Pre Med Post Bacc classes

[MDyoucantseeme]

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I am thinking of taking Gen Chem, Bio, and Physics in the fall and spring semesters of this year. I don't have a science background and my degree is in English. Please advise.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Hello,

It would help if we had more information, such as:

When was the last time you took a science or math class? When was the last time you wrote a scientific lab report or paper?

What would you rate your aptitude in these subjects? What were previous grades in similar courses?

How long has it been since you were in an academic setting?

Do you plan to do this while working? Heavy commute?

Thanks

 

[SharkB8]

I don't have any guidance, but I'm in a similar situation. I started out a marine bio major and ended up with a journalism degree. I went back and took some animal phys classes and marine ecology.

I just started inorganic chem and calculus this summer. I plan on taking a second semester of inorganic and physics next fall, then o chem and A&P in the spring. I've gotta shove a second semester of physics in there somewhere...maybe in the spring since I aced A&P when I took it in my undergrad years (I've heard med schools only accept courses taken within the last 7 years and that was in '01 when I took A&P).

So, to me, your plan sounds pretty decent...but I kind of just took a stab at what I should be doing. I'd be very to curious to know what people here think on this subject as well!

Best of luck either way!

 

[MDyoucantseeme]

Hello,

It would help if we had more information, such as:

When was the last time you took a science or math class? When was the last time you wrote a scientific lab report or paper?

What would you rate your aptitude in these subjects? What were previous grades in similar courses?

How long has it been since you were in an academic setting?

Do you plan to do this while working? Heavy commute?

Thanks

I don't need to work because I can take out a loan and have savings. I graduated college in 2010 and was doing an English MA last year. I am taking a&p 1 and 2 this summer at community college. There won't be a heavy commute, maybe half an hour or so.

I do not think I have an aptitude for science. I always thought of myself as having an aptitude for English literature. I am poor at math. In 2005 I took my two science requirements and did not work in them and earned Cs. I plan to earn an A in the A&P classes and have high test scores on the quizzes so far. I took psychology classes as an undergrad which have some science in them and earned all As and and a few high Bs.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

since you haven't taken any significant science, i would take one less. drop physics. chem and physics are math intensive, so one math, one memorization science at a time. these classes are often weedout classes so see how you do in them.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Based on your background, I agree with FykyBgStok:

since you haven't taken any significant science, i would take one less. drop physics. chem and physics are math intensive, so one math, one memorization science at a time. these classes are often weedout classes so see how you do in them.

👍

However, many including myself, have taken the classes you've mentioned in one semester. In my case, I felt that I could do it because I have a science/engineering background. For me, the most time consuming and annoying part of the classes was the labs. I had some pretty picky Lab TA's and they would sometimes harp on grammar and choice of words, more than the actual science.

If you have a drop date that you can use with impunity (no record of a W or something on your transcript) then try all three and drop one before the deadline depending on which you enjoy least (but try to stick with Chemistry due to the long chain of pre-req's it entails).

If you take the first semester with only two hard sciences and find it easy then take a physics the next or by itself over the summer.

You have wiggle room, so definitely start out slow and set yourself up for success. But, I suspect after the first semester you will want to break free and load up. 😛

Good luck!

 

[NYRN]

I don't need to work because I can take out a loan and have savings. I graduated college in 2010 and was doing an English MA last year. I am taking a&p 1 and 2 this summer at community college. There won't be a heavy commute, maybe half an hour or so.

I do not think I have an aptitude for science. I always thought of myself as having an aptitude for English literature. I am poor at math. In 2005 I took my two science requirements and did not work in them and earned Cs. I plan to earn an A in the A&P classes and have high test scores on the quizzes so far. I took psychology classes as an undergrad which have some science in them and earned all As and and a few high Bs.

I don't mean to be disrespectful or anything, but medicine is almost all science and if you don't feel you have an aptitude for science, than what is it exactly that draws you to medicine??

I am also poor at math, but I do my best to get through the calculations in chem and physics, but the fact that I understand the scientific concepts even though some of the calculations give me trouble, I am able to pull through with B's and A's. I couldn't even imagine having to take a science class that is math intensive and not understanding the concept on top of the math required to solve problems. That sounds like a nightmare 😱

Psychology classes cannot be compared to lab sciences, they are much easier than any science classes, anyone on here will tell you that. I pulled A's in all my psych classes and barely studied, but I certainly cannot do the same with any of my lab sciences.

Im not saying that you can't do it, I mean you should really think about why you want to become a physician when you say yourself that literature is your true passion and not science.

 

[MDyoucantseeme]

I don't mean to be disrespectful or anything, but medicine is almost all science and if you don't feel you have an aptitude for science, than what is it exactly that draws you to medicine??

