Is my advisor right?

Started by labgirl
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labgirl

labgirl

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I already have a BS in Clinical Lab Science so I have taken classes such as microbiology, genetics, immunology, hematology, and basically anything else that ends in "ology" except General Biology. According to the pre-req requirements for most MD and DO schools, 2 semesters of general biology are required. My advisor seems to think that I don't need to take general bio and would benefit more from upper division bio courses. My thoughts are that if I send out my applications and general bio isn't listed on my transcripts, will they tell me I don't meet minimum requirements or do upper division bio courses satisfy these requirements? Also, I haven't taken the MCAT yet, and I am thinking that the general bio will be helpful in MCAT prep. So, do I stay in the class or not???
 
You might have to contact individual schools. The requirement is two semesters of biological science, which doesn't necessarily mean general biology, BUT certain schools might interpret this differently.

As an aside, pick up an MCAT prep book and make sure you have covered all that material in your biology classes.
 
labgirl said:
I already have a BS in Clinical Lab Science so I have taken classes such as microbiology, genetics, immunology, hematology, and basically anything else that ends in "ology" except General Biology. According to the pre-req requirements for most MD and DO schools, 2 semesters of general biology are required. My advisor seems to think that I don't need to take general bio and would benefit more from upper division bio courses. My thoughts are that if I send out my applications and general bio isn't listed on my transcripts, will they tell me I don't meet minimum requirements or do upper division bio courses satisfy these requirements? Also, I haven't taken the MCAT yet, and I am thinking that the general bio will be helpful in MCAT prep. So, do I stay in the class or not???
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I was in kind of the same situation. I had all of the "ology" classes but skipped General Biology. I was advised to take it.
 
labgirl said:
I already have a BS in Clinical Lab Science so I have taken classes such as microbiology, genetics, immunology, hematology, and basically anything else that ends in "ology" except General Biology. According to the pre-req requirements for most MD and DO schools, 2 semesters of general biology are required. My advisor seems to think that I don't need to take general bio and would benefit more from upper division bio courses. My thoughts are that if I send out my applications and general bio isn't listed on my transcripts, will they tell me I don't meet minimum requirements or do upper division bio courses satisfy these requirements? Also, I haven't taken the MCAT yet, and I am thinking that the general bio will be helpful in MCAT prep. So, do I stay in the class or not???
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Well, upper level bios tend to be for folks who have had the lower level's already, not those who never took it. I would check a handful of med schools but you probably are going to want to just suck it up and take them. Should be a fairly easy A if you did well on the ologies.
 
My school doesn't call them General Biology...they are called Biodiversity, Physiology, etc.
 
Lokhtar said:
My school doesn't call them General Biology...they are called Biodiversity, Physiology, etc.
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Biodiversity :laugh: I have always thought that that was a stupid name for a class....
pointless post sry

to the OP, you might as well take it it it should be an easy and it will be a good review for the MCAT. Doesn't Hurt to take it...
 
Law2Doc said:
Well, upper level bios tend to be for folks who have had the lower level's already, not those who never took it. I would check a handful of med schools but you probably are going to want to just suck it up and take them. Should be a fairly easy A if you did well on the ologies.
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Agree.

OP, take them so that you don't have any problems later pre-matriculation, and reap the reward of adding those two As to your GPA.
 
Most catalogues I've seen won't give you credit for Bio I and II after you've obtained credit in a higher level course. Check your local listings for details.
 
Hi, I would say you need to have general bio, especially to take the MCAT, that material is very important. That being said, if you really want to make sure, you need to call the schools you will be applying to and ask them individually what they will accept. The upper division stuff is great and will be very beneficial down the road, but sometimes it's so focused you miss out on some of the more broad, general concepts. Hope this helps. Good luck.

AB
 
Thanks, everyone! I've decided to stick with the class because:
1)It will be great review for the MCAT
2)Just to be safe when it comes application time
3)Easy A's!
4)The instructor really seems to like me so I think I can get a great LOR from him
 
labgirl: I'm pre-vet, but right now I'm pursuing a BS in Clinical Lab Science. I was wondering if you could tell me how (or if) you've enjoyed being in the field before pursuing med school? I haven't met many people with that particular BS, so I'm just curious. I may be working a couple years before applying to vet school. Thanks!
 
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