Must you complete all pre-requisite courses before applying

[Chankovsky]

---

Members do not see this ad.

If I'm missing a prereq. when I'm applying, would that be possible.

 

[Cerberus]

yes

 

[duncanfj]

You can apply and not have all of your pre-reqs done. But you cannot matriculate without having them successfully completed.

 

[DrWuStar]

also be sure to check with the school about their specific requirements. some med schools require you to have completed all the prereqs by december of the year you are applying. other schools will let you finish up as late as summer session right before med school starts.

i had not taken any english or physics when i began applying. i took one semester of english summer session, english and physics fall semester, and am now finishing off physics this spring. i feel it has put me at somewhat of a disadvantage, but i have one acceptance at a school i really like, so i guess it hasn't hurt me too bad.

 

[TripleDegree]

Originally posted by DrWuStar
also be sure to check with the school about their specific requirements. some med schools require you to have completed all the prereqs by december of the year you are applying. other schools will let you finish up as late as summer session right before med school starts.

i had not taken any english or physics when i began applying. i took one semester of english summer session, english and physics fall semester, and am now finishing off physics this spring. i feel it has put me at somewhat of a disadvantage, but i have one acceptance at a school i really like, so i guess it hasn't hurt me too bad.

DR Wu - congrats on the NW acceptance! obviously you wren't hurt too bad 🙂

I will be applying without the following prereqs completed:

Chem 3
Bio 3
Org 3
No English
No Physics

I do intend to complete all of these in the time between application (June) and the time I enter med school next Fall 2005.


Assuming I score decent on the MCAT (35+), would I be at a disadvantage?

Thanks

 

[lisa13579]

You should be fine applying, but I would be concerned about taking the MCAT without having taken those classess.

 

[DrWuStar]

Originally posted by TripleDegree
DR Wu - congrats on the NW acceptance! obviously you wren't hurt too bad 🙂

I will be applying without the following prereqs completed:

Chem 3
Bio 3
Org 3
No English
No Physics

I do intend to complete all of these in the time between application (June) and the time I enter med school next Fall 2005.


Assuming I score decent on the MCAT (35+), would I be at a disadvantage?

Thanks

thank you. i am pretty psyched😀

i agree with lisa that you might have a hard time doing as well as you hope on the MCAT without having finished more of the prereqs. on the other hand, it sounds like you are on a quarter system, so maybe your first 2 quarters in each of those subjects will be solid enough prep. or maybe you are one of those exceptional people who can learn the material on your own and do well. take a practice MCAT or two to gauge how much you know. although it might seem unappealing, you might be more successful if you waited another year, took more of the prereqs, then took the MCAT, then applied. i think it is worth not rushing. i sure wouldn't want to have to go through this application process twice.

if you do decide to apply this year and take all the prereqs along the way, i would suggest taking as many prereqs as you can in the summer and fall. and if you can fit some in before you take the MCAT, i would say the order of MCAT helpfulness would be Gen Chem 3, Bio 3, Physics, Orgo 3, english.

anyway, this is all just my opinion. it's based on my experience, but i am by no means an expert. another great strategy that people don't use often enough is to call the schools you are interested in, and ask their opinion. they really will give it to you. they are not actually that scary.

good luck.

 

[thackl]

Originally posted by Chankovsky
If I'm missing a prereq. when I'm applying, would that be possible.

Don't worry about it. I applied and was accepted without 14 credits of pre-req's. Just make sure you can submit a realistic plan for finishing before school starts.

 

[TripleDegree]

Thanks for the advice - and good luck in Evanston. Definitely one of the better places to live in Chicago!