I am also poor at math, but I do my best to get through the calculations in chem and physics, but the fact that I understand the scientific concepts even though some of the calculations give me trouble, I am able to pull through with B's and A's. I couldn't even imagine having to take a science class that is math intensive and not understanding the concept on top of the math required to solve problems. That sounds like a nightmare 😱

Psychology classes cannot be compared to lab sciences, they are much easier than any science classes, anyone on here will tell you that. I pulled A's in all my psych classes and barely studied, but I certainly cannot do the same with any of my lab sciences.

Im not saying that you can't do it, I mean you should really think about why you want to become a physician when you say yourself that literature is your true passion and not science.

Wow I was going to put a shotgun to my head because I didn't have your approval, internet stranger, but then I read your qualifier "I mean you should really think about why you want to become a physician." Thank you so much for finishing your eloquent and insightful post in this manner, otherwise I would be swinging by now.

 

[TriagePreMed]

It depends how heavy the labs in your class are. I know schools that will take more time than lecture, while others it's show up and you get full credit.

From personal experience, I suggest not taking physics with Chemistry. I rather do Bio w/Chemistry.

 

[EdLongshanks]

Wow I was going to put a shotgun to my head because I didn't have your approval, internet stranger, but then I read your qualifier "I mean you should really think about why you want to become a physician." Thank you so much for finishing your eloquent and insightful post in this manner, otherwise I would be swinging by now.

That's a really insightful answer to a question that you'll have to answer many times if you want to get into medical school. I have another question for you, which you may answer in an equally insightful manner. Why ask for advice on an anonymous internet board if you were planning on being sarcastic to those who answer you in an attempt to help you prepare for the admissions process?

 

[urnextshrink]

My advice would be slow it down, especially the first semester. Taking longer is better than bombing a class.

 

[n3xa]

That's a really insightful answer to a question that you'll have to answer many times if you want to get into medical school. I have another question for you, which you may answer in an equally insightful manner. Why ask for advice on an anonymous internet board if you were planning on being sarcastic to those who answer you in an attempt to help you prepare for the admissions process?

She could still be on the defensive side due to all the helpful advice she received in her other thread.

 

[NYRN]

She could still be on the defensive side due to all the helpful advice she received in her other thread.

This is so typical. He was looking to get laid, some of these residents use the internet to find some easy P. No sweat off his back, girls like this are a dime a dozen when they are playing the doctor card.

 

[NYRN]

Wow I was going to put a shotgun to my head because I didn't have your approval, internet stranger, but then I read your qualifier "I mean you should really think about why you want to become a physician." Thank you so much for finishing your eloquent and insightful post in this manner, otherwise I would be swinging by now.

Who said you needed anyones approval? Unlike you, I have actually taken most of these science classes and they are difficult. You have never taken a class at this level in your life, and are sitting here saying that not only do you dislike science and math, but that you plan on getting A's in them? How about you go to www.e-mcat.com, register for an account and take a look at the free practice MCAT they offer, I believe its exam #3. That is what you are up against in the end.

Not even worth arguing with you. If physics or inorganic chem doesn't weed you out the first semester, than orgo certainly will.

Good luck

 

[MDyoucantseeme]

Who said you needed anyones approval? Unlike you, I have actually taken most of these science classes and they are difficult. You have never taken a class at this level in your life, and are sitting here saying that not only do you dislike science and math, but that you plan on getting A's in them? How about you go to www.e-mcat.com, register for an account and take a look at the free practice MCAT they offer, I believe its exam #3. That is what you are up against in the end.

Not even worth arguing with you. If physics or inorganic chem doesn't weed you out the first semester, than orgo certainly will.

Good luck

I never said I dislike science and math. I have a very high aptitude for english which is why I scored a 670 on the Verbal GRE and was a tutor for the Verbal SAT.


What medical schools have you been accepted to and what type of prestigious credentials can you boast of - owing to the fact you are clearly a math and science phenom? I'm lucky you're even talking to me.

I hate to tell you, but anyone with a brain and work ethic can do well in a science class. It just takes memorization and more free than busy nights a week.

 

[MDyoucantseeme]

This is so typical. He was looking toget laid, some of these residents use the internet to find some easy P. No sweat off his back, girls like this are a dime a dozen when they are playing the doctor card.

I'm confused. He's not a doctor, but a poor medical resident. So there is no "doctor card" to play, unless you mean the fallacious doctor's note he wrote for me - which he could lose his residency over. In which case I do not see how you infer there is "no skin off his back". Please explain.

Reading comprehension clearly isn't something you should pretend to be skilled in.

