CC credit

[swivelj]

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First time poster with a quick question for all the non-trad gurus.

I currently have a degree in medical laboratory science and have taken most of the pre- reqs besides O-Chem II and Physics 1& 2.

Plan is to retake GenChem 1& 2 and take Physics 1& 2 for the first time this fall and spring. I will then take O-chem 1&2 in the summer.

My question is how will adcoms feel about this if these credits will come from a CC?
Also is the fact that they will be in 8 unit semesters downplay any A's I receive?
Is this plan **** rotten in you mind?

Thanks advance!

 

[Deekle]

What was your GPA?


Generally speaking I use my own case to advise people based on my own experience. I got an associates at a CC prior to transfer to a four year school. Many of my pre-reqs were done at CC. I took lots of upper level science at the four year. I also live in and attend medical school in Il, which has standardization between its CC's and Universities which results in some good reciprocity.

If you can document good upper level science experience at a four year, I wouldn't worry about the CC credits so much. The fact that you want to re-take gen chem tells me that maybe you didn't do so hot back when.

You can still do CC, but it's risky. If it's your only option, then that's what you do and you go in, get all A's and be prepared to explain why it was your only option. It's always better to have all of your stuff from a four year. Sometimee that's just not possible.

If you can do it, do the four year school route. It will make things smoother. You run lest risk of having to postbac/smp/DO/Carribbean later if you get rejected.


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[swivelj]

My current GPA is 3.63. The first 2 years ended with a 3.4 trending to the 3.63. I actually made a B in both gen chems. The problem is I had a two year break in the middle of finishing my degree so I took Gen chem in 2006-2007.

At $50 a credit hour I thought it would be wise to retake in order to shake the cobwebs off for the MCAT, and I would also like to master the material this time....not sure if that is possible at this particular CC.

I did manage A's in Immuno, Micro, and Animal Phys 1&2......C in biochem (was my first class back after 2 year break...not wise)

I have a 3.8 n 54 hrs of my medical technology course load which was also done in ten straight lecture months...along with a 6 month clinical rotation at a children's hospital. That is all the upper level science I have to speak of however....

Kinda feel that even though my courses in MLS aren't common knowledge to alot of people they were def at the upper range of difficult.

CC is kinda my only option at this point with $, driving distance, and working full time.

Great advice thanks for the insight

 

[Deekle]

Yeah, your GPA is good (better than mine) and your reasons for wanting to retake are valid. Just make sure you get A's.

It's also been suggested here many times that you call some schools you are interested in attending and ask what they think about your situation and how they would feel about CC credits. That might give you a better idea about your particular situation.


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[swivelj]

once again great advice.... def will call all my state schools and get their opinions about this.

If you dont mind me asking what was your mcat score, and also what else about your app or interview do you feel set you apart from the field?

 

[Deekle]

My case was quite different from most. I had a sub 1.5 freshman GPA (It was 1.27 or 1.37, I can't remember which right now). I took a long break from college (8 years) and came back and started fresh. I ended with a 3.4 cGPA. My MCAT was right at average (28O). I know I had stellar letters of recommendation from great sources, and lots and lots of life experience from spending time overseas with missionary parents and 5 years in the Navy. My EC's were good and I juggled everything well while working 50 hours a week, taking 18 credit hours of class and volunteering 10 hours a week. I only applied to 4 schools and only sent secondaries to 2 (Don't do that, I only now realize how incredibly lucky I was to get into my top school.) If I could give you any advise it would be to know yourself and your strengths. Turn every perceived negative into a positive if you can. At the very least you can take ownership of your failures and show that you have learned from them. Be passionate about your goals and have a desire to learn that is second to none.

 

[lovesfall]

I had to take CC for my prereqs as a postbac because it was all I could afford and the only place that fit my work schedule (full time+ employed).

I just applied this year and I'm a little nervous but we'll see. If I don't get in this year I suspect it will be because of a lack of upper level sciences which I am currently taking. I've initiated conversations with the admissions boards of all the schools I'm interested in starting back when I first began taking prereqs. All have said that they either accept them or grudgingly accept them. My hope is that a strong showing in CC courses will earn you some credit. It might not be the same as an A in the class at a 4-year university (because in many cases, CC classes are easier), but at least it will show that you excelled with what you were given and would have done reasonably well at a 4-year equivalent.

Ultimately, I get a little grumpy over the school's stated requirements and what they actually accept. In my mind, they shouldn't say that they accept community college credit and certain minimum prereqs if those who complete those aren't competitive for the slots.

 

[swivelj]

deekle... you have a pretty interesting story and im sure it made for an even better app and interview.

I like your outlook on this process...seems like I will be pretty average in all my app except having work experience in healthcare....so i guess blowing away the mcat would be my only real trump...

I agree if your going to frown on CC credits then why accept them at all? Im guessing it has more to do with the business side? By that I mean not turning away potential profit.

 

[Deekle]

Don't think of it as "frowning upon". Think of it like this: You belly up to the bar and you can have either a Natty Ice or you can have a nice Belgian brew. Both will "get the job done" but the good beer leaves a better taste in your mouth afterwards. If you need a non-alcoholic analogy, try stink weed generic coffee vs. your favorite starbucks beverage.

History has taught these folks that the CC route produces a worse taste more of the time. Your job as a non trad with CC credits is to convince them that you will be the best daggum beer/(coffee) they have ever had. Enthusiasm, intelligence and persistence in your studies will help get that done.


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