Prerequisite Science Courses

[Pavo]

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Hello -

I'm new to this site and a "younger" non-trad at 25. My background is in economics, and I work for a financial software firm so it's heavy on finance, but more so on the computers side (coding, development, minor engineering).

I am so glad that I found this site in my quest to slowly switch over to medicine. I've searched many threads so far but haven't been able to piece everything together, so apologies for any questions I have which I should have found answers to on here.

My main concern at this point are my science prerequisites. I need to fulfill these, and I am looking to obtain them part time. I'm located in Chicago and there are a number of schools to choose from which I have been researching. At the moment, I am looking to enroll as a Student-At-Large (undergrad) to fulfill my requirements while I continue with FT employment and volunteering. I've read a great deal about masters programs and post-bacc on here, but the Student-At-Large program looks like it would best suit my needs. Are there any cons (or pros) in taking this route to fulfill my science prerequisites for medical school application which I am failing to recognize?

From my understanding:

- They can increase/decrease undergraduate cum. GPA
- They do not lead to any degree
- They do fulfill the science requirements needed for entrance to medical school

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read through.

- Pavo

 

[146233]

Pavo,

As a Chicago resident, let me try to answer your questions... A student-at-large is just a fancy term for "a guy who wants to take a few classes". Yes, those classes will influence your ugrad GPA. No, you will not get a degree. Yes, they will fulfill the science requirements for medical schools.

My main question for you is, however, why not a post-bac program? Metropolitan Chicago has two: Loyola and Northwestern. These are really the same as being a 'student-at-large' except you get the benefit of a formalized program, pre-health advising, and a pre-health committee letter of recommendation (preferred by many medical schools). The cost will be the same as being a student-at-large (paying per credit).

I think you should strongly consider a post-bac program (designed for people who have not yet completed their science prerequisites). You're right - a special masters program is not for you. SMP's are for those who have completed their science pre-reqs but still need to strengthen their application.

I'd be happy to discuss this or meet with you and show you around Loyola (I'm the president of the post-bac association), if you like. Let me know.


Best of luck,
-z

 

[Pavo]

Hi Zipmedic -

Thanks for getting back to me. Originally, I was looking into this formal premedicine program offered by Northwestern:

http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/pdp/cpdp/health/premed.cfm

I think this is what you were referrring to as a post-bacc program. I have already contacted the office and am waiting to speak with someone to answer a few general questions. I find the program appealing - it covers the requirements and it's available on a part-time basis.

The one issue I have is that they require an entry level biology course in order to be admitted. I never took an Intro to Biology course or BIO 101. In it's place, I took a specific zoology course as an undergrad which fulfilled my life science requirement for my specific degree (zoology was much more appealing to me than your run of the mill bio course). I'm not sure if this would be held against me - I don't know how rigid they are with there standards.

I'm definitely open to discussing this more with you (or meet in person).

I am hoping that I can start my prerequisites this winter part time (I think I just missed the deadline for fall applicants).

Thanks again for your feedback.

- Pavo

 

[146233]

No problem. Loyola does not require any science prior to matriculation into the post-bac program. It is also offered part time (days/afternoons/evenings/some weekends), so there is flexibility for you. Let's get together for a coffee or something.

 

[Pavo]

Zipmedic -

Sent you a PM about a possible meeting, or to discuss more about this off of this thread.

Also, I set up appointments with the post-bac pre-medicine advisors at both Loyola and Northwestern in the coming weeks. I'm sure they'll be able to provide some good advice as well and answer some of my questions.

Thanks again for you help.

- Pavo

 

[budhak0n]

Hi Zipmedic -

Thanks for getting back to me. Originally, I was looking into this formal premedicine program offered by Northwestern:

http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/pdp/cpdp/health/premed.cfm

I think this is what you were referrring to as a post-bacc program. I have already contacted the office and am waiting to speak with someone to answer a few general questions. I find the program appealing - it covers the requirements and it's available on a part-time basis.

The one issue I have is that they require an entry level biology course in order to be admitted. I never took an Intro to Biology course or BIO 101. In it's place, I took a specific zoology course as an undergrad which fulfilled my life science requirement for my specific degree (zoology was much more appealing to me than your run of the mill bio course). I'm not sure if this would be held against me - I don't know how rigid they are with there standards.

I'm definitely open to discussing this more with you (or meet in person).

I am hoping that I can start my prerequisites this winter part time (I think I just missed the deadline for fall applicants).

Thanks again for your feedback.

- Pavo

Can't comment on the Northwestern Program. I'm a bit older and found that I was able to contact the head of the program at a local university and he's been great so far in pointing me in the right direction so far as the Post-Bacc. I could see how having a faculty member who specifically deals with "post-bacc" students could be an asset because he has already helped me sort out what it is I need to do to get to where I can sit for the MCATS and attempt to gain admission.

I also had considered just going solo and picking it up course by course which in your situation being so young could be looked upon just fine by an admissions committee...

I don't know any members of an adcomm so I can't say what they think and a lot of this board goes around and around on what we might "think" they think.. but in my situation I would think that providing 2 to 3 solid semesters of dedicated focused undergraduate science based studies with GOOD grades would be the BEST way to gain admission. After all, they might not take me seriously if I were to complete the courses over several years a credit here a credit there... But that's just because of my age.. I'm 38... I'm actually trying to get a full time job doing strictly phlebotomy for which I'm certified but due to the county I live in and the lack of facilities , I haven't yet been able to find anything full time. This is both good and bad... Good in that I will have time to do some shadowing and volunteer work over the next few months. Bad in the fact that obviously I'm not working full time.

I wasn't aware how competitive this process has gotten so I've had a lot to learn over the past couple of weeks but I'm moving right along.

Good luck in your future endeavors.
BK

 

[jochi1543]

"a guy who wants to take a few classes"

You sexist [EDIT].... Because girls don't take classes, right....








😛

 

[budhak0n]

You sexist [EDIT].... Because girls don't take classes, right....








😛

I'm sure what he meant to say was " a student who would like to broaden his horizons" but i can't speak for him/or her or it or butch.

 

[jochi1543]

I'm sure what he meant to say was " a student who would like to broaden his horizons" but i can't speak for him/or her or it or butch.

No worries....it's just smth personal here.