applying without a prerequisite hurt application?

[fugazi87]

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I still have one prerequisite to to take. How much do you think it would hurt my app to apply without it and take it in the summer or fall instead?

It looks like scheduling is going to be a problem with this one. I might have the option to take it at a different school (which would add a transcript to an already long list) at the expense of work and some unique extracurricular experiences.

For context, GPA is okay and this class will not affect my MCAT much.

Any insight is much appreciated.

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

Many DO schools require an extra six credits of biology. I didn't have them but I still got four interview invites from schools that had this requirement. At the two interviews I went to, the issue was never brought up.

Are you planning on applying this cycle?

 

[Nymphicus]

I applied without completion of any college English classes or physics II.

It is fine for most schools as long as you complete them before matriculation.

I am not sure for DO schools specifically. If you are concerned, consider contacting your specific schools.

 

[fugazi87]

Many DO schools require an extra six credits of biology. I didn't have them but I still got four interview invites from schools that had this requirement. At the two interviews I went to, the issue was never brought up.

Are you planning on applying this cycle?

Yes, definitely this cycle. I'm just weighing whether it's worth it/possible to sacrifice work and extracurriculars for this class next semester.

 

[fugazi87]

I applied without completion of any college English classes or physics II.

It is fine for most schools as long as you complete them before matriculation.

I am not sure for DO schools specifically. If you are concerned, consider contacting your specific schools.

Just call the admissions office? Don't they get annoyed by that?

I see you were very successful. Do you feel like it put you at any disadvantage to not have Physics II? I feel like being a non-trad, they might not have enough to go on without them.

 

[occams_razor]

it should be fine, schools generally just require that you complete all pre-reqs before matriculation. It really depends what the pre-req is though

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

I think you're too late to have much chance this cycle, especially if you haven't taken the MCAT yet. By the time you get your score back and your primary application sent in, a lot of schools will have filled all their interview spots. If you want to try, you need to know that your odds of even landing an interview will be much, much worse than if you wait until next June for the next cycle. In some cases you won't even be interviewing for a seat at the school, just for a spot on the waitlist. If I were you I'd concentrate on building up my application so I could be a strong candidate for next year's interviews. There's plenty of stuff you can do with a gap year.

 

[fugazi87]

I think you're too late to have much chance this cycle, especially if you haven't taken the MCAT yet. By the time you get your score back and your primary application sent in, a lot of schools will have filled all their interview spots. If you want to try, you need to know that your odds of even landing an interview will be much, much worse than if you wait until next June for the next cycle. In some cases you won't even be interviewing for a seat at the school, just for a spot on the waitlist. If I were you I'd concentrate on building up my application so I could be a strong candidate for next year's interviews. There's plenty of stuff you can do with a gap year.

Oh, my bad. I should have been more clear. I'm definitely looking to apply this coming cycle, starting this coming June. I figured this one would be too late.

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

You'll be all right then. You could even take the class a year from now in the spring. Maybe by then you'll have an acceptance or two, in which case you would only need a C or better in the class.

 

[fugazi87]

You'll be all right then. You could even take the class a year from now in the spring. Maybe by then you'll have an acceptance or two, in which case you would only need a C or better in the class.

It would make things much easier if that were possible, so it makes me happy to know that the option is on the table.

You don't think that would be a significant disadvantage though, when almost everyone else has those 8 core classes(chem,orgo,phys,bio) ready when applying? I would figure 7 vs 8 classes doesn't make all that much difference when evaluating academic potential, but every nontrad I know is finishing them before applying--like it's not even a question.

 

[Jas1360]

It would make things much easier if that were possible, so it makes me happy to know that the option is on the table.

You don't think that would be a significant disadvantage though, when almost everyone else has those 8 core classes(chem,orgo,phys,bio) ready when applying? I would figure 7 vs 8 classes doesn't make all that much difference when evaluating academic potential, but every nontrad I know is finishing them before applying--like it's not even a question.

In some cases you could end up on a wait list until they get your grade for the pre-req.

 

[glotris173]

They don't care. Just let them know that you plan on finishing it before you matriculate. I got into a few schools even though I hadn't completed my Physics II yet.

 

[fugazi87]

Thanks everyone. The input has been helpful and encouraging.

I spoke with a physician who used to be on an admissions committee today and he said it's a better bet to just take the last class.

Any other input? I'd like to get a few more opinions on this, if possible.

 

[hopeful22213]

I applied (this cycle) without a pre-req and it hasn't stopped me from getting several interview invites. It's not ideal, but at least in my case I decided it was worth giving it a go rather than waiting an extra year.

 

[anguisette]

I still have one prerequisite to to take. 1) How much do you think it would hurt my app to apply without it and take it in the summer or fall instead?

2) It looks like scheduling is going to be a problem with this one. I might have the option to take it at a different school (which would add a transcript to an already long list) at the expense of work and some unique extracurricular experiences.

3) For context, GPA is okay and this class will not affect my MCAT much.

Any insight is much appreciated.

1) I don't think it'll hurt your app if everything else is good, especially your MCAT. As others have mentioned, I think a good MCAT score will assure most schools that your pre-med foundation is fine. Also, summer or fall grades are good excuses for an update or interest letter later in the cycle.

2) If you'd rather take the class now for peace of mind, adding another transcript isn't a big deal (I had 6).

3) If you can handle adding a class on top of your current schedule without risking a drop in your GPA, great. If not, I don't think it's worth dropping an EC or work for a class you have time to take later in the year.