Physics I + Biochemistry over the summer?

[Cervantes]

Hi, everyone.

I'm a post-bac and the prereqs I have left to take are Biochemistry, and Physics I & II.
I already have an A on Calculus I so I could take calculus based Physics, but I hear that it is a rather tough class and algebra physics is just as good for the MCAT. If I take Biochemistry his summer, would it be better to take algebra based instead together with biochem, or is calc based physics manageable over the summer term? (I also work full time, by the way)

I must add that, although I have a non-science master's degree from Purdue University, I am taking these med school prereqs at a community college because it is 1) cheaper, and 2) closer to my house, and the other major schools in Atlanta are either way too expensive just to take prereqs (Emory), or have hundreds of students in a classroom (GaTech and Georgia State University, as well as UGA), where the large number of students just isn't as conducive as it is to study ina small classroom where I am now where I have easy access to my professors.
Having said that, considering I'm taking classes at a community college, i was wondering if calculus based would look better to med school admissions than algebra based. Furthermore, once I've taken calc based physics I could transfer over to GaTech and take higher level science courses even though I would've already completed all my prereqs, and it would only be for the purpose of making myself more competitive since GaTech has a better reputation.

I particularly like summer classes because you can focus on just one class intensively for 8 weeks instead of several classes throughout a long period of 16 weeks, hence I wished he community college where I'm taking my prereqs would split fall and spring in two halves.

Thanks, guys!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Cervantes]

Am I posting in the wrong section?

 

[Lvurent]

From what professors tell me, it is somewhat frowned upon to take upper-level sciences (like Biochemistry) at a two-year institution. However, you are in an understandable situation: "must add that, although I have a non-science master's degree from Purdue University, I am taking these med school prereqs at a community college because it is 1) cheaper, and 2) closer to my house" My best advice to you would be to get in contact with representatives from whichever medical schools you plan on applying to and getting approval from them to do that. Who knows, maybe they'll make an exception.

 

[Cervantes]

Taking prereqs during the summer at a CC is the weakest of all possibilities.

What do you mean? How so?

 

[Cervantes]

There are some medical schools that directly speak to this idea of community college courses. This may give a little better insight in how the underlying “culture” or “attitude” of admission committee members, whether a formal policy or not, may perceive applicants who choose summer or community college coursework. While this list is not exhaustive, it is representative enough to help advise students who are considering such a step.

SUNY Upstate College of Medicine
Frequently Asked Questions | College of Medicine | SUNY Upstate Medical University
“Applicants should avoid taking more than one or two prerequisite science courses during the summer and avoid taking them at community colleges.”

Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Medical Program Admissions Requirements | Icahn School of Medicine
Q: Can I take my courses at a community college, or must I take them at a four-year college or university?
A: We have no requirement about where you take courses, though the Committee on Admissions does take that into consideration in evaluating your application.

Johns Hopkins Medical School
Prerequisites and Requirements| Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine M.D. Admissions
The School of Medicine accepts prerequisites completed at the community college level. In order to be competitive in the selection process, we encourage prospective applicants with community college prerequisites to supplement these courses by taking advanced courses in related subjects at their four year institution.

University of Florida College of Medicine
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions » Medical Admissions » College of Medicine » University of Florida
Q: Can I take the prerequisite courses at my local community/junior college?
A: In order to create the most academically competitive application you should take all prerequisite courses at the most competitive bachelor’s degree granting institution where you can gain entrance. You should try to complete your pre-requisite courses at a four-year institution

Albert Einstein College of Medicine
https://www.einstein.yu.edu/educati...pplication-procedure/course-requirements.aspx
Whereas course work at a four-year college or university is our benchmark, if a student chooses to meet a competency component via an alternate route such as through laboratory experience, through an advanced placement course, a course taken at a community college, a course taken abroad (during a semester abroad for which the undergraduate U.S. degree-granting institution gives credit, or for which AMCAS will verify and report the grade), or an online course, he or she should seek guidance from his or her advisor to ensure that the option meets the above guidelines as well as the rigorous academic standard required by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

George Washington University
http://smhs.gwu.edu/academics/md-program/admissions/faqs#communitycollege
Do you accept community college credits?
Yes. The Committee on Admissions does accept coursework taken at a community college; however, it is preferable to have the pre-medical coursework taken at a four-year college or university.

Florida State University College of Medicine
http://med.fsu.edu/?page=mdAdmissions.admissionRequirement
Listed below is the pre-requisite coursework required for all matriculates to the FSU COM. Advanced Placement, CLEP, and dual enrollment credits fulfill the course requirements. However, courses taken in a traditional classroom at a four-year institution are considered to be more academically competitive.

Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
https://medicine.temple.edu/education/md-program/admissions/requirements
Two pre-requisite science courses can be fulfilled with AP credits, community college courses or through a study abroad program.

Texas A&M Health Sciences Center College of Medicine
http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/admissions/apply/index.html
Policy on AP Credits, Credits by Exam, and Dual Credit
We generally prefer that applicants take the prerequisite courses at 4-year accredited colleges and universities rather than utilize advanced placement credits, credits by exam, dual-credit, pass/fail course work or community college courses. We do not dismiss these credits; and, if they have been taken, we will accept them toward meeting the prerequisites. In fact, if an applicant has placed out of a required level course, we will also accept another course in that discipline at the same or higher level. Again, our preference is that applicants take graded courses at 4-year institutions, particularly the prerequisites in the biological sciences and the chemistry series.

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/admissions/md/faq/#q43
Are community college classes accepted as prerequisite course credit?
They may be, but the Admissions Committee generally expects students to complete all prerequisite courses at a four-year undergraduate institution.

Yale
https://medicine.yale.edu/education/admissions/apply/premed.aspx
Pre-medical courses must be completed in a U.S., U.K., or Canadian college or university. U.S. Community College courses are acceptable, provided that the courses include laboratory work and are comparable in content to courses at four-year colleges, universities, or institutes of technology.

Weill Cornell
Medical Education at Weill Medical College of Cornell University | About Us
Can I take my prerequisite courses at a Community College?
It is not recommended.

Awesome stuff! Thanks, Gonnif!
I consider this school a community college, yet they are in fact a 4-year institution because they offer 4 year degrees. This institution is actually only 10 years old so it's fairly new. Additionally, its name (georgia gwinnett college) has that word "college" which makes me think of "community college" when I say its name.

Since I'm almost done with all prereqs, would you suggest I continue to take on higher level science courses at any of the major universities here in Atlanta? Like Georgia Tech, Georgia state, or Emory? Is it even worth it?