Doing prerequisites at community college?

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Did you even read the context to that statement? It had nothing to do with the ranking of the school.

I'm curious, did you go to community college?

What?

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Your comment inferred that what you quoted had to do with school rankings, which it did not.

As for my question, I am just wondering if you attended a community college or not and have applied to medical school as someone who has done so. You seem to have strong opinions on this subject, which you have expressed on multiple threads, and I was wondering if you have any first hand experience on the issue?
 
I am sorry that you guys may be finding out about this after the fact, BUT, community college premed prereqs are a big NO NO. Someone in another forum pointed out that some secondary applications sent by the schools make a point of stating that the students should NOT take those courses at community colleges nor online. I have actually seen it on some of my secondaries as well.

For those who are still in the process of completing the requirements, just make sure you take them at an accredited 4 year university.
Name the secondaries that say this or it didn't happen.
 
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I see that now, but alas that is but 1 school. The text of that does not say DO NOT it says we "prefer" you avoid. That's a subtle difference. At any rate, I don't doubt that there are a handful of other schools that feel the same way but there are what, 133 schools to choose from? I guarantee they do not all feel that way. There are plenty of doctors who went to a CC and plenty of current students as well.
 
I see that now, but alas that is but 1 school. The text of that does not say DO NOT it says we "prefer" you avoid. That's a subtle difference. At any rate, I don't doubt that there are a handful of other schools that feel the same way but there are what, 133 schools to choose from? I guarantee they do not all feel that way. There are plenty of doctors who went to a CC and plenty of current students as well.

Do you have proof of that?
 
Do you have proof of that?

My doctor for one.

There are plenty of medical student on this very forum who attended community college. Many of them claim that their cc classes did not even come up in interviews. Do they have a possible impact? Sure, but it seems to dependent on the institution. It is surely not the kiss of death some make it out to be. It also depends on how you took them. Adcoms know that it is not possible for all people to attend a four year at all times for a variety of reasons.
 
My doctor for one.

There are plenty of medical student on this very forum who attended community college. Many of them claim that their cc classes did not even come up in interviews. Do they have a possible impact? Sure, but it seems to dependent on the institution. It is surely not the kiss of death some make it out to be. It also depends on how you took them. Adcoms know that it is not possible for all people to attend a four year at all times for a variety of reasons.

Good for your doctor.

I really don't care what people do, honestly. Adcoms don't just pick anyone. But since you need a Bachelor's, why spend more money and get a degree and then go to CC for your pre-reqs?
 
Ignorance isn't a rebuttal.

Not ignorance. Just simply stating that I couldn't find anything, but maybe I was not searching the right way. No need to be rude just because I asked you to link your proof.
 
You do realize that not everyone wanted to be a doctor when they were 18, right? People often take very different paths to arrive at the same destination.

edit - And rude? You should look at your own material before you are so quick to judge mine as rude. I've been around here long enough to see this same topic debated ad nauseum. There are plenty of current med students and doctors with CC pre-requisites, regardless of what a bunch of insecure children attending 4 year universities on their parent's dime like to think.
 
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You do realize that not everyone wanted to be a doctor when they were 18, right? People often take very different paths to arrive at the same destination.

Considering I'm 24 and just starting my freshman year at a 4 year uni, and had to go to CC first, yes actually, I do. 🙂

Maybe you should have read my previous posts in this thread before assuming that I don't understand the situation.
 
Then hit the search button and start reading. This thread comes up over and over and over and over again every single year. It also happens to have the same answers every year...
 
You do realize that not everyone wanted to be a doctor when they were 18, right? People often take very different paths to arrive at the same destination.

edit - And rude? You should look at your own material before you are so quick to judge mine as rude. I've been around here long enough to see this same topic debated ad nauseum. There are plenty of current med students and doctors with CC pre-requisites, regardless of what a bunch of insecure children attending 4 year universities on their parent's dime like to think.

Like I said before, I don't CARE what others do. Would I do it? No, I'm fine doing it the way I am. But that's my prerogative and no one else's. Just like what they do is their own business. I just still don't understand what the point is when you need a Bachelor's, and last I checked, CCs don't offer Bachelor's Degrees.

