Non-prereq Science Classes

[mmi]

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Does not having taken any science courses outside of the core requirements hurt your medschool application?

I'm about to begin a 12-month structured postbac program, covering just the basics--gen chem, bio, orgo, physics. Would it be recommendable to spend another few semesters in school after the program to take additional science courses?

 

[windycitycassie]

Does not having taken any science courses outside of the core requirements hurt your medschool application?

I'm about to begin a 12-month structured postbac program, covering just the basics--gen chem, bio, orgo, physics. Would it be recommendable to spend another few semesters in school after the program to take additional science courses?

How is your overall undergad GPA, and then your science GPA? Obviously, more science classes (if you get an A) help out a lot... 🙂

I would think some classes would be helpful, I'll be taking A&P and a few others myself.

 

[PsychEpathic]

If your math is rusty, that might be a good class to take (for physics and to boost your BCPM).

 

[windycitycassie]

If your math is rusty, that might be a good class to take (for physics and to boost your BCPM).

Good idea...and some med schools would like you to have taken calc, right? I know there are some that say they want it.

 

[ATrim7]

I'm about to begin a 12-month structured postbac program, covering just the basics--gen chem, bio, orgo, physics. Would it be recommendable to spend another few semesters in school after the program to take additional science courses?

I'm in the same position. However, I decided to do the program over 18-24 months for several reasons:

1. Studying for the MCAT while taking 3 sciences courses could negatively affect my test score.

2. Taking Biochem and/or genetics following my pre-reqs will make me a better applicant.

3. Extending the period in which I can volunteer, shadow, and help the community may also make me a better applicant.

4. Spreading out the coursework can allow me to focus more on each individual course allowing me to achieve the best possible grade.

I struggled with the decision to do my post-bac over 2 years. I am 24 years old now and would like to get my career going as soons as possible. On the other hand, the admissions process is difficult, and I decided that I would spend some extra time becoming the best applicant I can be.

I know many people that did do their post-bacs in 12 months and have been successful at getting into good schools. I guess I am just cautious. Good luck!

 

[mmi]

I'm in the same position. However, I decided to do the program over 18-24 months for several reasons:

1. Studying for the MCAT while taking 3 sciences courses could negatively affect my test score.

2. Taking Biochem and/or genetics following my pre-reqs will make me a better applicant.

3. Extending the period in which I can volunteer, shadow, and help the community may also make me a better applicant.

4. Spreading out the coursework can allow me to focus more on each individual course allowing me to achieve the best possible grade.

I struggled with the decision to do my post-bac over 2 years. I am 24 years old now and would like to get my career going as soons as possible. On the other hand, the admissions process is difficult, and I decided that I would spend some extra time becoming the best applicant I can be.

I know many people that did do their post-bacs in 12 months and have been successful at getting into good schools. I guess I am just cautious. Good luck!

yeah i'm 26 but not really in a rush so ive also thought about taking 2 years, but i think the pace and expectations of a structured program will do a good job of whipping me into shape academically. and that's one less year of paying for living expenses.

mcats are going to be offered 19 times/year starting 2007 and results will be reported in half the time. more flexibility means less pressure taking 3 classes + 3 labs plus mcat preparation.

but the point im making is that in those 12 months i won't be taking any advanced science courses, just the basics. do top schools feel strongly about admitting students who have a&p, biochem, etc. backgrounds?

 

[chopper]

I did all 4 pre-reqs full time in a year. I had taken Chem and Physics as an undergraduate 13 years before, but obviously that coursework was too old.
Believe it or not, I think that helped me with the MCAT. It was like a one year intensive MCAT prep. I ended up doing very well on MCAT, and getting into a couple great schools. So it is possible.

My one caveat: I was an engineer in my previous life, so very comfortable with my math skills. It wouldn't have worked if I couldn't do Math in my sleep. I saw quite a few people hit roadblocks in Chem and Physics with Math, not the actual material. You can't get behind at all with such a course load, and it would have been disastrous to have done poorly. So think about that before you would try a short program. Better 2 years and do well than risk it all in 1 and ruin your chances at med school. Looking back, I was lucky.
Good Luck

 

[MossPoh]

Some schools require biochemistry or other stuff...one off the top of my head is FSU. If you can somehow fit a few extra in and do well in them it will do nothing but help you as far as your chances....but if you feel that the risk of NOT doing well is high enough then skip it and just ignore those schools that require the biochem or whatever else.

 

[mshheaddoc]

You can always take classes while you are applying. Like the biochem or genetics that some schools require at a local college or university. Just an idea. If you want to finish the post bacc then take some classes in the meantime to "update" your file while your applying.