Can I still get into medical school with community college credits?

[868651]

So if I took premed courses at a community college, a medical school would still accept them as long as I have a bachelors degree?

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[HomeSkool]

Yes.

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[libertyyne]

Yes, but its not going to be harvard. And avoid taking pre-reqs there if possible.

 

[altblue]

Yes, but its not going to be harvard. And avoid taking pre-reqs there if possible.

Or at least take some upper-level classes like genetics, molecular biology, or neurobiology at the 4-year if you need to take prereqs at a CC

 

[Cornfed101]

Check the MSAR. Some med schools don’t accept CC credits at all, some accept them on a case-by-case basis, and some accept them outright

 

[Lardy Boy]

friend just did

 

[itsmcv2015]

Yes.

 

[maddeh87]

I took most of my prereqs at a CC, but I took orgo1/2 and a bunch of 300/400 level biology and chemistry courses at the 4 year school I transferred to, and I’ve gotten three interviews and one acceptance. You can get in; many schools accept CC credits now (check the MSAR), but you better be getting an A in all your classes if they’re from a CC.

 

[Mad Jack]

Most schools take CC credits. I had some.

 

[Lucky Day]

I did almost all pre reqs at a community college (minus physics and biochem) before I transferred to finish my degree. I'll be matriculating this fall at a state MD school and was waitlisted at Columbia.

 

[harkas]

Yes. One of my LORs was actually from a CC professor.

 

[Catalystik]

Yes, but its not going to be harvard. And avoid taking pre-reqs there if possible.

I recall an applicant with 2 years of CC credits who was accepted to Harvard, so you never know.

 

[nomdeplume1234]

I'd say so. hopefully the "stigma" of CC will soon go away since we're talking $300 vs $2000, a class of 20 vs a class of 500. In my experience the only thing a university has going for it over CC are the science labs. Also, I would think a person from a CC with a 3.0 and a 520 MCAT would be more qualified than someone from a university with a 4.0 and a 500.

 

[Soulful]

I know so many people (including myself) from community colleges who got into a medical school that I have lost count. Stop underestimating community colleges! If you do well at the community college and finish bachelors at a university with a good standing GPA you will absolutely fine.

 

[aldol16]

Yes, but its not going to be harvard. And avoid taking pre-reqs there if possible.

It could very well be Harvard. I know several people at top 5 schools who went to community college first before transferring to a four-year school. Not everybody can afford a four-year school outright and a core mission of every medical school is to train a diverse generation of physicians, which includes socioeconomic diversity.

 

[libertyyne]

It could very well be Harvard. I know several people at top 5 schools who went to community college first before transferring to a four-year school. Not everybody can afford a four-year school outright and a core mission of every medical school is to train a diverse generation of physicians, which includes socioeconomic diversity.

This is interesting considering some clearly outlined up till a year or so ago that CC credits are discouraged. There is also the admissions importance survey which indicates private schools give more importance to the quality of undergrad institution attended, which more often then not after CC is still going to be a state flagship at best. The last part of of it is functional issues of not doing pre-reqs at CC considering you wont be able to graduate in 4 or you wont be able to complete a science degree. But im glad to be wrong.

 

[Lucky Day]

This is interesting considering some clearly outlined up till a year or so ago that CC credits are discouraged. There is also the admissions importance survey which indicates private schools give more importance to the quality of undergrad institution attended, which more often then not after CC is still going to be a state flagship at best. The last part of of it is functional issues of not doing pre-reqs at CC considering you wont be able to graduate in 4 or you wont be able to complete a science degree. But im glad to be wrong.

CC pre-reqs aren't automatic exclusion unless stated and even at that, I've not applied to a school with this policy. I know many students who are absolute studs who started at CC for a variety of good reasons. This can be true simultaneously with name brand bias by adcoms. The takeaway is that CC is the ONLY option for many people (such as myself) to get back into school and it would be a flagrant mistruth to say that CC pre-reqs would tank an otherwise stellar application.