Stop assuming you know about everyone's situation, with this whole "on their parent's dime" crap and assuming that I'm just like everyone else. I'm paying for my education on my own. I went to a community college. I'm not like all the students you are labeling. Enough.
 
Good for your doctor.

I really don't care what people do, honestly. Adcoms don't just pick anyone. But since you need a Bachelor's, why spend more money and get a degree and then go to CC for your pre-reqs?

I don't think that is a smart idea. I think it looks weird. But I also know that some people have careers and it not practical for them to attend a four year school.

I think if one is to attend a community college it is best to do so as a transfer student (like I am doing). There are definite no-noes as well, like being enrolled in a four year and taking pre-reqs in the summer at a cc.

I have written about this on many threads and have talked to approximately 20 med students who have attended a cc. Most of them say their going to a cc was a non-issue compared to many other parts of the process.

I honestly think some people are jealous of people who start a cc's. They just can't believe that there is usually more than one way to do something, and that people that they see as "less qualified" are getting it done. Every time they see a cc thread they must comment about it like they know what they are talking about. They cite the few schools that do take issue with it. I find it quite interesting. I know you went to a cc, so I'm not talking about you, but anyways, yea.


In the end, is going to a cc optimal? Of course not. Is it going to ruin your app? Probably not.
 
Like I said before, I don't CARE what others do. Would I do it? No, I'm fine doing it the way I am. But that's my prerogative and no one else's. Just like what they do is their own business. I just still don't understand what the point is when you need a Bachelor's, and last I checked, CCs don't offer Bachelor's Degrees.
h.

Because some people already have a bachelors degree.
 
Like I said before, I don't CARE what others do. Would I do it? No, I'm fine doing it the way I am. But that's my prerogative and no one else's. Just like what they do is their own business. I just still don't understand what the point is when you need a Bachelor's, and last I checked, CCs don't offer Bachelor's Degrees.

Stop assuming you know about everyone's situation, with this whole "on their parent's dime" crap and assuming that I'm just like everyone else. I'm paying for my education on my own. I went to a community college. I'm not like all the students you are labeling. Enough.
You seem to care quite a bit so I'll try to enlighten you. People with families, jobs and various other commitments, such as financing their own education, or those who already have a 4 year degree have perfect reason to go to a community college. You went to one so I should hope you knew why you did as well.
 
I don't think that is a smart idea. I think it looks weird. But I also know that some people have careers and it not practical for them to attend a four year school.

I think if one is to attend a community college it is best to do so as a transfer student (like I am doing). There are definite no-noes as well, like being enrolled in a four year and taking pre-reqs in the summer at a cc.

I have written about this on many threads and have talked to approximately 20 med students who have attended a cc. Most of them say their going to a cc was a non-issue compared to many other parts of the process.

I honestly think some people are jealous of people who start a cc's. They just can't believe that there is usually more than one way to do something, and that people that they see as "less qualified" are getting it done. Every time they see a cc thread they must comment about it like they know what they are talking about. They cite the few schools that do take issue with it. I find it quite interesting. I know you went to a cc, so I'm not talking about you, but anyways, yea.


In the end, is going to a cc optimal? Of course not. Is it going to ruin your app? Probably not.

I agree with you, there. I transferred out of CC and did my gen. eds there. Easier as far as a schedule and other such things. I do find it weird to go to a four-year and do pre-reqs in the summer at a CC, like you mentioned, which is what the OP wanted to do, and that's why I said it probably wasn't a good idea.

For me, CC courses can be just as hard as four-year university courses, but obviously you have smaller class size (I must say, I'll be intimidated by the huge theater size rooms they have at my college) which makes it better, I think.
 
Because some people already have a bachelors degree.

This is true, but I'm wondering about the 18 year olds that go to a CC and do their pre-reqs there. Not sure how many those are; I'm pretty sure it's most of the non-trads who take the CC route for the pre-reqs.

You seem to care quite a bit so I'll try to enlighten you. People with families, jobs and various other commitments, such as financing their own education, or those who already have a 4 year degree have perfect reason to go to a community college. You went to one so I should hope you knew why you did as well.

I'm already aware of these situations.

