Med school with no upper division science classes...

[Temperature101]

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I have taken all my prereq for med school with grade As & Bs. I am debating whether or not i should take biochem and genetics. I would prefer not to take these classes since I will have to cut back hours at my job so I can fit these classes in my schedule. Will med school grant me acceptance with just prereq and no upper division science classes assuming all my other stuff (ECs, MCAT, good interview etc...) are solid?

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

If the schools don't require the classes and you have a good mcat/gpa then you'll be fine. However, there are reason why schools recommend certain classes....

 

[JamesLMT]

I have taken all my prereq for med school with grade As & Bs. I am debating whether or not i should take biochem and genetics. I would prefer not to take these classes since I will have to cut back hours at my job so I can fit these classes in my schedule. Will med school grant me acceptance with just prereq and no upper division science classes assuming all my other stuff (ECs, MCAT, good interview etc...) are solid?

Better, more in depth application, better chances of acceptance (arguably), more prepared for the material coming at you in medical school. Cutting back a few hours at your job I think is a fair trade. Unless you are supporting a family or something.

 

[scummie]

I have taken all my prereq for med school with grade As & Bs. I am debating whether or not i should take biochem and genetics. I would prefer not to take these classes since I will have to cut back hours at my job so I can fit these classes in my schedule. Will med school grant me acceptance with just prereq and no upper division science classes assuming all my other stuff (ECs, MCAT, good interview etc...) are solid?

If you're dying to take a class, take biochem. Genetics in med school classes...There's no way to describe it really. I don't think it's really emphasized. You'll need to know what diseases are dominant and recessive, blah blah but nothing too intense.

Some schools will require you to take certain upper level courses before matriculating. Do some detective work so you're not screwed next summer.

 

[Goro]

Here's one of the things AdCom memebrs argue about incessantly! we DO admit people with the bare basics, and some do fine. But we do feel that some people with only the basics tend to have a good deal of trouble in our curriculum. Let's just say that it can't hurt you to at least take physiology and/or anatomy. Genetics will help you more than biochem.

I have taken all my prereq for med school with grade As & Bs. I am debating whether or not i should take biochem and genetics. I would prefer not to take these classes since I will have to cut back hours at my job so I can fit these classes in my schedule. Will med school grant me acceptance with just prereq and no upper division science classes assuming all my other stuff (ECs, MCAT, good interview etc...) are solid?

 

[PJ meowerton]

you could probably take some upper level bio classes online if you want. I know the University of Minnesota offers biochem, genetics and cell bio all online/distance learning. You might need to find a proctor for exams though. And some of the classes are an extended term of 9 months but you can finish them earlier if you want.

 

[Wolverines83]

Here's one of the things AdCom memebrs argue about incessantly! we DO admit people with the bare basics, and some do fine. But we do feel that some people with only the basics tend to have a good deal of trouble in our curriculum. Let's just say that it can't hurt you to at least take physiology and/or anatomy. Genetics will help you more than biochem.

I was accepted with no upper level sciences, save for A&P 1 and 2 so yes, you can be accepted. But I am so grateful that I took that class. You are expected to learn Anatomy at such a ridiculous pace in the first few months that it helps a LOT to have a baseline. The same could probably be said for other upper level science courses; however, since Anatomy is what's shoved down your throat right from the beginning, I think it would be more high yield in that you're less likely to be overwhelmed in the initial crash course and therefore more likely to be able to adapt to drinking from a fire hose....I mean med school studying!

So I agree with the above poster...A&P is hugely valuable. In fact, despite the fact that you take an anatomy course in med school, it still strikes me as a bit odd that it's not a required prereq.

As for your job and hours...think of it as a simple exercise in prioritizing. Your ultimate priority is success in med school right? If you can financially do it, cut those hours back and "invest" them in a course that will make you more successful in med school. You won't miss the extra money, but you might miss the extra A&P knowledge.

Good Luck!!