Prereq question

[Premeddit]

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So my stupid freshman self took a statistics course as P/NP. I did pass, but I thought it was fine to take it without a letter grade since I wasn't aware it was a pre-req for some med schools.

What would my options be here? It's a slightly different scenario since stats is only required by a few schools (and I have other semesters of math, graded, to fulfill the more general requirements). Am I barred from applying to schools like Duke, UCLA? What would happen if I took another stats class for a letter grade online? (I already graduated).

 

[aalamruad]

So my stupid freshman self took a statistics course as P/NP. I did pass, but I thought it was fine to take it without a letter grade since I wasn't aware it was a pre-req for some med schools.

What would my options be here? It's a slightly different scenario since stats is only required by a few schools (and I have other semesters of math, graded, to fulfill the more general requirements). Am I barred from applying to schools like Duke, UCLA? What would happen if I took another stats class for a letter grade online? (I already graduated).

You might be able to get away with taking a biostats class or something. Contact the schools individually to ask what their specific requirements are and if they allow exceptions

 

[aldol16]

You should really contact the schools and ask. They will usually respond with an answer specific to your case and specific to that school. That's the only way to know. I would recommend trying email first and only then phone call because you want to have something in writing - you don't want them to say "oh, that's fine you can still apply and matriculate" and then have someone higher up after you get in say that now you can't matriculate because you haven't taken the course. If you have this in writing, it becomes much easier to argue your case to any arbitration committee.

 

[Premeddit]

Not all medical schools require letter grade for all prereqs. I was suprisingly informed not too long ago that some top UG schools only grade P/F for all courses for first semester freshman which might include prereqs. according to that institutions premed advisor there was usually no problem with med school

You can still apply without the technical fulfillment of the prereq. As for online, you would have to check via MSARif the med school accrpts them. You could just take a stats course at any CC even if technically a repeat. Or you can request a waiver if accepted. If you have other graded math courses that may not be a huge risk to take.

Thanks for the response. I'm currently working full-time so I don't think I could take a CC course at the moment. And I'm hesitant on how schools view online courses in general (as in, this might hurt my chances at schools that don't actually have stats as a pre-req in the first place).

 

[Premeddit]

unlikely the online class will be worth the effort, though you need to check via MSAR to see. You dont need the class to apply so you could simply take it after you have submitted your application. You have to realize that prereqs are not checked for formal fulfillment until after you have taken up an offer of acceptance usually in early spring or letter. The risk you may run is now having to get a stats class prior to matriculation. My feeling is that is a low risk and you have enough to justify a waiver, though it is not absolute.

The only absolute way is to take an actual class

I see. Thanks!