By when must Upper Div's Be Completed

[HawaiiHereICome]

Hello this is my first "real" post,

I was wondering if anyone knew by when Med Schools require you to finish your Upper Division biology requirements. I have already completed all the other general requirements, General Biology, Zoology, Gchem, Ochem, Physics, and Calculus. I am currently taking Biochemistry (bio98) and will finish Molecular biology (Bio 99) by spring quarter. As a result, the earliest I can finish upper division biology courses will be summer session.
I'm a Chemical Engineering Major so I've put off taking biology for a while. Can you just put IP, “In progress" on the AMCAS application and then perhaps send your transcripts when all requirements are complete? Should I just apply anyway?

 

[Catalystik]

Hello this is my first "real" post,

I was wondering if anyone knew by when Med Schools require you to finish your Upper Division biology requirements. . . .the earliest I can finish upper division biology courses will be summer session.
Can you just put IP, “In progress" on the AMCAS application and then perhaps send your transcripts when all requirements are complete? Should I just apply anyway?

As long as you complete the upper level courses before matriculation at the medical school, you will be fine. It's appropriate to list the classes you intend to take on the AMCAS form. Your final transcript after you get your degree will assure the medical school that you completed any requirements.

 

[ryanl]

As far as i know, upper division bio classes aren't required for any med schools. But you must complete all the coursework for your degree prior to matriculation. And if there are requirements for the med school, it's the same, just has to be done before starting.

 

[HawaiiHereICome]

I Called UC Davis 2 days ago, and I told them that at UCI Biochemistry wasn't an upper division class (its Bio98). They told me that as a result I would have to take whatever biology class i wanted in the 100+ range. I found this dubious but whatever.

Frankly, i think It's a bit unfair that I'm going to have to take all these prerequisite courses just to get to upper-division biology.

 

[Catalystik]

Frankly, i think It's a bit unfair that I'm going to have to take all these prerequisite courses just to get to upper-division biology.

Look at the positive side. You have the option of choosing an upper level bio course that will save you some work in medical school, like anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, etc. Often these courses are easier to get good grades in because you've already survived the "weed-em-out" prerequisites, and the grading curve is less drastic.

It also isn't fair that you have to take physics, which you'll virtually never use again, but that's just another hoop everyone has to jump through.