Do I have to retake classes? Graduated in 2017 with a 3.9 gpa.

[szechuan_sauced]

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I graduated in 2017 with a 3.9 gpa. Currently reapplying this year after taking the MCAT.

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Nope. Take a different class or two to show you've still got it.

 

[ttwhite]

Nope. Take a different class or two to show you've still got it.

Hmm interesting, I'm currently wondering about this too. Do I go to upper division classes, or start at the beginning with the usual bio, chem, physics series?
I have a few relevant classes, but they go back years when I got a bachelors in nursing:

• Bio: AP bio (2009), online microbio w/ lab, anatomy, physiology, pathophys (all 2018)
• Chem: online gen chem 1 w lab (2018), currently in organic chem 1
• Math: AP calc (2009), stats 1 (2018)

I want to focus on the most relevant stuff to being a doc. Take orgo 1&2, biochem, upper division bio (genetics, immunology, molecular vs cell bio). Skip bio 1, bio 2. Don't retake gen chem 1, don't take gen chem 2. Don't retake calc, maybe take biostats. Do algebra physics 1&2, not calc physics.

Given that so many schools require the bio/chem/phys series + 1 math, and MCAT tests much of it. Do I start from scratch w/ bio and chem, or focus on higher division?

IDK if relevant, but my preceding academic record is strong - some online classes to prepare for nursing school, but GPA is nearly 3.9 and I have a masters from a great school

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Conservatively, I would suggest starting from the beginning to get back into the groove of classes. Ed tech has changed a lot since you took AP classes in 2009. Seven years since in-person classes is still quite a while (and pre-pandemic). Your description does not tell me these were courses specifically for nursing students or for science majors, which is a different regarding depth and content rigor (which can also happen with micro and A&P).

Take in-person classes. Leave no room for doubt you can handle medical school.

 

[ttwhite]

Conservatively, I would suggest starting from the beginning to get back into the groove of classes. Ed tech has changed a lot since you took AP classes in 2009. Seven years since in-person classes is still quite a while (and pre-pandemic). Your description does not tell me these were courses specifically for nursing students or for science majors, which is a different regarding depth and content rigor (which can also happen with micro and A&P).

Take in-person classes. Leave no room for doubt you can handle medical school.

Appreciate advice. Starting at gen chem 1 would take 2 years (scheduling) -- but may be able to do this --
Working 0.6FTE (weekends only).
All classes at 4yr unless stated.

I'm in Ochem 1 at UNE now. And have 1 gen chem from 2018. Does this strike people as a solid plan, to not wildly limit where I can apply? Humanities should be no issue, that's my background.

Spring	Summer	Fall	Winter	Spring '26
Gen chem 2	(?) Gen chem 3	Physics (algebra) 1	(?) Physics 2	MCAT focus
Bio 1 (comm college)	(?) Bio 2 (CC)	Molecular Bio	Cell Bio	Genetics
Ochem 2 (UNE or UCSD online)	Biochem	(?) UC extension class	(?) UC extension class v. MCAT focus	(?) Virology /Cancer Bio

 

[ttwhite]

Am wondering if I would be in the same boat. I did an SMP at a medical school that ended in 2021. All medical school level material, 3.97 GPA, but i had to go back to work after and couldn't apply.

I don't have any background to give advice on med school admissions classes, but I'd be very surprised if anyone saw classes from 2021 and felt you needed to start over from scratch.

 

[AsclepiusAdvisingLLC]

Am wondering if I would be in the same boat. I did an SMP at a medical school that ended in 2021. All medical school level material, 3.97 GPA, but i had to go back to work after and couldn't apply.

You don't need to take any classes, for sure. Just be sure to discuss and make clear your need to step away and work before applying.

 

[AsclepiusAdvisingLLC]

Thanks. sorry for hijacking the thread. there is always that fear of "are my classes too old?", which speaks to some concerns here as well as my own.

I would have hated to redo prereqs (graduated 2015), so I opted for the SMP for the sole reason of having a recent academic transcript.

I see no need to apologize, it's a good question and that what we're all here for.

Are you applying this cycle?

 

[AsclepiusAdvisingLLC]

I am indeed. I actually applied last cycle, but ended up voluntarily withdrawing after I made some mistakes in my application and to update my app with more recent stuff (most of my activities were 7-12 years ago, now I can rewrite it and update it completely)

It is important to have recent activities that demonstrate your continued interest in pursuing a career in medicine, but this by no means suggests that older activities are unimportant to an admissions committee. The complicated answer is that it depends, and it is all about how you craft your narrative and show that you ought to be selected over a student who has more recent coursework and experiences. The good news is that you have complete control over how you tell your story, but you do need to have a healthy mix of recent and older experiences.