Replace reeeallly old AP credits?

[vashka]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey,

My gen bio credits are AP credits from 2000. I'm a post bacc student trying to rehab an old gpa and take some high level bio classes. I'm trying to apply to med school this summer and I don't really want to use up my semester credit hours on general biology. Is it a better idea to just repeat those classes or can I safely just take other classes and apply with the AP credits?

 

[Catalystik]

While you could probably get away with your plan B if you can relearn the material on your own (for schools where prerequsites don't expire), I think taking the Gen Bio classes is the better plan, as the material you covered in HS 11 years ago is a completely different animal than what you are expected to master in college level Bio. And the MCAT tests you on that material.

 

[phltz]

Unless you've done some biology work between 2000 and now, I would assume you'll need to do a thorough, complete, time consuming review of the bio material anyway in order to prepare for the MCAT/higher level bio classes. As long as you're going over all the material again, you might as well have the assistance of the faculty at your school and use it as a chance to get a good grade and improve your GPA the little extra bit. Don't be in such a rush to move on to the next thing that you risk doing a shoddy job and throw out a chance for a solid A.

You could apply with the AP credits, I just don't think it's your best move.

 

[dmf2682]

I'm hijacking this thread. I'm in a similar spot, took ap bio back in 2001 and got a 4. My postbac school has given me credit for the full year of freshman bio. I took a&p over the summer to see how well I'd do and I killed it, especially the physiology. I was planning on taking genetics and cell biology next year, prior to applying and during mcat review. Is this a bad idea? I've perused the ek bio subject book and it looks very manageable.

 

[vashka]

Weird...I took A&P over the summer as well. Since I posted the thread, I discovered that one school I really want to apply to doesn't accept AP credits at all...so I guess I'm repeating it. Also, apparently AP credits don't give you lab credits so make sure to do some bio lab credits during your post bacc if you're not repeating the APs.

I'm hijacking this thread. I'm in a similar spot, took ap bio back in 2001 and got a 4. My postbac school has given me credit for the full year of freshman bio. I took a&p over the summer to see how well I'd do and I killed it, especially the physiology. I was planning on taking genetics and cell biology next year, prior to applying and during mcat review. Is this a bad idea? I've perused the ek bio subject book and it looks very manageable.

 

[dmf2682]

Weird...I took A&P over the summer as well. Since I posted the thread, I discovered that one school I really want to apply to doesn't accept AP credits at all...so I guess I'm repeating it. Also, apparently AP credits don't give you lab credits so make sure to do some bio lab credits during your post bacc if you're not repeating the APs.

That is mighty queer. I looked at my credit evaluation and it appears that this postbac school has given me lab credit for my AP, even though my undergrad school gave me nothing. I guess, unless catalystik tells me to do otherwise I'll do as I'd planned and take both those bio classes which include lab portions. Hopefully that will settle med schools, taking higher level coursework.

 

[Catalystik]

That is mighty queer. I looked at my credit evaluation and it appears that this postbac school has given me lab credit for my AP, even though my undergrad school gave me nothing. I guess, unless catalystik tells me to do otherwise I'll do as I'd planned and take both those bio classes which include lab portions. Hopefully that will settle med schools, taking higher level coursework.

Pay attention to vashka's cautionary note: some schools don't accept AP credit (though others are fine if you supplement AP credit with upper-level Bio coursework). Be sure that no med school essential to your happiness is one of the former.

Also, more than looking through the EK Bio book, you might also check out the free MCAT test that AAMC makes available and try the test items on the BS portion before you make a final decision to go right to Genetics and Cell Bio. If you continue to be reassured, I am of the opinion that mastering both of those planned classes will also likely be helpful when one takes the MCAT, as well as making the MS-1 year less horrific.

Free MCAT sample test: http://www.e-mcat.com/starttest.aspx?cmd=login&checkclient=true

 

[MajinVegeta]

retake