Community College for Post Bacc Courses

[StrawHatDMD]

Hey all,

I recently heard that medical schools look down on students that take courses at a community college. I was wondering if someone can confirm or deny this?

Thank you

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[Goro]

It's more urban legend amongst pre-meds. There are some schools that do look down, so always contact Admissions offices to find out their take. But on the whole, CC's can be as rigorous as any 4 year school.

What we do frown upon is your taking a very light course load, like 4 credits/semester. We've rejected people who've done that. After all, you need to show us that you can handle a heavy course load.

Hey all,

I recently heard that medical schools look down on students that take courses at a community college. I was wondering if someone can confirm or deny this?

Thank you

 

[pepes1lv1a]

It's more urban legend amongst pre-meds. There are some schools that do look down, so always contact Admissions offices to find out their take. But on the whole, CC's can be as rigorous as any 4 year school.

What we do frown upon is your taking a very light course load, like 4 credits/semester. We've rejected people who've done that. After all, you need to show us that you can handle a heavy course load.

Does this apply to applicants who work full-time as well? How about 8 credits per semester? I'm retaking as many classes as humanly possible but I'm daunted by the idea of taking 12 credits plus a 30-40 hour workweek.

 

[edgerock24]

Does this apply to applicants who work full-time as well? How about 8 credits per semester? I'm retaking as many classes as humanly possible but I'm daunted by the idea of taking 12 credits plus a 30-40 hour workweek.

Working (or volunteering) at least part time while taking 8 credits per semester is absolutely fine. Since you are retaking classes, I'm guessing you are applying DO only. You will have zero problems from DO schools accepting your credits/schedule as a heavy course and workload. Frankly, I think working and taking 8 science credits is tougher than most undergrads taking, for instance, 12 credits a semester or so and not working. Just make sure you try your best to do well in them.

 

[StrawHatDMD]

It's more urban legend amongst pre-meds. There are some schools that do look down, so always contact Admissions offices to find out their take. But on the whole, CC's can be as rigorous as any 4 year school.

What we do frown upon is your taking a very light course load, like 4 credits/semester. We've rejected people who've done that. After all, you need to show us that you can handle a heavy course load.

You said we. If you don't mind me asking, are you part of the admissions committee for a medical school and if so which one?

Also I am applying this summer for med school. In my year off, my plan was to take some advance classes at a community college (plus redoing a premed req or so) while doing an internship. Do you think that is something admissions counselors will look down on?

 

[Goro]

Yes, I've been an AdCom member for nearly 10 years. Where? Let's just say somewhere west of St Louis.

[Sheriff AL;13915682]You said we. If you don't mind me asking, are you part of the admissions committee for a medical school and if so which one?



Nope..I think your4 plans are fine.


Also I am applying this summer for med school. In my year off, my plan was to take some advance classes at a community college (plus redoing a premed req or so) while doing an internship. Do you think that is something admissions counselors will look down on

 

[maybemed2013]

I called NSU to tell them I am doing a post-bac at a local comm. college they told me it was okay.

 

[beethousand]

It's more urban legend amongst pre-meds. There are some schools that do look down, so always contact Admissions offices to find out their take. But on the whole, CC's can be as rigorous as any 4 year school.

What we do frown upon is your taking a very light course load, like 4 credits/semester. We've rejected people who've done that. After all, you need to show us that you can handle a heavy course load.

Good to know, is taking 12 credits of prereqs while doing 10-20 hrs of extracurriculars per week acceptable?

 

[CapCrunch]

I called NSU to tell them I am doing a post-bac at a local comm. college they told me it was okay.

I've called several schools (NYCOM, VCOM, LECOM, and also NSU) and they all said it was fine.

 

[Wanderlove]

I want to take post bacc prereqs at a community college to save money and commuting time, but it seems like I shouldn't bother applying to Case Western based on what their website says about community college classes. :/