Do I or Do I not take pre-reqs at CC?

[LD-Sama]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey all, so a little background on me is I am currently attending a CC and I am interested in eventually applying to medical school.

From what I've gathered it's preferred that I should take all pre-reqs at 4 year university, which is fine. But what if I want to major in biology for example ,which requires most of the pre-reqs for transfer to a 4 year university?

I want to be a competitive applicant so I can get into a a good medical school so I wouldn't want my classes in CC to ruin that chance. I've read that one option I would have is to take the pre-reqs in CC and then retake them at the university level? It doesn't seem like the most efficient choice.

Can anyone give me some more educated insight towards this?

 

[AttemptingScholar]

The real problem with CCs is when a person enrolled at a 4-year takes only a few prereqs at a CC (especially over the summer) so it's easier. They skip the weeder classes. ADCOMs are smart and understand the numerous valid reasons a person would get an Associates for Transfer and then complete a bachelor's. If you are a little worried about this, the safest thing to do is take at least one higher-level class in each department to show you can handle them at a university (Higher-level bio, biochem for chem, maybe a physics class, maybe a math).

 

[Goro]

Hey all, so a little background on me is I am currently attending a CC and I am interested in eventually applying to medical school.

From what I've gathered it's preferred that I should take all pre-reqs at 4 year university, which is fine. But what if I want to major in biology for example ,which requires most of the pre-reqs for transfer to a 4 year university?

I want to be a competitive applicant so I can get into a a good medical school so I wouldn't want my classes in CC to ruin that chance. I've read that one option I would have is to take the pre-reqs in CC and then retake them at the university level? It doesn't seem like the most efficient choice.

Can anyone give me some more educated insight towards this?

Suggest not.

 

[Kingsmen2018]

Nah, not only will ADCOMs think u got good grades cause they are easy. But also you won't master the pre reqs as well and that is a disadvantage on the MCAT

 

[drsaurus]

Suggest not.

Why not? If one is a Biology major, like in OP's circumstance, and has to take pre-reqs to transfer to a 4 year, why would that be a bad idea? Should he just not major in Bio? Take the same pre-req classes again (if even allowed)?

I am a Bio major at a CC and I need to take the pre-reqs to transfer to a 4-year. I will also be taking upper-div bio classes at my 4yr because I am a Bio major. Why would ADCOMs look at this as a disadvantage? Especially if one also does well on the MCAT.

 

[Goro]

Why not? If one is a Biology major, like in OP's circumstance, and has to take pre-reqs to transfer to a 4 year, why would that be a bad idea? Should he just not major in Bio? Take the same pre-req classes again (if even allowed)?

I am a Bio major at a CC and I need to take the pre-reqs to transfer to a 4-year. I will also be taking upper-div bio classes at my 4yr because I am a Bio major. Why would ADCOMs look at this as a disadvantage? Especially if one also does well on the MCAT.

There is a bias that the rigor of CC pre-req coursework is not a rigorous as the weeding courses at a 4 year school.

If you don't believe me, read through some school's admissions websites. The wise @gonnif has some citations on this, I think.

 

[drsaurus]

Hey all, so a little background on me is I am currently attending a CC and I am interested in eventually applying to medical school.

From what I've gathered it's preferred that I should take all pre-reqs at 4 year university, which is fine. But what if I want to major in biology for example ,which requires most of the pre-reqs for transfer to a 4 year university?

I want to be a competitive applicant so I can get into a a good medical school so I wouldn't want my classes in CC to ruin that chance. I've read that one option I would have is to take the pre-reqs in CC and then retake them at the university level? It doesn't seem like the most efficient choice.

Can anyone give me some more educated insight towards this?

From what I've gathered it is ok to take pre-reqs in this circumstance, it is not okay if you are concurrently enrolled in a 4yr and just taking the pre-reqs at your CC during summer to make it easier. Assuming you do as good as you did at your 4yr as you did at CC and you take upper-div classes, and do well on MCAT, I don't see why there would be a problem.

 

[drsaurus]

There is a bias that the rigor of CC pre-req coursework is not a rigorous as the weeding courses at a 4 year school.

If you don't believe me, read through some school's admissions websites. The wise @gonnif has some citations on this, I think.

I said nothing about this. Did you read my post? This answers nothing I asked. I already understand that there is bias against taking pre-reqs at a CC, but if one is starting out at a CC to transfer to a 4yr, and is a science major, they would need to take most or all of the same pre-reqs for med school.

 

[Goro]

I said nothing about this. Did you read my post? This answers nothing I asked. I already understand that there is bias against taking pre-reqs at a CC, but if one is starting out at a CC to transfer to a 4yr, and is a science major, they would need to take most or all of the same pre-reqs for med school.

