Is doing some Pre-med Requirements at a Community College

[ChemE 1112]

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I am currently a Chemical Engineering student and was wondering if, taking some of the pre-reqs for pre-med at a community college would be a bad idea. Currently I am in Engineering Phys 1(mechanics), and i want to take Bio 100 and 101, Physics 2(Electromagnetism), and Gen Chem II. Would this be a good idea seeing as I would still be taking the Orgos and the 200 level biology at the four year university. I heard that those are the requirements that med schools mostly look at.

 

[xnfs93hy]

I am currently a Chemical Engineering student and was wondering if, taking some of the pre-reqs for pre-med at a community college would be a bad idea. Currently I am in Engineering Phys 1(mechanics), and i want to take Bio 100 and 101, Physics 2(Electromagnetism), and Gen Chem II. Would this be a good idea seeing as I would still be taking the Orgos and the 200 level biology at the four year university. I heard that those are the requirements that med schools mostly look at.

Continue taking your engineering classes at the CC. However, once you are enrolled at a four year university, make sure that you take upper division science courses (Classes you WILL be taking either way, as you said.). Hundreds of students have been accepted to medical school with science/math courses on a community college transcript.

 

[ChemE 1112]

Continue taking your engineering classes at the CC. However, once you are enrolled at a four year university, make sure that you take upper division courses (Classes you WILL be taking either way, as you said.). Hundreds of students have been accepted to medical school with science/math courses on a community college transcript.

Just to make things clear, I am already enrolled at a 4 year university. I was just wondering if med schools would look down upon it if i took those few classes at a community college. I just want to get those classes out of the way, so that I could graduate in 4 years.

 

[blaithnaid]

Your school might not let you, and in any case, now that you're at a 4yr, don't take your major courses outside.

 

[Appless]

Just to make things clear, I am already enrolled at a 4 year university. I was just wondering if med schools would look down upon it if i took those few classes at a community college. I just want to get those classes out of the way, so that I could graduate in 4 years.

yes this is a red flag as they may think you took them at a CC to make it easier on yourself. Take all pre reqs at the 4 year school if enrolled. If you want to take some general or breadth classes at the cc by all means do so. Taking pre reqs at a CC while already enrolled at a 4 yr is not a good idea.

 

[xnfs93hy]

yes this is a red flag as they may think you took them at a CC to make it easier on yourself. Take all pre reqs at the 4 year school if enrolled. If you want to take some general or breadth classes at the cc by all means do so. Taking pre reqs at a CC while already enrolled at a 4 yr is not a good idea.

👍.

 

[J ROD]

It is not that bad.....

As long as you make As and your GPA is good everywhere....

I took some and so did my friends.....

the main thing is how certain schools judge it.....

many dont care as long as you perform well!!

 

[ILikeDrugs]

If you are doing it because you can't get a spot at the uni than I don't think it would be such a bad idea. Especially if your grades from the uni and cc "match". For example, if you get an A in bio1 chem1 and physics1 at a CC and then got an A in bio2, chem2, and physics2 then I don't think it would be looked down upon. But if you got As at the CC but Cs at the uni than I think it would look bad. That would just help reinforce the idea, which isn't always true, that CCs are more easy and that you went to a CC to take advantage of that.

 

[chman]

If you were enrolled at a cc as a transfer student then it would not be bad, but since you are already at a four year, whether you intentions are noble or not, it may raise some red flags.

 

[7starmantis]

Search function works great if you really interested in many responses. There have been so many threads on this its ridiculous. Look them up, there is lots of info for you there.

 

[Rickybobby]

Check this out.

 

[jl lin]

I'm wondering if SDN could think of some way to make extra money off this question, since it comes up so often--that and "what are my chances?" It's true though that the latter question may include some specific info that may help the person get some feedback and perspective.

