Should I finish My Master First? req. Help

[aigeer]

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Should I leave my masters program to pursue a post-bac degree in pre-medical studies in order to appy to medical school????

I am currently a graduate Social Work student. (MSW degree) I didn't realize that I wanted to be a doctor until late in my undergraduate career. I ended up attending an MSW program. It's a very good program and I'm currently receiving high makrs (3.85 over all, with a 4.0 in this last semester). But, I need to take some undergradute classes before my application.
I was a behavioral Neuroscience undergraduate so I have a strong science background, but no organic chemisty and no physics and no A&P (I have neuro-A&P, but not general human A&P). It will take me about a year to comlpete all the required courses. So should i finish the MSW and then take the courses, or should i leave the MSW and go after the required courses to apply to medical school?😕


EDIT: decided to finish MSW, but should I take a class during this summer break? like biochem or something?

 

[gman33]

How far into your degree are you, and how much longer will it take to complete?

One option might be to take the prereqs now and then finish your degree during the application year.

 

[aigeer]

I have a year and a half left. I'm just shy of 50%. It's a 5 semester program (strange I know).
Are medical schools typically receptive to alot of questions from potential applicants? or do they get tired of questions?
I'm thinking I should be picking some schools and asking alot of questions about their specific application process, acceptance standards, etc. to get an idea of the best way to attack this.

 

[Beast11]

Should I leave my masters program to pursue a post-bac degree in pre-medical studies in order to appy to medical school????

I am currently a graduate Social Work student. (MSW degree) I didn't realize that I wanted to be a doctor until late in my undergraduate career. I ended up attending an MSW program. It's a very good program and I'm currently receiving high makrs (3.85 over all, with a 4.0 in this last semester). But, I need to take some undergradute classes before my application.
I was a behavioral Neuroscience undergraduate so I have a strong science background, but no organic chemisty and no physics A&P (I have neuro-A&P, but not general human A&P). It will take me about a year to comlpete all the required courses. So should i finish the MSW and then take the courses, or should i leave the MSW and go after the required courses to apply to medical school?😕

I don't know what physics A&P means, but both organic and physics are considered the "harder" pre-reqs. I would follow GMan's suggestion and see if you can take the pre-reqs while still enrolled in masters and finish both at the same time. That would show the ADCOMs that you can handle a high load of classes, as well as giving you the latitude to be busy while waiting on applications (it is a very drawn out process)

 

[zird00]

aigeer, I am in much the same boat as you, and if you will look around you will see many of us on here - that is MSWs/MSW students making the transition to premed. I am finishing up my MSW in may and will be fast entering the pre-reqs this summer. I think the general consensus is that you must be ready to explain why you left any post-grad work as it may raise red flags. It may also be that the earlier you leave may signify a bad fit, however, adcoms may use this as a sign of an uncommitted student (but who really knows)!

 

[I-Baby]

How far into your degree are you, and how much longer will it take to complete?

One option might be to take the prereqs now and then finish your degree during the application year.

I agree. Or maybe, since you don't have to complete all the prereqs, it seems like you may be able to take one each semester if you schedule allows it. Mix in some summer school and you should be okay.

 

[sunset823]

You should finish the MSW first - schools will need transcripts from all programs you've been in, whether completed or not, and it'll look bad if you get out in the middle, doesn't reflect well on your commitment - if you can't commit to a 5 semester program, what can you do with 4+ years? besides, there's no rush - I'd say finish your degree, do a semester or year of postbacs, then apply, you'll have more time to dedicate to the application process and will also feel more fulfilled