Mixing pre-reqs at a CC/4yr?

Started by Nontrad Dad
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Nontrad Dad

Nontrad Dad

Full Member
10+ Year Member
I searched through past threads and couldn't find an answer so apologies if this has been discussed before.

I'm starting my pre-reqs this summer after 2 years in the corp world. I graduated in '08 with zero science courses under my belt. Now, I'm working 50+ hours a week and about to take my first pre-req (Chem I) this June at a CC.

My questions are: how will it look having taken some of my pre-reqs at a CC and some at a 4yr state school? Should I stick to mixing them up so that it shows I can hang at a more competitive institution or should I stick to just CC for continuity?

I have the traditional 8-5 workweek schedule and then some, and so it's been difficult for me to find courses that fit into my schedule. And so I plan on taking as many pre-reqs at the 4yr school as their schedule allows and the rest at a CC (unfortunately, most likely the majority due to career-friendly class schedules). Unfortunately, quitting my job and doing a postbacc isn't an option.

Thanks in advance..
 
I don't see why it really matters if you aced your MCAT...maybe take a few upper level sciences with a 4 year to "prove yourself" or whatever 🙄
 
I'm doing the same thing. I am taking them wherever my schedule permits me to as I work evenings, days weekends and everything in between. like everything on your application that might seem out of the ordinary as long as you have a sound explanation for it i think you should be alright. and do make sure you take some upper level science courses at a 4 year.
 
Thanks for the responses. That's what I figured..

As long as I have a legit reason for taking some of my pre-reqs at a CC, take some upper level sci courses at the 4yr so it doesn't look like I'm doing the bare minimum, and nailing my MCATs to prove I have the material down, I should be OK.
 
It also depends on where you want to apply. Some med schools do not accept CC credits. I personally recommend taking as many of your prereqs at 4-yr college if it's possible for you. The facilities are usually much better, and they're more highly regarded in general. I don't think it's a make or break deal at most med schools, but every little bit helps.
 
If they don't accept your CC pre-req's, screw em. For someone who pays the bills, at the end of the day, if you're getting a quality education, that's all that matters. A four-hour science course at my local CC is about $220 with tuition and fees. The same course at the local university is over $2,000. If you've got the cash to blow, do what suits you. For those of us who feel the pinch of that extra $1800, do what you need to do.

They just don't want to see you "skip out" while enrolled as an undergrad at a 4-year college by taking your science courses at a CC to get a better grade/have an easier time.
 
figmentj said:
It also depends on where you want to apply. Some med schools do not accept CC credits. I personally recommend taking as many of your prereqs at 4-yr college if it's possible for you. The facilities are usually much better, and they're more highly regarded in general. I don't think it's a make or break deal at most med schools, but every little bit helps.
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This is the first I've heard that the facilities are better at 4 year colleges. Even for 100 level courses? Some people do these experiments in high school you know.
 
I've found that to be the case, but my situation may be unusual for all I know. At my CC, the labs were just awful - broken equipment, clueless instructors, one slide for 8 people, etc. My 4 year school is infinitely more equipped.
 
I'm in the same boat. I'm taking courses at a CC toward the Surgical Tech program, and I'm wondering if I'm going to have to retake any at a 4-year afterward. The only BCPM so far is Gen Chem I, which I'm finishing up right now (though if I don't get a 4.0 I may end up retaking it anyway).

Does anyone happen to have access to a list of med schools that do or do not accept credits from community colleges?
 
I took many of my prerequisites at a community college, and got several med school acceptances. Some schools evidently look down on it, but seriously - unless you're set on Harvard or something, I doubt it's anything to worry about.
 
Melicopter said:
I took many of my prerequisites at a community college, and got several med school acceptances. Some schools evidently look down on it, but seriously - unless you're set on Harvard or something, I doubt it's anything to worry about.
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That's good to know. Thank you. If you don't mind me asking, what were some of the med schools you got accepted into?
 
For similar reasons (crazy work schedule), I took most of my prereqs at a CC and the others at a state school. With a good MCAT score this was never even brought up at my interviews.

NAIL THE MCAT and it won't matter!
 
da Vincis World said:
For similar reasons (crazy work schedule), I took most of my prereqs at a CC and the others at a state school. With a good MCAT score this was never even brought up at my interviews.

NAIL THE MCAT and it won't matter!
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Always important. I'm definitely hearing a lot more success stories from CC students than scary stories, which is promising. I just don't want to end up in a situation where that's the one thing keeping me out.
 
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