pre-requisites

[Don'tNoMuch]

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My situation is a little different than the "average" pre-med (trad or non-trad)..... wanted a little help!

I obtained my pre-requisites in physics and chemistry by taking British A-Level courses (got credit when I came to the US from my university for them). I got exemptions for the entire first year of physics and chemistry. I think this is analogous to the AP classes here. This was almost 12 years ago! 😱 i feel old.

I did take biology and organic chemistry in the States.

So my question is, will med schools count those pre-reqs from a) so long ago and b) exemptions/credits obtained in a non-US highschool and c) if not, how do I go about taking them again - do I have to apply for admission to a university and start over???

This is so frustrating considering I am already in a clinical field now and doing clinical work but decided to go for the MD! Seems like I'm going backwards!

PS - writing the april MCAT anyways!

Hope this is not too confusing but really need some help on this issue as it seriously alters my application timeline

Thanks!!!!

 

[Emergency!]

So my question is, will med schools count those pre-reqs from a) so long ago and b) exemptions/credits obtained in a non-US highschool and c) if not, how do I go about taking them again - do I have to apply for admission to a university and start over???

I would contact the admissions office at some of the schools you are interested in attending.

a) Some schools have strict requirements about how old pre-reqs can be, others don't care. Most, however, will probably want to see evidence of doing well in recent coursework.

b) I know there has been some discussion about whether or not AP science classes count as pre-reqs. Right off hand, I don't know where the thread(s) are. Again, your admissions counselors might be your best resource.

c) I am assuming that you already have a degree. You CAN apply for admission to as a degree seeking student and take the necessary classes. Just because you apply as a degree seeking student, doesn't mean you actually have to finish a degree. Personally, I applied as a Continuing Education (non-degree) student. You can get 12 months of financial aid to take courses necessary for admittance to a professional program.

You didn't mention Biology. I have heard from many people who took bio several years ago that they felt it should be retaken as Biology has changed quite a bit.

Hope this helps.

Amy

 

[njbmd]

Hi there,
If you have university credit for the pre-med courses: General Biology with lab, General Chemistry with lab, General Physics with lab and Organic Chemistry with lab, you should be fine as long as your coursework is not too old for the medical schools that interest you. You may want to check the MSAR (Medical School Admissions Requirements) to be sure that you have any additional coursework that needs to be taken before application to individual schools. Again, you may need to actually speak with someone in the admissions office of the individual schools before you apply about all of the above.

If you are very sure of your abilities in the subjects above, by all means take the MCAT. You should be working through some of the retired exams (available form the same place that you registered for the MCAT) under exam conditions to assess your knowledge base and testing abilities for this test. This is not a test to take more than once so be sure that you are ready for this test or postpone until you are completely ready.

Good luck!
njbmd 🙂