Applying without Physics Pre-Reqs

[NeuroNomad10]

I graduated in August 2024 with a degree in Neuroscience in three years and am currently in my first gap year. I completed all my pre-med prerequisites except for two semesters of physics, which I plan to take during the summer of 2025 in a condensed format. After graduating, I didn’t have access to a car, so I couldn’t take physics courses at a non-community college institution. The only college near where I live now is a community college, but it only offers online classes, which is why I decided to wait until the summer to take both semesters in person at a four-year institution.

This means I’m applying to medical school without having completed the physics prerequisites, and I’m concerned that this could be a disadvantage in my application. I have a 3.98 GPA and am planning to self-study for the MCAT, which I will take on April 26, 2025. Will not having the prerequisites completed by the time I apply hurt my chances/be viewed negatively?

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[Mr.Smile12]

Did you ever take AP/IB Physics or similar hard science classes in high school?

 

[NeuroNomad10]

Nope!

 

[NeuroNomad10]

I took honors physics in high school though.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I took honors physics in high school though.

You only had high school honors physics? No calculus, honors or AP/IB chemistry or biology?

I ask because if you had no/little college-rigorous courses in high school, it's remarkable your GPA is near a 4.0.

If you have had physics in high school, my worries about self-study aren't going to be high provided you had more than adequate math coverage (algebra, geometry, trigonometry) which is essential to understand the concepts you will be tested on. Go through the Khan Academy videos to make sure you have a solid foundation on physics.

Your goal is to take the MCAT once. Why not be fully prepared and shoot for or above your target score. Don't let the excuse of not having all your courses done before taking the exam become the rationale of why you didn't get into the best school you wanted. Granted, you could still get a 520... don't put yourself in a position to think "I could have gotten a 525 if I had only taken my physics courses first."

 

[NeuroNomad10]

I took AP Calc AB/BC and got a 5 on the exam in high school. Sorry, I thought you were only referencing AP Physics courses in your earlier response. I took Chem and Bio for the first time ever in college but worked super hard to make sure I did the best I could in them (Got an A in all my Bio pre-req courses and a A- in Gen Chem 1, B+ in Gen Chem 2, A- in Orgo 1 and an A in Orgo 2)

 

[NeuroNomad10]

Some people recommended I wait to apply until after I take physics 1 but that class would end in mid July which would make my application late I think

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Some people recommended I wait to apply until after I take physics 1 but that class would end in mid July which would make my application late I think

Timing

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It may be smart to wait (and in general, I would also recommend the same), but you have a 3.98 GPA with a strong math background. Chances are you aren't going to bomb physics unless your circumstances prevent you from doing well (professor, your health, unknown natural disaster, internet blackout). You can apply with "in progress" coursework. Just don't bomb the class. Be smart with your test prep. As mentioned above, don't be one of those people wanting pity for a 520 without taking the physics courses.

By the way, it's okay to take community college coursework as long as the prerequisite is an acceptable equivalent to a rigorous science-appropriate physics class at your home institution. Check with your academic affairs office to confirm. I agree in-person would be better than online unless circumstances dictate otherwise.

 

[AsclepiusAdvisingLLC]

You are more than eligible to apply without taking all prerequesite courses. Many medical school do not have any hard requirements, just generalized curricula that they recommend to prepare you for the MCAT and a medical didactic education. This should not negatively impact your application as long as you have strong coursework that demonstrates you are able to meet the schools' competencies and that you complete the courses prior to matriculation.

 

[NeuroNomad10]

I was aiming for a 515+, but given my situation, do you think I would need above a 520?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I was aiming for a 515+, but given my situation, do you think I would need above a 520?

I don't think you posted a WAMC, did you? Regardless, I bring up 520 for argument's sake here.

 

[Hollow Knight]

To answer your orogobal question, as long as it’s on your list of anticipated courses and you get it done before you’re starting med school, it won’t hurt your chances at all. Nobody cares that you haven’t taken it yet.

However, I think you should seriously consider @Mr.Smile12 advice on taking physics before you take the MCAT as well. What’s one gap year? Why are you in such a hurry?

 

[AJS59]

On the MCAT: I understand you have a strong math background but the math behind physics on the MCAT is only Algebra. Where the questions gain difficulty is not from raw math skills but rather the ability to understand the underlying concepts and read physics passages. Don't throw away questions