Should I Take Physics At My University Or A Community College?

[Confused 20]

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Hello, I have graduated from a large state university and have completed all the prerequisite courses that medical schools require except for Physics I and Physics II. I am currently debating as to where I should take these aforementioned courses. If I took them at the university I graduated from, I would have to take Physics I in the fall semester and Physics II in the spring semester. The instructor that I would take has a strong reputation for being both a very good and very easy teacher. On the other hand, if I took the courses at a community college, I would take Physics I this summer (beginning June 6 and ending in July 29) and subsequently take Physics II during the fall semester. I intend to take the MCAT on May 1 of next year and will be spending my time by studying for it while I work and take Physics. What would be the best course of action to take given my circumstance? Will medical schools greatly frown upon me if I take Physics at a community college? Do you believe that taking Physics II during the spring at my university while studying for the MCAT will be something that will hinder my performance on the exam? If I were to take Physics at my university, I would have my final for Physics II during the first week of May, which will be just a few days after I take the MCAT on May 1. Do you believe that this schedule may pose a problem in hindering my performance for the MCAT exam?

Any input from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Genecks]

*bump*

My situation is similar.
Anyone with advice/guidance would be great.

 

[OBK]

i took two of my pre reqs at cc (granted it was post bacc) and had no questions about those two classes

i would imagine if you fail to get an A, you might have some questions

 

[Pietrantonio]

Hello, I have graduated from a large state university and have completed all the prerequisite courses that medical schools require except for Physics I and Physics II. I am currently debating as to where I should take these aforementioned courses. If I took them at the university I graduated from, I would have to take Physics I in the fall semester and Physics II in the spring semester. The instructor that I would take has a strong reputation for being both a very good and very easy teacher. On the other hand, if I took the courses at a community college, I would take Physics I this summer (beginning June 6 and ending in July 29) and subsequently take Physics II during the fall semester. I intend to take the MCAT on May 1 of next year and will be spending my time by studying for it while I work and take Physics. What would be the best course of action to take given my circumstance? Will medical schools greatly frown upon me if I take Physics at a community college? Do you believe that taking Physics II during the spring at my university while studying for the MCAT will be something that will hinder my performance on the exam? If I were to take Physics at my university, I would have my final for Physics II during the first week of May, which will be just a few days after I take the MCAT on May 1. Do you believe that this schedule may pose a problem in hindering my performance for the MCAT exam?

Any input from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Every situation is slightly different from one person to the next. Your safest option would probably be to complete the Physics courses at the University you have already attended. HOWEVER, if you decide to take the courses at the CC, be sure to read the admissions requirements at the medical schools you are interested in...I have come across some schools who do not accept CC course work. Just make sure you keep that in mind.

 

[deleted357625]

it's ok to take a few pre-reqs at a CC and physics would be good, it will be 'easier"

 

[deleted393595]

it's ok to take a few pre-reqs at a CC and physics would be good, it will be 'easier"

What if the ADCOM asked you why you took those courses at a CC?

 

[deleted357625]

What if the ADCOM asked you why you took those courses at a CC?

financial purposes...

many ppl do it, it's not a big deal, not everyone has money obviously

 

[Genecks]

In my situation, I am finishing my B.S. in Neuroscience in the fall.

The only down side is that physics I starts in the fall. AKA, if I can get into a medical school, I won't be able to start until about 1.5 years after I get my degree. Thus this being a really crappy situation for me.

I believe it's too late for Fall Physics I registration.

 

[ghostman]

I had considered taking sciences at CC because of financial reasons, but I emailed adcoms at a few of the schools I was interested in and they did not recommend it. So I ended up doing them through a university postbacc program.

Personally, I think it does look bad if you end up choosing to take your harder science pre-reqs (Physics, Orgo) at CC. Intentional or not, it looks like you're trying to work the system. Some med school secondaries do ask if the particular class was taken at a 4-year institution, I believe. No clue how much adcoms care.

For the OP, if Physics is the only class you'll be taking, I don't think taking Physics will hinder your MCAT performance. But you'll have to make sure you understand the Physics in class on your first pass, since you won't have time for review.

 

[deleted357625]

I had considered taking sciences at CC because of financial reasons, but I emailed adcoms at a few of the schools I was interested in and they did not recommend it. So I ended up doing them through a university postbacc program.

Personally, I think it does look bad if you end up choosing to take your harder science pre-reqs (Physics, Orgo) at CC. Intentional or not, it looks like you're trying to work the system. Some med school secondaries do ask if the particular class was taken at a 4-year institution, I believe. No clue how much adcoms care.

For the OP, if Physics is the only class you'll be taking, I don't think taking Physics will hinder your MCAT performance. But you'll have to make sure you understand the Physics in class on your first pass, since you won't have time for review.

unless ppl plan on going to top med schools then yes taking pre-reqs at a CC will not be favored, but for ppl who rather just get into their state schools or friendly less competitive OOS schools (non-private) then taking pre-reqs at a CC is totally fine. It all comes down to applying smart so you don't waste money and knowing which schools don't care that much and which schools do. Also, D.O schools would be fine to apply to as well if ppl are more concerned

 

[MyCarIsDirty]

Unless money is a problem, take them at a university. No question.

 

[Stumpyman]

an A speaks for itself, however it may just look a bit better if it's at the university...

 

[ghostman]

unless ppl plan on going to top med schools then yes taking pre-reqs at a CC will not be favored, but for ppl who rather just get into their state schools or friendly less competitive OOS schools (non-private) then taking pre-reqs at a CC is totally fine. It all comes down to applying smart so you don't waste money and knowing which schools don't care that much and which schools do. Also, D.O schools would be fine to apply to as well if ppl are more concerned

That's probably sound advice for those under financial constraints. I can't comment on it though.

Still, the OP hasn't indicated financial constraints. His primary concern seems to be timing. And he has indicated that his Physics professor at his university is good and easy. This presumably means he will be able to learn his Physics and walk away with a good grade. Not knowing what the OP's med school goals are, I think it would be more reasonable for him to keep his options as wide as possible and not give top tier schools reason to look unfavorably upon his application.