Pre-Requisites

[GDanzig138]

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😕 Hello all,

I was wondering how dentrimental a disadvantage it is in taking your pre-med requisite courses at a community college? I am what you can call a pre-med hopeful. I graduated with a BS in Compter Science for a respectable university and have been working for over a year as a system administrator at very decent company. Unfortunately, I hate what I do and can't see myself pursuing a career in this industry. I began taking medical school pre-requisites at a community college while working full time. Will medical schools look down on these credits?

I am fully aware that my whole situation will be taken into account: I do work full time, I do volunteer in an emergency room (and have been on and off since high school), both while taking 2 pre-req night courses a semester, and I do know I need to be explicit and sincere in my reason for switching career paths as well. Oh..and the damned MCAT.

So I'm just trying to position myself in the best way possible...I do not plan to matriculate at any school as a pre-med, I just want to take the requisites. Any advice on if I really have to throw my money away at a 'reputable' school just take some bio and chem courses?

 

[kerplunk112]

without considering your situation i would def not recommend taking any pre reqs a a community college. i think some schools dont even allow it. I would get in contact with schools you are interested in and ask..they always help you out. i guess moving to an area that has a more reputable college is not an option? since your undergrade grades are good i bet many will simply think that your CC grades are also good b/c your smart, not because the classes themselves are easier. also when you call the schools also ask them about your situation. remember dont feel embarrased about taking up their time..thats what they are there for..assuming you call the correct dept. emails are useful also

 

[bisulfite]

Although it is definitely frowned upon, if you excel in your community college courses AND rock the MCAT, I really see no reason why you wouldn't get into a medical school. A strong MCAT could validate community college grades.

 

[oxeye]

I took the majority of my prerequisites at a community college. It didn't seem to hinder my application at all.

And for the record - my community college was MUCH harder than the 4-year college where I have done post-bacc coursework. I get a bit frustrated when people assume community colleges are always easier than 4-year universities - especially when they have never set foot in a community college classroom. Unless you have personal experience with something, it's wise to not speculate about it.

 

[TxRunner]

I am actually doing the same thing. I graduated from a University last May with a degree in pre-physical therapy. I realized that was not the career I was interested in. So, I am currently taking 14 hrs of biology (my "biology"classes were in the PT department so they don't count) and my Organic Chems at a Community College. I was concerned about this before I started, so I talked with a former admissions board member at UTHSC. She told me she did the very same thing. She said that as long as you have the classes and the information, they will teach you what they want you to know in Medical School. Just do well on your MCAT and prove that Community Colleges can be reputable institutions.