physics major missing bio and org chem, best route for med school?

[Deleted member 480297]

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Hi there,

I graduated in physics from McGill (Canada) a few years back, GPA 3.2, Afterwards, I worked on a research paper in physiology (cardiology) which has since been published. Since graduating I've worked in statistical programming; now I'm working in a biotech startup working on personalized fertility treatment based on genetics and data-mining.

Long story short, I've had a varied and colorful background, and now I'm thinking about finally scratching the itch to go to med school. I took freshmen science (bio I, chem I/II, phys I/II, calc I/II) 6 or 7 years ago and did mediocre (I wasn't a good student yet). For med school, I know I need Org chem I/II, and bio II at least.

Questions:
1) Having completed at least half of the pre-med science classes with mediocre grades so long ago, should I try to retake them in a SMP or Post-Bacc? With this background, can I hope to get into any Post-Baccs? Does the time since taking a pre-req affect ones eligibility for post-bac programs/retaking the class?

2) Can my background (major, publication and work experience) positively affect med-school decisions, or does it not really matter?

3) Any other advice that could be relevant to someone in my position?

Thanks for reading!

 

[survivordo]

To answer #2 Your background will surely help you. Med schools love publications and people that are interested in research.

Survivor DO

 

[beBrave]

Hi there,

I graduated in physics from McGill (Canada) a few years back, GPA 3.2, Afterwards, I worked on a research paper in physiology (cardiology) which has since been published. Since graduating I've worked in statistical programming; now I'm working in a biotech startup working on personalized fertility treatment based on genetics and data-mining.

Long story short, I've had a varied and colorful background, and now I'm thinking about finally scratching the itch to go to med school. I took freshmen science (bio I, chem I/II, phys I/II, calc I/II) 6 or 7 years ago and did mediocre (I wasn't a good student yet). For med school, I know I need Org chem I/II, and bio II at least.

Questions:
1) Having completed at least half of the pre-med science classes with mediocre grades so long ago, should I try to retake them in a SMP or Post-Bacc? With this background, can I hope to get into any Post-Baccs? Does the time since taking a pre-req affect ones eligibility for post-bac programs/retaking the class?

2) Can my background (major, publication and work experience) positively affect med-school decisions, or does it not really matter?

3) Any other advice that could be relevant to someone in my position?

Thanks for reading!

Take your remaining Pre-Reqs at an accredited institution; Don't get anything less than A's. Get some current Shadowing experience. Study hard for the MCAT and do very well. Consider these steps before considering an SMP or post Bach. The problem with Post Bach and SMP work is that you risk lowering your grades as you are increasing your course load. Your cGPA isn't great but its workable; Bringing up your science GPA will be the area you want to focus most on in terms of overall grades. Remaining Pre-Reqs, the MCAT and shadowing should be your focus right now before jumping into an SMP which would also require that you have completed your Pre-Req's. Based on your previous experiences, your chances of getting into a DO school aren't bad however an Allopathic program can prove to be more difficult (but still not impossible). I will say however that if your prior science class grades are very bad for example C's in bio 1, then you should consider retaking the course work. Medical schools can overlook some bad grades but they won't overlook very bad Science grades. For example F in computer science 1 can be overlooked but C in Bio 1 suggest that you don't have a solid foundation or understanding of the sciences. Your MCAT scores can prove them wrong however there is usually a strong correlation between MCAT scores and the science GPA. GL.

 

[Deleted member 480297]

Thanks for the replies so far. The appeal of a post-bacc is that it is (supposed to be) organized and with a supportive community such as an advisor and other students in the same boat. The finances aside, this would be my preferred option if I could stand to get into a good and reputable program.

Having completed around half of the pre-reqs in my major upwards of 6 years ago, could I be admitted and simply retake courses I have already done to improve my scores? Or is this generally not how post-baccs operate... If you have taken a number of pre-reqs with mediocre grades can you simply opt to retake them or will you generally just not be admitted?

thanks for the insights. I'll be looking into night-school science courses around New York City.

 

[Deleted member 480297]

Also, sorry if this is a silly question. To re-take science courses as a graduate, and not to take a post-bacc program, could I just apply for second undergrad in bio/pre-med at community school and only take the classes I need, then withdraw? Or does one normally do this in a 'continuing education', non-degree environment? Thanks again!

 

[edgerock24]

At most community colleges and state schools, it is typical (at least near me) to be able to register for classes as a "non-degree" student, as long as you can pay for the classes upfront. That's what I'm doing. However, if the school near you doesn't have such an option, then you could definitely enroll as a part time Bio/Pre-Med major, and pick and choose the courses you'd like every semester (even better, you could be an "Undeclared" major, or even an "Interdisciplinary Studies" major, if this gives you less restrictions in regard for enrolling into courses.

 

[beBrave]

Also, sorry if this is a silly question. To re-take science courses as a graduate, and not to take a post-bacc program, could I just apply for second undergrad in bio/pre-med at community school and only take the classes I need, then withdraw? Or does one normally do this in a 'continuing education', non-degree environment? Thanks again!

Yes at virtually any university or college (do the classes at a college or university; only go to a community college as a last resort, I personally believe that admission committee's are a bit biased against pre-req's completed at CC's) you can enroll in a second Bachelors degree program and at most receive financial aid depending on your student loan cap. Basically there is a cap on student loan limits for Undergraduate and Graduate Degree's. You won't quality for Pell Grants on a second Bachelors but you can get student loans as long as you haven't hit your cap yet. You can actually check your current amount borrowed online through the student gov portal if you do indeed have existing loans. Once you have taken the classes needed you can withdraw however all course work will still count as a Post Bachelor work which is really great in your case. Showing a strong post Bach GPA, Improved Science GPA and solid MCAT score with Shadowing experience will give you a more solid foundation to stand on. Going the Non - Degree route would prevent your from applying for financial aid however if you will be paying out of pocket then taking the classes as Non-Degree is fine as well.

 

[Deleted member 480297]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Very helpful. I'm in the New York City area, I think there are a number of options for night school in my area at various CUNY schools. I'll figure out about registering as a second-degree student or a non-degree student (second-degree seems better, because I believe non-degrees have last-pick of classes).

It's a shame Org I is usually a fall semester class and it's too late to register for fall, but hopefully I can start picking up these pre-reqs this winter. I'm working full-time, but my job has flexible hours. I'll try to call up some CUNY advisors also to ask about the best way to go about this process.

I'm pretty confident that with my maturity and experience from working these years, and with enough hard work, it shouldn't be too bad to get As in these classes. Then I'll devote myself to studying for MCATs.

I know it's early to say, but my dream is to do emergency medicine, which I think is possible with a D.O. instead of an M.D, which hopefully my stats could be good enough for. Thanks for getting me started on a game-plan. Best of luck to all of you, also.

~a