Pre-Med Advice Needed

[Member 76]

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I'm wondering if anyone could offer some situation specific advice. Here is my situation:

I have one semester of college left. Due to transferring schools and taking off two semesters for a medical leave of absence, I'm a little behind on things. I will graduate with a B.S. in Communications in December.

I want to get started down this path by taking two of the pre-req sciences this fall. I'm also planning on becoming an EMT-B over the summer and early fall. Which sciences should I start with? Also, after I graduate my wife and I will be moving out of state. This means that the rest of my pre-reqs will be taken at a different school. I acknowledge that I'm new to this website and this process, so I'm sure I have some blind spots. Anyway, here are my options after graduation as I see them:

1.) When we move, I take a full load of pre-reqs the next semester (Spring 2014). Then I work and volunteer during the summer, take more pre-reqs Fall 2014, and continue the process.

2.) When we move, I take the second level of the 2 classes I completed during the Fall 2013 semester. I also work, then take a full load during Fall 2014 and continue.

3.) I take off the Spring 2014 semester to work and volunteer, then take a full load during the Fall 2014 semester and continue.

4) I take the entire year of 2014 off to work/volunteer/shadow more and strengthen myself as an applicant. I then take a full load of pre-reqs during the Spring 2015 semester and continue.

I'm apologize for all this convoluted information, but this has been bouncing around in my head, and I thought could gain some value from the insights of those further down this road than myself. I plan on seeking out faculty at my university or others who could also offer some input on these issues. I hope I've explained my situation clearly, and thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[JohnFe]

What sciences classes have you taken so far? I'm asking because most of them have to be taken in series. For example, Chem 1 --> Chem 2. They are ideally taken in the same institution.

 

[Member 76]

I've only taken Microbiology so far. I understand that it's best to take them at the same institution, but we have been planning on moving, and would really like to. Would it be best to take the second level of those 2 classes the very next semester in order to have more continuity?

 

[JohnFe]

Microbiology is not a requirement as far as I know of.
You can take physics or calculus.

IF you can take a full year of general chemistry or general biology at the same institution that will be the most ideal.

However, if you can only take the first half, sending transcripts and evaluations will be a RPITA.

 

[Member 76]

I know it's not a requirement, it's just all I have so I thought I'd list it haha. Speaking of physics, I know that most medical schools do not require calculus-based physics. But do you think it would be worth it in order to strengthen my application? For instance, taking calculus and calculus-based physics as co-requisites this next semester.

 

[JohnFe]

I know it's not a requirement, it's just all I have so I thought I'd list it haha. Speaking of physics, I know that most medical schools do not require calculus-based physics. But do you think it would be worth it in order to strengthen my application? For instance, taking calculus and calculus-based physics as co-requisites this next semester.

Nope. Concept wise it is very challenging. You don't have to take it to look "good."

An "A" in General Physics (which is typically easier) is much better to look at than a "B or C" in Calculus based physics (which is typically harder. This is what engineering majors take BTW).

What looks good on your application is your extra curricular, leadership and clinical experience.

 

[Member 76]

I see. So you think it could make sense to do something like Physics 1 and Organic Chemistry 1 this fall? Also, do you have any thoughts on those options following this next semester? Or do you see a different option that might be better? I know this is highly situational, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

 

[JohnFe]

Yes. If you haven't taken calculus 1. Take it.

Have you taken General Chemistry? It is a pre-req for organic chem.

 

[Member 76]

Maybe I'm missing something, but I didn't think I needed calculus specifically as a pre-requisite. If it isn't, what is the great benefit of taking it, especially if I'm going to do general physics? I haven't taken general chemistry, I forgot that it was a pre-req for organic when I typed that.

 

[JohnFe]

Maybe I'm missing something, but I didn't think I needed calculus specifically as a pre-requisite. If it isn't, what is the great benefit of taking it, especially if I'm going to do general physics? I haven't taken general chemistry, I forgot that it was a pre-req for organic when I typed that.

IT is a pre-requisite in the medical schools I look into. You don't need it for General Physics (Geometry/Trig will suffice. No calculus is involved here).

Just plan ahead, go with it and do well.

Also while you're at it, throw in some Spanish classes.

 

[Member 76]

Oh okay, well I'll be sure to take it then. I've already taken some spanish, so I guess that's good. My Communications degree has also involved some psychology, sociology, and various humanities courses. I'm hoping that will be an advantage with the new MCAT coming out in 2015. I'm also hoping medical schools don't try to add more pre-reqs. I have enough ahead of me as it is, and just want to get on with things.

 

[JohnFe]

Oh okay, well I'll be sure to take it then. I've already taken some spanish, so I guess that's good. My Communications degree has also involved some psychology, sociology, and various humanities courses. I'm hoping that will be an advantage with the new MCAT coming out in 2015. I'm also hoping medical schools don't try to add more pre-reqs. I have enough ahead of me as it is, and just want to get on with things.

OH yes I forgot. Add biochemistry to the list.

 

[Member 76]

Yeah, I have seen some medical schools that want Organic Chemistry 1 and 2. I've also seen a couple that want only Organic Chem 1, but also Biochemistry 1. So I guess I could start with Calculus next semester, but I'm not sure what the other course should be.

 

[JohnFe]

Yeah, I have seen some medical schools that want Organic Chemistry 1 and 2. I've also seen a couple that want only Organic Chem 1, but also Biochemistry 1. So I guess I could start with Calculus next semester, but I'm not sure what the other course should be.

IF you are planning to apply broadly (>20 schools), might as well take all the common pre-reqs.

By the way, what is your current cGPA?

 

[Member 76]

Unfortunately, it's just under a 3.0. This is largely due to medical issues. For about 4 years, I've had chronic insomnia and was getting only 1 or 2 hours of sleep per night. It made college SO MUCH harder. I saw multiple specialists the whole time and couldn't get it figured out. So I decided to take the Fall 2012 semester off because I just couldn't do this anymore. I had a second nose surgery to try to fix my breathing. I've had to take this semester off too, but I'm finally getting better (being up this late is an exception now).

It's been pretty debilitating and definitely hurt my grades a lot, so I'm hoping I can write an addendum.