Lack of upper level classes?

[Flamingos]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hello...could one get into medical school with a lack of upper level classes?

My academic advisor recommended me to sit out this year due to lack of upper level classes.

I only completed the pre-requisites and genetics.

I volunteer, work full time at the hospital, and conduct research on the side.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

 

[ErrantWhatever]

Hello...could one get into medical school with a lack of upper level classes?

My academic advisor recommended me to sit out this year due to lack of upper level classes.
I only completed the pre-requisites and genetics.

I volunteer, work full time at the hospital, and conduct research on the side.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

Hold up. So you were advised to sit out this application cycle--therefore a guaranteed non-admittance--in lieu of applying w/o upper-level courses and possibly getting an acceptance? Or am I mistaken?

I have very little beyond the basic pre-reqs and got in.

 

[Flamingos]

Yes...he stated most admission committees won't take me seriously.

I did however, take most of my pre-reqs at the community college, but I think I have some strong letters to back my profile.

 

[ErrantWhatever]

Yes...he stated most admission committees won't take me seriously.

I did however, take most of my pre-reqs at the community college, but I think I have some strong letters to back my profile.

And there's the kicker. Probably not a bad strategy, but still, what's the harm in trying??? If you don't get accepted, you can add to your narrative as a re-applicant and say, "I didn't give up; I improved my application by taking upper-level courses at a 4-year university and doing X, Y, and Z."

Obviously I don't know your whole app and don't want to impugn your advisor's prudence, but this is definitely a conversation I would have had before choosing this route.

 

[Flamingos]

Summary of me:

1. 4 years of leadership (20+ people under my direction)
2. 3.8 BPCM / 3.77 AMCAS GPA / 3.78 TMDSAS
3. TX Resident
4. 1/2 year research, 1 year by the end of this semester, pending publication
5. Full time unit clerk at hospital
6. 2 years + volunteering with underserved as school.

My goal :

Take A/P this semester

Summer :

2 UL science courses

If I take the UL classes while I apply for medical school, would I have better luck as I update them with my progress?

Thanks!

 

[doctorold]

Summary of me:

1. 4 years of leadership (20+ people under my direction)
2. 3.8 BPCM / 3.77 AMCAS GPA / 3.78 TMDSAS
3. TX Resident
4. 1/2 year research, 1 year by the end of this semester, pending publication
5. Full time unit clerk at hospital
6. 2 years + volunteering with underserved as school.

My goal :

Take A/P this semester

Summer :

2 UL science courses

If I take the UL classes while I apply for medical school, would I have better luck as I update them with my progress?

Thanks!

What about the MCAT?

 

[Flamingos]

A low balanced 30 : /

 

[ErrantWhatever]

To answer the main question, I'd say, "You can get in w/o UL's (I know this from friends), but since you seem to have the time, go ahead and take a couple this year."

 

[spacetomatoes]

Unless you have your heart set on a really prestigious school, you'll be fine. Looking at your info, my application was weaker than yours, in almost every area, and I did fine this cycle. Best of luck!

 

[lovesfall]

I had no upper level basic science classes until this year (after I had submitted the application) and I got in (although - I didn't expect to get into a top program, just a local one). I had taken upper levels as part of another degree, but they weren't the kind that would jump to mind when you thought of pre-med prep. I had worries about it but no one even brought it up. Some schools do require a certain number of upper-level credits, but you can find that out well before you apply. Good luck!

 

[hunterjumper14]

People from top 1 year career changer postbacc programs consistently get into top schools with only the minimum prerequisites.

I got into my state school with just the prereqs and biochem. Especially for nontraditional students it's pretty common.

 

[docelh]

This is determined by what schools you apply to. Some are content with just the bare-bones pre-reqs, while a few schools recommend or require upper level science courses. You can find the detailed list if you search AAMC or SDN.

Adding genetics and biochemistry to the standard pre-reqs will satisfy the demands of all allopathic schools.