 

[libertyyne]

CC pre-reqs aren't automatic exclusion unless stated and even at that, I've not applied to a school with this policy. I know many students who are absolute studs who started at CC for a variety of good reasons. This can be true simultaneously with name brand bias by adcoms. The takeaway is that CC is the ONLY option for many people (such as myself) to get back into school and it would be a flagrant mistruth to say that CC pre-reqs would tank an otherwise stellar application.

No one ever said it would tank an otherwise steller option. Only said that certain schools do not accept pre-reqs.

 

[Lucky Day]

No one ever said it would tank an otherwise steller option. Only said that certain schools do not accept pre-reqs.

If you are a Harvard level applicant, CC credits won’t keep you out of Harvard.

 

[libertyyne]

If you are a Harvard level applicant, CC credits won’t keep you out of Harvard.

Taking math at a CC is unlikely to be an issue
Taking a sequence or two of prereqs at a CC would be minor impact
Taking significant science at CC but then followed successfully at 4 year in science would likely be minor impact (ie traditional path).

Let me also note that summer classes fall into CC level qualifiers that can be looked down upon, even if at your own school. While taking 1 or 2 courses in the summer at your home school wont be an issue, trying to take say Organic I/II during the summer at a CC (not your home school) isnt a good idea. Besides trying to cram 15 weeks of school into 5 weeks (assume its more than a full time job), I see applicants try to do this, and fill out AMCAS and try to take a late MCAT and then crash and burn in a "summer cascade"

students need to put any CC courses into the overall context of their academic record and need to also take into account the cost and logistics of taking classes at CC. Doing well consistently or improving is more important that where you take classes. Having time to study or getting the classes you need (logistics) or not worrying about money as much (costs) may be more important to an applicant's success than forcing an unworkable schedule at higher cost at a 4 year

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There are some medical schools that directly speak to this idea of community college courses. This may give a little better insight in how the underlying “culture” or “attitude” of admission committee members, whether a formal policy or not, may perceive applicants who choose summer or community college coursework. While this list is not exhaustive, it is representative enough to help advise students who are considering such a step.

SUNY Upstate College of Medicine
Frequently Asked Questions | College of Medicine | SUNY Upstate Medical University
“Applicants should avoid taking more than one or two prerequisite science courses during the summer and avoid taking them at community colleges.”

Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Medical Program Admissions Requirements | Icahn School of Medicine
Q: Can I take my courses at a community college, or must I take them at a four-year college or university?
A: We have no requirement about where you take courses, though the Committee on Admissions does take that into consideration in evaluating your application.

Johns Hopkins Medical School
Prerequisites and Requirements| Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine M.D. Admissions
The School of Medicine accepts prerequisites completed at the community college level. In order to be competitive in the selection process, we encourage prospective applicants with community college prerequisites to supplement these courses by taking advanced courses in related subjects at their four year institution.

University of Florida College of Medicine
FAQ
Q: Can I take the prerequisite courses at my local community/junior college?
A: In order to create the most academically competitive application you should take all prerequisite courses at the most competitive bachelor’s degree granting institution where you can gain entrance. You should try to complete your pre-requisite courses at a four-year institution

Albert Einstein College of Medicine
https://www.einstein.yu.edu/educati...pplication-procedure/course-requirements.aspx
Whereas course work at a four-year college or university is our benchmark, if a student chooses to meet a competency component via an alternate route such as through laboratory experience, through an advanced placement course, a course taken at a community college, a course taken abroad (during a semester abroad for which the undergraduate U.S. degree-granting institution gives credit, or for which AMCAS will verify and report the grade), or an online course, he or she should seek guidance from his or her advisor to ensure that the option meets the above guidelines as well as the rigorous academic standard required by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

George Washington University
M.D. Program Frequently Asked Questions | The School of Medicine & Health Sciences | The George Washington University
Do you accept community college credits?
Yes. The Committee on Admissions does accept coursework taken at a community college; however, it is preferable to have the pre-medical coursework taken at a four-year college or university.

Florida State University College of Medicine
http://med.fsu.edu/?page=mdAdmissions.admissionRequirement
Listed below is the pre-requisite coursework required for all matriculates to the FSU COM. Advanced Placement, CLEP, and dual enrollment credits fulfill the course requirements. However, courses taken in a traditional classroom at a four-year institution are considered to be more academically competitive.

Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Requirements | Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Two pre-requisite science courses can be fulfilled with AP credits, community college courses or through a study abroad program.

Texas A&M Health Sciences Center College of Medicine
How Do I Apply?
Policy on AP Credits, Credits by Exam, and Dual Credit
We generally prefer that applicants take the prerequisite courses at 4-year accredited colleges and universities rather than utilize advanced placement credits, credits by exam, dual-credit, pass/fail course work or community college courses. We do not dismiss these credits; and, if they have been taken, we will accept them toward meeting the prerequisites. In fact, if an applicant has placed out of a required level course, we will also accept another course in that discipline at the same or higher level. Again, our preference is that applicants take graded courses at 4-year institutions, particularly the prerequisites in the biological sciences and the chemistry series.

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/admissions/md/faq/#q43
Are community college classes accepted as prerequisite course credit?
They may be, but the Admissions Committee generally expects students to complete all prerequisite courses at a four-year undergraduate institution.

Yale
https://medicine.yale.edu/education/admissions/apply/premed.aspx
Pre-medical courses must be completed in a U.S., U.K., or Canadian college or university. U.S. Community College courses are acceptable, provided that the courses include laboratory work and are comparable in content to courses at four-year colleges, universities, or institutes of technology.

Weill Cornell
FAQs | Medical Education
Can I take my prerequisite courses at a Community College?
It is not recommended.

I get it , you are the third person to say Harvard wont exclude you. It would be interesting to see actual data on this question of ability to get into private competitive medical schools with 2 years at a CC. It is like ignoring the fact that a large chunk of medical school classes are filled with ivy grads.

 

[Forever Geebs]

Yes.


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[Lucky Day]

I get it , you are the third person to say Harvard wont exclude you. It would be interesting to see actual data on this question of ability to get into private competitive medical schools with 2 years at a CC. It is like ignoring the fact that a large chunk of medical school classes are filled with ivy grads.

@libertyyne , don't get defensive. We are in total agreement; A name brand 4-year university will always be preferable to a CC.

But the reason I'm responding is because you originally gave information that overstated the point. While you've amended your position, I just hope that the information you give going forward isn't discouraging to the students whose ONLY entry point is CC. There are two situations that are distinctly different. The first involves students who can ONLY go to CC to start. To these students, I say shoot for the stars and if you're a good applicant, you'll get where you want to go. The second situation involves the students who go to a four year university and cram the Bios, Chems and Physics into the summers at CCs. To these students, I say that this isn't smart and you're gonna have a harder time.

So I'll say this one more time for all of the folks who search this topic in the future: If you can ONLY go to a CC, you can still get wherever you want to go if you do all the right things.

Anyway, I hope this clarifies my intent. PM me if you want to continue.

 

[libertyyne]

@libertyyne , don't get defensive. We are in total agreement; A name brand 4-year university will always be preferable to a CC.

But the reason I'm responding is because you originally gave information that overstated the point. While you've amended your position, I just hope that the information you give going forward isn't discouraging to the students whose ONLY entry point is CC. There are two situations that are distinctly different. The first involves students who can ONLY go to CC to start. To these students, I say shoot for the stars and if you're a good applicant, you'll get where you want to go. The second situation involves the students who go to a four year university and cram the Bios, Chems and Physics into the summers at CCs. To these students, I say that this isn't smart and you're gonna have a harder time.

So I'll say this one more time for all of the folks who search this topic in the future: If you can ONLY go to a CC, you can still get wherever you want to go if you do all the right things.

Anyway, I hope this clarifies my intent. PM me if you want to continue.

I myself went to CC and went on to get accepted at medical schools. My point was obviously an exaggeration, but the point still stands. If you have the option to go to a name brand 4 year, you should take it even if you have to take out loans.

 

[Lucky Day]

I myself went to CC and went on to get accepted at medical schools. My point was obviously an exaggeration, but the point still stands. If you have the option to go to a name brand 4 year, you should take it even if you have to take out loans.

I didn't know that, thanks for sharing. In my case, I wasn't eligible for loans for the first year because of academic performance before I dropped out many years ago. A very kind sibling lent me money to pay my tuition up front and I worked overtime to pay it back while I was at a CC full time.

