Probably a dumb question...

[amb25]

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If it says on the PTCAS website that a pre-req does not have to be completed at a 4-year institution, is that compltely true? I feel like most programs are looking for pre-reqs from 4 year institutions. I only plan on taking Chem 2 at a community college (over summer & saves lots of cash). Thoughts?

 

[nicolej5]

requirements vary by program

 

[josierita]

^^Agreed, definitely varies by program and also the class. I still needed a developmental psych class for one of my programs that I somehow missed (??) but was still accepted to the school and after talking to the admissions lady she was really cool about it and basically told me to find the cheapest way to take it over the summer i.e. at a community college. If you're really unsure I would talk to the schools you're looking at applying to and see how much they look at 4 year institution pre reqs vs. 2 year institution pre-reqs. The only way to know for sure is to actually talk to the school.

 

[LuckyOne12]

I took a lot of mine at a community college as they are so expensive at a university! I took 3 psychology's, both physics and both chemistries at a CC. All the rest ( BIO's and A & P, Math at university). I got in to Sacred Heart and a few other programs that are pretty good programs! So Check with each school... most will say it doesn't matter. Gook luck!

 

[okramango]

I took every single prereq at a community college, and have received an acceptance at one school and interview at another, both pretty competitive programs (I only applied to 3 schools). Most schools I looked into will accept prereqs from a CC, but some don't. Just make sure to check with the programs that you are interested in. Many programs will state on their website whether or not they require prereqs from a 4-year university.

 

[Damccookster]

I took all my pre-reqs at a community college as well. Graduating from a private undergraduate institution with none of the pre-reqs fulfilled, there was no way I was going to spend 4x the amount to take the classes. Also, most 4 year schools want to charge you non-matriculated rates because you already have a BA. Even the state schools are ridiculous. When I spoke to the schools about where I was taking classes, they told me as long as I got a B or better in all the pre-reqs it was fine. They are more forgiving if you get a C on a pre-req from a 4 year school.

I've been asked why I took the classes in my interviews and have told them the truth every time...it was cheaper!

 

[NewTestament]

I took all my pre-reqs at a community college as well. Graduating from a private undergraduate institution with none of the pre-reqs fulfilled, there was no way I was going to spend 4x the amount to take the classes. Also, most 4 year schools want to charge you non-matriculated rates because you already have a BA. Even the state schools are ridiculous. When I spoke to the schools about where I was taking classes, they told me as long as I got a B or better in all the pre-reqs it was fine. They are more forgiving if you get a C on a pre-req from a 4 year school.

I've been asked why I took the classes in my interviews and have told them the truth every time...it was cheaper!

I can back up everything in this statement. I graduated from a 4-year school in 2008, and when I went to register for classes two years later, they wanted $400/credit, even thought I was an alumnus, and continued to live in the state. I went down the street to my local CC, which charged me $150/credit. I won't enumerate the benefits of a CC over a 4-year school, but I got eight interview offers, and a couple of acceptances. So no, (most) schools don't care where you take your classes. A couple schools like UConn and Howard actually care, but this is the exception.

Save yourself hundreds, if not thousands, and sing up at your CC.

Kevin