Pre-rec timeline and location

[TigerlilyDC]

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Hi everyone! I've been lurking for a bit, but am in a kind of annoying, inconvenient situation and just wanted to get some input. Why, oh why, can't the universe just align as it should??

Here's my situation: I've taken Chem I and II and Organic Chem I at a local CC. I'm currently enrolled in Organic Chem II and A&P I. As I've been perusing these boards, I'm realizing that to really be competitive, I need to take my remaining classes at a 4-year. The reason I haven't done this so far is that as a DC resident, while there are many accessible universities, my choice is to either pay out of state tuition for the state schools or private school tuition. I just can't justify either of those, financially. I just discovered though, that the Univ of Maryland has an informal Post-Bac program where they offer nighttime science classes for in-state tuition costs. Rejoice! The problem is that they only offer 1 section per class per term and for the 2 classes that I need, they fall on the same day/time. Ideally, I would also like to try and work some additional upper level classes in there as well.

So, here is my "What Would You Do?" question:

Option 1: Take Bio and Physics at UMD. Since I could only take 1 at a time, I would apply in 2013.
Pro's: Less stress. More time for volunteer and ECs. Will have more classes from a 4-year instead of a CC. Would have more time to take some of the other upper-levels, though due to the scheduling universe gods (or the peopl at MD who apparently don't like to have classes on Mondays and Wednesdays...) I would likely have to take at least 1 and possibly 2 at the CC.
Con's: Time. Wouldn't start med school until 2014.

Option 2: Take either bio or physics at UMD and take the other one at the CC this year. Apply in 2012.
Pro's: Time. I could apply sooner and see what happens. If I didn't get in anywhere I could direct my next application cycle to what my specific weaknesses were instead of trying to do everything at once.
Con's: wouldn't have time to get many of the supplement classes in. I might be able to get a couple in Spring 2012.

Wow, I just realized how much I've written. Kudos to anyone who's still with me.

Thanks in advance for any insight! I tend to overthink things to the nth degree, so I need a little outside perspective.

Oh, and if it matters, I'm 32, my undergrad GPA is 3.5 (do they look at this for non-trads?). I got B's in Chemistry I and II (should I retake this?) and an A in Organic Chemistry I. I'll get an A in Organic Chem II and A&P.

 

[EdLongshanks]

Oh, and if it matters, I'm 32, my undergrad GPA is 3.5 (do they look at this for non-trads?). I got B's in Chemistry I and II (should I retake this?) and an A in Organic Chemistry I. I'll get an A in Organic Chem II and A&P.

Yes, they look at this. If you feel confident of getting a good MCAT score, then you could try applying in 2012. If you don't get in anywhere and get feedback that your academics look weak, then you can take some upper level biology courses and get A's. If MD vs DO is important to you, then apply only allopathic for the first round. Your young age (you really are quite young) gives you flexibility to try it both ways.

Your past academic experience may be a little weak, but it is not a black mark, and can be fixed with upper-level A's. I wouldn't retake Chem I and II. The A's in OChem show that you can do chemistry. Make all A's from here on out and take everything that you can at a 4-year.

 

[TigerlilyDC]

Thanks for your response 🙂

 

[dawgbone]

Just remember -- all undergrad courses aren't created equal. While it may be more convenient and expedient to take the CC classes, it would behoove you to take some MCAT practice tests and see how well those CC courses are actually preparing you.