postbac vs night-school for prereqs

[Deleted member 480297]

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Hi there, this is a followup question to my other post: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=1007444

In summary: I graduated in physics with a 3.2 in 2010, and am missing Org Chem I/II and Bio I/II, with Bs in most of my other prereqs. I took them in 2006.

I contacted the NYU premed-post bac to ask if I was eligible based on the time since having taken my courses. They said that because my classes are now 'expired', it would not be a problem to retake the courses in a post-bac. I feel like the chance to retake them would really help to prep for MCATs, and I'm not opposed to the prospect of retaking them.

The finances aside, is it possible that Med School admissions will dislike my retaking the courses in a post bac (such as considering this 'grade-padding' or something like that), or will this not hurt my chances given that I took these courses seven years back?

I am in a position where I can take night classes around my fulltime job, but the community, guidance, and structure of the post-bac programs seem like it would really help me stay on track, not to mention it would be must faster than taking one night class per semester. Also, I'm sure I would do well in the courses this time around, so it could only help my GPA. The finances are an issue, but I have no debt, and I could take out a loan; in fact, I think that I would prefer this to taking night classes despite the cost.

Any thoughts about this? Thanks, really looking forward to any advice.

 

[beBrave]

Hi there, this is a followup question to my other post: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=1007444

In summary: I graduated in physics with a 3.2 in 2010, and am missing Org Chem I/II and Bio I/II, with Bs in most of my other prereqs. I took them in 2006.

I contacted the NYU premed-post bac to ask if I was eligible based on the time since having taken my courses. They said that because my classes are now 'expired', it would not be a problem to retake the courses in a post-bac. I feel like the chance to retake them would really help to prep for MCATs, and I'm not opposed to the prospect of retaking them.

The finances aside, is it possible that Med School admissions will dislike my retaking the courses in a post bac (such as considering this 'grade-padding' or something like that), or will this not hurt my chances given that I took these courses seven years back?

I am in a position where I can take night classes around my fulltime job, but the community, guidance, and structure of the post-bac programs seem like it would really help me stay on track, not to mention it would be must faster than taking one night class per semester. Also, I'm sure I would do well in the courses this time around, so it could only help my GPA. The finances are an issue, but I have no debt, and I could take out a loan; in fact, I think that I would prefer this to taking night classes despite the cost.

Any thoughts about this? Thanks, really looking forward to any advice.

I would focus on doing well in the remaining pre-req's first and see how they boost your GPA. If you any classes that you earned less than a B in for Pre-req's then I would recommend retaking it, otherwise if your science GPA is roughly a 3.0 or higher, then I would suggest on improving your current science GPA and cumulative with the additional course work. Remember to find some time to shadow, volounteer and if possible assist with research. Retaking classes won't help you prep for the MCAT as much as specifically dedicating time for the MCAT will. Focus on your classes first and then the MCAT second.

To answer your original questions if you retook classes and did well, it would improve your credibility in the eyes of Medical schools however if you did worst in classes you took previously, it would hurt you. Hence why I suggest not retaking the entire Pre-req program if it can be avoided.

 

[Bru]

Not about the expired angle. Not all schools expire and you might not need to re-take. Maybe look at the schools you are interested in.