Bachelor's degree proving to be difficult...

[tideleonheart]

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I'll try to make this as concise as possible:

-Graduated from a community college with A.S.
-Also took EMT-Basic courses there (16 credits worth)
-Transferred to 4 year college - EMT courses did not transfer
-Majoring in Computer Science
-After the current semester I will have 90 credit hours + 16 EMT credits

My #1 choice of school (VCOM) requires a bachelor's degree by the time of matriculation.

Doing computer science, I would have to go at LEAST 3 more semesters to get a degree. So, forget that!

If I switch to being a Chemistry major, I will need 18 credits in the spring '08 semester (doing a VERY hard courseload - PChem, Integrated Lab, 4000 level courses), then 12 credits in the summer semester (including Quant)... the summer semester goes until about August 15th - and that is when VCOM matriculates. That's cutting it dangerously close.

I spoke with VCOM and they want to work with me as best as they can. They recommended that if at all possible, do not take all those summer courses and spend that time moving to Blacksburg. They told me to look into getting a general studies degree...

My question is: Outside of my own college's general studies degree, can you think of ANY way to get an accredited degree that incorporates some of my EMT classes so I don't have to take a super heavy course load in the fall and summer? Do you have any other suggestions? I suppose I could settle with a different school that does not require a degree, but I REALLY want to go to VCOM.

 

[DC DOC]

I would definately go talk to a counselor at your school. They would be the ones with the answers to that question. It's possible that they might count towards a Health Education degree or something to that effect, but I doubt it. Good Luck! BTW what are the classes involved in getting your EMT?

 

[superfan56]

don't screw your grades with trying to overload yourself. med school isn't going anywhere

 

[PatriotsForever]

What's the rush?! If I were you i would defer medical school for one year. Don't screw up your grades and definitely dont do a general studies degree (what's the point?). If you are into computer science, I say go for it. Trust me VCOM will be there next year and many years into the future. Medical school is a marathon not a race... dont burn yourself out completing your BS in record time and then matriculate into medical school the next day (I smell disaster). You need at least the summer to relax and get your stuff together for matriculation... if you cant do that seriously consider next cycle.

 

[tideleonheart]

What's the rush?! . . . Trust me VCOM will be there next year and many years into the future. Medical school is a marathon not a race... dont burn yourself out completing your BS in record time and then matriculate into medical school the next day (I smell disaster).

Honestly, I agree with you. I really don't want to burn myself out before med school even starts. I could just go to another school that does not require a degree. However, if there IS an easier way to get a bachelor's degree, I would prefer to do that and go to VCOM. (hence, the question - "is there an easier way?")

As far as the rush... I've been in college for quite a while (taking a semester off, a semester for EMT courses, and 2 semesters of part time college while I was still in high school). Because I want to be a doctor, there is no reason for me to even get a degree. Quite honestly, I barely care! It's just the med schools that do. 🙂 So, general studies, computer science, chemistry, it doesn't matter. My goal is med school. I'm married and I'd like to get through med school in a reasonably timely manner so we can start a family.

 

[sexyman]

The other posters are correct in that do not rush. I am going to attend VCOM this august coming....and I am currently taking a year off after graduating from undergrad. I am loving the time off (I am taking two classes but not doing much) and I feel I will be be able to do even better in med school because I took a year off instead of going straight from undergrad.

Like you said- your goal is to med school- whats the difference if your a doctor in 2012 or 2013. I say enjoy yourself as much as possible during the journey.

 

[JaggerPlate]

just apply when you are ready ... you will be a better applicant👍

 

[GreenShirt]

I don't think there's any faster way unless there's a major at your school that requires less credit hours. Also most people apply to 10-20 schools hoping to get in where they can, so putting all your eggs into one basket isn't prudent or realistic.

 

[Rotinaj]

I concur with everyone else, what's one more year in a career that's going to last you at least 40? Take your time and get your degree in computer science. Medical schools will like it because it will lend you credence as a diverse candidate.

 

[scpod]

I'm married and I'd like to get through med school in a reasonably timely manner so we can start a family.

A fairly large percentage of automobile accidents occur because people are in a hurry. I'd say that a whole lot of life "accidents" occur because of that as well. When people are in a hurry they tend to take shortcuts and often don't pay attention to things as well. It would be a good idea for you to slow down and think.

Becoming a doctor is a LONG TERM project. In the best case scenario you have four years of undergrad, four years of med school, and a minimum of three years of residency to get through. You need to tread carefully at each step along the way. Many people are in such a hurry to get to medical school that they do poorly in undergrad classes and never even get accepted. They don't take the time to study for the MCAT and do poorly. Take things slowly, one step at a time, and make sure that you have the required time to study and do well in your undergrad degree first. I started med school when I was 42. I'm not the oldest in my class. You have lot's of time and you really shouldn't rush into it. Your family will be there when you finish.