CC Transfer Plan?

[Pierson5]

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So I'll be transferring to a 4-year university in southern California next year. I will need to take Orgo and Physics. I will also try to get in some research experience as soon as I can.

I guess I'm looking for similar situations and how you guys have handled Junior year. Say I wanted to study/take the MCAT (as well as prepare a PS, get LOR's, etc...) in time to apply early in June. What would be a decent course load to go along with Orgo and physics?

I'm also curious as to what I should be doing the summer before I transfer. I was thinking about looking into summer programs, but I'm not quite sure how to go about it.

 

[FRONTLINE]

I'm assuming that you took majors level courses in Biology and Chemistry at a CC...

What is lacking in your transcript right now? You've got a few things going against you right now by taking Orgo and Physics at the same time. For most Premeds, these are two of the most difficult courses to take, but also some of the most important for the MCAT. With that being said, I personally would try to keep your load as light as possible, since you will also be studying for the MCAT (which is roughly the equivalent of taking another science course).

I would also start thinking about LORs now. Most Premeds who start and finish at 4 year universities have a longer time to impress/ make their mark with professors. Since you will essentially be starting over, it may be difficult to get a committee letter after just one semester at a new school. Do you have professors at your CC who would write something strong on your behalf in case of don't have time to achieve this at the new school?

As for this summer, the usual applies. Research, physician shadowing, etc. If you don't have an ECs yet, this will be them only summer you've got to strengthen your application in these areas. Since you'll be having a large course load this coming year, you might not have time to do these during the semesters. If you're still at the CC now, I suggest that you try and start shadowing now and continue throughout the summer.

If this all sounds like too much of a stretch, then taking a year off after the 4 year, and taking Orgo and physics on separate years is always an option too!

 

[Pierson5]

I'm assuming that you took majors level courses in Biology and Chemistry at a CC...

What is lacking in your transcript right now? You've got a few things going against you right now by taking Orgo and Physics at the same time. For most Premeds, these are two of the most difficult courses to take, but also some of the most important for the MCAT. With that being said, I personally would try to keep your load as light as possible, since you will also be studying for the MCAT (which is roughly the equivalent of taking another science course).

I would also start thinking about LORs now. Most Premeds who start and finish at 4 year universities have a longer time to impress/ make their mark with professors. Since you will essentially be starting over, it may be difficult to get a committee letter after just one semester at a new school. Do you have professors at your CC who would write something strong on your behalf in case of don't have time to achieve this at the new school?

As for this summer, the usual applies. Research, physician shadowing, etc. If you don't have an ECs yet, this will be them only summer you've got to strengthen your application in these areas. Since you'll be having a large course load this coming year, you might not have time to do these during the semesters. If you're still at the CC now, I suggest that you try and start shadowing now and continue throughout the summer.

If this all sounds like too much of a stretch, then taking a year off after the 4 year, and taking Orgo and physics on separate years is always an option too!

Those are the only things lacking from my transcript. I will have everything else taken care of by the time I transfer. I would be able to get a decent LOR from my Bio professor at the CC. As far as EC's go, I'll have a fair amount of community service and clinical experience. I don't have any shadowing, so I will need to start thinking about that. I would prefer not taking a year off, as I'm already 24 and feel like I've wasted enough time.

Thank you for the response, I appreciate it.