Decided to go Premed halfway through undergraduate career

[Ratio121]

Hi there,

Only now have I decided to go premed. With two years remaining, it is very unlikely I will be able to complete my admission requirements before graduating (mainly biology lab and physics).

What are the sources or Google keywords I should look into to learn more about my choices after graduation?

Thanks a bunch,
KT

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[freakingoutabit]

The term you're looking for is "post-bacc" (short for post-baccalaureate). You can take classes as a non-degree seeking student at your university or local community college, or you can enroll in a specialized pre-med post-bacc program. I recommend taking the classes on your own.

Because you've got 2 years, though, I would try my damndest to finish the pre-reqs before you graduate, even if it means taking summer classes or graduating a semester late. Financial aid is much better for bachelor's degree students, and bachelor's degree students usually get registration priority over non-degree seeking students.

 

[rfvbnmju]

Because you've got 2 years, though, I would try my damndest to finish the pre-reqs before you graduate, even if it means taking summer classes or graduating a semester late. Financial aid is much better for bachelor's degree students, and bachelor's degree students usually get registration priority over non-degree seeking students.

Yes this is very true. Non degree seeking students have to pay full tuition for classes. 🙁

Sent from my phone.

 

[NCOldie]

The term you're looking for is "post-bacc" (short for post-baccalaureate). You can take classes as a non-degree seeking student at your university or local community college, or you can enroll in a specialized pre-med post-bacc program. I recommend taking the classes on your own.

Because you've got 2 years, though, I would try my damndest to finish the pre-reqs before you graduate, even if it means taking summer classes or graduating a semester late. Financial aid is much better for bachelor's degree students, and bachelor's degree students usually get registration priority over non-degree seeking students.

This. Absolutely.
2 years is plenty of time to finish your pre-reqs. Do it while you're still an undergrad.

 

[SN12357]

This. Absolutely.
2 years is plenty of time to finish your pre-reqs. Do it while you're still an undergrad.

It's not necessarily enough time depending on how many classes remain for their degree.

But if you can get *most* of them in, then look up extension schools where it's fairly straightforward to register for a handful of prereq classes. It'll be easiest and cheapest to finish out the prereqs that way.

 

[Ratio121]

Cheese and rice ! Thank you guys for all the helpful responses.

But you guys just gave me an idea. What if I were to put off a few of my required courses to graduate to extend my stay at my university? My only issue is that I would be a 5th year and people say that does not look great.

 

[SN12357]

Cheese and rice ! Thank you guys for all the helpful responses.

But you guys just gave me an idea. What if I were to put off a few of my required courses to graduate to extend my stay at my university? My only issue is that I would be a 5th year and people say that does not look great.

Nothing wrong with a fifth year, especially if you keep up or add in ECs.

However, depending on where you are, it won't necessarily be cheaper. Evaluate your options closely, because it will depend on where you are in the country and what your options are for taking classes outside a degree program.

My evening post-bacc courses were much cheaper than staying in school an extra semester, but I was at an expensive private school for undergrad. If you are already at a state school the situation might be different. You also have to factor in availability of the courses to degree or non-degree students.

No one here can give you infallible advice, you need to evaluate your job prospects after graduation, whether or not you can move, and the availability of post-bacc programs where you want or need to live.

 

[freakingoutabit]

Cheese and rice ! Thank you guys for all the helpful responses.

But you guys just gave me an idea. What if I were to put off a few of my required courses to graduate to extend my stay at my university? My only issue is that I would be a 5th year and people say that does not look great.

I would do that. Not all 5th year seniors are created equal. It would be one thing if you took an extra year to graduate because you had a pattern of withdrawing from classes, but taking an extra year because you decided to go to med school is completely reasonable and understandable.

 

[NCOldie]

It's not necessarily enough time depending on how many classes remain for their degree.

But if you can get *most* of them in, then look up extension schools where it's fairly straightforward to register for a handful of prereq classes. It'll be easiest and cheapest to finish out the prereqs that way.

The OP only has Biology and Physics left. It's absolutely possible to finish the degree and these courses in two years and do well.

Good luck, OP!

 

[SN12357]

The OP only has Biology and Physics left. It's absolutely possible to finish the degree and these courses in two years and do well.

Good luck, OP!

Well, the OP can clarify, but from the wording of their post it's possible that those two are the ones that are likely to still be remaining, after shoving in the rest.

In my undergrad career I had zero elective space my final two years, the product of deciding my concentrations late. Every one of my courses those two years went towards my majors.

