Should I try to apply with or without extra classes?

[emttim]

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So basically I'm at the point where I've decided that I'm going to finish paramedic school, work as a paramedic for several years while taking bio/ochem/physics, probably at a local CC since I've performed well in my ugrad so far at UCD so I don't necessarily think I have anything to prove as far as rigor of academics goes (also taken a lower division biology and am taking a upper division systemic physiology class at UCD, bio was an A and anticipating at least a B on physio), so here's my question:

Should I just take the MCAT and try to apply to medical school without taking the extra classes that some of them, specifically most of the Cali schools, require such as biochem, genetics, etc. and take a full quarter/semester of upper div biochem/genetics/etc. at a university IF I don't get in anywhere or should I take the classes beforehand?

My issue is primarily finance-related. And while I know it's tempting to think "well, finances is a reasonable explanation" in regards to damn near anything, I figured I'd get some input on it all the same. Basically I don't want to have to waste my time taking classes if I don't have to in order to get in because 1) it's a drop in the bucket compared to what I'll learn in med school and 2) I'm going to learn it in med school anyway and lastly 3) it'll cost me three to four thousand dollars, maybe more, to take those classes as a non-degree-seeking student at a 4 year in my area.

I'm not sure if you guys would like info on other parts of my app to decide if the extra classes will be particularly beneficial or not but here ya go.

Leadership: Been a Divemaster for several months, and by the time I apply, several years at least. Basically a DM is in charge of 1-2 students per scuba class and is responsible for life-and-death decisions. Also will have been a paramedic for several years so again in charge of life-and-death decisions as a health care team leader.

ECs: EMS, scuba diving, maybe sky diving if I can finally afford it once I'm working full-time as a paramedic.

Volunteering: 7 months in the hospital, about 100 hours...didn't get much out of it so didn't resume that sort of thing when I moved. I may or may not volunteer for search & rescue in my area once I'm working FT as a medic but my girlfriend would like to actually be able to enjoy life with me not having any other commitments outside work for awhile and I don't think that's an unreasonable request of her to make. I do volunteer as a Divemaster as well, I don't get paid for that, so that's kind of a two-birds w/one stone thing since it's both volunteer & leadership.

Grades: 3.8 overall GPA, science about the same.

MCAT: Hell if I know, I haven't taken it yet. 😉

Clinical experience: Approximately 1 year as a transport EMT and will be at least several years as a paramedic in a busy 911 system.

Shadowing: Can't find a doctor who isn't so terrified of HIPAA in this state that he/she is willing to let me shadow.

LORs: Haven't seeked any yet since I don't plan on applying for several years.

 

[LateBl00meR]

If a schools says, genetics and biochem is required, then it is required. There are a lot of schools, however, that don't require them that you could look into. Also, I would never take any courses at a community college much less prerequisites regardless of how well you think you've demonstrated your ability to handle tough courses in the past. I guess the money issue may put you in a tough spot so I would suggest calling the admissions office of schools that you are looking at to see their take on the issue.