough classes. Was your 4-yr degree difficult? Did they give out A's for completion (I had those classes too)? If it was challenging, then you might be fine to stay at the CC, but you want to know that you can meet the challenges of med school classes. Even if the Adcoms don't care, you have to be sure you won't wash out yourself.

Oh - one more thing. If you haven't already, ask about your work schedule. You've mentioned supportive co-workers & bosses. Could you work 2 full days and 3 mornings? A saturday? I'm not even sure what type of position you are in, but it never hurts to ask. I work with a girl who worked 6 am-2:30 to go to MPH classes. Her boss worked with her even though she was doing marketing for an engineering company which is no way related to public health.

 

[NTF]

(even had a rep from Drexel tell me a 28 would make me a solid candidate there).

I'd be a little dubious of that comment. A 28 isn't a bad MCAT but I don't think many adcoms would consider it "solid" especially accompanied with a ~3.4GPA. Make sure the person wasn't talking about Drexel's SMP program.

There's no hard and fast rules, but there are general guidelines. No, taking CC classes isn't going to tank your application and no, getting sub-30 MCATs aren't going to tank it either. But you really shouldn't look at it that way. You want to maximize your chances within the realistic confines of your situation (financial, etc.). This means get the best grades possible, building ECs & LORs, and taking classes at a 4-year if possible. Because even though CC's aren't as bad as some SDNers make it out to be, everyone will agree that doing well at a 4-year >> doing well at a CC as far as apps go.

 

[sassilysweet]

I would almost be more concerned with you having an "online BS"
...Are you sure your school was accredited?
Some medical schools do NOT accept online courses as filling their prereqs--so be careful about that.

I agree with a previous poster--can you work with your boss to work your schedule around the classes? Do 2 -16hr shifts plus a 4hr one on a class day? If at all possible, you should take some advanced science classes at a 4-yr university.

Again, I agree that you would be hard-pressed for an acceptance at an allopathic school with a 28 on the MCAT, even with your experience. DO route, however, would be fine.

 

[riverjib]

To begin, im a non-trad. I went to a CC ultrasound school and graduated with a 3.4, then did an online BS in ultrasound(~3.4GPA) in less than a year while working full time. In actuallity I work more than I *should* my primary job is 3 12hr days a week, and I pick up time in offices on my days off and went back to school this semester.

The idea to go to med school manifested toward the end of summer but at this point it was too late to apply to the local 4yr colleges. I was already matriculated at my CC so i signed up for classes with the intent to transfer out in the spring.

In another thread that I read the other day, but cant find it now, the poster said that going back to school part time is worthless in the eyes of medical schools - even if you are working to support yourself. Im paraphrasing here, but it was either go back to school full time, or dont waste your time.

Well after looking at classes for the spring I am suprised to find out that most colleges (even other local CC) offer their science classes over 3 days during the week(my CC offers over 2 days) which is not feasible for me since I need to work 3 of the 5 week days. I have read articles about CC vs 4yr and it seems that it is a moot point if I do well on the MCAT(even had a rep from Drexel tell me a 28 would make me a solid candidate there). My plan was to just stay at my CC and finish up the prereqs over the next year or so but now I am concerned about (1) being a part time student hurting me although I work full time and (2) having CC courses.

I am not a steller student by anymeans (~3.4 GPA) but come from a health care career as a highly credentialed sonographer (1 of 18 in NJ), have above avg EC, and will be able to get some fantastic LOR/shadowing experience based on the relationships I have with my physician coworkers.

I am also not looking to apply to Johns Hopkins, Duke, etc. Im targeting UMDNJ (RWJ, NJMS, SOM), Drexel, etc

Am I worried for nothing? or are there just too many things against me?
Sorry for the long post

You're fine. People here have more of a bias toward CCs than med schools do, including JHU and Duke. Just work hard and prove that you're ready for medical school. If there is a CC bias, it's geared toward those who pull off a 4.0 in a CC and slip to a 3.0 upon transfer.