I went to CC for different reasons than the above you mentioned, but still, I get it.
 
Then what did you hope to accomplish by asking why people go to a CC? 😕😕
 
Then what did you hope to accomplish by asking why people go to a CC? 😕😕

Because earlier in this thread, people were talking about going to CCs is a no-no and making it sound like the only people who would go and do that route would be the 18 year olds, instead of going to a four-year.

I'm aware that there a lot of non-trads who go to CC because they already have Bachelor Degrees and it makes things easier on them, but it seems every time this "go to CC for pre-reqs" subject comes up, it's towards an 18 year old who would rather do his pre-reqs at CC.

I hope I explained that right. The reason for the confusion is most non-trads post in their own sub-forum, whereas this was posted in pre-med allo, where a lot of the more traditional students hang out.
 
I'm aware that there a lot of non-trads who go to CC because they already have Bachelor Degrees and it makes things easier on them, but it seems every time this "go to CC for pre-reqs" subject comes up, it's towards an 18 year old who would rather do his pre-reqs at CC.

I hope I explained that right. The reason for the confusion is most non-trads post in their own sub-forum, whereas this was posted in pre-med allo, where a lot of the more traditional students hang out.

As a pre-med student, I choose to hang out with pre-med students in the pre-med student forum. I hope that's all right, and that my 42-year-old "non-trad" germs don't infect you overmuch.

Joking aside, the previous posters are right. I got my BS 20+ years ago in a totally unrelated subject at a prestigious four-year school that would sound great in any med school interview. Ditto my MS. I don't have anything else to prove on that front, and CC isn't gonna hurt me at all... only provide me with needed prereqs to become a doctor.

A
 
You're taking it at a CC because it's easier to get an A. You know that, and so do the Adcoms.

It shows weakness and diminishes the legitimacy of your application. If you can help it, take it at a 4 year.


Uh, no. I'm taking them at a CC because it's a lot less expensive and while I'm working, it works better with my schedule.

Also, only taking gen ed courses and just starting up.
 
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Like I said before, I don't CARE what others do. Would I do it? No, I'm fine doing it the way I am. But that's my prerogative and no one else's. Just like what they do is their own business. I just still don't understand what the point is when you need a Bachelor's, and last I checked, CCs don't offer Bachelor's Degrees.

Stop assuming you know about everyone's situation, with this whole "on their parent's dime" crap and assuming that I'm just like everyone else. I'm paying for my education on my own. I went to a community college. I'm not like all the students you are labeling. Enough.

Bellevue College in WA offers 4-year degrees, even before it dropped "community". In fact, there are many community colleges/junior colleges that offer bachelor's degrees... http://bellevuecollege.edu/programs/degrees/bachelor/ (sure there are only two degrees, but there you go)
 
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FWIW I went to a community college and did a majority of my prereqs there (I did Ochem at the University because of timing issues). I am now starting medical school in mid-August... many people who speak about what adcoms care about seem to not really understand what they are talking about. As long as you can do well in both the CC and University level, I really don't think the adcoms care where you went.

I guess the argument is that prereqs at the CC level are easier than the University level, if this is so, then the transfer student should perform poorly on the MCAT (since this is entirely prereq material) and perform poorly at the upper-division University level (for the exact same reason). Sure, some transfer students do not do well, but I think a majority of them do, especially since they have the additional stigma of "transfer" attached to their name. Many transfer students appear to work harder (and do better) than many non-transfer University students (of course this is all anecdotal).
 
FWIW I went to a community college and did a majority of my prereqs there (I did Ochem at the University because of timing issues). I am now starting medical school in mid-August... many people who speak about what adcoms care about seem to not really understand what they are talking about. As long as you can do well in both the CC and University level, I really don't think the adcoms care where you went.

I guess the argument is that prereqs at the CC level are easier than the University level, if this is so, then the transfer student should perform poorly on the MCAT (since this is entirely prereq material) and perform poorly at the upper-division University level (for the exact same reason). Sure, some transfer students do not do well, but I think a majority of them do, especially since they have the additional stigma of "transfer" attached to their name. Many transfer students appear to work harder (and do better) than many non-transfer University students (of course this is all anecdotal).

