Question for all Pre-Med students

[Dr. Steve-O]

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Hello. My name is Steve, I’m a 27-year-old nontraditional student. I’m currently an LPN, and was planning on becoming an RN. I actually enrolled into an LPN to ADN program that is to begin this fall. Needless to say (as evidenced by me joining SDN!) I’ve changed my mind, and am now HOPING to start pre-med this fall. I’m excited and anxious to begin. I have my colleges of choice narrowed down to 2, and I'm optimistic I’ll get accepted into a 3+4 year accelerated program (3 years of college w/4 years at LECOM). I was hoping some of you could share with me your pre-med experiences. I anticipate some of the classes being really hard. What was the most difficult part of pre-med for you, academically and/or just in general? I feel I have a pretty good understanding of chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and anatomy and physiology. I'm pretty weak in mathematics. I understand algebra, but that's about the extent, and I've never taken physics. Are there any other areas of study I should know prior to beginning pre-med? Your responses are much appreciated. I hate surprises, and would really like to know exactly what I’m getting myself into! Thanks.

 

[silas2642]

The premed curriculum is different for everyone-- some people have an incredibly hard time with it while others breeze right through it. Generally speaking, the "weed out" courses are considered to be organic chemistry and physics; if you're weak in math I definitely wouldn't take these two courses during the same semester. Ochem isn't hard it's just draining, and physics IS applied math.

Talk to the people on your campus and ask who the best professors are; don't necessarily look for the easiest ones, take the courses where you can learn the most from, especially if they are courses that you anticipate having difficulty in.

At my undergrad, nursing and pre-med curricula were two different ballgames. Pre-med focused much more intensely on details and mechanisms, whereas nursing was more basic concepts. So definitely don't go into this thinking that it will be a breeze; study hard until you have a feeling on how hard you're going to have to try go do well.

 

[nims]

Sounds like you might only have difficulty with physics. However, if you can take a non-calc based physics through the 3+4 year program you should be fine. Good luck.

 

[Hardbody]

Hello. My name is Steve, I’m a 27-year-old nontraditional student. I’m currently an LPN, and was planning on becoming an RN. I actually enrolled into an LPN to ADN program that is to begin this fall. Needless to say (as evidenced by me joining SDN!) I’ve changed my mind, and am now HOPING to start pre-med this fall. I’m excited and anxious to begin. I have my colleges of choice narrowed down to 2, and I'm optimistic I’ll get accepted into a 3+4 year accelerated program (3 years of college w/4 years at LECOM). I was hoping some of you could share with me your pre-med experiences. I anticipate some of the classes being really hard. What was the most difficult part of pre-med for you, academically and/or just in general? I feel I have a pretty good understanding of chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and anatomy and physiology. I'm pretty weak in mathematics. I understand algebra, but that's about the extent, and I've never taken physics. Are there any other areas of study I should know prior to beginning pre-med? Your responses are much appreciated. I hate surprises, and would really like to know exactly what I’m getting myself into! Thanks.

Your experience will likely be unique to you. I was/am not a science major so my classes will be mostly different than yours, except the pre req's which I can speak to.

I thought that Bio was definitely the "funnest" all around pre req. I found Orgo to be my favorite lecture of the pre req's, but I dreaded lab. Physics is that class that will always make you nervous (especially once you see your first test 😱 ), but if you study it hard you will do well. General Chemistry was not too bad either, but gen chem 2 labs sucked because we were graded on results (qualitative analysis of unknowns). You may have a tougher time with gen chem 2 than with gen chem 1 due to more quantitative material in lecture. BTW, I earned A's in all the pre req's. The key is to be on the to want it more than the next pre med, it isn't all about the smartest.

 

[jawrigh1]

Hello. My name is Steve, I’m a 27-year-old nontraditional student. I’m currently an LPN, and was planning on becoming an RN. I actually enrolled into an LPN to ADN program that is to begin this fall. Needless to say (as evidenced by me joining SDN!) I’ve changed my mind, and am now HOPING to start pre-med this fall. I’m excited and anxious to begin. I have my colleges of choice narrowed down to 2, and I'm optimistic I’ll get accepted into a 3+4 year accelerated program (3 years of college w/4 years at LECOM). I was hoping some of you could share with me your pre-med experiences. I anticipate some of the classes being really hard. What was the most difficult part of pre-med for you, academically and/or just in general? I feel I have a pretty good understanding of chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and anatomy and physiology. I'm pretty weak in mathematics. I understand algebra, but that's about the extent, and I've never taken physics. Are there any other areas of study I should know prior to beginning pre-med? Your responses are much appreciated. I hate surprises, and would really like to know exactly what I’m getting myself into! Thanks.

