Confused on required courses and what I have taken?

[RedMoss]

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I apologize if this thread seems redundant and I hope I am not breaking any forum rules in posting this but I am very confused on the requirements and what I have taken to date. Okay so I am sort of a non-trad (I in my senior year have decided to pursue an MD), and am not a STEM major. I am in my senior year of a Finance undergrad, currently have a 3.5 GPA (which I plan to increase significantly even if it means retaking courses). I know most medical schools require something sillier to the req's listed on here (From Baylor School of Medicine)

• Math (3-4 semester hours) - Biostatistics (preferred), but any course with quantitative math. Examples: statistics, physics, calculus
• Expository Writing (3-4 semester hours)*
• Humanities-Social/Behavioral Sciences (12 semester hours) Examples: psychology, sociology, anthropology, foreign languages, ethics, philosophy, theology, literature, art history
• Organic Chemistry (2 semesters; 6-8 semester hours) - lab is NOT required
• Biochemistry (3-4 semester hours) - lab is NOT required
• Advanced Biology (3-4 semester hours) - lab is NOT required. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: genetics, cell/molecular biology
• RECOMMENDED: Spanish

For math I have taken College Algebra, Finite Math, Business calculus, and Business Statistics, so would I possibly need to take Calculus I and Calculus II to make my self more competitive?

My second question is, As a non-STEM major what can I do now to make myself a more competitive candidate for medical school applications? I currently volunteer and my neighborhood organization and at my local children museum, if hat matter.

 

[cactusman]

You will only be helped by calc at schools which have a calc req (I think many/most of these would accept business stats, and it's an increasingly rare requirement). I'm guessing since you used Baylor as an example that you're from TX, which means it will be difficult to go OOS unless you're really phenomenal because TX applicants tend to stay in state for cost and other reasons. You'd probably be good with business stats for stats reqs, but I think some TX schools require math reqs to be fulfilled by courses taken through the math department, so check that out.

Don't retake any courses with above a C-. Do try to increase GPA, 3.5 is low but alright, if you're actually from TX it's particularly low. You don't need to bother with things that aren't recommended to be competitive, but look at all schools you'll maybe consider to get an idea (again, if you're from TX, then mostly IS).

 

[RedMoss]

You will only be helped by calc at schools which have a calc req (I think many/most of these would accept business stats, and it's an increasingly rare requirement). I'm guessing since you used Baylor as an example that you're from TX, which means it will be difficult to go OOS unless you're really phenomenal because TX applicants tend to stay in state for cost and other reasons. You'd probably be good with business stats for stats reqs, but I think some TX schools require math reqs to be fulfilled by courses taken through the math department, so check that out.

For retake any courses with above a C-. Do try to increase GPA, 3.5 is low but alright, if you're actually from TX it's particularly low. You don't need to bother with things that aren't recommended to be competitive, but look at all schools you'll maybe consider to get an idea (again, if you're from TX, then mostly IS).

Thanks Cactusman,
Yeah I'm from Texas (Houston) and I was only using Baylor as an example. Currently I am looking at UT-Houston or A&M as my choice schools. Currently I'm planning on retaking only a few courses I got B's in and getting A's on a majority of my next 30+ hours. With any luck I'll be at a 3.7 or 3.8 by graduation. I have no plans to OOS at the moment, my biggest concern is not being STEM so I'm trying to cover all my bases.

 

[happyducky]

some schools have a physics requirement, so double check for that too. i don't think you need to worry about calc 1 & 2, unless it's a pre-req for physics or something.

 

[RedMoss]

Does it look bad to retake courses higher than a C? Or do you all see no point in it? I'm only considering it now as a gpa booster.

 

[cactusman]

Does it look bad to retake courses higher than a C? Or do you all see no point in it? I'm only considering it now as a gpa booster.

Yes, looks bad and doesn't tell the adcom nearly as much about your abilities as doing well in upper-level science courses. Adcoms don't just look at GPA, they want to see that your GPA demonstrates the ability to succeed in med school.

 

[michaeluad]

You need to prep and do well on MCAT and show sufficient volunteering and community service.