 

[Excelsius]

To begin, im a non-trad. I went to a CC ultrasound school and graduated with a 3.4, then did an online BS in ultrasound(~3.4GPA) in less than a year while working full time. In actuallity I work more than I *should* my primary job is 3 12hr days a week, and I pick up time in offices on my days off and went back to school this semester.

The idea to go to med school manifested toward the end of summer but at this point it was too late to apply to the local 4yr colleges. I was already matriculated at my CC so i signed up for classes with the intent to transfer out in the spring.

In another thread that I read the other day, but cant find it now, the poster said that going back to school part time is worthless in the eyes of medical schools - even if you are working to support yourself. Im paraphrasing here, but it was either go back to school full time, or dont waste your time.

Well after looking at classes for the spring I am suprised to find out that most colleges (even other local CC) offer their science classes over 3 days during the week(my CC offers over 2 days) which is not feasible for me since I need to work 3 of the 5 week days. I have read articles about CC vs 4yr and it seems that it is a moot point if I do well on the MCAT(even had a rep from Drexel tell me a 28 would make me a solid candidate there). My plan was to just stay at my CC and finish up the prereqs over the next year or so but now I am concerned about (1) being a part time student hurting me although I work full time and (2) having CC courses.

I am not a steller student by anymeans (~3.4 GPA) but come from a health care career as a highly credentialed sonographer (1 of 18 in NJ), have above avg EC, and will be able to get some fantastic LOR/shadowing experience based on the relationships I have with my physician coworkers.

I am also not looking to apply to Johns Hopkins, Duke, etc. Im targeting UMDNJ (RWJ, NJMS, SOM), Drexel, etc

Am I worried for nothing? or are there just too many things against me?
Sorry for the long post

I have talked to two adcoms, one of them from a top 10 school. The bottom line is that CCs are not viewed positively. This doesn't mean that you can't get in with CC credits (well actually some schools explicitly state on their website that they don't accept CC credits), but that it might be a negative. Especially if you are aiming for JHU and other top schools, you want to have every advantage possible.

It also depends on how you use your time at CC. Universities have many opportunities for research and other activities. CCs don't. You might have to be prepared to work hard to find a research position and then drive the distance to that facility/university to do the research.

Having taken almost all of my prereqs at a CC, I am very familiar with that system in CA. Many CCs here have programs with UCs and the classes are as hard or harder than at a four year. So the "easy" advantage is gone too. So I would take courses at a CC only if I had no other option whatsoever.

 

[medhacker]

I have talked to two adcoms, one of them from a top 10 school

Not exactly a statistically representative sample, eh?

 

[QofQuimica]

now I am concerned about (1) being a part time student hurting me although I work full time and (2) having CC courses.

Am I worried for nothing? or are there just too many things against me?

Speaking for my own school at least, it is not true that part-time coursework is "worthless". Many nontrads take coursework part-time while still working. The adcom understands that not everyone can afford to take classes full-time, particularly people who are supporting a family. What is essential, however, is that you make straight As, or as close to it as humanly possible, in every class you're taking now. You should aim for a 3.8+ postbac GPA.

Concerning the issue of community college versus four year college, my school explicitly discourages applicants from taking the prereqs at a CC. If you're asking whether this would be an absolute dealbreaker, I would say that there are sometimes exceptions made for just about any rule, particularly when it comes to nontrads. But in general, the adcom greatly prefers that applicants take their courses at a four year college. I think it's particularly important to do so in a case like yours where your original degree was done online and your GPA is somewhat below the national average. (For allo matriculants, the national average is around a 3.6 GPA.) As someone already suggested, it's a good idea to see if you could somehow rearrange your work schedule to allow you to take classes at the four year school. In any case, and especially if you do decide to continue on at the CC, your MCAT score is likely to take on disproportionate importance at many schools, since the adcoms have no other way to compare you objectively to other applicants who have a more traditional academic record. For this reason, you should aim to score at least the national average (or higher if you can) on the MCAT (>30).

Finally, even though you're working in a health care field, it would still be a good idea to spend some time working with one or more physicians. It seems like you're already planning to do that, so mainly I'm agreeing with your plan here. If you can get one of these physicians to write you a strong LOR, you may want to consider doing that as well.

