Old Pre-req's / Canadian resident

[DrDhaboo]

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Before starting, let me say I've searched a little here and quite a bit on the web, and have had a hard time coming across the info I need. If this has already been covered somewhere on this forum, I'll be very happy if someone can direct me to the content.

So: a little background. I am 27 years old, and hold a bachelor's and master's of engineering from McGill U (Canada). I have been working in the US for the last 3 years, but in a temporary work visa - I am not a permanent resident of the US.

I have toyed on and off with the idea of going to medical school since I was studying civil engineering in undergrad. During my studies I took 2 pre-med/bio courses (physiology and microbiology) and did some volunteering at local hospitals, but managed to convince myself to stay in the field I was in. Now that I've been working 3 years, the idea of studying and then practicing medicine has become even more appealing. I am good at what I do (management consulting) and I make a very good salary, but I want something more, and that something I think I would find in becoming and then being a medical doctor.

The issues.... My science pre-req's (physics, chemistry, organic chemistry, biology) are "old" - from 1999-2000. My grades are probably also not the greatest since I wasn't as studious back then (I am not sure, but think I had grades in the 75-85% range - my undergrad and master's grades were significantly better - CGPAs of 3.76 and 3.94 respectively). I know some schools require science pre-req's not older than 5 or 7 years. And even if the age of my pre-req's is fine, I'd rather up my chances and re-take them to have better grades. Also, I figure studying for the MCAT will be significantly easier if these basic science classes are part of my recent past.

I would be happy to do a post bac year in a university in any sizable American or Canadian city (NY, Boston, SF, Toronto, the like...). Not so concerned about the cost. But in looking up American post bac program requirements, I often see as eligibility requirements (1) must not have taken the classes previously and (2) must be US resident. Does having taken the classes ~10 years ago count as having taken the classes?! I feel as if I am hitting a wall... if my pre-req's must be less than 5-7 years old, but I must never have taken them before in order to be allowed to take them in a post bac pre med program.... then what am I to do??

And then when researching through Canadian schools (namely U of Toronto and McGill) I absolutely cannot find how science pre-req's can be taken outside of being in a regular degree program.

I have emailed several departments at several American and Canadian schools asking these questions, but no response. My next step will be to actually call them up. But I was hoping maybe I could get some guidance here first. What are the various options for someone in my situation (non-American, old pre-req's).

Many thanks in advance to anyone who is able to offer some insights!

 

[jslo85]

You can enroll at any 4 year US university as a "post-bac" student and take a limited amount of classes each quarter/semester as a quick entry or you can formally enroll by going through their applications/admissions system and conduct an informal post-bacc on your own on which science pre-reqs you wish to have.

If you are looking at formal programs, you've been looking at the ones that are purely for non-traditionals who are heading into the pre-med route. Ones that more or less fit your current situation would be SFSU, UVA, UT DAllas, or HES to name a few.

SFSU (San Fran) UT Dallas (.. Dallas) and HES (Boston)

There are more but those are the few that pop up in my mind in relation to your current situation. I'd talk to Dr. Midlife or any of the other veterans for more pointed guidance but those programs would be applicable to you.

 

[klmnop]

As a fellow McGill Grad, welcome to SDN.

Like jslo said, DrMidlife will definitely be able to offer you some suggestions as your situation is interesting but not all unique.

I would also look into informal post-bacc's at US schools... just enroll and only take those courses you need. This option does exist at Canadian Universities, though I do not believe so at McGill... I would contact somebody. Obviously if you go to school in the US you would have to obtain a student visa, or apply for residency in a state.

Its important for us to know where you plan to attend med school as well. As a non-resident/non-citizen you will ultimately have a very difficult time applying to US med schools. On the other hand, Canadian med schools are notoriously selective as well. The most important thing there is ugrad gpa by far. Does the 3.76 include your sci pre-reqs? If so, these are good numbers and with a good MCAT may be sufficient enough for Canadian Med schools... unless they have the 5-7 year limit as well.

I've mentioned this before in other threads, but some Canadian schools have unique admissions standards... for instance, Ottawa U only looks at your last three years of ugrad coursework and does not require an MCAT. If this number is around a 3.8 you may have a shot there (even better if you are an Ontario Resident).