Please HELP. I dont have some prereqs, should I apply? please read on.

[aamna0601]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I still have to take Ochem 1 and 2, Physics 2 and Molecular Biology.

I have taken two semesters of science, but I have a BA in Business and English and have all my GE/math etc.

GPA 3.98
MCAT 31-S (I sat in on Ochem classes that I wasnt enrolled in and learned it reasonably well I think)
Volunteer 150+ hours
EMT for six months
Research 80 hours (6 months) in neurology and neurosurgery
Charity work
Leadership at local organizations etc.

Should I apply ? I really want to apply this year , since I have no other classes to take next year I dont want a year lag. Also, I honestly am a really type A OCD personality about grades and think that I will probably get A's if not at worst B's in ochem (esp since Ive sat in on the classes before), and even B's would only drop my overall gpa to like a 3.9. I went to see my prehealth advisor and he STRONGLY discouraged me and said no med school would even look at my app, that I was an easy no and it would be a huge mistake.

Please let me know what I should do? > thanks in advance all 👍

 

[aamna0601]

btw I will finish the science classes left in the two semesters till med school.... thanks.

 

[dog0]

You must be a genius. How in the world did you pull off a 31 without taking Physics 2 or any Organic? I remember so many Physics 2 topics in my PS section. You should call the schools. Most students take those courses before taking the MCAT. Also, adcoms look for any little thing to rule you out of the admission process. Some might find it impressive but remember that there will be applicants with similar stats who have completed those courses and earned As in them. That kind of puts you at a disadvantage. Call the schools you're considering applying and personally ask them. Good luck!

 

[aamna0601]

Hi Dog0,

Thanks for the response! I am by *no* means a genius really. I really studied for orgo on my own though, flashcards, memorization, going over the rxns. Physics I really like naturally and had been studying too, with about 6 months of studying I got a 31, its not the best score but Im def not complaining since I feel like I hit the magic number you know?

I think I will call them....I just feel like they will give a very ambiguous answer like 'well its not a great thing to do but...' . I was hoping to hear from someone who had applied as such and maybe gotten in ? Or if they hadn't, if they think that is what went against them?

Thanks dog0 once again for ur response....gosh I hope other ppl respond 🙂😍

 

[Aidan]

I would apply! Since you've already taken the MCAT, I think it shows quite well that you'll be able to handle the remaining pre-req classes before matriculation into medical school. As long as you can complete them, and as long as you send updates to the schools about the grades you're getting in em, you should be ok.

 

[aamna0601]

thank you aidan, I feel like there isnt such a big disadvantage, even if i dont get in, i could reapply right....

thank you much 🙂

 

[paranoid_eyes]

my recommendation: apply

you have good scores, good ECs, and hopefully good letters from the science classes you have taken.

 

[seven87]

my recommendation: apply

you have good scores, good ECs, and hopefully good letters from the science classes you have taken.

Is your volunteer work in a clinical setting?
Do you have your LOR's ready ?

I'm not sure why you wouldn't apply. It seems you have your app together.

 

[Depakote]

pre-reqs don't have to be completed prior to application, just prior to matriculation.

You can still apply this year, you just have to be absolutely sure to complete Orgo I and II in Fall and Spring with Physics II whenever your university will offer it (probably Spring).

Given your current stats, I suspect you'll still get looks and you can get a provisional acceptance pending the completion of your pre-reqs.

 

[bcat85]

OP, we have virtually identical applications. I would apply, and just list those as future coursework on your AMCAS. You'll be fine. Good luck!

 

[sistahmanda]

You're overall GPA might be fantastic but the true indication of how well you are going to do in a program is going to be indicated in your performance in the pre-reqs. They don't list the pre-reqs just for weeding people out, they genuinely want to know how you did in those courses. Yes, you did well on your MCAT, but let's face it, the MCAT ochem q's are much easier than the ones you are going to take as a student in an ochem class (Synthesis...mechs, etc, vs multiple choice- you can't compare those thought processes). Plus, there is no magic MCAT number, period. A 30...a 36...they guarantee nothing.

I believe you that you will get A's in those classes, but the thing is, they are going to have their pick of thousands of pre-meds who took care of all of those classes in their first 2 years (and probably did well) and have been doing upper level science courses for a year. I'm willing to bet your pre-med advisor knows exactly what he/she is talking about.

So here's what I think. Apply, but do so knowing that you'll probably have to reapply. Pick schools that express interest in students with non-science backgrounds, definitely call the ones you want to apply to and see if you get an honest response- any kind of hesitation over the phone can probably be taken as bad news. Have a rock solid back-up plan for what you are going to do in your gap year if you don't get in. I don't meant to be a Debbie downer, just realistic. It's a competitive world out there.

Also, I didn't pay attention to where you are from- I'm a CA resident with not great application experiences in the past- if you're from a state with less competition, maybe you'll have better luck than me!

 

[Jolie South]

moving this to the "what are my chances?" subforum.