QFT

Make As at your 4 year, and As at the CC, and you will be fine. MCAT is the equalizer.
 
Not true? Really?

Boston University School of Medicine Secondary Application -2010

"We encourage applicants to pursue a broad academic experience in the humanities and in the sciences. While we consider each academic record in its entirety, the BUSM Committee on Admissions generally prefers that applicants avoid using AP, CLEP, Community College, Junior College, foreign institution, or long distance/on-line course work in fulfillment of requirements".

You have thousands of students applying for approx 100 spots to each school. The point is that there will be plenty of students who will satisfy the adcoms preference because even though they "consider the academic record in its entirety " (read - the advanced courses you took, your life struggle as a non traditional student, etc, etc), they do prefer that "applicants avoid using Community College course work".
*
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BU is always trotted out in these discussions by people who want the exception to become the rule. But very few med schools that I know of have policies worded like this.

Who the **** wants to go to BU anyway?

PS - the quote function failed here...
 
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Your comment inferred that what you quoted had to do with school rankings, which it did not.

As for my question, I am just wondering if you attended a community college or not and have applied to medical school as someone who has done so. You seem to have strong opinions on this subject, which you have expressed on multiple threads, and I was wondering if you have any first hand experience on the issue?

No, my comment does not have anything to do with school rankings.

And no, I have never attended a community college, exactly for the previously stated reasons and because I was fortunate enough not to have to.

I am amused at how people like to remain in denial over this. If you have no choice, but to go to a CC as part of your education, then so be it. Are you at a disadvantage compared to someone who attended a four state university ? YES. How much of a disadvantage? Who knows? It will depend on the rest of your application and those who you are competing with.

BU statement is clear. No school can tell you that "NO, WE DO NOT ACCEPT CC CREDITS", because that in fact, would be discriminatory. But if a school tells me that it is not a preference...that should be enough for everyone. If you want to swim against the current out of wishful thinking...then good luck.
 
not quiet. Have you checked this year's u chicago thread ? There is plenty of students who have been rejected outright after submitting the secondary, with mcats of 38, 39 and even a 40 and solid gpas. The only thing that they may have in common is that their undergrad colleges are either state colleges or third tier universities. I don't know what chicago is looking for, but a great mcat and gpa is not cutting it for some.

1
 
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I hate people like you who don't know reality, and try to act smart. I used to go to a CC, and took most of my prereqs. there. After that, I transferred to University of Michigan, and realized how lame the name can be. You can pay for school, but you can't buy class. The quality of education I got at the CC was 100x better/challenging than the University. I took a certain pre-med req. at the CC AND the Uni to compare, so I've experienced it firsthand.
At the University, a 61 percent is a B, and a 78 percent is an A, and the exams are 4 pages, and one hour. At the community college, in order to get an A, you need to get a 90+ percent on 3/4 of the exams AND over a 90 percent on the final. Many who had over a 90 percent got a B. And the test length for the exam was 3 hours, and there were over 20 pages for each exam. No one completed the exam. No curve existed. THAT prof. was preparing his students for the MCAT. (Keep in mind, same exact class)

And according to you, I'll give you a situation, pretending you're an ADCOM:

Person 1: Took first 2 years at a CC w/prereqs compl. CC GPA=3.5
Third/Fourth year at UNI w/ several upper level bio classes. UNI GPA=3.8
CGPA=3.65 SGPA=3.7 MCAT=34
Worked full-time throughout all of undergrad.
Several Hours of volunteering/shadowing/EC every summer. Pre-health society leader. Kicks ass on interview, shows passion for human body, learning, etc.

Person 2: Went straight to UNI. Majored in psychology. Took prereqs/ one upper-level biology class.(Biochem)
CGPA=3.8 SGPA=3.45 or 3.5 MCAT=31
Few months of volunteering/shadowing/EC for one year. Pre-health society member. Gives a decent interview, lacks on enthusiasm a bit. Nervous kid.

---

I think that I can confidently say that person 1 would get accepted without a doubt before person 2.

It is not about what you think, or the way it should be. My comments are based on information provided by schools themselves, health careers advising offices and very close access to people with direct involvement in these matters.