 

[ChemE 1112]

I just wanted to make something clear. I am not doing this so that I can get an easier course load. I want to take some summer classes so that I could graduate in 4 years. I have a 3.8 GPA right now, and i dont plan on letting it drop. Let me say this. Say I get an A at the cc in Chem II, and then get A's in both Orgos and B's or a B and an A in the 2 P-Chems. Then would it be Ok?

 

[chman]

I just wanted to make something clear. I am not doing this so that I can get an easier course load. I want to take some summer classes so that I could graduate in 4 years. I have a 3.8 GPA right now, and i dont plan on letting it drop. Let me say this. Say I get an A at the cc in Chem II, and then get A's in both Orgos and B's or a B and an A in the 2 P-Chems. Then would it be Ok?

It doesn't really matter that you have good intentions, all that matters is how your actions are perceived by acoms. Even if the classes at the cc are at the same level as your university (and they usually are) it is a bit risky because you may get that one adcom that thinks you are trying to take the easy way out. For this reason I would advise against it.

 

[Appless]

I just wanted to make something clear. I am not doing this so that I can get an easier course load. I want to take some summer classes so that I could graduate in 4 years. I have a 3.8 GPA right now, and i dont plan on letting it drop. Let me say this. Say I get an A at the cc in Chem II, and then get A's in both Orgos and B's or a B and an A in the 2 P-Chems. Then would it be Ok?

Ever hear perception is reality? THat applies here. It doesnt matter what your reason it matters what it looks like. Also be prepared to explain this at a interview. Every Adcom and med student who sits on a commiitee would tell you that taking pre req science CC classes while at a 4 year is not a good idea and can be a potential red flag. Does that mean its a killer? No it does not. In your case if all you plan to take is general chem II at the CC, then take O-chem at the 4 year, its a little better but still not the best idea. If you kept a 3.8 and got A's in ochem then you are probably fine. Once again not a killer in the situation you explained but certainly something that may raise a potential flag.

Remember that people often do what you are doing in order to avoid hard teachers or to pad the GPA. These classes such as gchem, ochem, general bio, physics, are weed out classes and adcoms like to see how you compare to students who are more on your level. Like it or not CC are seen as a lower level and easier. Therefore its harder to compare you to your "peers" when you take the "Easy" CC route. I do not think that CC are easier but this is the perception of many and most importantly those who will likely be reviewing your app.

 

[ChemE 1112]

But i mean like i said before. I only want to take a couple classes( for the sole reason of graduating on time) i will still leave the orgos and im hoping to get A's in both. Now let me give you a situation.
3.75 GPA
A's in Orgos, P-chem, and all the bios.
An a in phys 1 and a b in phys 2.
In that case, do you think a med school would mind? Also, volunteering, comm service, etc, would be included in that situation. Then what?

 

[chman]

But i mean like i said before. I only want to take a couple classes( for the sole reason of graduating on time) i will still leave the orgos and im hoping to get A's in both. Now let me give you a situation.
3.75 GPA
A's in Orgos, P-chem, and all the bios.
An a in phys 1 and a b in phys 2.
In that case, do you think a med school would mind? Also, volunteering, comm service, etc, would be included in that situation. Then what?

I don't understand why you couldn't just take them at your school during the summer. I mean, it seems to me that you have already made up your mind. For the record, I think cc's are great, and go to one, but unfortunately it does not always look good to go to a cc if you are also enrolled at a four year school, just fair warning.

Also, another thing to consider is that it is possible that you could take these classes at a cc and get a lower grade than you expected. Then what? You may think this is outlandish but I have seen it happen to a number of people during summer courses.

 

[coldblood]

taking classes at community college doesnt matter really. make sure u get As there and make sure you have straight As when u do ur stuff at an university. MOst schools will prolly look at it as if u would have gotten As had u taken it at an university. really doesnt matter. should ur GPA drop in university then it can b a problem

 

[GirlAnachronism]

Ok. You're already at a 4 year, yes? Med schools DO NOT LIKE it when students enrolled at universities than take pre-reqs at a CC. They WILL accept it if you were originally a CC student, took your prereqs there, and then transferred your junior year to a 4 year. However, you are not the latter case.

