HELP! Coursework older than 5 years?

[tommyVoltage]

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So I just read a post that schools don't accept pre-req courses that are older than 5 years and I am kind of freaking out.

I graduated with a BS in Biochemistry. After I worked in a long-term care pharmacy for 6 months and 18 months in pharmaceutical research (by the time school starts in Fall 2013).

So my main pre-reqs that will be 7 years old are general chemistry 1 and 2, general chemistry 1 and 2 lab, and calculus. 6 years old are organic chemistry 1 and 2, organic chemistry 1 and 2 lab, and statistics. I also have courses in there that are philosophy, cultural geography, and other pre-reqs.

Am I screwed?? Does having a degree exempt me from this?
OR is this not even a real thing?

 

[Pojman]

Yikes... In many of the schools I have surveyed, the limit on science prerequisite classes are 7 years - I would look for those schools first. Otherwise the only real course of action to take would be to contact the school and see if they will make an exemption. As far as I know, this is a "real thing". I had to retake a general chemistry course that I took 9 years ago due to the retake policy and I had an A in the class 9 years ago.

 

[Rooster73]

Whatever you do, don't freak out! This is a school-specific policy concern, nothing at all ubiquitous. Take a close look at the schools you're applying to... On most school websites, you'll find their specific policy regarding "expiration dates" for prerequisites.

I understand your predicament. Some schools I've looked at didn't want anything over five years old, while some have no suspense date at all. My situation requires me to opt for the latter, not the former. Relax. Most of my prerequisites are close to 15 years old, and I'm still getting interviews!

 

[Snowbaby213]

Some schools have exemptions if you explain the situation about how your current career if it was in the sciences. I've noticed it when I was applying and you have to write to the dean or somebody explaining your situation. It sounds plausible!

 

[PocketAces5]

I had the same problem. Every school is different though. I had two schools with "request waivers" for exemption from the rule. For example, I took my general chemistry sequence back in 2006 and 2007 so it was outdated by 1-2 years. However, I submitted the waiver, along with a letter and my pcat scores showing that my chemistry section (85) was up to par, and they granted me exemption. Also, some schools have a rule where it can be waived if you are going in with a Bachelors. Every school is different though, so call admissions and see if there are exceptions to the rule. Most schools do

 

[tommyVoltage]

I had the same problem. Every school is different though. I had two schools with "request waivers" for exemption from the rule. For example, I took my general chemistry sequence back in 2006 and 2007 so it was outdated by 1-2 years. However, I submitted the waiver, along with a letter and my pcat scores showing that my chemistry section (85) was up to par, and they granted me exemption. Also, some schools have a rule where it can be waived if you are going in with a Bachelors. Every school is different though, so call admissions and see if there are exceptions to the rule. Most schools do

That's when I took it. I started in fall 2006. But I work with calculating molarity, using organic solvents, making buffers, etc. everyday so I built beyond general and organic chemistry. I am taking the PCAT on November 9, so hopefully I'll be waived to the schools I need to be waived to.