You are "fabricating" an applicant to support your own point. Nervous kid? Lacks enthusiasm in the interview? Did he pick his nose also or did he grab his crotch?
 
Well I was rejected from there with a solid GPA, 39 MCAT and from a first tier national private University, so I don't think that was the common thread between those of us rejected.

Of course not man, and sorry to hear that. Clearly it shows the crapshoot element in the admissions process. Too many qualified people with top credential for few spots. So, what can someone with a bunch of pre reqs at a CC college can expect - everything else being roughly the same in the application?
 
Of course not man, and sorry to hear that. Clearly it shows the crapshoot element in the admissions process. Too many qualified people with top credential for few spots. So, what can someone with a bunch of pre reqs at a CC college can expect - everything else being roughly the same in the application?

I completely agree with your assessment of community college courses. I would advise against it from everything I have read or heard. It's hard enoguh coming from national universities, but a community college course could only be worse.
 
Of course not man, and sorry to hear that. Clearly it shows the crapshoot element in the admissions process. Too many qualified people with top credential for few spots. So, what can someone with a bunch of pre reqs at a CC college can expect - everything else being roughly the same in the application?

Well, I expected to be treated as an equal to all those other applicants from a wide array of educational backgrounds. I expected the medical schools to not behave like children with a superiority complex. Instead, ask the question "why", and analyze my credentials with an open mind. I expected the adcoms to see that I 4.0d my prerequisites at the CC level and then transfered to a University where I continued to 4.0 upper division courses. On top of that I expected the adcoms to see my MCAT score and no longer care where I went.

My expectations were fulfilled.
 
Well, I expected to be treated as an equal to all those other applicants from a wide array of educational backgrounds. I expected the medical schools to not behave like children with a superiority complex. Instead, ask the question "why", and analyze my credentials with an open mind. I expected the adcoms to see that I 4.0d my prerequisites at the CC level and then transfered to a University where I continued to 4.0 upper division courses. On top of that I expected the adcoms to see my MCAT score and no longer care where I went.

My expectations were fulfilled.

Good for you. The MCAT is the great equalizer to be sure. Some schools probably place less weight on school name than others, some probably could care less. My only thought for people would be to not go the other way. Transferring from a University to a community college would look terrible I think without good reasons. I have a few friends who want to do pre med but think the pre req classes at the University are too hard so they are going to transfer to a community college to finish and I think that is a terrible idea which adcoms will see right through. Also it doesn't hurt that you continued a 4.0 at a University. Obviously you can handle the material and presumably your MCAT shows you understand the materials.
 
BrainBuff

And no, I have never attended a community college, exactly for the previously stated reasons and because I was fortunate enough not to have to.
So why then do you feel in necessary to comment on many cc threads? You have no first hand experience with the issue, and no reason to do real research into it, like many of us with a vested interest have.


I am amused at how people like to remain in denial over this. If you have no choice, but to go to a CC as part of your education, then so be it. Are you at a disadvantage compared to someone who attended a four state university ? YES. How much of a disadvantage? Who knows? It will depend on the rest of your application and those who you are competing with.
I have never said that cc credits don't have any bearing when compared to a student who does not have them. I just think that, at many institutions, they are not as big of a deal as people, such as yourself, make them out to be. There are many variables that should be taken into account. I will agree with you on one thing though, and that is that nobody knows for sure.


BU statement is clear. No school can tell you that "NO, WE DO NOT ACCEPT CC CREDITS", because that in fact, would be discriminatory. But if a school tells me that it is not a preference...that should be enough for everyone. If you want to swim against the current out of wishful thinking...then good luck.
So a couple of med-schools specifically state a preference, but most don't, and many don't say a word about cc credits. Some med-schools also prefer that one takes certain classes instead of others, etc. Your evidence is hardly conclusive.


In the end I agree with you to a point. I also think it is a very bad idea to attend a cc in certain situations; as a summer course away from one's university for example. But I also think that the applicant as a whole is taken into account, and most people have bigger fish to fry when it comes to their app. I don't think it is any kind of kiss of death, for people who go to a cc for the right reasons.
 
