Pre-reqs at CC vs. University - Non Science Background

[christinenicole]

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I graduated from UC Berkeley in 2010 with a non-science major. I attempted to take a few pre-med pre-reqs (Chem 1A, Calc, Integrative Biology) as an undergrad but did horribly in them. The reason being was that I didn't have the adequate science background I needed to do well. I took Chemistry in high school, but barely passed and never thought about Chemistry again. I never thought I would want a career in medicine until now, and regret not pursuing the sciences more in high school. I never took Physics, not even in high school.

Currently I'm in an official Post Bacc Program but am really struggling in the classes because again, I don't have the science background I need to do well. I have to complete ALL my pre-reqs since I didn't do them/do well as an undergrad. I'm considering taking the classes at a CC because 1) cheaper 2) courses will meet more regularly so I will be able to get more assistance (Post Bacc classes meet once a week where CC classes meet twice a week) 3) I might do better at a CC?

My question, of course, is that if I complete my pre-reqs at a CC, whether or not med schools will even consider my application, knowing that I did all my pre-reqs at a CC and not a university. I know there are tons of threads on this topic and believe me, I've read ALL of them! Lol... I'm just looking for any recent/updated responses from anyone who has gone through this experience...

Thanks!!

 

[Deekle]

If you can't hack the post bacc, you can't hack med school. It's that simple.

Now, if the reason you're having trouble is because of a poor foundation, then what you need is not to do your prereqs somewhere else, what you need is to focus on the fundamentals first and then worry about prereqs.

Are you having more trouble with the concepts or with the math?

A lot of folks who have trouble with science classes have a poor math foundation. I, for example had to start at remedial math, followed by college algebra, college trig and then calculus I and II.

If you're having trouble with the concepts, that's a bigger problem and you're going to have to address your study habits.

In short if you drop out of postbac to do your prereqs at a CC, it's going to hurt you. If you fail at postbac it's going to hurt you more. Your chances of getting into med school down either of those paths are low.

If I were you, I'd be working out where my deficit lies and then address those learning issues and then go back and rock the postbac.


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[vitanuova]

I understand where you're coming from. I graduated from a top school in 2009 with a liberal arts major. I didn't take any serious science or math classes in college and my high school chem class was a joke. When I started my post bacc classes I felt like I was miles and miles behind everyone. And I was. I knew nothing about chemistry and my math skills were rusty. It was humiliating. I worked really hard to catch up and managed to moderately well in my first semester classes and better in my second semester.

It is rough when you are starting off with a weak science background but it doesn't change the fact that you will be held to the same standards as everyone else. Either you catch up or you quit.

I doubt that taking the prereq classes at a CC will improve anything. It won't make your transcript any stronger.
Maybe you could take some remedial classes at a CC and get some clinical experience. Then you could take another shot at the prereqs at a university and maybe some upper level science classes too.

 

[ScenicRoute]

I totally understand as well! I too have not only a bachelors but a masters in liberal arts! I started my postbacc program without a solid science background - and on top of that, the last time I took a science class was when I was in high school...in the early 1990's! So as you probably can imagine, I really had a steep learning curve ahead of me.

I struggled at first as well but don't worry - you can do it. If premed was easy, then everyone would be doing it! Think of it this way: premed IS the foundation to prepare you for medical school. It is the rigorous academic training that prepares you for the intense amount of learning medical school will hand you. We all as NonTrads come from different places and spaces and learning styles so just figure out what will work for you.

So my advice is this - if medicine is your calling - do not drop out and go to CC school. In fact, I believe most medical schools will not accept those credits, and if they do, they will look upon them unfavorably. It isn't fair, but it is what it is.

This is what I did. I got tutors. I had to re-learn to study and started studying...ALOT. See, when you do a liberal arts degree, the type of thinking and studying required is very different from science. Neither one is better or worse than the other, just different. You are in essence re-training your brain to think like a scientist.

Also, if you can, take a test to figure out your learning style. For me, I found out I am a kinesthetic learner. At first I got discouraged with that result, then I found out Medicine attracts a lot of folks who learn that way since medicine isn't just about rote memorization, it is about feeling, sensing, and thinking abstractly. Once you learn your style, find out the proper way to study according to your needs. Models, tons of colored highlighters, and notecards became my best friends.

Good luck!
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/member.php?u=441050

 

[kayak30]

I'm at a community college after I left a post-bac. For me it was grades too, but mainly financial. I was slowly improving in the post bac at the 4 year but not A's. i have an ill parent who I support financially and I was paying some private plus mainly cash for the classes. If its not a financial reason just keep doing the post bac! Go to tutoring and keep bugging your professors until they know who you are. If I get in with the CC classes I will be sure to post on SDN, for now I can't offer much else.

 

[christinenicole]

How do your classes compare at a CC to a post bacc? Are you completing ALL of your prereqs at a CC?

 

[kayak30]

How do your classes compare at a CC to a post bacc? Are you completing ALL of your prereqs at a CC?

I'm did gen chem 2, Orgo 1 currently, and Orgo 2 in the spring at the community college. I finished all others at 4 year. I had a C in phys 1 and chem 1 at the 4 year but B second semester in phys, A-/B+s in bio and genetics. Gen chem was much easier at CC but it could have been the small class size and awesome prof. Lab was included at the CC and got an A last semester. I think it helps to have a much smaller class with combined labs and believe it or not the same profs from 4 year teach at the CC too. Once again though, no idea what med schools will think but I'm prepared to do a MS if needed.