 

[aldol16]

This is interesting considering some clearly outlined up till a year or so ago that CC credits are discouraged. There is also the admissions importance survey which indicates private schools give more importance to the quality of undergrad institution attended, which more often then not after CC is still going to be a state flagship at best. The last part of of it is functional issues of not doing pre-reqs at CC considering you wont be able to graduate in 4 or you wont be able to complete a science degree. But im glad to be wrong.

I get it , you are the third person to say Harvard wont exclude you. It would be interesting to see actual data on this question of ability to get into private competitive medical schools with 2 years at a CC. It is like ignoring the fact that a large chunk of medical school classes are filled with ivy grads.

Several others have responded but I'll just add that many people don't have the convenience of choosing CC vs. four-year school and due to finances or other considerations have to go to CCs. Nobody, including top five schools, is going to ding you for that. If you go to CC, transfer to a four-year school, maintain excellent grades/research/ECs, and crush the MCAT on top of that, you're a top applicant anywhere. The problem with looking at data on say, how many applicants at top schools are from CCs is that there's self-selection with the CC population as well. I'm not going to stand here and say that I think the academic ability of the CC population is equal to that of the Harvard study body. Due to this selection, you're not likely to have top students at CCs. The ones who choose to go to CC usually do so because of some other exigent factor. And these few are the ones who are going to get those high grades, crush the MCAT, and be high achievers who get into top medical schools.

The fact that a large chunk of top med school classes are filled with students from top undergrad schools doesn't necessarily mean that those they select using those schools as a factor. I can see how if you look it that way, it might seem that going to CCs kills your chances. But it's simply due to the fact that top students go to top undergrad colleges and get into top medical schools because they're just high achieving people. You can be high-achieving anywhere (though some places might be harder than others if you're lacking opportunity).

 

[libertyyne]

Several others have responded but I'll just add that many people don't have the convenience of choosing CC vs. four-year school and due to finances or other considerations have to go to CCs. Nobody, including top five schools, is going to ding you for that. If you go to CC, transfer to a four-year school, maintain excellent grades/research/ECs, and crush the MCAT on top of that, you're a top applicant anywhere. The problem with looking at data on say, how many applicants at top schools are from CCs is that there's self-selection with the CC population as well. I'm not going to stand here and say that I think the academic ability of the CC population is equal to that of the Harvard study body. Due to this selection, you're not likely to have top students at CCs. The ones who choose to go to CC usually do so because of some other exigent factor. And these few are the ones who are going to get those high grades, crush the MCAT, and be high achievers who get into top medical schools.

The fact that a large chunk of top med school classes are filled with students from top undergrad schools doesn't necessarily mean that those they select using those schools as a factor. I can see how if you look it that way, it might seem that going to CCs kills your chances. But it's simply due to the fact that top students go to top undergrad colleges and get into top medical schools because they're just high achieving people. You can be high-achieving anywhere (though some places might be harder than others if you're lacking opportunity).

There is adcom survey data that indicated they assign value to ug institutions.

 

[aldol16]

There is adcom survey data that indicated they assign value to ug institutions.

Top private schools assign some value to your undergraduate institution but it's of medium or low importance (I can't remember which). Survey methodology also comes into play here - were they given explicit choices or was it a free-response? Undergrad institution does not matter much because there are many many other factors that matter. For instance, here, https://www.aamc.org/download/261106/data/aibvol11_no6.pdf, undergrad, undergrad prestige didn't even make it onto the list.

As everybody else has already said, coming from a ****hole school doesn't exclude you for anything.

 

[libertyyne]

Top private schools assign some value to your undergraduate institution but it's of medium or low importance (I can't remember which). Survey methodology also comes into play here - were they given explicit choices or was it a free-response? Undergrad institution does not matter much because there are many many other factors that matter. For instance, here, https://www.aamc.org/download/261106/data/aibvol11_no6.pdf, undergrad, undergrad prestige didn't even make it onto the list.

As everybody else has already said, coming from a ****hole school doesn't exclude you for anything.

It makes it difficult though. Especially if you have the choice, going to better UG is a better call.