CC vs. University

[maaza1]

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Hi, alot of people have been saying that med schools don't like it when you take pre-reqs in Community colleges. I was wondering why? My community college is so much more convenient for me because there's a small class size, closer to my house, and it's cheaper. Although I'm not able to do research at the moment, I think I would be able to do it when I transfer to a university with my associates. Oh, and I've already completed my freshman year; I'm a "rising sophmore."

 

[bomgd3]

Because CC's tend to be easier.

 

[honker]

Despite a lot of politically correct pronouncements about the undergrad institution not mattering more than the grades you get, it is my opinion that adcoms do take into account the academic reputation of the institution where course work is undertaken to a significant degree, especially at the top drawer schools.

 

[maaza1]

Despite a lot of politically correct pronouncements about the undergrad institution not mattering more than the grades you get, it is my opinion that adcoms do take into account the academic reputation of the institution where course work is undertaken to a significant degree, especially at the top drawer schools.

my CC was the first CC to get TIME magazine/The Princeton Review "College of the Year" in 2001. would that suffice?

 

[clifftacopter]

my CC was the first CC to get TIME magazine/The Princeton Review "College of the Year" in 2001. would that suffice?

Probably not. Do your premed coursework at a four-year institution. You'll set yourself at a significant disadvantage otherwise. If your CC really is one of the top CCs in the nation, then you should be adequately prepared for your transition to a four-year and it shouldn't be a problem doing well at a university.

 

[ATB Pre Med]

Well, my mentor recently told me it shouldn't be too bad i you take classes at a cc, as long as you do good in the courses, and pass the MCAT. Of course it better to go to a university or a 4 year college, but when push comes to shove, it's all the same info. Just do well in your classes, and Do VERY well on the MCAT, and it'll outweigh the CC situation. But my CC just recently, as in this month, transitioned to a 4 year state college. SCF (State College of Florida).

 

[TehDoc]

Nothing wrong with it, just stay a couple of years at a university as well.

 

[maaza1]

Thanks for your help, I think I'll finish my associates in my current community college, and hopefully do well on the MCAT in two years when I transfer to a four year university *crosses fingers* . I don't have a choice to go to a four year university at this point anyhow ( distance + other stuff).

 

[ATB Pre Med]

Thanks for your help, I think I'll finish my associates in my current community college, and hopefully do well on the MCAT in two years when I transfer to a four year university *crosses fingers* . I don't have a choice to go to a four year university at this point anyhow ( distance + other stuff).

You'll be fine. Don't worry. Just work hard.👍

 

[packofneurons]

Out of curiosity, how does the AMCAS calculate CC GPA? Does it factor in regularly?

 

[JonathanMD]

Despite a lot of politically correct pronouncements about the undergrad institution not mattering more than the grades you get, it is my opinion that adcoms do take into account the academic reputation of the institution where course work is undertaken to a significant degree, especially at the top drawer schools.

I agree on principle. But I think the disparity between CC's vs. Universities and Normal Universities vs. Ivy League is much greater, for example.

In other words:

CC <<< Normal University < Ivy League


edit: On the other hand, if you have a 4.0, it's hard to argue your qualifications regardless of school. I think it most comes into play when you're a borderline candidate and there are others with similar stats. The others will get the nod over you.

 

[Van Chowder]

Well, my mentor recently told me it shouldn't be too bad i you take classes at a cc, as long as you do good in the courses, and pass the MCAT. Of course it better to go to a university or a 4 year college, but when push comes to shove, it's all the same info. Just do well in your classes, and Do VERY well on the MCAT, and it'll outweigh the CC situation. But my CC just recently, as in this month, transitioned to a 4 year state college. SCF (State College of Florida).

That is correct. There actually was an article written on this very same topic on SDN not long ago. Check it out. It basically says that as long as you have a competitive MCAT score schools will not tend to care about the CC work, as the MCAT is the balancing factor for grade inflation/deflation ; to an extent.

Out of curiosity, how does the AMCAS calculate CC GPA? Does it factor in regularly?

Yes.