PhD student completing pre-reqs online

[ihavenoideawhatimdoing]

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Hi all,

I've lurked and posted here once before. Just needed some new advice given life changes.

So currently I'm at a top-tier PhD program (finance, econ, etc.) - still, in the back of my mind, I want to pursue medicine after. I have some major grade repair to do from my few science classes taken when I was an undergrad (all biology). So, here's the thing, I have to take all the chemistry courses still and probably would want to retake some biology courses - all in all about 2.5 years of time of classes. Then throw in time to study for MCAT and I'd be at the end of my PhD program/applying. I'd love to finish my PhD program - not only for how it would look when I apply, but for the personal satisfaction. I realize that this would equate to no life, but the heart wants what it wants. Now, my question is, how poor would it look if I were taking these courses a semester at a time online via UNE or OSU?

Any insight is welcome. Thanks again.

 

[deleted972488]

Don't take them online.

 

[PipetteDreams]

Don't take them online.

^Agreed.

Most PhD programs allow students to take interdisciplinary courses in other specialties without adding to the cost of tuition (especially top programs). Would this be true for you? You could easily do 1-2 courses a semester this way.

 

[ihavenoideawhatimdoing]

^Agreed.

Most PhD programs allow students to take interdisciplinary courses in other specialties without adding to the cost of tuition (especially top programs). Would this be true for you? You could easily do 1-2 courses a semester this way.

Tougher to justify to the program when it's completely outside scope. General Chemistry I is a far harder to justify than, for example, history.

Why is online a bad idea? I know it limits me to some schools, but plenty of DO and some MD still accept it based on my research.

 

[rdyotz]

Just because schools say they accept them, does not mean they treat them the same. Most schools will treat them as less competitive or may only allow X amount of credits taken online. Med schools are ultra-competitive, do you really want to shoot yourself in the foot right out of the gate? Also, if your GPA from undergrad was low from in-person classes, then they might assume you are avoiding the difficulty and going online. Lots of different things can run through an ADCOM's head while reviewing your packet, you might as well do everything you can to limit those scenarios.

 

[hamiltonnyc]

Just because schools say they accept them, does not mean they treat them the same. Most schools will treat them as less competitive or may only allow X amount of credits taken online. Med schools are ultra-competitive, do you really want to shoot yourself in the foot right out of the gate? Also, if your GPA from undergrad was low from in-person classes, then they might assume you are avoiding the difficulty and going online. Lots of different things can run through an ADCOM's head while reviewing your packet, you might as well do everything you can to limit those scenarios.

Great response. Also, you'd be limiting the schools you can apply to by a lot and in this game you want to increase your chances. I'd take it slowly and do it right.

 

[PipetteDreams]

Tougher to justify to the program when it's completely outside scope. General Chemistry I is a far harder to justify than, for example, history.

Why is online a bad idea? I know it limits me to some schools, but plenty of DO and some MD still accept it based on my research.

Other folks have answered the "bad idea" portion of this question. You will limit the number of schools available to you.

Do you envision any connection between your PhD-self and your MD-self -- is what you are doing now inspiring your decision to pursue medicine? Or does it provide a skillset you will use as a physician?

The sooner you are able to marry these two paths into one coherent picture, the easier your life will be moving forward. In order to take classes outside your discipline, you will likely need to be upfront with your long-term career goals, yes.

Similarly, if you are applying to medical school post-PhD, being able to explain why you finished your doctorate (and how you used that training to be a better physician) will be advantageous. Especially if it's in a seemingly unrelated field.

 

[Osteosaur]

i think it would be a mistake to assume that because you have a PhD or are in one that they will go "this guy's smart" and forgo taking your other coursework seriously.

did research for many years and published a lot of stuff. they still looked at my grades and MCAT.

 

[ihavenoideawhatimdoing]

Other folks have answered the "bad idea" portion of this question. You will limit the number of schools available to you.

Do you envision any connection between your PhD-self and your MD-self -- is what you are doing now inspiring your decision to pursue medicine? Or does it provide a skillset you will use as a physician?

The sooner you are able to marry these two paths into one coherent picture, the easier your life will be moving forward. In order to take classes outside your discipline, you will likely need to be upfront with your long-term career goals, yes.

Similarly, if you are applying to medical school post-PhD, being able to explain why you finished your doctorate (and how you used that training to be a better physician) will be advantageous. Especially if it's in a seemingly unrelated field.

I'm studying health, just financial driver point-of-view. Thanks for the advice!

 

[ihavenoideawhatimdoing]

i think it would be a mistake to assume that because you have a PhD or are in one that they will go "this guy's smart" and forgo taking your other coursework seriously.

did research for many years and published a lot of stuff. they still looked at my grades and MCAT.

Wasn't thinking that they'd think that - just trying to leverage modern advances to complete coursework and getting input. Appreciate your thoughts.

 

[ruedi]

Hi all,

I've lurked and posted here once before. Just needed some new advice given life changes.

So currently I'm at a top-tier PhD program (finance, econ, etc.) - still, in the back of my mind, I want to pursue medicine after. I have some major grade repair to do from my few science classes taken when I was an undergrad (all biology). So, here's the thing, I have to take all the chemistry courses still and probably would want to retake some biology courses - all in all about 2.5 years of time of classes. Then throw in time to study for MCAT and I'd be at the end of my PhD program/applying. I'd love to finish my PhD program - not only for how it would look when I apply, but for the personal satisfaction. I realize that this would equate to no life, but the heart wants what it wants. Now, my question is, how poor would it look if I were taking these courses a semester at a time online via UNE or OSU?

Any insight is welcome. Thanks again.

Hey there! I am in a very similar boat. Did you end up taking courses through UNE? I would love to hear from you!