 

[MDyoucantseeme]

That's a really insightful answer to a question that you'll have to answer many times if you want to get into medical school. I have another question for you, which you may answer in an equally insightful manner. Why ask for advice on an anonymous internet board if you were planning on being sarcastic to those who answer you in an attempt to help you prepare for the admissions process?

I really don't see what credentials either of you have to be giving me advice seeing as you're both premed and haven't been accepted anywhere. Neither of you have any impressive credentials at all which should give your words weight beyond what a drunken bum on the corner might say in between begging for change - unless I missed something ??

 

[n3xa]

By dime a dozen to you mean pornography which you use your student loan to pay for because that is the closest you have come to the female anatomy? That and the pictures in your text books (which you also use your student loan to pay for).

FYI he wrote me a fallacious doctor's note which he could lose his license over. Not that I need to tell you about this YOU'LL NEVER BE A DOCTOR so you don't have to worry.

Easy there, tiger. And EdLongshanks is starting medical school this fall.

Regardless, best of luck to you in your future science classes and medical school path.

 

[MDyoucantseeme]

She could still be on the defensive side due to all the helpful advice she received in her other thread.

Actually, hun, if "girls like me" are a dime a dozen medical residents on the internet looking for dates are even more common. So I really don't have anything to dwell over.

 

[MDyoucantseeme]

Easy there, tiger. And EdLongshanks is starting medical school this fall.

Regardless, best of luck to you in your future science classes and medical school path.

Why does his profile say pre-med?

 

[NYRN]

I never said I dislike science and math. I have a very high aptitude for english which is why I scored a 670 on the Verbal GRE and was a tutor for the Verbal SAT.


What medical schools have you been accepted to and what type of prestigious credentials can you boast of - owing to the fact you are clearly a math and science phenom? I'm lucky you're even talking to me.

I hate to tell you, but anyone with a brain and work ethic can do well in a science class. It just takes memorization and more free than busy nights a week.

Did you not say in an earlier post that you don't have an aptitude for science or math??? If you think that physics and chem can be done easily just from memorization, try it and see for yourself.

I haven't applied yet because I don't have all my prereqs but having worked side by side with doctors for nearly 10 years, I know what I'm in for and with their guidance and recommendations I'm confident that I will be admitted as long as I keep my grades up.

And yes, I have seen residents try to meet girls online just to get laid. They show us the correspondence and laugh about it with us. The fact that most of the relationship was over text message speaks volumes.

Whatever. Post here after you have taken physics and chem and let us know how it's going for you.

 

[n3xa]

Why does his profile say pre-med?

Well it also says "OSU-COM class of 2015" under his internet handle.

Perhaps it might be useful if you talked to your pre-med advisor about your situation if you're that worried about the credentials of the people responding to your thread on an internet forum.

 

[MDyoucantseeme]

Did you not say in an earlier post that you don't have an aptitude for science or math??? If you think that physics and chem can be done easily just from memorization, try it and see for yourself.

I haven't applied yet because I don't have all my prereqs but having worked side by side with doctors for nearly 10 years, I know what I'm in for and with their guidance and recommendations I'm confident that I will be admitted as long as I keep my grades up.

And yes, I have seen residents try to meet girls online just to get laid. They show us the correspondence and laugh about it with us. The fact that most of the relationship was over text message speaks volumes.

Yea, it was all over text. Except for the two doctor's notes he faxed me.

I am very skilled in literature which has dominated my interests. I never tried in math or science classes because I was preoccupied with literature. I'm actually talented and never had to work very hard in engish classes and made As. Unlike you who, like every other dime a dozen want to be medical student, studies 90 hours a week to earn a high B.

 

[ChE04]

My bad guys, didn't realize this was pre-allo... Thought I was in the nontrad forum. Now that I'm here though...

 

[MDyoucantseeme]

Well it also says "OSU-COM class of 2015" under his internet handle.

Perhaps it might be useful if you talked to your pre-med advisor about your situation if you're that worried about the credentials of the people responding to your thread on an internet forum.

You use the word "talked" in the past tense while the rest of you prescription is written in the future tense "might be" and present tense "responding" so I am having difficulty understanding what it is you are trying to say. Please consult a grammar and style handbook before you assault the english language any further. Thanks.

 

[n3xa]

Yea, it was all over text. Except for the two doctor's notes he faxed me.

I am very skilled in literature which has dominated my interests. I never tried in math or science classes because I was preoccupied with literature. I'm actually talented and never had to work very hard in engish classes and made As. Unlike you who, like every other dime a dozen want to be medical student, studies 90 hours a week to earn a high B.

Someone pass the popcorn please.

PosteriQuote(TM) and in b4thelock.

 

[n3xa]

My bad guys, didn't realize this was pre-allo... Thought I was in the nontrad forum. Now that I'm here though...