My most difficult class was Physics. Make sure you study after every class so that you won't have to cram a week before the test (I wish I had followed my on advice.) Unless you are a genius you need to study and make sure that you understand what was just taught. For example in Physics there are a lot of formulas but you must know the concept behind the formulas. This will also be good preparation when you take the MCAT. My school had teaching assistants that were really help. Make sure you form bonds with your professors. You will need them when you have to send in letters of recommendation. You are an LPN so you should have plenty of clinical experience. It would also be good if you could do some research.

 

[Dr. Steve-O]

Thanks for your replies. Did any of you take an introductory physics or calculus class before you started pre-med? I don't think it's a pre-req at the colleges I applied to, and for that reason I hope I'm not completely lost/overwhelmed when I take these classes.

Also, is a BA specifically in pre-med even required to enter med school? I was at LECOM's website today, and it looks like all you need pretty much is a BA in drinking beer (A BS in anything will suffice), as long as you also have hours in biology, Inorg/org Chem, Physics, English, and Behavioral Sciences. With that said, could I pursue PA course work and still go to med school, given I complete the aforementioned med school pre-reqs?

One more question, what kinds of questions do they ask on the MCAT? Are there any clinical questions, or is it really just a big science quiz? Thanks again for your responses.

 

[Stratus2675]

Thanks for your replies. Did any of you take an introductory physics or calculus class before you started pre-med? I don't think it's a pre-req at the colleges I applied to, and for that reason I hope I'm not completely lost/overwhelmed when I take these classes.

Also, is a BA specifically in pre-med even required to enter med school? I was at LECOM's website today, and it looks like all you need pretty much is a BA in drinking beer (A BS in anything will suffice), as long as you also have hours in biology, Inorg/org Chem, Physics, English, and Behavioral Sciences. With that said, could I pursue PA course work and still go to med school, given I complete the aforementioned med school pre-reqs?

One more question, what kinds of questions do they ask on the MCAT? Are there any clinical questions, or is it really just a big science quiz? Thanks again for your responses.

You can get a BS/BA in anything (I have a BS in Criminal Justice). All you need are the pre-reqs. I dont know how PA degree would look to med schools...it may seem like you cant make up your mind...LPN, PA, med school?

As for the MCAT, there are no clinical questions. Its based on Physics, Bio, Orgo and Gen Chem. And its no science quiz...more like a big science pole shoved up your a$$!!!!!

 

[Hardbody]

One more question, what kinds of questions do they ask on the MCAT? Are there any clinical questions, or is it really just a big science quiz? Thanks again for your responses.

The MCAT is the mother of all professional entrance exams. It requires that you have taken 2 semesters each of general biology, general chemistry, general (or calc. based, it doesn't matter) physics, and organic chemistry. It is not a conventional test. Yes, it does have about 15 straight up questions in the biological science and physical science section, but for the most part it will ask you questions out of passages. It is truly a bear.

The MCAT is broken into four sections physical sciences (physics/chemistry concepts), verbal reasoning, a writing section (not much to study for here, and it is graded with a letter so it does not contribute to your overall numerical score), and then the biological section (biology, organic chemistry concepts).

 

[Raven Feather]

Thanks for your replies. Did any of you take an introductory physics or calculus class before you started pre-med? I don't think it's a pre-req at the colleges I applied to, and for that reason I hope I'm not completely lost/overwhelmed when I take these classes.

Also, is a BA specifically in pre-med even required to enter med school? I was at LECOM's website today, and it looks like all you need pretty much is a BA in drinking beer (A BS in anything will suffice), as long as you also have hours in biology, Inorg/org Chem, Physics, English, and Behavioral Sciences. With that said, could I pursue PA course work and still go to med school, given I complete the aforementioned med school pre-reqs?

One more question, what kinds of questions do they ask on the MCAT? Are there any clinical questions, or is it really just a big science quiz? Thanks again for your responses.

You do not need to take calculus to get into most if not all DO programs. You won't have to take it unless it is required of your degree. I never took calc and just signed waivers for the classes I took at my undergrad institution that stated calculus was a prereq. I know gen chem was one of those, and even after getting "A"s in the sequence, I'm still not sure why calc was a prereq. As for physics, you only need non-calc based.

I'm an ADN and went back and received my Bachelor of Liberal Studies with an area of concentration in natural sciences. I never considered myself strong in math. You do have to take precalc (algebra/trig I and II) to get into the non-calc based physics. I ended up doing great and even took Ochem and physics together. I'm not saying it is easy because it is not. I guess my point is that sometimes we don't give ourselves enough credit and with hard work, end up doing fine despite what we though we were weak in.

