BS but not enough years of college?

[fast2finish]

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I'm on track to graduate in May 2012 after starting college in August 09. The problem is that, technically, that's about 2.75 years and on the HMS admissions requirements I found this- "At least three years of college work and a baccalaureate degree are required prior to matriculation in medical school."

Does this really mean I wouldn't be able to go even if I met all other requirements? (Would it be strictly enforced?)

Do other schools have rules like this?

Am I just a super paranoid pre med?




P.S. I graduated hs early at 16 so I'll be 19 in May 2012.

 

[kevster2001]

Are you in a huge hurry to go to medical school? Why dont you take two years to do something like Teach For America or volunteer in the PeaceCorps. Your age will work against you in medical school applications because schools will think you can "real life experience" and maturity. Also remember that everyone in medical school will be over 21 so it'll also be a bonding issue when everyone wants to go to a bar to unwind and you can't go because you're underage.

 

[mvenus929]

That's three years. A four year degree is earned in 4 academic years, not calendar years.

 

[fast2finish]

Are you in a huge hurry to go to medical school? Why dont you take two years to do something like Teach For America or volunteer in the PeaceCorps. Your age will work against you in medical school applications because schools will think you can "real life experience" and maturity. Also remember that everyone in medical school will be over 21 so it'll also be a bonding issue when everyone wants to go to a bar to unwind and you can't go because you're underage.

I was thinking of possibly taking a year off after college to travel around the world. Would that be considered life experience?

 

[Astarael]

Agree with mvenus. Unless I'm missing something major, you'll have three academic years done, since a year of college is generally August/September-May.

 

[kevster2001]

I was thinking of possibly taking a year off after college to travel around the world. Would that be considered life experience?

sounds good to me

 

[fast2finish]

That's three years. A four year degree is earned in 4 academic years, not calendar years.

I see, thanks. They should have left out the years part and just stated that a bachelors degree was required.

 

[Astarael]

I see, thanks. They should have left out the years part and just stated that a bachelors degree was required.

They don't do that because many (most?) medical schools don't technically require a bachelor's degree. It would be quite difficult to get accepted without one, but it is possible.

 

[LizzyM]

Plan on a gap year. Get a job driving an ambulance or working in a lab or doing something related to community service. Given your lack of life experience (not your "age"), you are not going to be particularly "attractive" as an applicant. Get a year or two of life experience & you'll be golden.