AP Credit

[Bethany555]

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I tried using the search feature except couldn't find anything specific to this. If I use AP credit to get out of the intro chemistry class and into an upper level course, will that fulfill the med school requirements. Obviously, if I AP out of chemistry, I would take Organic next, so wha kind of upper division class can fulfill the inorganic chemistry requirement

"The commonly accepted coursework requirements for medical school include a minimum of 1 year of

General biology
Physics with lab
General chemistry (inorganic chemistry) with lab
Organic chemistry with lab
Calculus
English

 

[Total180]

I think it depends on the school whether they would count an AP class as a pre-req, but it is generally not seen in a positive light as AP classes are definitely easier than college level coursework, especially general chemistry. I would take it, if not for any other reason than to be able to apply broadly when the time comes, and not have to limit yourself to the schools that will accept the AP credit.

 

[vickpick]

I think it depends on the school whether they would count an AP class as a pre-req, but it is generally not seen in a positive light as AP classes are definitely easier than college level coursework, especially general chemistry. I would take it, if not for any other reason than to be able to apply broadly when the time comes, and not have to limit yourself to the schools that will accept the AP credit.

I disagree. I'm on the east coast, and a year ago I called about 12 schools and all of them said that they are fine with AP credits as long as advanced courses in the field are taken. They are NOT okay for people who are not planning to take advanced coursework.

 

[Bethany555]

What would Constitute upper level coursework? Biochem? Will any class do above the introductory course

 

[Emerica]

I wouldn't recommend using AP credit for any of your prereq sciences. I also have AP credit for chem and bio, but I am deciding to retake the sequences so that I can be better prepared for MCAT and I can honestly say that AP Chem and Bio do not come close to comparing to real college-level science.

My advice: Retake the sequences and just use your prior knowledge to do well in the classes.

 

[NickNaylor]

I disagree. I'm on the east coast, and a year ago I called about 12 schools and all of them said that they are fine with AP credits as long as advanced courses in the field are taken. They are NOT okay for people who are not planning to take advanced coursework.

While this is true for most schools, there are some schools that require you to take the specific pre-reqs they want and will NOT accept advanced coursework in lieu of those requirements.

OP, did you have a question?

 

[Catalystik]

There are 21 US MD schools that don't accept AP credit in lieu of graded coursework, even if it's supplemented, but you could just avoid applying to those. Here is the list: http://www.colorado.edu/aac/noapib.htm

 

[Sammich117]

I had this issue when applying. I wish I hadn't APed out of classes, so my advice is to take them. It would have made my application process less of a hassle.

 

[Robinson Crusoe]

Another consideration is that if you really know your chemistry from AP Chem, then Gen Chem I and II might be easy A's for you. So I guess the question is, what is your reason for wanting to skip Gen Chem?

If you decide to AP out of Gen Chem, then you could take analytical chemistry and/or physical chemistry with labs. I don't think biochemistry would count because so many med schools have this as an additional required/recommended course on top of requiring Gen Chem.

 

[NickNaylor]

I had this issue when applying. I wish I hadn't APed out of classes, so my advice is to take them. It would have made my application process less of a hassle.

I agree with this. I received credit for many pre-reqs but decided to take them anyway. I wouldn't change that decision. Unless you really, really want to graduate early, AP is a waste IMO.

 

[whoMD]

the link is outdated i believe. i know harvard medical school allows supplementing.
http://hms.harvard.edu/admissions/default.asp?page=requirements

 

[vickpick]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=784623

check in a week or two and u'll see about 70-90% schools accepting AP credits