Either way the OP has plenty of options, they don't need to risk their grades rushing everything if they don't want to.

 

[SunsFun]

Cheese and rice ! Thank you guys for all the helpful responses.

But you guys just gave me an idea. What if I were to put off a few of my required courses to graduate to extend my stay at my university? My only issue is that I would be a 5th year and people say that does not look great.

As others have said 5th year because you changed the career track will not hurt you. Also as an undergrad you will have easier time participating in all of the things needed for med school: research, ECs, community service, clinical volunteering. There are premed organizations at most universities that can help you get involved.

 

[Ratio121]

Thank you everyone for your input and kind wishes.

Finishing in 4-years is a bit of a push for me and could put my grades at risk.

For those that are curious here's my required "To-Do List" :

• I still have to finish 2 more biology prerequisites. Only then I would be able to work towards completing the 1 year of biology lab for some of the medical schools I am looking at.
• Finish the rest of my Ochem series + 2 Labs
• 3 GE's
• Classes for my Major (~10)
• Physics + Lab
  
  **Quarter system**

I know many of you said I could justify an extra year due to a change in career interests (wanted to be a science teacher). But would staying a 5th to get an undergraduate certificate in Medical Anthropology be just as significant? The certification only requires 4 anthro classes, but I feel like I would be wasting my time since this is purely out of personal interests and I already have many things to do.

 

[StephanieZ]

Thank you everyone for your input and kind wishes.

Finishing in 4-years is a bit of a push for me and could put my grades at risk.

For those that are curious here's my required "To-Do List" :

• I still have to finish 2 more biology prerequisites. Only then I would be able to work towards completing the 1 year of biology lab for some of the medical schools I am looking at.
• Finish the rest of my Ochem series + 2 Labs
• 3 GE's
• Classes for my Major (~10)
• Physics + Lab
  
  **Quarter system**

I know many of you said I could justify an extra year due to a change in career interests (wanted to be a science teacher). But would staying a 5th to get an undergraduate certificate in Medical Anthropology be just as significant? The certification only requires 4 anthro classes, but I feel like I would be wasting my time since this is purely out of personal interests and I already have many things to do.

Is the medical anthro a minor? I wouldn't do it, I don't think that having a minor really affects your admissions chances, and you are already stretching it trying to finish.

 

[Ratio121]

Is the medical anthro a minor? I wouldn't do it, I don't think that having a minor really affects your admissions chances, and you are already stretching it trying to finish.

Not a minor. I just need to take 3-4 medical anthro classes. Attend a couple of anthro conferences at my school and I get a "certificate in medical anthropology"

 

[freakingoutabit]

Only do this if you really want to and have time, not because you think it'll make any sort of difference.

 

[SN12357]

Only do this if you really want to and have time, not because you think it'll make any sort of difference.

I concur. A 'certificate' is meaningless to an adcom.

I think you should base your decision on a fifth year or not around the financials of getting the classes done. Figure out if it makes more sense to stay a degree student or to graduate and take the classes elsewhere. As long as you keep up ECs, both options are pretty equal in the grand scheme of things (to an adcom). Which one makes sense to you will vary depending on your school and location and job prospects.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Cheese and rice ! Thank you guys for all the helpful responses.

But you guys just gave me an idea. What if I were to put off a few of my required courses to graduate to extend my stay at my university? My only issue is that I would be a 5th year and people say that does not look great.

Not a big deal, many of us take longer than 4 years. Took me 7. Take the fifth year and do what you need to do.

 

[Shjanzey]

I don't see how this qualifies as a "non-traditional" thread.

 

[pET28a]

Hi there,

Only now have I decided to go premed. With two years remaining, it is very unlikely I will be able to complete my admission requirements before graduating (mainly biology lab and physics).

What are the sources or Google keywords I should look into to learn more about my choices after graduation?

Thanks a bunch,
KT

What career track were you pursuing previously? I was in a similar situation. Started off wanting to do genetic research and then switched to pre-med at the end of my sophomore year of undergrad. Luckily, the pre-reqs were very similar and I was able to catch up in time to still be a 'good applicant' and have been accepted to four schools so far this cycle 🙂 I think it is totally manageable for you if you have been taking classes that overlap with the premed track. If that is not the case, a post-bac wouldn't hurt. Something important to note, though, is that premeds spend their whole undergrad getting experiences shadowing, volunteering, doing research, getting clinical experience, etc. It's a checklist you'll have to work on diligently to catch up, but you can definitely do it! Best of luck 🙂