 

[MDyoucantseeme]

Someone pass the popcorn please.

PosteriQuote(TM) and in b4thelock.

I think you would make better use of a grammar and style handbook. It should say:

Someone, please pass the popcorn.

 

[n3xa]

Thank.

 

[ChE04]

I think you would make better use of a grammar and style handbook. It should say:

Someone, please pass the popcorn.

Your right!

 

[NYRN]

Yea, it was all over text. Except for the two doctor's notes he faxed me.

I am very skilled in literature which has dominated my interests. I never tried in math or science classes because I was preoccupied with literature. I'm actually talented and never had to work very hard in engish classes and made As. Unlike you who, like every other dime a dozen want to be medical student, studies 90 hours a week to earn a high B.

Big freaking deal he faxed you two notes! The docs do that for coworkers all the time for various reasons, not that impressive. The housekeepers ask for notes from our docs for school related reasons or to reschedule a flight without paying a fee. Maybe you will do well in sciences who knows but don't assume that because you do well in literature classes that science classes will be easy.

Study 90 hours a week? My full time job doesn't allow that but since I'm pretty good in the sciences I do OK.

 

[EdLongshanks]

I really don't see what credentials either of you have to be giving me advice seeing as you're both premed and haven't been accepted anywhere. Neither of you have any impressive credentials at all which should give your words weight beyond what a drunken bum on the corner might say in between begging for change - unless I missed something ??

Wheweee. I'm really, really tempted to push the envelope a little and make sarcastic references to possible reasons for your irritability, but I've been trying to improve the last couple of months.

Click on the "mdapps" on those posters with whom you disagree to see if they are accepted, unaccepted, applying, etc. When I was first accepted a few months ago, I changed my status to "medical student" but someone jumped me about that, so I changed it back to pre-med and put the accepted status in the subtitle.

But it is not true that pre-meds cannot offer advice in this forum. Many of the pre-meds here have done extensive study and spent a lot of time questioning admissions offices. Furthermore, some of us have attended interview days and have a pretty good idea of the pool of applicants and what their majors are. Almost all of these applicants know the average GPA's of interviewing students, applying students, and accepted students as well as our relative chances of getting accepted. Since many of the pre-meds here have taken the pre-reqs, we can also tell you the relative difficulty of those classes also.

The pool of people on this board can be a valuable asset to you. This particular forum also has a different flavor than the pre-allo forum where you were previously savaged. That sort of hostility is discouraged by our main moderator, Q. So you don't need to react quite as defensively.

Your original statement that you don't like science raises a red flag which one of the forum regulars called to your attention. You should consider this issue and decide if it is an issue that you wish to address or modify. It will come up again during the pre-med or application process, so his post can have value for you.

 

[Eik Ooc]

Wheweee. I'm really, really tempted to push the envelope a little and make sarcastic references to possible reasons for your irritability, but I've been trying to improve the last couple of months.

Ed - You have changed! I was looking forward to your response.

 

[Eik Ooc]

She could still be on the defensive side due to all the helpful advice she received in her other thread.

I love that thread.

 

[MDyoucantseeme]

Wheweee. I'm really, really tempted to push the envelope a little and make sarcastic references to possible reasons for your irritability, but I've been trying to improve the last couple of months.

Click on the "mdapps" on those posters with whom you disagree to see if they are accepted, unaccepted, applying, etc. When I was first accepted a few months ago, I changed my status to "medical student" but someone jumped me about that, so I changed it back to pre-med and put the accepted status in the subtitle.

But it is not true that pre-meds cannot offer advice in this forum. Many of the pre-meds here have done extensive study and spent a lot of time questioning admissions offices. Furthermore, some of us have attended interview days and have a pretty good idea of the pool of applicants and what their majors are. Almost all of these applicants know the average GPA's of interviewing students, applying students, and accepted students as well as our relative chances of getting accepted. Since many of the pre-meds here have taken the pre-reqs, we can also tell you the relative difficulty of those classes also.

The pool of people on this board can be a valuable asset to you. This particular forum also has a different flavor than the pre-allo forum where you were previously savaged. That sort of hostility is discouraged by our main moderator, Q. So you don't need to react quite as defensively.

Your original statement that you don't like science raises a red flag which one of the forum regulars called to your attention. You should consider this issue and decide if it is an issue that you wish to address or modify. It will come up again during the pre-med or application process, so his post can have value for you.

ZZZZ if I want advice from a premed I'll stand by the soda machine in the biology building on a friday night.

 

[n3xa]

ZZZZ if I want advice from a premed I'll stand by the soda machine in the biology building on a friday night.

Sigh.

 

[QofQuimica]

I've gotten several complaints about this thread, and I think there is nothing of a constructive nature to be had here. Closing.