Non-Traditional Game Plan

[ToBeorNotToBe340]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Howdy,

So I’m currently a non-traditional doing a DIY postbacc. Some context graduated in 2018 with BS in business administration (2.26 gpa). After graduating I joined the military. I recently got out and have started my DIY postbacc at a local community college. I just wanted to see if what I’m planning on doing/ already doing makes sense. This is the first time I’m taking all of these classes since non overlapped with my first degree.


Fall 2023 (4.0)
Bio intro
Gen Chem Prep
Precalc

Winter 2024
Bio 1
Gen Chem 1
Precalc

Spring 2024
Bio 2
Gen chem 2
Calc 1

Summer 2024
Bio 3
Gen chem 3
*** maybe add another course. Idk, maybe too much since it’s 8 weeks instead of 10.***

Fall 2024
O Chem 1
Physics 1
Engl 1

Winter 2025
O chem 2
O chem lab 1
Physics 2
Engl 2

Spring 2025
O chem 3
O chem lab 2
Physics 3
Bio Chem 1

Summer 2025
Study for MCAT

Or

Take Additional classes to try to get closer to 3.0

Fall 2025
Study for MCAT (take in December)

Jan - May 2026
Write essays
Finish compiling application materials and LOR



Additional classes considering:
Micro Bio
Bio Chem 2
Anatomy/Physiology 1 & 2


Current EC’s
Scribing - (Dec 2023 - current)
Clinical Volunteer - (Oct 2023 - current)
Shadow Rural ED physician


Just wondering if I’m doing the right things so far. Does it make sense to try and get a second bachelors or just stick with the classes I need? I appreciate your help in advance.

 

[Dral]

I would take some time to go through the schools you are interested in to see what their requirements are. I'm not sure you need to spend all that time with pre-calc and calculus. Micro might be good. However, statistics is high yield, especially if you have access to a biostats course.

 

[Lilobby]

The only thing I see is that your schedule might take less time because there's typically only 2 semesters of gen chem and 2 semesters of ochem.

 

[IsTheSceneSafe]

I don’t think you’ll need gen chem prep, chem 3, ochem 3, physics 3.
Unless your school is weird typically you only need like
2 English
2 psych/socio
2 math (Calc/stats)
2 chem
2 ochem
2 physics
1 biochem
3 bio
Maybe genetics / molecular bio for potential additional stuff
Of course anything with labs you gotta do those too. But typically ochem lab is just one course alone that combines 1+2.

 

[ToBeorNotToBe340]

I don’t think you’ll need gen chem prep, chem 3, ochem 3, physics 3.
Unless your school is weird typically you only need like
2 English
2 psych/socio
2 math (Calc/stats)
2 chem
2 ochem
2 physics
1 biochem
3 bio
Maybe genetics / molecular bio for potential additional stuff
Of course anything with labs you gotta do those too. But typically ochem lab is just one course alone that combines 1+2.

I’m on the quarter system so a full series is 3 quarters. I had to take gen chem prep because I had never taken any chemistry before. O Chem is 5 classes (3 lecture, 2 labs).

I just wanted to include every possible pre-requisite as to not disqualify myself before even applying, if that makes sense.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Yes, on the quarter system, you have to take the three courses for chemistry, organic chemistry, or physics. You may need 2 quarters of biochemistry. Microbiology and intermediate physiology are helpful as would be immunology, neurobiology, and histology.

 

[gyngyn]

I recommend that you get at least 30 hours of primary care shadowing.
The ED is often more accessible and there is nothing wrong with watching a shift there, though.

In your situation, in which A's are especially important, avoid calculus and calculus-based physics.

 

[ToBeorNotToBe340]

If I’m still sub 3.0 by the time I finish my pre-reqs, what would y’all recommend?

 

[AJS59]

Let's cross that bridge if you get there, for now, focus on getting great grades. Then we can talk about what to do.

 

[ToBeorNotToBe340]

I have a situation I would like input on. My fiancé just matched in 1 yr residency program (pharmacy)that is out of the area but she “plans” to move back to where we are currently next summer. What should I do?

Scenario 1: Continue pre-reqs at community college like I am already and continue scribing in ED. $6000/ total monthly income

Scenario 2: Move out of state with her and attend a university there for a year. Unlikely I would find another clinical job since it’s a more rural location. $4000/ total monthly income.

I guess my question lies with how important is it to complete classes at a 4 year vs community college? Paying for classes and long distance is not a factor. Cost of living is the same in both areas.

 

[AJS59]

I have a situation I would like input on. My fiancé just matched in 1 yr residency program (pharmacy)that is out of the area but she “plans” to move back to where we are currently next summer. What should I do?

Scenario 1: Continue pre-reqs at community college like I am already and continue scribing in ED. $6000/ total monthly income

Scenario 2: Move out of state with her and attend a university there for a year. Unlikely I would find another clinical job since it’s a more rural location. $4000/ total monthly income.

I guess my question lies with how important is it to complete classes at a 4 year vs community college? Paying for classes and long distance is not a factor. Cost of living is the same in both areas.

If you think you'd do equally well with respect to grades in either scenario, then focus on the other aspects (i.e. more income staying at home away from your fiancee vs. less income being much further away from home but with your fiancee) and see which makes you happiest. Since you've been scribing since December, I'm guessing you've accumulated a fair number of hours? If not, other volunteer roles are a possibility.

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

If I’m still sub 3.0 by the time I finish my pre-reqs, what would y’all recommend?

Move to Texas. they are the only ones to have a grade forgiveness program afaik since DO schools stopped.

 

[gyngyn]

Move to Texas. they are the only ones to do grade forgiveness afaik since DO schools stopped.

@wysdoc ?

 

[wysdoc]

@wysdoc ?

Texas schools do not have grade forgiveness, sorry.
There is an unusual path called Fresh Start in Texas where you can "erase" all grades more than 10 years old, but doing that also erases prereqs that are more than 10 years old.
@ToBeorNotToBe340 has already embarked on a do-it-yourself post-bac and I think this is the best plan for them.

 

[ToBeorNotToBe340]

Update:

Winter 2024
Bio 1 - B
Gen Chem 1 - A
Precalc - A

Spring 2024
Bio 2 - A-
Gen chem 2 - A-
Calc 1 - A

Summer 2024
Bio 3 A-
Gen chem 3 A
Calc 2 A-


519 hours scribing competed

Current post bacc GPA: 3.828

Planning for O-Chem and physics series this school year. Thanks for all the help folks.