Here's a solution. If you go to a difficult 4 year university that deflates grades and makes it extremely hard to get anything above a C in a prereq, I suggest taking said prereq at an EASIER 4 year near you over the summer. Med schools are fine with a univ student taking prereqs at other universities (not CCs). Just arrange your schedule so that you can enroll in the courses over the summer. I did this for physics and MAN it was a life saver. Should have done it for ALL my prereqs! lol

 

[blaithnaid]

DO NOT TAKE YOUR MAJOR CLASSES AT A CC IF YOU ARE AT A 4 YR.

If you are an engineering major then physics is required.

If you are CHEM ENG then chem is required.

If you ~~~~absolutely~~~~ must, take the bio there but it's gonna look sketchy as all hell and no amount of equivocating will make anyone think otherwise.

AND ALSO check with your school to see if you're even allowed to do that. They don't have to accept any outside credits.

 

[Zona Pellucida]

I did my english pre-reqs at a CC (online). I wouldn't do your major pre-reqs there, however. My school specifically told us that no credit from another institution can be used towards your major requirements.

 

[Appless]

But i mean like i said before. I only want to take a couple classes( for the sole reason of graduating on time) i will still leave the orgos and im hoping to get A's in both. Now let me give you a situation.
3.75 GPA
A's in Orgos, P-chem, and all the bios.
An a in phys 1 and a b in phys 2.
In that case, do you think a med school would mind? Also, volunteering, comm service, etc, would be included in that situation. Then what?

as stated any adcomm or med student on a committee would tell you that your idea isnt the best one. As I already said will it bar you from med school? OF COURSE not. However could it raise a potential red flag? Yes it could. Does that mean you wont get in? Of course not you still could get in and likely if you got all As it wouldnt be a huge deal. But nonetheless it looks bad regardless of your reasons. How bad depends on the person reviewing your app.

Think of it this way, when you apply you want to have as many red flags removed from your app. The less potential flags you have the better. Some committees literally look for anything to throw out your app. If you dont want to believe others on here (which is always a good idea) go ask someone on a committee or someone you think knows who you trust. Also every school will look at this in a different way and it can vary depending even on which committee member reviews your file intially. Once again if you took it at a CC is your med school career over? No. Could you still get admitted? Yes. Is it a red flag that could EASILY be avoided on your part? Yes. Now its up to you to decide. If you even read med school website faqs many say do not do what you are doing. Its stated plainly on their site so what do you think that means?

CC classes are fine and viable. however, they are more often viable for someone who goes to a CC for 1-2 years then transfers to a 4 year. Once at a 4yr you are expected to take a majority of your classes there and all pre reqs. If you dont want to do it dont but as stated above its your decision.

 

[Rickybobby]

Ok, you didn't look at the link I posted. Anyway, it sounds like you've made your mind up. Why continue to ask the question? Take whatever courses you need to take close to home at a CC and apply to medical school. The true answer to your question will be revealed when you apply.

 

[ChemE 1112]

Ok, you didn't look at the link I posted. Anyway, it sounds like you've made your mind up. Why continue to ask the question? Take whatever courses you need to take close to home at a CC and apply to medical school. The true answer to your question will be revealed when you apply.

I did look at the link, but i didnt understand what the OP was about.

 

[nonsciencemajor]

This is my belief: If you are at a 4 year university, it is OKAY To take ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE science pre-req at a community college

However, make sure it is not orgo or physics... so you can do EITHER (NOT BOTH) general bio or general chem at a community college... if you do general bio at a CC, there is no need to do upper level science courses, ASSUMING this is the only pre-req you did at CC

If it means more than either doing general bio or chem at CC, it will hurt your application

Of course, all this is what I believe, and you will never get a official answer about how much damage it does to your app of doing pre-req's at a community college.. but from what I think it is fine as long as it is EITHER a year of general bio or year of general chem... no more than one science course at a cc

 

[ChemE 1112]

Alright. Now say I take Gen Chem II at CC this summer. Would it hurt my app if I also take, lets say, composition II and a psyc or sociology too? Does it only hurt your app if its a science class.

