Met w/ Advisor, need clarifications

[Judson]

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I just met with my premed advisor last week and left feeling a bit confused.

He wants me to take two classes (cellular bio, and biochem) in addition to my 17-credit per semester course load before I take the 2015 MCAT.

He also wants me to take calculus before I apply to med school to prove I can do well in math (got a C+ and B in Algebra I & II and an A- in Trig)

I am going to be a senior and will be taking a gap year during the application process. I was wondering if I could move some of my other classes into the gap year and go to school part-time in order to make sure I am prepared for the MCAT and able to prove my math ability. Will I be able to complete my primary and secondary applications without having completed all of my classes?

 

[Judson]

Either Cell Bio or Biochem might be reasonable suggestions (not both), but I don't understand calculus if you have finished all other pre-requisites (unless you are applying to schools that require it).

I was thinking that cell bio would be sufficient as well, but he insisted that I squeeze in biochem to prepare for the 2015 MCAT.

He reasoned that getting an A in calculus as a senior would "look good" in response to the C+ and B I earned freshman year in Algebra I & II.

 

[hoihaie]

I thought algebra and Trig are high school classes

 

[DocConk]

In response to your gap year question;

It's not really a 'gap year' if you're still in school. You'd just be a fifth year senior, which is okay. 'Gap year' implies that you're out of school and are doing something work-related and volunteer-heavy, for most pre-meds... Along with studying for MCAT.

 

[Flashfan]

Biochem is a big part of the 2015 MCAT. You will be at a huge disadvantage without it.

 

[Judson]

I thought algebra and Trig are high school classes

They certainly are. I'm a non-traditional student. When I started college, it had been over 7 years since I had a math class.

 

[Judson]

In response to your gap year question;

It's not really a 'gap year' if you're still in school. You'd just be a fifth year senior, which is okay. 'Gap year' implies that you're out of school and are doing something work-related and volunteer heavy, for most pre-meds... Along with studying for MCAT.

I was hoping for a gap year that resembled what you described. I'm already going to be a fifth year senior this year. Guess a part-time 11th semester couldn't hurt?

 

[Judson]

Biochem is a big part of the 2015 MCAT. You will be at a huge disadvantage without it.

Based on the following description, do you think this course will cover the necessary topics for both cell bio and biochem? or will I need to dig deeper in more advanced classes?

"This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of molecular and cellular biology, with a primary focus on eukaryotic cells. Topics covered will include elementary biochemistry; structure and function of biological macromolecules, the cell and its organelles; the role of biological membranes in bioenergetics and sub-cellular compartments. There will be a particular emphasis on the molecular mechanism of heredity; the organization and expression of genetic information; experimental methods used in the analysis of gene expression and the relationship between gene/protein structure and function."

 

[lobo.solo]

I think most schools require 1 year of college level math; most people do cal 1 and stats (others do cal 2 instead of stats). Check the requirement at the schools you plan to apply. You can take cal 1 during your gap year... I would advise against taking another class on top of a 17 credits semester work-load. You can take that class during your gap year. Are you taking the mcat before it changes? because if you're not then take biochem before you take the exam

 

[Judson]

I think most schools require 1 year of college level math; most people do cal 1 and stats (others do cal 2 instead of stats). Check the requirement at the schools you plan to apply. You can take cal 1 during your gap year... I would advise against taking another class on top of a 17 credits semester work-load. You can take that class during your gap year. Are you taking the mcat before it changes? because if you're not then take biochem before you take the exam

I already have stats so maybe calc 1 is a good idea. I think taking it while I'm applying (during my "gap year") would be a good choice.

I will be taking the new MCAT and will need biochem. I was planning on taking physiology in spring 2015, but I think I might take the class I mentioned in my last post since it seems to touch on both cell bio and biochem.

 

[moisne]

I already have stats so maybe calc 1 is a good idea. I think taking it while I'm applying (during my "gap year") would be a good choice.

I will be taking the new MCAT and will need biochem. I was planning on taking physiology in spring 2015, but I think I might take the class I mentioned in my last post since it seems to touch on both cell bio and biochem.

You did poorly in algebra ... That's on your transcript? Most med schools requires calculus. How did you do in chemistry and physics :/

On the bright side for you, at least med school isn't math heavy.

 

[Judson]

You did poorly in algebra ... That's on your transcript? Most med schools requires calculus. How did you do in chemistry and physics :/

On the bright side for you, at least med school isn't math heavy.

Apologies ahead of time for the long response. I am answering your questions but added some extra info in case you or others find it useful in giving me advise.

Unfortunately, I had a very rough freshman year. I was just over a year in recovery from two years of drug addiction and homelessness. I had little direction in life and thought a passing grade would be enough to land me a job. It wasn't until early in my junior year that I decided on medicine and buckled down. I've only had 2 B's in the last 3 semesters, otherwise all A's.

Here's my grade breakdown for the med school prereqs:
Bio1 - A
Bio2 - A-
Gchem1 - B-
Gchem1 Lab - A- (top in section)
Gchem2 - B
Gchem2 Lab - A- (top in section)
Ochem1 - A
Phys1 - A-

For math credits I have:
Algebra1 - C+ (freshman year)
Algebra2 - B (freshman year)
Stat - B (freshman year)
Trig - A-

I think if I take calculus and get an A it will show med schools that I am not inept with regard to math.

