Classes or Work or Both?!

[Frosty808]

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Hi there,

I won't make this too complicated, here my summary:

- pre-reqs from 2006 to 2010 (15 to 11 years, respectively)
- took higher level courses 2010 to 2016
- thesis took 2 years to finish (oooh health/family problems)
- I already have a BS Bio and MSc in Biomedical degree (over 100 or so credits)
- planning to take MCAT early June 2021
- planning to apply July 2022 to matriculate 2022

The MSc degree DID NOT INCLUDE the basic pre-reqs:
chemistry
physics
ochem
gen bio (but my higher MSc included cell bio, embryology, biochemistry etc)

Question:
I know some schools require those four pre-requisite classes to be within 5 years so should I take more classes to show upward trend?

Thanks!
AL

 

[swimwreck]

I am assuming your BS in Bio included the basic pre reqs of chemistry, physics, ochem and gen bio. If it did, and you did well in those courses, I wouldn't recommend taking them again. You probably could take upper level bio and chemistry courses to show med schools that you can handle coursework after being out of school for 5 or so years. I've called/emailed the schools I plan on applying to, and none of them said past coursework would expire. I have seen a school that said pre reqs expire after 10 years for them, but I can't remember which school.

Are you planning on applying in July 2022 or 2021? Because there is no way you can apply in July and matriculate in July/August of the same year.

Also, do you have any shadowing/volunteering/clinical experiences?

 

[Calizboosted76]

So we need more information. However I will give a stab at this.

You need to do the research and see which schools want prereqs to be completed when. A decent amount of schools will take prereqs from 7-10 years ago.

Also as @swimwreck has said, you will not be able to matriculate in 2022 if you are applying in 2022.

 

[Frosty808]

I am assuming your BS in Bio included the basic pre reqs of chemistry, physics, ochem and gen bio. If it did, and you did well in those courses, I wouldn't recommend taking them again. You probably could take upper level bio and chemistry courses to show med schools that you can handle coursework after being out of school for 5 or so years. I've called/emailed the schools I plan on applying to, and none of them said past coursework would expire. I have seen a school that said pre reqs expire after 10 years for them, but I can't remember which school.

Are you planning on applying in July 2022 or 2021? Because there is no way you can apply in July and matriculate in July/August of the same year.

Also, do you have any shadowing/volunteering/clinical experiences?

Hi Swimwreck,
Yes, I did pre-reqs from 2006 to 2010 (mostly Bs) with higher science courses 2012 to 2016, though the higher science courses were mostly Bs. During these two degrees, I was trying to "settle" in another science career since I never thought I was too smart (imposter syndrome seems to be a dark cloud that follows me).

I guess I do want to retake courses though I do have 216 units under my belt. I am sorry I realized my typo... I meant to apply this July but yes, I'm pushing for 515 MCAT and use my Fee Assistant discount *expires this year anyway* I think I have a decent "shot" at DO schools. I DO ANTICIPATE I will be a reapplicant but I'm thinking my Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 could've gone towards taking post bacc courses for reapplying Spring 2022 instead of working 🤔 That being said, I will reapply for Fee Assistant Program Again... I lost my job (again) due to COVID-19... *Sigh*

From my understanding, if you apply 2022 for DO schools (applications end Jan to March 2022) you can start July/August 2022 (if they accept you).

For Clinicals:
I have over 12 years' working a hospice, two years nursing home volunteer, and a co-operation's manager (six months contract) and also worked in a clinic over a year or so I have about... uhhh at least minimum 10,000 hours or so hours. This is just a guess, what is an estimate for 12 years? I gotta go calculate but it'll still be rounded number.

For Shadowing (in person now virtual): 156.25 hours

For Shadowing ("virtual"): 60 hours

One publication and 3 research acknowledgments

2 Summer Science Internships (back in 2010 and 2012)
2 Research Assistant Employment (2013 to 2014)

Baah, I guess I'll need to make an excel and email all schools in the United States...I wish we had MSAR keep track of this.... *sigh*