Pre-Req Plan

[juliablaine]

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I just started taking my science pre-reqs this week and was hoping someone could tell me if it looks like I'll be able to take the MCAT in spring/summer of 2014.

Spring 2013: Bio I, Gen Chem I, Physics I
Summer 2013: Gen Chem II
Fall 2013: Bio II, O Chem I, Physics II
Spring 2014: O Chem II
I will be taking Biochem and an online A&P class somewhere in there which I need to apply to OSU.

Also, is it too much to jump into taking 3 science classes all with lab when I haven't had science in years? Graduated in 2010 from Indiana University with a degree in Finance and 3.55 GPA. I quit my full-time job but I'm planning to start volunteering and shadowing as soon as my schedule is set.

Thank you in advance!

 

[DrMidlife]

I just started taking my science pre-reqs this week and was hoping someone could tell me if it looks like I'll be able to take the MCAT in spring/summer of 2014.

If you take the MCAT during the summer, then you have to apply late. You should have your MCAT score in hand when you apply, and you should apply as close to June 1 as possible. Scores come back 6-8 weeks after the exam.

Spring 2013: Bio I, Gen Chem I, Physics I

That's too much if you haven't taken hard science before. Make sure you understand the withdrawal dates, and get out if you can't get A's.

Summer 2013: Gen Chem II
Fall 2013: Bio II, O Chem I, Physics II
Spring 2014: O Chem II
I will be taking Biochem and an online A&P class somewhere in there which I need to apply to OSU.

If you get straight A's in your first term of prereqs, pile it on. If you don't get A's, slow down and regroup.

Public service announcement: There are three states that start with "O" and they all have an OSU.

Also, is it too much to jump into taking 3 science classes all with lab when I haven't had science in years?

Usually.

Graduated in 2010 from Indiana University with a degree in Finance and 3.55 GPA. I quit my full-time job but I'm planning to start volunteering and shadowing as soon as my schedule is set.

Thank you in advance!

2.55 in finance says you should assume the med school prereqs are going to be harder than the work you did before. If that's not the case, count your blessings.

Best of luck to you.

 

[juliablaine]

Thanks for your input. Yes I guess I would be trying to take the MCAT in April then. I've been debating if I should drop physics and take it in the summer in the first session before I take gen chem II in the second session. I'm just worried it would be so condensed in the summer that'd be very hard to get an A. That would also leave me taking only bio and chem I now which seems very light, especially since I quit my job to go full time.
Any other nontrad students care to share their class schedules and grades?
Also, sorry DrMidlife...the OSU meant Ohio State University.

 

[Bru]

Quick Points to clarify:
-MCAT scores are released about 4 weeks after the testing date.
-OSU is generally understood to be Ohio State University COM. The other "O" states have different acronyms i.e. OHSU-SOM and UO-COM. OSU is also the only one requiring anatomy.
-3.55 GPA is not so bad to start off with.

As for your specific situation, I'd take it slow initially. But, you seem to want to get done quickly. This is possible although not necessarily advised. For instance, will you have enough time to fill out the other parts of your application such as clinical experience, volunteering, shadowing, and research? If you are light in those areas, think about applying on a later cycle.

 

[juliablaine]

Thanks for your response, Bru. I am thinking I should keep it light this semester: Bio I, Chem I, and an online A&P. I would then have to take Physics I over the summer in a condensed session. But that would maximize my chances of getting A's and I could take more in future semesters when I'm more comfortable with science classes. And that would also give me time to start on my volunteering, shadowing, etc.

 

[Bru]

You may also consider taking A&P during your gap year since it would only be required to matriculate not to apply. I have a classmate who is interviewing with OSU and has yet to take A&P (he will likely take it online this spring).

 

[mssmith4]

I was in a near identical situation one semester ago, except I didn't quit my job. I finished undergrad in '06 with a degree in Insurance/Finance (undergrad GPA was 3.51, so I wasn't necessarily tearing it up). Took no science classes past Principles of Bio, in which I made a C first semester and a B second semester. Went on to law school and graduated in '10. Been practicing law almost 3 years.

I jumped in last semester taking Physics I, Chem I, and Bio I (all with labs; all night classes), while continuing to work full-time (usually 50-65 hrs/wk). Sure, I had to pull some late nights studying, but I ended up with a 4.0.

I think your schedule looks good, and I would definitely go for it if that's what your heart so desires. It's definitely possible to do it and do well. Just know what you're getting yourself into. By December, I was nearing burnout. Whenever I would feel burnout coming on, I would line up a Saturday to shadow in order to get my mind back focused on what the end-goal is.

Just stay focused and remember why you're doing this. If you have quit your job, these three classes shouldn't pose any problems. Put aside the most time for Chem.

 

[juliablaine]

Thank you so much for your answer. Its really good to hear from someone in such a similar situation. When are you planning to take the MCAT and apply if you don't mind me asking. Thanks.

 

[mssmith4]

Thank you so much for your answer. Its really good to hear from someone in such a similar situation. When are you planning to take the MCAT and apply if you don't mind me asking. Thanks.

I am registered for the May 30 MCAT, and I plan on applying this cycle. With a little hard work, I'm hoping to finish this next semester with another 4.0. That combined with having already proven I can withstand the rigors of a professional school (i.e., law school), as well as having spent 8 years in the Marine Corps with 2 deployments, I'm hoping will garner a little interest in my application.

I know this is rushing it a little, but hey, we're non-traditionals, right? I figure if I don't get an acceptance this cycle, I can spend a year working on EC's, taking more classes, shadowing, volunteering, etc., and reapply next cycle.

Also, you do not have to have a MCAT score on file when you apply. Go ahead and get your application in June 1 and your AMCAS will automatically update once you receive a score.