How far behind am I?

[ajh1995]

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So...I am a transferring sophomore this fall and I just found out that I will most likely have to go the pre-med route. My freshman year I finished all of my core work and college requirements except for genchem. I will also be done with the college requirements this fall. However, had no clue about the extracurricular things like shadowing and the MCAT is not the same as the FCAT in Florida (elementary school standardized test). I have not done any thing this summer towards this.

I understand this is broad but I appreciate any insight. I can give more info if necessary.

 

[Euxox]

So...I am a transferring sophomore this fall and I just found out that I will most likely have to go the pre-med route. My freshman year I finished all of my core work and college requirements except for genchem. I will also be done with the college requirements this fall. However, had no clue about the extracurricular things like shadowing and the MCAT is not the same as the FCAT in Florida (elementary school standardized test). I have not done any thing this summer towards this.

I understand this is broad but I appreciate any insight. I can give more info if necessary.

You aren't very far behind at all. You have three years to finish off the premed requirements, which is very doable. You also have at least two years (and, if you're willing to take gap years, three or more) to do shadowing/community service/research/MCAT prep.

If you are taking gen chem in sophomore year, you should be done with organic chem by the end of junior year. Assuming that you've also finished the other prereqs (physics, biology, biochemistry, etc.) by then, you'll be ready to start MCAT prep. I'd recommend taking the whole summer after junior year to study for the test and take the test itself in mid to late August. You'll be set to apply at the end of senior year. Applying at the end of senior year will require you to take a gap year between graduating college and entering med school, but IMHO, it is better to wait an extra year than it is to take the MCAT early and bomb it.

The rest of your schedule is pretty flexible. I would use the summer after sophomore year to work as a research assistant. Community service and shadowing can be spread out across the academic year.

 

[ajh1995]

Thanks, this is helpful! I didn't know about the gap year and I was concerned about rushing to take the MCAT.

 

[Cyberdyne 101]

Lol. Just realized this is a duplicate thread. Agree with @Euxox
Take it slowly and be sure it's what you really want. It's quite a commitment.