Best of luck. 🙂

 

[njbmd]

To begin, im a non-trad. I went to a CC ultrasound school and graduated with a 3.4, then did an online BS in ultrasound(~3.4GPA) in less than a year while working full time. In actuallity I work more than I *should* my primary job is 3 12hr days a week, and I pick up time in offices on my days off and went back to school this semester.

The idea to go to med school manifested toward the end of summer but at this point it was too late to apply to the local 4yr colleges. I was already matriculated at my CC so i signed up for classes with the intent to transfer out in the spring.

In another thread that I read the other day, but cant find it now, the poster said that going back to school part time is worthless in the eyes of medical schools - even if you are working to support yourself. Im paraphrasing here, but it was either go back to school full time, or dont waste your time.

Well after looking at classes for the spring I am suprised to find out that most colleges (even other local CC) offer their science classes over 3 days during the week(my CC offers over 2 days) which is not feasible for me since I need to work 3 of the 5 week days. I have read articles about CC vs 4yr and it seems that it is a moot point if I do well on the MCAT(even had a rep from Drexel tell me a 28 would make me a solid candidate there). My plan was to just stay at my CC and finish up the prereqs over the next year or so but now I am concerned about (1) being a part time student hurting me although I work full time and (2) having CC courses.

I am not a steller student by anymeans (~3.4 GPA) but come from a health care career as a highly credentialed sonographer (1 of 18 in NJ), have above avg EC, and will be able to get some fantastic LOR/shadowing experience based on the relationships I have with my physician coworkers.

I am also not looking to apply to Johns Hopkins, Duke, etc. Im targeting UMDNJ (RWJ, NJMS, SOM), Drexel, etc

Am I worried for nothing? or are there just too many things against me?
Sorry for the long post

The biggest problem that I see for you right now is that your online BS if from a proprietary school, may not fulfill the requirement that you have a degree from an accredited 4-year college or university. You need to be sure that your BS is from a school that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency.

With that being accomplished, you likely need to take your pre-reqs at a 4-year college/university because you don't have that experience in your background. It's your online degree that puts you in the unenviable position of needing the 4-year "brick and mortar" pre-med prereqs as you already have a plethora of community college experience.

Some medical schools are not going to accept your community college coursework under any circumstances. You need to make some inquiries so that you don't waste money applying to these schools. Your second hurdle is going to be the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) which is no "chip shot" either regardless of educational background.

Bottom line: Just having a BS, especially on online BS may not be enough and community college pre-med pre-reqs may be more of a negative for you because you do have an on-line BS.

 

[arybyinski]

Thank you everyone for the responses.

To begin, my online BS is from Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences (www.FHCHS.edu). Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award Certificates, Associates, Baccalaureate, and Master's degrees.

While I have not seen on any of my prospective medical schools(UMDNJ's, Drexel,PCOM,ect) websites about CC courses, I do feel the same as you that university coursework would look better. At the point I am in now, I will have my 8 credits of bio, 8 credits of gen chem, 8 credits of english and 4 credits of physics completed at the CC level. This leaves me with 4 credits of physics and 8 credits of organic chem that I WILL be taking at a university. In addition I will attempt genetics and/or pathology as additional courses.

 

[Segovia]

Over 30 non-trad here. I took all of my premed requirements at a CC and have already been accepted to a UC school this cycle and have multiple interviews. I even had a interviewer tell me that she preferred seeing that I went to a CC, and thought in many ways the education is better (i.e. faculty contact vs. TA's).

I think the key is to nail the MCAT and always opt to take the more rigorous track of courses offered. If algebra based physics is offered, take the engineering physics instead. If honors courses are offered, take them. I took O-chem II as honors and it allowed me to do some limited research.

Finally, I think your LORs can have a much more significant impact coming from a CC. I mean, at my school there is no "pre-med committee". I had to develop relationships with my professors, and then track them down individually to get letters, and I guarantee that their letters carried more weight than a generic committee letter.

Now, I am sure that some of the ivies will view this differently, but your target schools seem amenable to going to a CC. Good Luck!