You asked a question, I answered it.
The CC-> UG pathway is fine, just don't take the pre-reqs at the CC. Nor take them at a CC while you're at a 4 year school. Capeesh?

Invest in MSAR Online and you'll find our which schools allow CC coursework, and which don't. There's no rhyme nor reason to it.

 

[drsaurus]

You asked a question, I answered it.
The CC-> UG pathway is fine, just don't take the pre-reqs at the CC. Nor take them at a CC while you're at a 4 year school. Capeesh?

Invest in MSAR Online and you'll find our which schools allow CC coursework, and which don't. There's no rhyme nor reason to it.

How would someone transfer to UG without taking pre-reqs if they are a science major, which requires one to take most if not all of the same pre-reqs for med school to transfer into UG as a science major.

 

[Goro]

How would someone transfer to UG without taking pre-reqs if they are a science major, which requires one to take most if not all of the same pre-reqs for med school to transfer into UG as a science major.

Remember that any Biology counts for the Bio pre-req, so, here's one possibility:

CC: Bio 1 and 2
UG school
JR year: Some Bio course (I'm fond of Anatomy) and Chem I and II
SR year: Orgo and Physics and more Bio

 

[drsaurus]

There are some medical schools that directly speak to this idea of community college courses. This may give a little better insight in how the underlying “culture” or “attitude” of admission committee members, whether a formal policy or not, may perceive applicants who choose summer or community college coursework. While this list is not exhaustive, it is representative enough to help advise students who are considering such a step.

SUNY Upstate College of Medicine
Frequently Asked Questions | College of Medicine | SUNY Upstate Medical University
“Applicants should avoid taking more than one or two prerequisite science courses during the summer and avoid taking them at community colleges.”

Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Medical Program Admissions Requirements | Icahn School of Medicine
Q: Can I take my courses at a community college, or must I take them at a four-year college or university?
A: We have no requirement about where you take courses, though the Committee on Admissions does take that into consideration in evaluating your application.

Johns Hopkins Medical School
Prerequisites and Requirements| Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine M.D. Admissions
The School of Medicine accepts prerequisites completed at the community college level. In order to be competitive in the selection process, we encourage prospective applicants with community college prerequisites to supplement these courses by taking advanced courses in related subjects at their four year institution.

University of Florida College of Medicine
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions » Medical Admissions » College of Medicine » University of Florida
Q: Can I take the prerequisite courses at my local community/junior college?
A: In order to create the most academically competitive application you should take all prerequisite courses at the most competitive bachelor’s degree granting institution where you can gain entrance. You should try to complete your pre-requisite courses at a four-year institution

Albert Einstein College of Medicine
https://www.einstein.yu.edu/educati...pplication-procedure/course-requirements.aspx
Whereas course work at a four-year college or university is our benchmark, if a student chooses to meet a competency component via an alternate route such as through laboratory experience, through an advanced placement course, a course taken at a community college, a course taken abroad (during a semester abroad for which the undergraduate U.S. degree-granting institution gives credit, or for which AMCAS will verify and report the grade), or an online course, he or she should seek guidance from his or her advisor to ensure that the option meets the above guidelines as well as the rigorous academic standard required by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.


George Washington University
M.D. Program Frequently Asked Questions | The School of Medicine & Health Sciences | The George Washington University
Do you accept community college credits?
Yes. The Committee on Admissions does accept coursework taken at a community college; however, it is preferable to have the pre-medical coursework taken at a four-year college or university.

Florida State University College of Medicine
http://med.fsu.edu/?page=mdAdmissions.admissionRequirement
Listed below is the pre-requisite coursework required for all matriculates to the FSU COM. Advanced Placement, CLEP, and dual enrollment credits fulfill the course requirements. However, courses taken in a traditional classroom at a four-year institution are considered to be more academically competitive.

Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Requirements | Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Two pre-requisite science courses can be fulfilled with AP credits, community college courses or through a study abroad program.

Texas A&M Health Sciences Center College of Medicine
How Do I Apply?
Policy on AP Credits, Credits by Exam, and Dual Credit
We generally prefer that applicants take the prerequisite courses at 4-year accredited colleges and universities rather than utilize advanced placement credits, credits by exam, dual-credit, pass/fail course work or community college courses. We do not dismiss these credits; and, if they have been taken, we will accept them toward meeting the prerequisites. In fact, if an applicant has placed out of a required level course, we will also accept another course in that discipline at the same or higher level. Again, our preference is that applicants take graded courses at 4-year institutions, particularly the prerequisites in the biological sciences and the chemistry series.

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/admissions/md/faq/#q43
Are community college classes accepted as prerequisite course credit?
They may be, but the Admissions Committee generally expects students to complete all prerequisite courses at a four-year undergraduate institution.

