gap year classes

[dbcooper23]

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How does this plan look for my gap year? Will this put me on par with all of the people who majored in bio undergrad? OR maybe even at an advantage because they will be fresh in my mind? Is there anything I should add/subtract/re-arrange? Also, how far in advance can I list future coursework on the AMCAS- my concern is the summer 2012 course.

Summer 2011:
Molecular Bio

Fall 2011:
Biochemistry
Anatomy & Physiology

Spring 2012:
Cell Biology
Anatomy & Physiology

Summer 2012:
Genetics

 

[addo]

it will put you nearly on par with people that majored in bio, but do you really want to do that? I mean first year is going to kick your ass anyways, and on top of that youre really going to wish you had some free time then. But do whatever you like to do.

 

[slatermd]

How does this plan look for my gap year? Will this put me on par with all of the people who majored in bio undergrad? OR maybe even at an advantage because they will be fresh in my mind? Is there anything I should add/subtract/re-arrange? Also, how far in advance can I list future coursework on the AMCAS- my concern is the summer 2012 course.

Summer 2011:
Molecular Bio

Fall 2011:
Biochemistry
Anatomy & Physiology

Spring 2012:
Cell Biology
Anatomy & Physiology

Summer 2012:
Genetics

If you have access to an embryology course that might be nice.

I don't know about the AMCAS question but my uneducated guess is that you'll be able to list the summer '12 course.

 

[raltima07]

For the summer 2012 class though, it might delay you in terms of transcripts and verification.

That looks good, get all A's though

 

[acb88]

I am not sure it is necessary to take all these courses. I am not starting med school until the fall, but from what I understand, medical school is a completely different ballgame and anything you learned in these classes will only be addressed within a couple of lectures. You will basically be starting over again anyways. As a bio major, of the classes on your list, I only took cell bio, genetics, and biochemistry, and have been told that having taken an anatomy and physio course is really not that helpful.

I am currently taking a gap year (working in a research lab) and I really think you should spend your time doing something you enjoy rather than be in classes. You have elected to take some time off, so unless you need these courses to strengthen your application, enjoy that time. Medical school is going to be way too stressful, so why spend an extra year taking unnecessary courses.

 

[ORMD]

I have been told by several med students that they wished they had taken an immunology course before med school.

 

[dbcooper23]

.

 

[bucks2010]

I personally think A&P would be a waste. For one, gross anatomy is usually a 10-week class in 1st year. Since it's so heavily based on memorization, taking a (comparatively) very watered-down version the year before will likely do you no good since 95% of the material will be new to you or you will have forgotten it. I know taking the genetics class at my university would be a waste as far as med school preparation... yours may differ. Still, I would find something else to do with your summer. Like, relax.

If you really want to learn, I would find a dedicated physiology class and also take biochemistry.