Getting an online degree-does it look bad?

[deleted303591]

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Because of health issues, I may be in a position where online courses are in my best interest, at least until my health becomes stable. I have 3-4 semesters left of school before I graduate, regardless.

I can get an ABET accredited (engineering accreditation) degree from a public university by taking courses online. I will be going for a BS in electrical engineering. The degree (and my transcript) will look exactly the same as somebody who took the courses in person.

I will have to take the labs (in person), spending 7-14 days on campus every summer. Other than that, it is completely online.

Is this a bad idea?

Will taking a bunch of online classes for my degree interfere with getting in to medical school?

 

[deleted303591]

Do any of you think it would be better to just wait until I feel well enough to physically go to university?

Does AMCAS ask if the class was attempted online?

 

[galaxyx]

Some schools will not accept online courses, some will. If the online degree is at a university with a brick and mortar campus with no distinction in the courses/degree and you're doing labs in person, it's likely that you could get away with it.

Having a compelling story that you completed your coursework at home, despite having an illness might work to your advantage if the online thing becomes an issue. I know that some schools will waive the no online courses for active duty service members and their spouses living overseas that have proven track records otherwise.

But unless the course is at a university that is known to be online or otherwise designated on your transcript, I doubt that anyone would even know your courses were online.

What are the different time lines you're looking at?
1)Obviously, fastest way is finish degree online, apply, get accepted.
2)Alternatively finish degree online, don't get accepted, do year of post-bacc, reapply
3)And finally wait until illness is resolved, finish degree, apply.

Is 3 longer or shorter than 2? How much do you want to risk going through 2 to do 1?

 

[deleted303591]

Some schools will not accept online courses, some will. If the online degree is at a university with a brick and mortar campus with no distinction in the courses/degree and you're doing labs in person, it's likely that you could get away with it.

There is no distinction between the online courses and the in-person courses on the transcript. The same goes for the degree itself.

Having a compelling story that you completed your coursework at home, despite having an illness might work to your advantage if the online thing becomes an issue. I know that some schools will waive the no online courses for active duty service members and their spouses living overseas that have proven track records otherwise.

I have a rare autoimmune disease effecting my autonomic nervous system. I have low blood pressure when standing up (and to a certain degree sitting). I also live with chronic nausea and vomiting, in addition to other things.

I ended up with sepsis over spring break due to a central venous catheter being placed for my treatments. I have not been doing well and I probably am going to take medical withdrawal for the fourth time in my undergraduate career.

I am probably also going to apply for disability due to the course this illness has taken, even though I am fully expecting to be denied completely. My neurologist says she is "treating it aggressively" yet I am not improving much. The disease I have is not degenerative, although it is a nightmare to live with.

What are the different time lines you're looking at?
1)Obviously, fastest way is finish degree online, apply, get accepted.
2)Alternatively finish degree online, don't get accepted, do year of post-bacc, reapply
3)And finally wait until illness is resolved, finish degree, apply.

Is 3 longer or shorter than 2? How much do you want to risk going through 2 to do 1?

3 is probably longer than 2. Option 3 is more taxing on my energy, and thus may adversely effect my ability to finish my degree or adversely effect my overall GPA.

Becoming employable is more desired than medical school at this point of time, so risking going through 2 in order to do 1 does not seem unreasonable.

Even if I was already a super-star student with amazing stats, I am sure medical schools would be reluctant to admit me due to multiple withdrawals even if the disease I have was in complete remission-and I had proof.

 

[nabilesmail]

I just wanted to say Good luck with your medical endeavors, it's awesome that you want to become a doctor despite your illness, very admirable.

 

[Pons Asinorum]

There is no distinction between the online courses and the in-person courses on the transcript. The same goes for the degree itself.

If there is no evidence on your transcript, you'll never be asked about it. Proceed with the option that gives you the best chance at A's.

 

[LiamNeesons]

Because of health issues, I may be in a position where online courses are in my best interest, at least until my health becomes stable. I have 3-4 semesters left of school before I graduate, regardless.

I can get an ABET accredited (engineering accreditation) degree from a public university by taking courses online. I will be going for a BS in electrical engineering. The degree (and my transcript) will look exactly the same as somebody who took the courses in person.

I will have to take the labs (in person), spending 7-14 days on campus every summer. Other than that, it is completely online.

Is this a bad idea?

Will taking a bunch of online classes for my degree interfere with getting in to medical school?

Yes, it looks bad.

 

[gmcguitar4]

I would say definitely try to take your pre-req's in a class environment and do all the other courses online.

 

[occams_razor]

If there is no distinction between the online courses and the in-person courses on the transcript, how would schools even know you took them online?

Are the exams proctored in person? IMO I see no difference between taking a course online when exams are proctored in person vs taking a course in a classroom. My school uses echo lecture recordings and many students just watch those online at home and never come to class anyway, they only show up for exams.

 

[survivordo]

Make sure you're as healthy as possible before matriculating to medical school. You don't want the stress of the illness to affect your medical school and you don't want the stress of medical school to affect your illness. I just wouldn't want you to matriculate and then find you are not healthy enough to keep going then bam there goes 50 grand.

Survivor DO

 

[deleted303591]

If there is no distinction between the online courses and the in-person courses on the transcript, how would schools even know you took them online?

Are the exams proctored in person? IMO I see no difference between taking a course online when exams are proctored in person vs taking a course in a classroom. My school uses echo lecture recordings and many students just watch those online at home and never come to class anyway, they only show up for exams.

They are proctored in person.

 

[deleted303591]

Make sure you're as healthy as possible before matriculating to medical school. You don't want the stress of the illness to affect your medical school and you don't want the stress of medical school to affect your illness. I just wouldn't want you to matriculate and then find you are not healthy enough to keep going then bam there goes 50 grand.

Survivor DO

I will have to do that. It may take many years to get to that point.

 

[galaxyx]

It sounds like getting that engineering degree if you can do it at home, is a good step towards employability. That way, at least you'll have the potential for a low impact job until you can recover. It's nice to see that you're realistic about your chances but not willing to give up. Good luck with everything.

 

[occams_razor]

They are proctored in person.

okay good, I say go for it then

 

[deleted303591]

It sounds like getting that engineering degree if you can do it at home, is a good step towards employability. That way, at least you'll have the potential for a low impact job until you can recover. It's nice to see that you're realistic about your chances but not willing to give up. Good luck with everything.

okay good, I say go for it then

Thank you all for the support. The best thing I can do is try to make the best out of the situation.

 

[passionformed]

Thank you all for the support. The best thing I can do is try to make the best out of the situation.

I just wanted to let you know that you are a great inspiration and honestly I have little to no doubts that you will succeed. It's rare you see someone who has realistic goals, expectations, and fully realizes the things they will need to do.

Best of luck with everything.

 

[deleted303591]

I just wanted to let you know that you are a great inspiration and honestly I have little to no doubts that you will succeed. It's rare you see someone who has realistic goals, expectations, and fully realizes the things they will need to do.

Best of luck with everything.

Thank you so much.

Best of luck to you.