I heard something about strong upward trends. Here is my GPA by the semester:
Semester 1: 2.89
Semester 2: 3.13
Semester 3: 3.11
Semester 4: 3.21*
Semester 5: 3.27
Semester 6: 3.38*
Semester 7: 3.43*
Semester 8: 3.47*
Semester 9 & 10: forthcoming * = Dean's List

My cGPA only counting semesters 4-8 is a 3.66 and I'm expecting a continued increase as I enter my final year. Hopefully this will also show adcoms that I can do well once I put my mind to something.

 

[Ismet]

1. I'd advise taking biochem over cell bio, especially because you'll be taking the 2015 MCAT. Biochemistry is an actual component of the new MCAT. Of course there will be cell bio topics on the MCAT, but your general bio course + MCAT study materials should sufficiently cover that.

2. How is your GPA from semesters 4-8 a 3.66?? None of your GPAs are above 3.6.

3. To answer one of your original questions, yes you can complete your primary and secondary applications without the pre-reqs. Most schools just require that you complete them before matriculating.

 

[Judson]

1. I'd advise taking biochem over cell bio, especially because you'll be taking the 2015 MCAT. Biochemistry is an actual component of the new MCAT. Of course there will be cell bio topics on the MCAT, but your general bio course + MCAT study materials should sufficiently cover that.

2. How is your GPA from semesters 4-8 a 3.66?? None of your GPAs are above 3.6.

3. To answer one of your original questions, yes you can complete your primary and secondary applications without the pre-reqs. Most schools just require that you complete them before matriculating.

Those are exactly the kind of answers I was looking for! Thank you!

Those GPA's I listed are my cGPA rising semester-by-semester. Not the individual semester GPA's.

 

[Ismet]

Those GPA's I listed are my cGPA rising semester-by-semester. Not the individual semester GPA's.

Ah that makes more sense.

It sounds like you've gone through a lot to get to where you are, and your GPA since buckling down is good. Just do what you need to do to do well on the MCAT, and that will further demonstrate that you are ready.

You will guaranteed have to explain to schools at some point why you started off poorly. While overcoming drug addiction and turning your life around is certainly an accomplishment to be proud of, I'm sure you know there is also a big stigma against drug use, especially for medical professionals. It would be in your best interest to leave out the part of drug addiction in any essays you write for applications. Maybe you've already realized this, but I figured I'd say it just in case.

 

[Judson]

Ah that makes more sense.

It sounds like you've gone through a lot to get to where you are, and your GPA since buckling down is good. Just do what you need to do to do well on the MCAT, and that will further demonstrate that you are ready.

You will guaranteed have to explain to schools at some point why you started off poorly. While overcoming drug addiction and turning your life around is certainly an accomplishment to be proud of, I'm sure you know there is also a big stigma against drug use, especially for medical professionals. It would be in your best interest to leave out the part of drug addiction in any essays you write for applications. Maybe you've already realized this, but I figured I'd say it just in case.

Thanks Ismet. I'm prepared to share my story if I feel it will not be used against me. I considered adding it in my essays, but I think you made a good point. Do you think it will be counted against me if I bring it up during an interview?

 

[Descendent]

Biochem is pretty essential if you're taking the new MCAT.

I suggest trying to fit Biochem and perhaps Calc in this year; if you can manage the workload.

IMO going over to a sixth year for those two classes isn't worth it and defeats the purpose of the gap year.

 

[Judson]

Biochem is pretty essential if you're taking the new MCAT.

I suggest trying to fit Biochem and perhaps Calc in this year; if you can manage the workload.

IMO going over to a sixth year for those two classes isn't worth it and defeats the purpose of the gap year.

I think I can manage. Of my 17 credits, 3 is research, 2 is TAing, and 2 is internship. I definitely want a gap year without classes as well. If anything I would want to take only calculus.

 

[Lil Mick]

Send me a pm. I have some experience applying with this sort of situation.

 

[ThisCouldBeYou]

Right now, there are a small number of schools that DON'T require biochem. By next year, even more will move from recommended to required.

 

[Ismet]

Right now, there are a small number of schools that DON'T require biochem. By next year, even more will move from recommended to required.

Really? Has it changed that much in 3 years? Only one of the schools I applied to in 2011 required biochem.

 

[Zelda840]

Maybe it's just the sample of schools I applied to, but I didn't have any that required calc. Just a year of math in general. I did algebra and stats.

 

[peudamour]

Really? Has it changed that much in 3 years? Only one of the schools I applied to in 2011 required biochem.

I would imagine as the MCAT 2015 approaches more schools would begin to change their course requirements.

 

[Judson]

I would imagine as the MCAT 2015 approaches more schools would begin to change their course requirements.

Right now, there are a small number of schools that DON'T require biochem. By next year, even more will move from recommended to required.

I'm thinking this is going to be an upcoming trend. I'm definitely taking biochem now.

 

[ThisCouldBeYou]

You can see which schools recommend BioChem and which ones require it if you have the MSAR. Go to their Data Reports. Find the pdf link in the top left hand corner, go to Data Reports from the Official Guide to Medical School Admissions. Premed Course Requirements, pages 64 - 71.