Quick Prereq Confirmation

[Endoxifen]

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I just want to quickly confirm that most schools only require 2 semesters of physics with lab, correct? I've checked several medical school websites and they've all only requested two, but I just want to be sure.

For a bit of context, I'm petitioning my college to allow me to make a couple substitutions to my required course load (one of them being an additional semester of intro quantum, fluids, and thermal physics), so I can take additional math courses. I'm going to graduate school for epidemiology (prior to med school) and I want to make sure I have a strong foundation in math before I leave next fall. I want to sub in a multivariable calc course and a proper matrices course before I go. I'd teach myself the math, but I'm already teaching myself how to code in R and python, as well as how to do Bayesian statistics.

If anyone has any concerns about my plan, I would love to hear it. If my petition is approved, I won't be able to go back and still graduate on time, so I want to make a fully informed decision.

Thank you all very much!

 

[Catalystik]

I just want to quickly confirm that most schools only require 2 semesters of physics with lab, correct? I've checked several medical school websites and they've all only requested two, but I just want to be sure.

That is correct.

 

[Endoxifen]

That is correct.

Thanks!

 

[Endoxifen]

1)Yes, most medical schools require 2 semester of physics with lab. Physics is also needed for MCAT
2) It doesnt sound like GPA is an issue for you but getting a masters in epidemiology (MPH) wont have a significant impact on GPA. Many students go for a joint MD/MPH degree as opposed to getting the graduate degree first.

The masters isn't for GPA, it's actually for the training in epidemiology. I was a biochem major, so I didn't get that much training in math or stat (hence the math substitutions). I want to do an MD/PhD with my PhD in genetic/molecular epidemiology. The lab I'll be working with a Cambridge is arguably the best in the world in those fields, which I why I applied to Cambridge. I knew I wanted to get a PhD with them, but because the British PhD system has no classes, I knew I needed a masters first. I'm definitely taking an odd sort of a** backwards approach, but it works for me. Ultimately, I hope to do the NIH OxCam MD/PhD program, so if I'm smart and keep working hard, I should be able to get through everything without any debt!

 

[Endoxifen]

Completing that will be an accomplishment. Most students dont get that opportunity

I'm sorry, but are you referring to the masters or OxCam program? I know the OxCam program is incredibly competitive, so I'm well aware that I might not be accepted. Even if that happens, I think I'll be happy with my decision to have come to Cambridge.

 

[Endoxifen]

Most applicants to American medical schools have neither a Oxford or Cambridge degree.

Thank you very much. Honestly, I'd do the degree even if it didn't help my applications. This is the kind of research I want to do in my career, so to me, it's worth the cost. Still, it's nice to hear that it will make some kind of difference. Thank you for your help and advice. I really appreciate it.