 

[7starmantis]

Wow, I was going to stay away from this thread on principle as I've typed this very response so many times my keyboard is wearing thin.

Dont listen to anyone on this thread. Ok, maybe some, but most is terribly wrong and misguided advice. There is nothing wrong with taking some classes at CC even if your at a 4-year.

Man I hate repeated myself, OP, can;t you just search a little bit? Seriously.
So, I took most my pre-reqs at CC then at my 4-year I took both physics at a CC while at 4-year......lets see....I got asked about it never at any interview either year I applied. Never. Not one question and I just received three pre-match MD acceptances. If your wanting the "prestigious" "top tier" school, then maybe, but a great state or private med school is not going to care.

Been there, done that, going to med school. You just need to do whats best for you and forget the rest. What pre-med students who are applying or haven't even yet applied think about your application is irrelevant. What they think adcoms will think is irrelevant. Just do your courses, make A's at the CC, keep your grades up at 4-year and your fine.

Oh, and learn to search on SDN, please?

 

[chman]

Wow, I was going to stay away from this thread on principle as I've typed this very response so many times my keyboard is wearing thin.

Dont listen to anyone on this thread. Ok, maybe some, but most is terribly wrong and misguided advice. There is nothing wrong with taking some classes at CC even if your at a 4-year.

Man I hate repeated myself, OP, can;t you just search a little bit? Seriously.
So, I took most my pre-reqs at CC then at my 4-year I took both physics at a CC while at 4-year......lets see....I got asked about it never at any interview either year I applied. Never. Not one question and I just received three pre-match MD acceptances. If your wanting the "prestigious" "top tier" school, then maybe, but a great state or private med school is not going to care.

Been there, done that, going to med school. You just need to do whats best for you and forget the rest. What pre-med students who are applying or haven't even yet applied think about your application is irrelevant. What they think adcoms will think is irrelevant. Just do your courses, make A's at the CC, keep your grades up at 4-year and your fine.

Oh, and learn to search on SDN, please?

While you and I usually respond the same way on this issue, which is often, I think I must respectfully disagree with you on this. I am a cc transfer student and am all for people taking some pre-reqs at cc's if they are transfer students, or if they have already graduated and did not plan on med school. But I must say that I think it is a bit of a gamble to take pre-reqs at a cc when one is already at a four year school. Yes, some adcoms may not care, but from what I have read, this exact situation is the only time when they seriously frown on cc's. I can't really blame them either, some may try and take advantage (even though this backfires for many).

On a side note, I am a little confused as to why the OP would not just take it at his/her school if he/she is a chem-e major. It seems that Gen chem would be one of the first classes one would take if that was one's intended major.

 

[blaithnaid]

On a side note, I am a little confused as to why the OP would not just take it at his/her school if he/she is a chem-e major. It seems that Gen chem would be one of the first classes one would take if that was one's intended major.

This is what makes all this nonsense a red flag. Chances are that you're not even permitted to xfer back any courses.

 

[nonsciencemajor]

Alright. Now say I take Gen Chem II at CC this summer. Would it hurt my app if I also take, lets say, composition II and a psyc or sociology too? Does it only hurt your app if its a science class.

did you do gen chem I at your 4 year? If so, then do gen chem II at the same 4 year. Do NOT MIX AND MATCH... thats the worst thing you can do on your app (1 sem at 4 year 1 sem at CC); Consistency is key!!...

