Computer science/math major, returning to school to take premed classes

[sergrach]

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Hi,

I majored in Computer Science/Mathematics at a state university and received a GPA of 3.682. I graduated in May and I am currently working as a programmer. I am interested in returning to school in the fall to take premed courses (Bio 1,2, Orgo 1,2, Physics 2).

In terms of volunteer experience, I am going to look for a volunteering job at a local hospital, or maybe try become an EMT.

I have not taken the MCAT's yet, but hopefully I will get a high score. Do you think I should study for MCAT's while I take Orgo/Bio, or wait until after? I would like to start med school in 2013 if possible. Do you think that is a feasible timeframe?

Assuming I get good MCAT scores, what tier of medical school do you think I could get into? Do you think my lack of bio classes/research experience would hurt my application?

Thank you in advance for your response.

-Mike

 

[BHaus9]

Hi,

I majored in Computer Science/Mathematics at a state university and received a GPA of 3.682. I graduated in May and I am currently working as a programmer. I am interested in returning to school in the fall to take premed courses (Bio 1,2, Orgo 1,2, Physics 2).

In terms of volunteer experience, I am going to look for a volunteering job at a local hospital, or maybe try become an EMT.

I have not taken the MCAT's yet, but hopefully I will get a high score. Do you think I should study for MCAT's while I take Orgo/Bio, or wait until after? I would like to start med school in 2013 if possible. Do you think that is a feasible timeframe?

Assuming I get good MCAT scores, what tier of medical school do you think I could get into? Do you think my lack of bio classes/research experience would hurt my application?

Thank you in advance for your response.

-Mike

At this point it is impossible for you to enroll in medical school in 2013, as applications are typically submitted one full year prior to matriculation. Even if you had already completed all official requirements (and unofficial requirements, such as shadowing / volunteer work) by this point, you'd be gambling by waiting any longer to submit. Obviously that's not plausible for you.

Provided you can complete all your prerequisites within the next academic year (I'm assuming you've already taken 2 semester of gen chem?) then it would be advisable to take the MCAT early next summer and submit your primary application (for admission into the incoming class of 2014) around the same time. You could start to study for the MCAT toward the back half of your final term (i.e. spring, when you are hopefully taking your last science prereqs), but I think attempting to study prior to that would be futile, because MCAT prep materials are designed more to provide a review and less to instruct someone with an inconsiderable background in relevant coursework.

Your non-bio background should not hurt you in the least provided you perform well in your science prerequisites. Ultimately, your chances will depend on your post-baccalaureate GPA (which will incorporate the untaken pre-reqs) and your MCAT score, neither of which is available yet. Provided you achieve a ~30 MCAT and your GPA remains around a 3.7, you should have a solid shot at mid-tier schools, but trying to gauge anything at this point is like booking a wedding after the first date.

In closing, I'll say 2014 would the absolute soonest you could possibly matriculate, but for the sake of optimizing your chances (e.g. by allowing ample time for study, MCAT prep, and volunteer work), and also to give you opportunity to test and validate your commitment to medical study, it would be advisable to take more time. It's not what people want to hear, but it would be healthy to wait 2 years or so before you apply.

 

[boshtrich]

Starting in 2013 would mean applying right now, so that wouldn't be possible. For volunteer experience, it would probably be better to just volunteer at a hospital. Getting an EMT requires additional classes, and does not come with the promise of a job right after you finish. While it is a great option for people planning on applying several years after getting trained, it's probably not the best option for you. A lack of research could hurt you, and will likely rule you out for many research-heavy schools, but it's not going to break your application. Not having many bio classes will not be important. As BHaus said, predicting what tier school you could get into, or even if you will get in anywhere, is not feasible. That said, you have a good start and should be a strong applicant if you do well in the bio classes and the MCAT. Good luck!