Getting Prerequisites waived??

[Bernoull]

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I'm in a dilemma, I received CLEP credits for Gen Chem I&II courses but I took the Labs I&II "standalone", my undergrad school gave me credits and it's listed on my transcript. A lot of Med School don't take CLEP credits for prereqs, so my question is how can one get a waiver for prereqs?

Here's some background info:
I'm applying this month for admission next Fall, since most school require completion of prereqs prior to matriculation AS OPPOSED to application, my plan was to take higher level Chem courses Spring '10 & Summer '10. However I just realized last week by talking to admissions (@ 2 schools) that taking it that late will disadvantage me bcos admission decisions will be made prior to me fulfilling those prereqs (which flies in the face of the "complete b4 matriculation stuff")..

The reason I can't take these courses sooner is 2fold:
I work F/T & I'm a grad student, so I need to take grad courses this Fall to graduate on time. The options I'm considering are:

1. Quit work n load up on classes, financially tough obviously..i'm married..
2. Take the prereq courses later ~summer 2010 n be disadvantaged..
3. Try to get a waiver for these courses..

Option 3 is most appealing, how do i go about getting this, I'll call schools but if someone has done this b4 or knows the process, I'll appreciate some help.. I'll take any advice, suggestions..

thanks..

 

[olemissbabydoc]

Its incredibly incredibly hard to get a course or even a lab waived... two is pretty much unheard of. check with the school to see if they'll accept the clep, explain your situation, and get DIRECT advice.

 

[vickpick]

as long as u have 2 higher level inorganic chemistry classes, u'll be fine.

 

[olemissbabydoc]

oh yeah, definitely... it just sounded to me like the OP wasn't sure he/she would have time to fit in the upper levels.

 

[Bernoull]

oh yeah, definitely... it just sounded to me like the OP wasn't sure he/she would have time to fit in the upper levels.

thanks for the quick responses guys... Yes timing is the issue here...

so worst case scenario if I take the courses in Spring-Summer 2010, would it drastically lower my chances (all else being equal), I thinking of it like most premeds have completed prereqs, i've completed everything n some in bio, Orgo, Phy, Math but for gen chem (effing CLEP😡😡) so they'll rather admit someone w/o a prereq deficit especially considering that acceptances will be granted B4 i finish these gen chem courses...

thanks again

 

[olemissbabydoc]

I don't think so. Most places just want you to have the classes prior to matriculating and if you've got the gpa/mcat to prove you can do it, I don't see it being a problem.

 

[olemissbabydoc]

admissions decisions will be made, yes (as in, the gpa of those classes won't matter as much per se) BUT acceptances will be conditional on you finishing everything.

if the rest of your app makes them think you're capable, they'll admit with this condition/stipulation.

 

[Bernoull]

admissions decisions will be made, yes (as in, the gpa of those classes won't matter as much per se) BUT acceptances will be conditional on you finishing everything.

if the rest of your app makes them think you're capable, they'll admit with this condition/stipulation.

Good to hear..

This has always been my view so I planned on finishing these prereqs last but I called a few schools last week and they scared the S@#$ out of me, one admissions advisor essentially told me it's a disqualifier bcos my file will remain incomplete pending these prereqs and decisions will be made b4 i complete them, but he apparently wasn't well informed so he checked wit the Dean and then told me that my file will be reviewed as normal pending these courses.. I'm fine with conditional acceptances...

Final Qs:
Since I received credits for the Lab sections for gen chem I&II, I'm planning on only taking the course sections, this will be better logistically bcos I'll be taking grad courses too (less time conflicts). Do u think Med Schools will have any issues with this?
Also do u know how old is too old for prereqs?

thanks a lot!!