Gen Chem 2 Requirement!

[Anki4Life]

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My undergrad had general chem 1 and 2 combined into one course for a total of 4 credits. I'm looking at med school requirements and see that they want 8 credits for gen chem! I'm in my gap year applying this cycle and I'm not sure what to do. Do I need to sign up for some random online gen chem 2 class just to meet the requirement or will schools understand?

 

[starnosedmole]

I can only speak to my school, where you could take an accelerated, 1-semester gen chem and bio with lab or the longer, two-semester version of each. From what I have heard, the premed committee outlines this in my committee letter. However, if schools have two semesters of gen chem required, my understanding is that they still want two semesters of chem—so you should have another semester of a higher-level, inorganic (preferably) chemistry course in place of the second semester. When I am submitting secondaries, I just make a note that I took the accelerated version and have an upper-level course in place of the second semester. Someone with more adcom experience please feel free to correct me.

 

[Anki4Life]

I can only speak to my school, where you could take an accelerated, 1-semester gen chem and bio with lab or the longer, two-semester version of each. From what I have heard, the premed committee outlines this in my committee letter. However, if schools have two semesters of gen chem required, my understanding is that they still want two semesters of chem—so you should have another semester of a higher-level, inorganic (preferably) chemistry course in place of the second semester. When I am submitting secondaries, I just make a note that I took the accelerated version and have an upper-level course in place of the second semester. Someone with more adcom experience please feel free to correct me.

Thanks! I only took Gen chem one semester of Gen chem and jumped straight to Orgo 1 (that’s what they told us to do) so it seems like I need to take Gen chem 2. I’m thinking of doing on online self paced course in the fall just to have it done before January??

 

[starnosedmole]

Thanks! I only took Gen chem one semester of Gen chem and jumped straight to Orgo 1 (that’s what they told us to do) so it seems like I need to take Gen chem 2. I’m thinking of doing on online self paced course in the fall just to have it done before January??

Do you have a premedical advisor? I would reach out to them, as they will be most knowledgeable. From my understanding, schools have different requirements for chemistry coursework. Some want one year of gen chem and one year of orgo. Others want one year of chemistry total, with at least one of those being semester of orgo. And everything in-between. You can check out this document from the AAMC for more details: https://students-residents.aamc.org/media/7041/download.

If you see some schools that require 8 credit-hours of chemistry and 8 of orgo, you can give them a call and see if they will waive the 8-hour requirement for chemistry if you took an accelerated course. Though you would likely need to call every school you are applying to with the same question (or check out their websites to see if they explain), which is a pretty annoying task already, but especially so if you do not have a school list made.

But, really, if your school has a premedical advisor, they are the best person to speak to about this.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

OP: It would be good to know who ("they") told you to take Org 1 instead of chem 2. Your first step is always check with your prehealth advisors on campus, even as you are registering for classes. They should have met with you about your chemistry sequence and how to handle any AP credit (if an accelerated chem 1 course is available).

Yes, some schools also have a totally different sequence where you go Chem 1 to Org 1 to Org 2 to Chem 2 (go figure that one). It's up to the chemistry department in your school, and your prehealth peers should know who to turn to for this. Some chem departments require you to take a placement exam to get you credit for your intro chem courses.

Also, note that there are many medical schools that go by "competency" of content rather than course hours. Sure, I would cover my bases, but mindful that the chemistry "requirement" isn't so simple. Check for the requirements at the schools in your state or closest to your campus.