Classes questions.

[YoursToKeep]

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So now that registering for the summer and next year are approaching, I have a few questions. Sorry if this ends up being long.

A medical school I want to apply to has a requirement of, "Biological Sciences: 12 semester hours". My college isn't on semester hours or credits (we have a really odd system). So I am guessing this comes out to be 3 Bio classes with labs? I have taken Intro Bio at my college for one semester (and I had a lab with it), but this semester none of the Bio classes would fit into my schedule, so I was hoping to take two in the summer. I found one Bio class that works with my schedule, but none of the other ones will. I was wondering if "Introduction to Biological Anthropology" would count as a Biological Science? The description is: An examination of human biological evolution and biodiversity in the light of data from biological anthropology.

Another question: I had to take a math class (Statistics) this semester for my major. Most med schools I want to apply to say 1 semester of Calculus or 2 semesters of other College Mathematics. At my college, Calculus Part 1 is a course but you do not receive credit for the first semester (I know, weird), so I was just going to take another math class so I can have the credit. Does it look bad if I take a math class like College Algebra or Finite Math? I can't afford (money and time wise) to take Calculus and not receive credit for it.

Thanks!

 

[lorenzomicron]

So now that registering for the summer and next year are approaching, I have a few questions. Sorry if this ends up being long.

A medical school I want to apply to has a requirement of, "Biological Sciences: 12 semester hours". My college isn't on semester hours or credits (we have a really odd system). So I am guessing this comes out to be 3 Bio classes with labs? I have taken Intro Bio at my college for one semester (and I had a lab with it), but this semester none of the Bio classes would fit into my schedule, so I was hoping to take two in the summer. I found one Bio class that works with my schedule, but none of the other ones will. I was wondering if "Introduction to Biological Anthropology" would count as a Biological Science? The description is: An examination of human biological evolution and biodiversity in the light of data from biological anthropology.

Another question: I had to take a math class (Statistics) this semester for my major. Most med schools I want to apply to say 1 semester of Calculus or 2 semesters of other College Mathematics. At my college, Calculus Part 1 is a course but you do not receive credit for the first semester (I know, weird), so I was just going to take another math class so I can have the credit. Does it look bad if I take a math class like College Algebra or Finite Math? I can't afford (money and time wise) to take Calculus and not receive credit for it.

Thanks!

Hey buddy, so basically, you do not need to take all three courses before starting medical school. You can do it after applying, since you have already done the pre-requisites. The anthro course will not count; you specifically need a course from the biology department.

You really should take calc 1; are you sure you do not receive credit? calc 1 is regarded as a medium-difficulty course, and thus if you can take it, but with no credit, does that also mean with no grade? look into it; it's impossible that you wouldnt get credit for it. maybe the one you don't get credit for is like pre-calc? also, college algebra and finite math really....arent adequate. they really are just high school basic math (9th and 10th grade at most). maybe, you can take more statistics? or perhaps you can take a proof-based course?

 

[YoursToKeep]

Hey buddy, so basically, you do not need to take all three courses before starting medical school. You can do it after applying, since you have already done the pre-requisites. The anthro course will not count; you specifically need a course from the biology department.

You really should take calc 1; are you sure you do not receive credit? calc 1 is regarded as a medium-difficulty course, and thus if you can take it, but with no credit, does that also mean with no grade? look into it; it's impossible that you wouldnt get credit for it. maybe the one you don't get credit for is like pre-calc? also, college algebra and finite math really....arent adequate. they really are just high school basic math (9th and 10th grade at most). maybe, you can take more statistics? or perhaps you can take a proof-based course?

Ok good to know about the Bio courses, but I wanted to take them all before I take the MCAT. I have to take the Bio courses in the summer because the next Bio class at my college doesn't fit into my schedule (Again! gah! They made the only Organic Chem class at the same time as the Bio class I need). I guess I will just have to figure something out.

I promise you I don't get credit for the first semester of Calc 1. It's crazy and I know a lot of students are upset about it. You have to take Calc 1 here (unless you have AP credit) to move onto the next semester of Calc 2 where you get a grade and credit. I can't fit it into my schedule, especially if I don't receive credit for it. I can't waste the time (graduating within my 4 years) or money (my college only allows 4 classes per a semester, and more than 4 is overloading, which costs a couple extra thousands dollars.)

 

[deuce924]

OP it sounds like you need to talk to a guidance counselor/pre-med advisor at your school and to the medical school you are interested in.

You definitely need to take the Bio and OChem Classes before you take the MCAT.