Applying With Only the Prerequisites

[envirocopy512]

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I hear a lot of people recommend taking upper level science classes in addition to the prereqs. I want to apply next year and wouldn't be able to take much in the way of upper levels until I finish O chem II in the Spring...so its not really an option.

Worth applying? My science GPA is high (if it matters).

 

[envirocopy512]

I should add that I took 2 prereqs (gen chem and physics) at a CC....same damn textbook and instructor as at 4 year, but I'll throw that out there nonetheless. Already got my BA and work that's why....

 

[karkatvantas]

What's your degree in?

Going above and beyond the prereqs in the sciences would certainly help you, but not doing so shouldn't hurt you, especially if you did well in your prereqs.

 

[envirocopy512]

Information Systems - Took calc and computer/business classes, but never much science in undergrad other than liberal arts physics and I think anthropology.

 

[milosavljevic]

I should add that I took 2 prereqs (gen chem and physics) at a CC....same damn textbook and instructor as at 4 year

My roommate is currently taking physics at a CC with the same professor/book that I had at a UC. Although the material is similar, we compared our exams and they were very different. Her exams were taken word-for-word from the homework and book problems, while my exams tended to be more involved and required application of the material to problems we hadn't seen before. Needless to say, the UC curve was different from her straight-scale class. I know this isn't the case for all situations like yours, but I'm not sure you can assume that the CC class is the same as the 4-year class unless you've taken the 4-year class.

Regardless, this thread brings up a question I have been wondering about myself.

One of my friends was a music major in undergrad, and is now starting taking the pre-req's for medical school. By the time he applies, he will not have much in the way of upper division science courses, since he still needs to finish the majority of the pre-req's.

I am a plain-jane bio major, who has taken a fair number of upper division science courses/electives/labs. However, I have erratic-at-best grades in my upper division courses (note: I will be re-taking many of them through a formal post-bac program).

So, how do admissions committees compare two applicants with different backgrounds: one with two years of upper division science courses (who messed up in some, but re-takes them) vs. one without any upper division science courses (but did well in the pre-req's).

I know that it's not just about GPA, but if this thread is just talking about grades and courses...would it be correct to assume that the non-upper-division-taking applicant with a better GPA would look better than the upper-division-taking applicant with a lower GPA but a greater variety of science classes?

p.s. I am NOT trying to rag on anyone's course background, I am just honestly trying to ask a question.

 

[envirocopy512]

My roommate is currently taking physics at a CC with the same professor/book that I had at a UC. Although the material is similar, we compared our exams and they were very different. Her exams were taken word-for-word from the homework and book problems, while my exams tended to be more involved and required application of the material to problems we hadn't seen before. Needless to say, the UC curve was different from her straight-scale class. I know this isn't the case for all situations like yours, but I'm not sure you can assume that the CC class is the same as the 4-year class unless you've taken the 4-year class.

This is super. Thank you for this.

 

[Goro]

Frankly, I wouldn't advise it. I always get nervous at seeing files with only the pre-reqs. You really need to show us that you can handle the load of medical school, and just having the pre-reqs (which are weeding courses in reality) doesn't help show that.

I hear a lot of people recommend taking upper level science classes in addition to the prereqs. I want to apply next year and wouldn't be able to take much in the way of upper levels until I finish O chem II in the Spring...so its not really an option.

Worth applying? My science GPA is high (if it matters).

 

[AMEHigh]

I got several interviews at MD & DO schools with just pre-reqs. I did a post-bacc program and didn't do any upper level science classes and it was never frowned upon during my interviews 2 years ago.

 

[Catalystik]

If you do well in the prerequisites and prove you "got it" with a strong MCAT score, then adcomms may be willing to assume you'd continue to do well in the sciences. If your grades in the prerequistes weren't sterling, upper-level science is a way to prove that you have what it takes, regardless. With the great grades you've cited, you may well be fine, but keep in mind that some med schools require/recommend Biochem, Genetics, MCB, expect at least "two upper-level Bio courses", etc. So it's important to keep an eye on the expectations of the schools you plan to target. Another consideration is that taking some of those classes during the application year makes for good info in update letters and can considerably ease your way in the first year of med school.