Yale
https://medicine.yale.edu/education/admissions/apply/premed.aspx
Pre-medical courses must be completed in a U.S., U.K., or Canadian college or university. U.S. Community College courses are acceptable, provided that the courses include laboratory work and are comparable in content to courses at four-year colleges, universities, or institutes of technology.

Weill Cornell
Medical Education at Weill Medical College of Cornell University | About Us
Can I take my prerequisite courses at a Community College?
It is not recommended.

Thanks for the list

 

[drsaurus]

Remember that any Biology counts for the Bio pre-req, so, here's one possibility:

CC: Bio 1 and 2
UG school
JR year: Some Bio course (I'm fond of Anatomy) and Chem I and II
SR year: Orgo and Physics and more Bio

Okay this would be nice except that all the schools around me in CA have many more pre-reqs to transfer as a Bio major/science major.
All the UC's are:
Bio 1&2
Chem 1&2
Ochem 1&2
Physics 1&2
or around those requirements according to assist.org.
Even the CSU's are Bio 1&2, Chem 1&2, Physics 1&2.

I'm just having trouble understanding why a medical school would look at an applicant as taking the "easy route" when said applicant needed to go to a CC first due to financial reasons. It's not like me or OP would have choose the CC over the 4yr if money was not in play. I definitely would prefer to take all my pre-reqs at a 4yr but that would require me to change my major to something that did not require any pre-reqs to transfer in the first place.

 

[Goro]

Okay this would be nice except that all the schools around me in CA have many more pre-reqs to transfer as a Bio major/science major.
All the UC's are:
Bio 1&2
Chem 1&2
Ochem 1&2
Physics 1&2
or around those requirements according to assist.org.
Even the CSU's are Bio 1&2, Chem 1&2, Physics 1&2.

I'm just having trouble understanding why a medical school would look at an applicant as taking the "easy route" when said applicant needed to go to a CC first due to financial reasons. It's not like me or OP would have choose the CC over the 4yr if money was not in play. I definitely would prefer to take all my pre-reqs at a 4yr but that would require me to change my major to something that did not require any pre-reqs to transfer in the first place.

Don't think that you're shut out by going to CC! Many Californians do this, for the obvious cost savings. But just keep in mind what med schools want or don't want.

So relax, you all be fine.

At my own school, going to a CC has never been a hindrance to our students.

 

[drsaurus]

Don't think that you're shut out by going to CC! Many Californians do this, for the obvious cost savings. But just keep in mind what med schools want or don't want.

So relax, you all be fine.

At my own school, going to a CC has never been a hindrance to our students.

Got it. Thanks for your help, much appreciated.

 

[LD-Sama]

Like Drsaurus has been relaying is that most CC transfer requirements to UG require MOST of the pre-reqs to medical school. So, the question is : Should I pursue a non-science degree while in CC so that I can take all pre-reqs while in UG?
Since the consensus is that medical schools prefer them taken at a 4 year university.

 

[Hopefulpremed123]

Like Drsaurus has been relaying is that most CC transfer requirements to UG require MOST of the pre-reqs to medical school. So, the question is : Should I pursue a non-science degree while in CC so that I can take all pre-reqs while in UG?
Since the consensus is that medical schools prefer them taken at a 4 year university.

Honestly don't sweat it, I know of so many friends in California who did two years at a cc and transferred to Cal/ Davis/ LA and got into great med schools. The thing that looks bad is if you are at a 4 year and you take your sciences at a cc, cause that looks like you are deliberately trying to avoid the competition.

But taking the classes you need to transfer is completely fine, I did the same thing. I spoke to so many med school admissions folk and they told me that as long as I take upper division science courses to show that I can handle the rigor and do well in the mcat( which evens the playing field) there's nothing to worry about.

If you pursue another non science degree at the CC and wanna change to a science after transferring or something that's a terrible idea. Reason 1: Most UC's ( I take it you're a California applicant) won't even let you switch between departments. Reason 2: you're gonna be wasting a lot of time, cuz you have to take gen Chem 1/2, ochem 1/2, physics 1/2 and biochem just to finish your prereqs and these in itself will take you two years minimum most likely two years and a quarter. Then you have to study for the mcat or do it while taking these classes at the 4 year which is gonna be hell.

If you have a 3.8 at the cc and you have a 3.2 at the UC that's gonna look bad cuz then they will say "oh he handled the little league but when he got to the big league he struck out".

I worried about the same thing, and I understand your worry. But I can assure you that it's not an issue you should dwell on. Do your best at the CC, transfer to your undergrad school and do as well or better than you did at the cc, do well on the mcat and you are fine.

It's true some schools do have a bias against CC students, but these are only like 5 schools out of over a 100. So don't worry and just take the classes you need to transfer!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile