Graduating Undergrad soon without pre-reqs

[medlover2015]

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Hey everybody,

I am currently a senior at my university, but I have added an extra year in order to retake course to boost my GPA and to take upper level biology, and psychology courses, and I will be finished in Spring of 2016. I am retaking my courses and taking more 300-400 level biology and humanitarian course to complete my university's requirement of upper lever course, I don't have certain pre-req. My biology major does not require me to take the pre-med courses in order to graduate from this school. I know that I need the above courses to take the new MCAT in order to get a great score. I am missing Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry 2, and both physic courses due to the time my school offered it and having a major that does not require these classes. For example, biochemistry is only offered every EVEN year in the Fall, so its offered in 2016. Based on the few Medical schools that I have seen re-requirements for will take biochem credit in place of organic 2. I understand that I will not be able to take the pre-med post-bacc program since 1.) I haven't taken the MCAT yet due to pre-req, 2.) the program is for career changing, and 3.) medical school normally send possible student to strength any weakness.


Since I am so close to being done, should I just take the pre-req as a non-degree student at another University or add another year to my degree? What would be the cheapest?
A draw back of adding another year would be the cost since I am attending a small private university the tuition is more expensive than a state school on top of books, and campus living.

Would it be wise to take Organic 2 even if my school of interest can replace it with a biochem credit?

If I do decide to become a non-degree students: Can I take other course outside of the required course for medical school such as foreign language? Will I be able to receive finical aid?

Thank you so much for your time and advice!!

 

[Ismet]

None of the things you said about a post bacc are true. The post bacc programs I know of do not require the MCAT (that kind of negates the whole point of a post-bacc, which is to take the pre-reqs). It's not solely for career changers. It's for people in exactly your position, who graduated without all of the pre-reqs. And I have no idea what you mean by #3. Take a look at the websites for some post bacc programs.

Not taking ochem 2 would significantly reduce your chances at getting into med school, as it is a requirement and not substituted by biochem at the majority of schools. Don't put all your eggs in one basket (aka don't cater your application to 1-2 schools).

Expense will depend on the school in question. That's something you can easily find on the school's website and calculate, then compare to the cost of tuition and living at your current school.

For federal student aid, I believe you have to be a full-time student (usually 12 or more credits).

 

[medlover2015]

None of the things you said about a post bacc are true. The post bacc programs I know of do not require the MCAT (that kind of negates the whole point of a post-bacc, which is to take the pre-reqs). It's not solely for career changers. It's for people in exactly your position, who graduated without all of the pre-reqs. And I have no idea what you mean by #3. Take a look at the websites for some post bacc programs.

Well thanks clearing that up for me.
Since I will need to fulfill all the pre-req and my GPA is not high enough.

What type of program would I have to complete? Should I take a Post-Bacc program or masters?

I know if I take the Masters path that I will need to take the GRE in order to get into theses programs?

How would I find this information out? I have looked up the post bacc programs for: UofM-Flint, Oakland and Wayne State and they do not seem to get enough information about how to apply or advice on a second degree.

 

[allantois]

You really need to do some research on the whole process of getting into med school.
Doing masters has absolutely nothing to do with taking undergraduate pre-requisites.
All you need to do is take those pre-requisites, then take MCAT, then apply.

 

[Doctor Mario]

It is a way simpler than you are making it out to be. Just stay and take the pre reqs where you are at now in undergrad as a degree seeking student. Add another year to your degree. You'll get financial aid this way. Sorted.

Going in as a non degree seeking student you give up rights to financial aid options and you generally get the last pick of the classes, as they give priority to degree seeking students.

As for orgo 2? Take it. Hands down. That's my advice. Way too many schools require it; it would be unwise to ignore it. In the long run you'll be safer taking orgo 2

 

[medlover2015]

Should I also take other courses like psychology and health exercise science class in order to become a full time student? I think after next year I would have completed, almost all, upper level bio course: genetics, human development, micro, and a few others that I can remember.

I would like to transfer to Michigan University since it closer to home, but I understand that my letters of recs would not be as strong.

I was told by one of my biology professors that because my GPA is so low that I would need to take a grad program. That way when I apply the med school only look at my grad GPA.

After I retake courses, upper level science and the rest of my pre-req, how would my GPA be viewed after retaking courses? I'm a little confused about MD/DO schools about retaking courses since they all suggest the different thing.

 

[meowfish6868]

Should I also take other courses like psychology and health exercise science class in order to become a full time student? I think after next year I would have completed, almost all, upper level bio course: genetics, human development, micro, and a few others that I can remember.

I would like to transfer to Michigan University since it closer to home, but I understand that my letters of recs would not be as strong.

I was told by one of my biology professors that because my GPA is so low that I would need to take a grad program. That way when I apply the med school only look at my grad GPA.

After I retake courses, upper level science and the rest of my pre-req, how would my GPA be viewed after retaking courses? I'm a little confused about MD/DO schools about retaking courses since they all suggest the different thing.

Schools will take your undergraduate and graduate/postbacc GPAs into consideration. You need to do extremely well in the graduate/post-bacc program, however, doing so won't completely make up for a low undergrad GPA.

The DO application system allows for grade replacement, so retaking pre-reqs that you performed poorly in and acing the ones you haven't taken will be highly beneficial.

The MD application doesn't allow for grade replacement, so both the original grades and retakes are factored into its GPA calculation.

 

[Ismet]

Should I also take other courses like psychology and health exercise science class in order to become a full time student? I think after next year I would have completed, almost all, upper level bio course: genetics, human development, micro, and a few others that I can remember.

I would like to transfer to Michigan University since it closer to home, but I understand that my letters of recs would not be as strong.

I was told by one of my biology professors that because my GPA is so low that I would need to take a grad program. That way when I apply the med school only look at my grad GPA.

After I retake courses, upper level science and the rest of my pre-req, how would my GPA be viewed after retaking courses? I'm a little confused about MD/DO schools about retaking courses since they all suggest the different thing.

Protip: your biology professor, unless a former pre-med advisor with actual insight into the application process, most likely doesn't know what he's talking about. Sometimes even actual pre-med advisors have no idea what they're talking about.

Med schools will look at all of your GPAs. And just getting a masters degree in something won't really do anything. It won't really show that you can handle medical school, because there's often a lot of grade inflation and nebulous classes in grad school. You just need to take the pre-req courses that you are lacking. There is no need for a second degree.

Your letters of rec depend on you and what the person writing it says about you. It matters less what school it comes from. The point of the letter is for the writer to enthusiastically support your application to medical school. The point of the letter is not the academic pedigree of the person writing it.

For the new MCAT, there is a section that includes psychology and sociology. So consider taking those courses.

 

[medlover2015]

For the past couple of year I have been considering transfer school, (I know I waited super late) to be closer to home because my current school tuition increases every year and it cost way to much to stay on campus. I have talked with finical aid and business but I'm starting to feel like I'm paying way to much since the school require liberal arts and CORE courses. Also my school lacks in the biology and pre-med programs which I didn't know since I waited until my 2nd year to find out. I was trying to complete my degree here but with money being tight and having to pay over $30.000 every year. I feel like it would be better money and stress wise to transfer in order to make it easier on myself.

Would it look bad if I transfer to Michigan State or University of Michigan to get a major in human biology and a minor in non science, like Asia studies or international, to make sure that I am getting all pre-req and non science course that I'm interested in? I know that I would most likely have to do an additional year or two to graduate, but I am willing to make that sacrifice. To be honest I feel like I want to do a double major in an international studies and human biology,since I am interested in both majors.


Thanks again for you help guys.

 

[The_Sunny_Doc]

For the past couple of year I have been considering transfer school, (I know I waited super late) to be closer to home because my current school tuition increases every year and it cost way to much to stay on campus. I have talked with finical aid and business but I'm starting to feel like I'm paying way to much since the school require liberal arts and CORE courses. Also my school lacks in the biology and pre-med programs which I didn't know since I waited until my 2nd year to find out. I was trying to complete my degree here but with money being tight and having to pay over $30.000 every year. I feel like it would be better money and stress wise to transfer in order to make it easier on myself.

Would it look bad if I transfer to Michigan State or University of Michigan to get a major in human biology and a minor in non science, like Asia studies or international, to make sure that I am getting all pre-req and non science course that I'm interested in? I know that I would most likely have to do an additional year or two to graduate, but I am willing to make that sacrifice. To be honest I feel like I want to do a double major in an international studies and human biology,since I am interested in both majors.


Thanks again for you help guys.

Do your post-bacc courses cheaper school if you can. I saves tens of thousands of dollars by not staying at my undergrad university. Basic science coursework is pretty similar wherever you go unless you're aiming to get into Harvard med.

 

[medlover2015]

Recently I just found out that I failed Organic Chem 1, so my GPA is very low at this point, how would I bee able to get into a post bacc program? or if I do decide to finish now, should I just become a non-degree student?

At this point I'm thinking of transfer to a cheaper University closer to home and just all my courses over since they only accept "C" or above grades. I know that I will not be able to get into an MD school, but I just want to get into Medical school and achieve my goal. Would this be an option?