Does length of time between completing prerequisites matter?

[TinyTimeLady]

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Hello all! Long time lurker here and had a question I hope you can help with.

Some stats: non traditional 38F, post Bacc gpa 3.94. I started my journey in fall 2019 and through the disaster of 2020. I’ve been working full time and doing post bacc night classes at an in person college. Credit wise I obtained my certification, but I still need biochemistry to complete all prerequisite classes for application. It’s been a long road because I’ve been paying for classes out of pocket and most years I couldn’t afford more than 1 per semester. I needed to pull double jobs in summer to afford another year on top of volunteering and family duties. This last blow is I had to sign up for biochemistry online due to my college cancelling the course due to low turnout this last summer and wanting to complete it before the MCAT in 2026.

My question, would medical schools look unfavorably at the length of time between starting my post bacc and my last course? I’m hoping to use the essays to show that I’ve been steadfast on this track despite the duration, and perseverance with paying out of pocket/full time job/family/volunteer work/leadership/etc. I’m just looking for opinions on what I can do to help explain since I know a big stress is medical school is like a firehouse of information.

Thank you for your time.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Have you asked admissions representatives at schools where you want to apply?

 

[TinyTimeLady]

Have you asked admissions representatives at schools where you want to apply?

I sent them a message but haven’t heard back yet. Just trying to navigate if others have run into this

 

[RNtoMD2028]

Hi, non-trad in the same boat. Don't have an answer here but from what I can gather, the purpose of taking pre-reqs is not only to fulfill the minimum course requirements most med schools have, but also to ensure that I'll be able to score well on the MCAT. So, as long as you do well for your gpa and you do well on the MCAT, I don't think schools would look too unfavorably at you taking time in between pre-reqs? That's my thinking at least... if anyone could corroborate this I would appreciate it as well lol. Best of luck to you

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

It took me 3-4 years to finish my prereqs because I could only take 1-2 a semester. I also took them all at a CC or online at a 4 year with an original 3.3 undergrad GPA, finished 3.7ish postgrad GPA. Got 1 interview and 1 acceptance at my top choice MD school. It can be done.