 

[cloudstrife2054]

Virtually all medical schools require the same basic prerequisites at most.
1 year of biology with lab
1 year of physics with lab
2 years of chemistry (general and organic) with lab

Some don't even require any courses. That's because they have the MCAT to test your understanding of the material. Keep in mind while the school may not require it, it may raise an eyebrow amongst adcoms if you do not take upper division courses related to biology and medicine such as microbiology, physiology, and anatomy. Keep this mind this is subjective amongst each person on adcoms.

 

[cloudstrife2054]

That isnt quite correct. While schools may not have specific required courses, virtually all will still expect significant coursework in the sciences.

see Einstein Medical School which has an excellent explanation on this
Course Requirements | M.D. Admissions | Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Suggested Minimum Credit Hours and Experience

• In our experience, the above Knowledge Competencies are most successfully attained by applicants who have had a minimum of three years of study toward a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada as well as 40 credit hours of science and mathematics, including advanced biology courses for which letter grades are available (not Pass/Fail, unless college policy), 40 credit hours of humanities and social sciences, and substantial experience in clinical, community, and/or research activities (as described above). Students who complete their science course work in a post-baccalaureate program must have completed at least 30 credit hours in a U.S.-chartered college or university whose grades can be reported and verified by AMCAS.

San Diego does not require any, they just "recommend" courses. Like I said, even though some may not "require" them, not taking upper divsion courses that relate to medicine may raise an eyebrow or two.

 

[Goro]

I apologize if this thread seems redundant and I hope I am not breaking any forum rules in posting this but I am very confused on the requirements and what I have taken to date. Okay so I am sort of a non-trad (I in my senior year have decided to pursue an MD), and am not a STEM major. I am in my senior year of a Finance undergrad, currently have a 3.5 GPA (which I plan to increase significantly even if it means retaking courses). I know most medical schools require something sillier to the req's listed on here (From Baylor School of Medicine)

• Math (3-4 semester hours) - Biostatistics (preferred), but any course with quantitative math. Examples: statistics, physics, calculus
• Expository Writing (3-4 semester hours)*
• Humanities-Social/Behavioral Sciences (12 semester hours) Examples: psychology, sociology, anthropology, foreign languages, ethics, philosophy, theology, literature, art history
• Organic Chemistry (2 semesters; 6-8 semester hours) - lab is NOT required
• Biochemistry (3-4 semester hours) - lab is NOT required
• Advanced Biology (3-4 semester hours) - lab is NOT required. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: genetics, cell/molecular biology
• RECOMMENDED: Spanish

For math I have taken College Algebra, Finite Math, Business calculus, and Business Statistics, so would I possibly need to take Calculus I and Calculus II to make my self more competitive?

My second question is, As a non-STEM major what can I do now to make myself a more competitive candidate for medical school applications? I currently volunteer and my neighborhood organization and at my local children museum, if hat matter.

Do well in your coursework, MCAT and service to others. Being a non-STEM major, you already stand out in a sea of Biology majors.

 

[cloudstrife2054]

Adding to what Goro said, "standing out" is a subjective term. You can stand out in a good or bad way. It really depends on the adcom's preference. You cannot do a thing about that either as it is also subjective. But in reality, the written application, including letters, are the most telling about you.

Regarding what I said earlier about some not even "requiring" any classes, you are basically screwed if you do not take upper division science classes because you need 2 letters from science professors to attest to your interest in science as well as your academic qualities. The rule for that is an upper division science class where you got an A- or higher. So while most schools "recommend" upper division science courses, take them because you need science professors to write your letters.

 

[Mednight]

Where is General Chemistry and your lower level Bio's?


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[cloudstrife2054]

Where is General Chemistry and your lower level Bio's?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Doesn't matter. UD biology classes typically require LD biology classes. Ochem requires gen chem. They're basically implied because they come as a package deal.

 

[RedMoss]

And what I am saying that the "no required classes" is misleading to many students. Virtually every school that does not have a specific set of prerequisite courses but has a list of competencies and/or recommended coursework. So still having some 30-40 credits in BCPM or related courses is expected,

Coursework Recommendations

It is recommended that students enter medical school after four years of undergraduate study; the absolute minimum requirement is attendance for three academic years at an accredited college of arts and sciences, with at least one full year at an accredited 4-year institution in the United States. Students who have attended a foreign school must have completed at least one year of study at a four-year college in the United States (undergraduate or graduate level) prior to applying.

Application Process - Admissions, School of Medicine, UCSD
UCSD does not have requirements regarding coursework that must be completed. The following courses are recommended to make our evaluation of your application easier, and to better prepare you for the MCAT and for medical school:

• One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) of college-level Biology
• One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) of college-level General Chemistry
• One term (1 semester or 1 quarter) of college-level Biochemistry
• One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) of college-level Organic Chemistry.
• One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) of college-level Physics.
• One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) of college-level Calculus or Statistics
• Laboratory coursework for all courses that offer corresponding labs.

Right. I to date have only completed General Biology, Microbiology, and Anatomy and Physiology (and with A's in all three). I will still need to complete all these additional courses (with A's in all) which will add another few years to my undergrad, but I am fully committed to accomplishing this and doing whatever it takes.

Yes, looks bad and doesn't tell the adcom nearly as much about your abilities as doing well in upper-level science courses. Adcoms don't just look at GPA, they want to see that your GPA demonstrates the ability to succeed in med school.

I forgot to mention yesterday that the few courses I want to retake are all business courses, not science. Should I still avoid retaking them?

 

[gyngyn]

I forgot to mention yesterday that the few courses I want to retake are all business courses, not science. Should I still avoid retaking them?

What is your motivation for repeating them?

 

[RedMoss]

What is your motivation for repeating them?

I just want to turn them into A's. I took these courses my freshman and sophomore year of college and It just annoys me to look at them and knowing full well I could've applied myself a bit more, worked less hours (I was working full time back then), and did better. I guess it was more of an issue of pride before I decided to attempt to pursue an MD, but now I want to do anything to improve my chances of getting into medical school (if retaking them will not make me look bad).

 

[gyngyn]

I just want to turn them into A's. I took these courses my freshman and sophomore year of college and It just annoys me to look at them and knowing full well I could've applied myself a bit more, worked less hours (I was working full time back then), and did better. I guess it was more of an issue of pride before I decided to attempt to pursue an MD, but now I want to do anything to improve my chances of getting into medical school (if retaking them will not make me look bad).

No one cares but you. Don't do it.

 

[RedMoss]

No one cares but you. Don't do it.

Well speaking on the fact that I am a non-STEM finance major, what GPA range should I work towards? I am currently just over a 3.5 and that is what worries me the most. I will work to get A's on all my science prerequisites for sure.

 

[gyngyn]

Well speaking on the fact that I am a non-STEM finance major, what GPA range should I work towards? I am currently just over a 3.5 and that is what worries me the most. I will work to get A's on all my science prerequisites for sure.

Trend is very important. Focus on that.

 

[Goro]

Just to simplify, if a med school says "these courses are recommended", one should treat them as required.

And what I am saying that the "no required classes" is misleading to many students. Virtually every school that does not have a specific set of prerequisite courses but has a list of competencies and/or recommended coursework. So still having some 30-40 credits in BCPM or related courses is expected,

Coursework Recommendations

It is recommended that students enter medical school after four years of undergraduate study; the absolute minimum requirement is attendance for three academic years at an accredited college of arts and sciences, with at least one full year at an accredited 4-year institution in the United States. Students who have attended a foreign school must have completed at least one year of study at a four-year college in the United States (undergraduate or graduate level) prior to applying.

Application Process - Admissions, School of Medicine, UCSD
UCSD does not have requirements regarding coursework that must be completed. The following courses are recommended to make our evaluation of your application easier, and to better prepare you for the MCAT and for medical school:

• One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) of college-level Biology
• One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) of college-level General Chemistry
• One term (1 semester or 1 quarter) of college-level Biochemistry
• One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) of college-level Organic Chemistry.
• One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) of college-level Physics.
• One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) of college-level Calculus or Statistics
• Laboratory coursework for all courses that offer corresponding labs.