Good Luck!

 

[Hardbody]

I never took calc and just signed waivers for the classes I took at my undergrad institution that stated calculus was a prereq. I know gen chem was one of those, and even after getting "A"s in the sequence, I'm still not sure why calc was a prereq. As for physics, you only need non-calc based.

I'm an ADN and went back and received my Bachelor of Liberal Studies with an area of concentration in natural sciences. I never considered myself strong in math. You do have to take precalc (algebra/trig I and II) to get into the non-calc based physics.

Good Luck!

I have never heard of calculus being a pre req to general chemistry. That must have been some weird institutional requirement that was put in place by your school to get more money out of students.

I do disagree with you about taking precalc. I think that the OP can probably get around taking precalc if they have a strong algebra background and remember THE BASICS of trig from high school (assuming the OP took trig in high school). The trig that is needed in general physics is not super sophisticated.

 

[Raven Feather]

I have never heard of calculus being a pre req to general chemistry. That must have been some weird institutional requirement that was put in place by your school to get more money out of students.

I do disagree with you about taking precalc. I think that the OP can probably get around taking precalc if they have a strong algebra background and remember THE BASICS of trig from high school (assuming the OP took trig in high school). The trig that is needed in general physics is not super sophisticated.

Yep, calc was a prereq for gen chem at my UG institution--but they didn't get extra money outta me! 😀

I would agree that if a person is strong in algebra and new the basic trig functions, could do well in physics. However, the OP has been out of school a while and stated he or she was "weak" in math. A person needs trig for trig based (non-calc) physics. Also, the level of understanding of algebra for nursing is much different than that needed for physics, based upon my own experience. The OP is a LPN. I know for me, the above mentioned math classes we prereqs to trig based physics---OR the person could try and test out of that math.

 

[Tanner82]

Stevo,
The Pre-Physician Assistant and Pre-Med Pre-requisites are virtually the same. Although the pre-pa track usually requires more.

All you need for med school acceptance (and to do well on the Mcat) is General Chemistry 1 + 2, General Biology 1 + 2, General Physics 1 + 2, and Organic Chemistry 1 + 2.... (some people take weird organic classes but to do well on the mcat take real organic chem 1 + 2)

Usually a Biology degree will require all these, but your right you can get your BA or BS in anything as long as you take these classes.

 

[Tanner82]

PS - Eli (or Tiki) & Arrington.... Offensive & Defensive MVP's 2006

 

[Hardbody]

Stevo,
The Pre-Physician Assistant and Pre-Med Pre-requisites are virtually the same. Although the pre-pa track usually requires more.

All you need for med school acceptance (and to do well on the Mcat) is General Chemistry 1 + 2, General Biology 1 + 2, General Physics 1 + 2, and Organic Chemistry 1 + 2.... (some people take weird organic classes but to do well on the mcat take real organic chem 1 + 2)

Usually a Biology degree will require all these, but your right you can get your BA or BS in anything as long as you take these classes.

I believe that Orgo 1 & 2 are generally NOT pre reqs to PA programs. I believe that A & P 1 & 2 ARE pre reqs to PA programs. This is the main difference. I am pretty sure that some PA programs also require Micro Bio, Stats, and some behavioral science classes.

 

[Dr. Steve-O]

Thanks to all of you for your input, advice and PM's. I've decided I'm just gonna suck it up and be a man. I've been top of the class, every class I've participated in since 2003. If I have to take Calc, fine. If I have to take physics? FINE, I'm looking forward to it! I'll bitch-slap physics so hard it won't even know what hit it. I'm looking forward to the challenges of pre-med, this is going to be quite a ride! 😎

 

[Hardbody]

Thanks to all of you for your input, advice and PM's. I've decided I'm just gonna suck it up and be a man. I've been top of the class, every class I've participated in since 2003. If I have to take Calc, fine. If I have to take physics? FINE, I'm looking forward to it! I'll bitch-slap physics so hard it won't even know what hit it. I'm looking forward to the challenges of pre-med, this is going to be quite a ride! 😎

Stay humble

 

[LuLuBelleDO]

Thanks to all of you for your input, advice and PM's. I've decided I'm just gonna suck it up and be a man. I've been top of the class, every class I've participated in since 2003. If I have to take Calc, fine. If I have to take physics? FINE, I'm looking forward to it! I'll bitch-slap physics so hard it won't even know what hit it. I'm looking forward to the challenges of pre-med, this is going to be quite a ride! 😎

I really hate to be rude, but a LPN receives a certificate, not even a degree, do you happen to have a bachelor's degree to go forth and " bitch slap 😱 " physics?