When I say its okay to do one pre-req at a cc if necessary, then i mean doing the whole sequence... so in your case doing EITHER ONE YEAR of general chemistry or ONE YEAR general biology at cc. Since you havent done general bio, you can do that at CC.. remember again, when choosing which courses to take, you need to keep in mind the importance of consistency. Also if you do decide to take a year of a science pre-req (bio or chem) at a CC, it is INCREDIBLY important that you get A's in them, to show that you have mastered the material. So in my opinion the two contingencies of taking pre-req's at CC:

(1) Doing either a YEAR of General Bio or General Chem at CC
(2) Making sure you get A's (not A- or anything lower) in the science pre-req you decide to take

I would do composition II at a 4 year, since English is a pre-req at most medical schools, and if you remember I strongly recommend doing only ONE pre-req at a cc (general bio OR general chem). So make sure you do this at 4 year.

However, the other two courses are fine to take at CC.

 

[the duck]

did you do gen chem I at your 4 year? If so, then do gen chem II at the same 4 year. Do NOT MIX AND MATCH... thats the worst thing you can do on your app (1 sem at 4 year 1 sem at CC); Consistency is key!!...

When I say its okay to do one pre-req at a cc if necessary, then i mean doing the whole sequence... so in your case doing EITHER ONE YEAR of general chemistry or ONE YEAR general biology at cc. Since you havent done general bio, you can do that at CC.. remember again, when choosing which courses to take, you need to keep in mind the importance of consistency. Also if you do decide to take a year of a science pre-req (bio or chem) at a CC, it is INCREDIBLY important that you get A's in them, to show that you have mastered the material. So in my opinion the two contingencies of taking pre-req's at CC:

(1) Doing either a YEAR of General Bio or General Chem at CC
(2) Making sure you get A's (not A- or anything lower) in the science pre-req you decide to take

I would do composition II at a 4 year, since English is a pre-req at most medical schools, and if you remember I strongly recommend doing only ONE pre-req at a cc (general bio OR general chem). So make sure you do this at 4 year.

However, the other two courses are fine to take at CC.

You seem very adimant about your ONE pre-req rule, and repeatedly quote it like it is proven law. What exactly makes you so certain if it?

 

[Melicopter]

These threads always descend into madness...

I did CC, then did both CC and 4-yr simultaneously. The school had a program in place specifically for this, and they were very happy to take CC credits, although some classes transferred differently, so keep an eye on that.

It never came up in my interviews, but I also never interviewed at Harvard - so maybe they would care. I have acceptances at schools I am happy with, though. Further, if it does come up and someone asks about it, it seems like graduating on time is an excellent reason.

Yes, it is likely a risk. A red flag, even. Are you determined to get into one particular school? Will you be crushed if they have one adcom who hates CC courses and you don't get in? If not, I'd say it's worth it. Especially if you can pull A's at both schools and don't make it look like you did it for an easier class.

One last point - if you don't graduate on time, and are taking just a few classes your last year, that's probably a red flag as well. You're in a sticky situation, and going to have to make a tough choice.

 

[the duck]

These threads always descend into madness...

I did CC, then did both CC and 4-yr simultaneously. The school had a program in place specifically for this, and they were very happy to take CC credits, although some classes transferred differently, so keep an eye on that.

It never came up in my interviews, but I also never interviewed at Harvard - so maybe they would care. I have acceptances at schools I am happy with, though. Further, if it does come up and someone asks about it, it seems like graduating on time is an excellent reason.

Yes, it is likely a risk. A red flag, even. Are you determined to get into one particular school? Will you be crushed if they have one adcom who hates CC courses and you don't get in? If not, I'd say it's worth it. Especially if you can pull A's at both schools and don't make it look like you did it for an easier class.

One last point - if you don't graduate on time, and are taking just a few classes your last year, that's probably a red flag as well. You're in a sticky situation, and going to have to make a tough choice.

I highly doubt adcoms would look down on a light course load your final year if your just taking the credits needed to graduate. Is it at all possible for the OP to take other courses at a CC and save the pre-reqs for your 4-year?