Prerequisites and Retakes

[NHans]

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(I apologize beforehand if this has been covered extensively in previous posts.)

I completed my BA in psychology over a year ago and am considering medical school. I have taken some of the prerequisites for medical school but not all of them. I would need to take:

One semester 100-level Biology
One semester 100-level Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Upper level Biology
(Biochem? Genetics?)

I took other prerequisites in my freshman/sophomore years of undergrad:

Physics (D/C+)
Calculus/Linear Algebra (A-, B-)
First semester general chemistry (A)
First semester biology (B+, lab: C).

My poor performance in these courses was due to lack of effort and time put into them.

My question is what route would be best for me to pursue? One of my main concerns and desires, is to possibly retake the courses as it's been since the fall of 2007 and doubt I remember details and processes in the materials for the courses. Is it possible/advisable to retake the courses? Or should I try and do a "self-motivated refresher course"?

Thanks.

 

[DrMidlife]

My question is what route would be best for me to pursue? One of my main concerns and desires, is to possibly retake the courses as it's been since the fall of 2007 and doubt I remember details and processes in the materials for the courses. Is it possible/advisable to retake the courses?

I had physics & genchem done in the early 90's. I didn't retake physics because I got A's. I did retake genchem because I had B's & C's & because ochem is intimidating.

You're supposed to get a C or better in prereqs, and med schools do enforce this. Personally I wouldn't sit on a C+ - I'd retake that. For MD schools the effect of a retake on GPA is the same as new coursework - for DO schools the old grade is forgiven.

Depending on your cumulative overall/science GPAs, you'll want to consider taking more coursework than just prereqs. Reconcile how much more coursework you need for GPA purposes with how much more classtime you need to max out your MCAT.

Also, you can take a free MCAT practice test to see what shape you're in. Not a bad idea. www.e-mcat.com. I personally think that your cold verbal score is the best predictor of how much prep you need, but people have disagreed with me on this.

Or should I try and do a "self-motivated refresher course"?

If you've ever successfully done such a thing, it's a reasonable option.

Best of luck to you.

 

[NHans]

Thanks for the information. Now I have to figure out if I should retake the courses through my local university, or if it makes sense to apply to a post-bac that would allow retakes (Harvard's HCP?).

 

[lizzo76]

Thanks for the information. Now I have to figure out if I should retake the courses through my local university, or if it makes sense to apply to a post-bac that would allow retakes (Harvard's HCP?).

Check out Harvard's program. The cost for courses is comparable to and often less than in-state tuition at many state universities, and the courses are rigorous. You can also enroll in HCP and receive med school sponsorship if you successfully complete a certain number of courses (exact number of credits is dependent on your undergrad GPA), which would probably be quite helpful in your case.

 

[NHans]

Check out Harvard's program. The cost for courses is comparable to and often less than in-state tuition at many state universities, and the courses are rigorous. You can also enroll in HCP and receive med school sponsorship if you successfully complete a certain number of courses (exact number of credits is dependent on your undergrad GPA), which would probably be quite helpful in your case.

Do they allow/accept those who have done poorly in the past in prereq classes to retake them while there?