Good for you. The MCAT is the great equalizer to be sure. Some schools probably place less weight on school name than others, some probably could care less. My only thought for people would be to not go the other way. Transferring from a University to a community college would look terrible I think without good reasons. I have a few friends who want to do pre med but think the pre req classes at the University are too hard so they are going to transfer to a community college to finish and I think that is a terrible idea which adcoms will see right through. Also it doesn't hurt that you continued a 4.0 at a University. Obviously you can handle the material and presumably your MCAT shows you understand the materials.

Agreed with the bold. This is really a lot of common sense stuff.
 
I'm in a weird dilemma and I'd be thrilled if someone would help.

So, I go to this middle college, which is basically just high school where you can take college classes. I'm going to be a junior soon and I've taken college introduction to physics, chemistry and I'll be taking introduction to biology this fall. As for math, I've taken intermediate algebra, trigonometry, and I just took precalculus this summer. I plan on doing pre-med at UC Davis, but I'm not sure how it will work since I've taken some college science and math classes at a community college. I don't want this to look bad on my application to medical school. So, what do I do?

Just to add, since I'll have some college credit after graduating high school, I'll be spending the first semester at UC Davis as a freshmen, then the next semester, I'll be bumped up to junior status. I don't know if that helps or anything. Just putting it out.

Thank you!
 
I'm in a weird dilemma and I'd be thrilled if someone would help.

So, I go to this middle college, which is basically just high school where you can take college classes. I'm going to be a junior soon and I've taken college introduction to physics, chemistry and I'll be taking introduction to biology this fall. As for math, I've taken intermediate algebra, trigonometry, and I just took precalculus this summer. I plan on doing pre-med at UC Davis, but I'm not sure how it will work since I've taken some college science and math classes at a community college. I don't want this to look bad on my application to medical school. So, what do I do?

Just to add, since I'll have some college credit after graduating high school, I'll be spending the first semester at UC Davis as a freshmen, then the next semester, I'll be bumped up to junior status. I don't know if that helps or anything. Just putting it out.

Thank you!

How many of each have you taken?

For one, med schools will see that you took these no matter what, since you need to report all grades. I think that as long as you take some pre-reqs and maybe a couple upper divisions at the four year school you will be fine.
 
The only thing adcoms care about is whether or not you were challenged in college and whether or not they think you can handle the course load of medical school. If you took all of your pre-reqs at a CC to save money or time and still nailed the MCAT I don't think they will question your abilities. I think questions would arise if you retook a class at a CC, or had to take classes at a CC because you took too few hours at your regular university.
 
How many of each have you taken?

For one, med schools will see that you took these no matter what, since you need to report all grades. I think that as long as you take some pre-reqs and maybe a couple upper divisions at the four year school you will be fine.

So, what exactly should I do when I attend a four year school?
I'm not sure what classes to take at the four year and what classes to take at the community college.
I'm so lost. D:
 
So, what exactly should I do when I attend a four year school?
I'm not sure what classes to take at the four year and what classes to take at the community college.
I'm so lost. D:

That's why I asked you what classes exactly you have taken. Without that information it is hard to advise any further.
 
That's why I asked you what classes exactly you have taken. Without that information it is hard to advise any further.

Ah, okay.
I'll try to find a copy of my transcript.
 
I'm sorry, but what do you mean by pre-reqs?
Pre-Req's = Pre Requisites. They are classes you MUST take in order to take certain classes you need, or classes required to apply to a medical college. Like Gen Chem and Organic Chem, Biology, English, etc.. these are all example of pre reqs which must be taken by any student entering into medical school. And they are usually required to be taken in order to be able to take higher level math and science classes.
 
Pre-Req's = Pre Requisites. They are classes you MUST take in order to take certain classes you need, or classes required to apply to a medical college. Like Gen Chem and Organic Chem, Biology, English, etc.. these are all example of pre reqs which must be taken by any student entering into medical school. And they are usually required to be taken in order to be able to take higher level math and science classes.

Oh, the pre-med classes.
So far, I've taken college introduction to physics and chemistry.
I'll be taking college introduction to biology this fall.
I've taken college intermediate algebra, trigonometry, and precalculus.
I haven't taken any college English classes.
 
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