Community College science credits and SMP admissions

[Misled]

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To further stretch the CC vs. 4-year University debate, I was wondering:

Would taking the science pre-reqs at a CC (post-bacc) affect admissions into an SMP program?

I plan on starting to take the science pre-reqs for Med School this fall, but I am conflicted as to where I should take them. I live 5 minutes away from my local CC (great CC - College of the Desert in CA) and about an hour and twenty minutes away from the local CSU (UC admissions are closed, so it will have to be the CSU). The commute to and from the CSU will be draining - both on my wallet and on time, but I am willing to do it if I have to.

 

[DrMidlife]

If you can get into an SMP with credentials that are questionable for getting you into med school, does it matter if you get into the SMP?

My personal gauge on this: if you have a strong undergrad GPA, overall and in science, then you've already proven your academic mettle and you can take courses at a CC in relative safety. (But if your GPAs are strong, then you wouldn't be looking at an SMP.) If your application has weaknesses, then it is not in your best interest to cast doubt on your most important coursework (the prereqs).

Meanwhile, California is the worst state to try to nickel and dime your application assets, given the competitiveness of the UC med schools. I understand the annoyance of CA freeways and commuting (been there done that), but I encourage you to note that there are no SMPs in California, so you're moving regardless, and that you'd do well to consider moving out of California sooner than later. With a weak app you can't expect to get into a UC, and in another state like TX or FL you greatly increase your odds of getting into an inexpensive state school.

To summarize: think long term.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Misled]

Thank you for the quick response, DrMidlife.

You have given me advice prior to this post about moving out of California and I have been considering it ever since. I am just trying to weigh my options and pull as much information as I can in order to make a proper decision.

I haven't taken any of the science pre-reqs, and after I complete them I should be able to pull my GPA to just above a 3.48 (assuming a 3.7 science GPA). While I am taking my science courses, I fully intend on focusing on the material tested in the MCAT in hopes of destroying the test. I am aware that, even with a great MCAT score, a 3.48 is low for consideration into Med School - this is why I am thinking the SMP.

I know I will have to move for the SMP (I am thinking Georgetown), but i was hoping to do that when the time came. I know many MDs where I live, and they have agreed to help me out in any way to reach my goal of becoming a doctor (clinical experience, shadowing, letters of rec, etc.). It is this reason why I have been considering staying in California.

I was hoping to get the answer "SMP's don't care about the CC coursework if you do very well on the MCAT," but it looks like as though this isn't the case.

 

[DrJD]

Thank you for the quick response, DrMidlife.

You have given me advice prior to this post about moving out of California and I have been considering it ever since. I am just trying to weigh my options and pull as much information as I can in order to make a proper decision.

I haven't taken any of the science pre-reqs, and after I complete them I should be able to pull my GPA to just above a 3.48 (assuming a 3.7 science GPA). While I am taking my science courses, I fully intend on focusing on the material tested in the MCAT in hopes of destroying the test. I am aware that, even with a great MCAT score, a 3.48 is low for consideration into Med School - this is why I am thinking the SMP.

I know I will have to move for the SMP (I am thinking Georgetown), but i was hoping to do that when the time came. I know many MDs where I live, and they have agreed to help me out in any way to reach my goal of becoming a doctor (clinical experience, shadowing, letters of rec, etc.). It is this reason why I have been considering staying in California.

I was hoping to get the answer "SMP's don't care about the CC coursework if you do very well on the MCAT," but it looks like as though this isn't the case.

They generally care more about the grades than where you take them. I took mine at a CC and it wasn't a problem, and many of the people I know in the program took theirs at CC as well. So don't worry about it too much either way! But make sure you get A's!

Note: There are some who think that where you take the classes makes a big difference. Since there is no definitive source it is hard to say, but my opinion is it seems to matter more how well you do.

 

[DrMidlife]

Good math; I approve, fwiw.

Another alternative I forgot to mention: you could do your prereqs at a CC, and then follow with one or more terms at a 4yr, taking upper div science (biochem, physio, microbio etc).

If you get a 3.7+ across the prereqs and in some upper div sci, that's a fairly water-tight demonstration of your academic prowess.

Now, if you can really milk your contacts to round out your ECs, particularly if you can do some bench research and get your name on a paper, and if your GPA is really solid in your postbac, then I could see you not needing an SMP. I personally would not apply to a UC with a GPA under 3.7. But with a 3.5 and a solid package, you could set yourself up to be competitive at USC, the new Scripps school, and OOS private schools. I define "solid package" as "makes a middle-aged physician excited enough about you as a candidate to fight for you against other applicants in committee."

Hope this is helpful.

 

[Misled]

Good math; I approve, fwiw.

Another alternative I forgot to mention: you could do your prereqs at a CC, and then follow with one or more terms at a 4yr, taking upper div science (biochem, physio, microbio etc).

If you get a 3.7+ across the prereqs and in some upper div sci, that's a fairly water-tight demonstration of your academic prowess.

Now, if you can really milk your contacts to round out your ECs, particularly if you can do some bench research and get your name on a paper, and if your GPA is really solid in your postbac, then I could see you not needing an SMP. I personally would not apply to a UC with a GPA under 3.7. But with a 3.5 and a solid package, you could set yourself up to be competitive at USC, the new Scripps school, and OOS private schools. I define "solid package" as "makes a middle-aged physician excited enough about you as a candidate to fight for you against other applicants in committee."

Hope this is helpful.

Very helpful. Thank you.