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[Muflic]

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Hi SDN,

I have a quick question. During my junior year in college I decided to pursue medical school. I was a mech. engineering major, so I was able to complete all of the prereqs except o-chem. I graduated last spring, and I am now taking orgo at my state school.

My gpa and sgpa are low (3.45 and 3.49) Do you recommend I take an upper level sci on top of o-chem? If so, what specific classes would you recommend. My school offers 'medical physiology' which looks interesting and it is in the 400 level. However, it is only 3 credits. Would it be a safer bet to take something like advanced cell bio or advanced human phys?

thank you very much!

 

[CodeBlu]

Hi SDN,

I have a quick question. During my junior year in college I decided to go to medical school. I was a mech. engineering major, so I was able to complete all of the prereqs except o-chem. I am taking it now at my state university.

My gpa and sgpa are low (3.45 and 3.49) Do you recommend I take an upper level sci on top of o-chem? If so, what specific classes would you recommend. My school offers 'medical physiology' which looks interesting and it is in the 400 level. However, it is only 3 credits. Would it be a safer bet to take something like advanced cell bio or advanced human phys?

thank you very much!

Human physiology is fun.

 

[Morsetlis]

"Medical physiology" is likely to be very hard. Be prepared 😉

 

[Catalystik]

Consider Genetics or Cell Biology or Physiology or Biochem. Don't overly challenge your GPA by leaping into 400 level advanced classes before you take the basics.

 

[zwitterion34]

Consider Genetics or Cell Biology or Physiology or Biochem. Don't overly challenge your GPA by leaping into 400 level advanced classes before you take the basics.

Isn't Ochem a pre-req for Biochem? 😎

 

[Muflic]

Consider Genetics or Cell Biology or Physiology or Biochem. Don't overly challenge your GPA by leaping into 400 level advanced classes before you take the basics.

I've already taken cell bio and physio. I can't take biochem before taking o-chem. With a below average GPA, do you recommend I take more classes to boost (very slightly) my GPA, or should I devote my time outside of class to volunteering and clinical work?

 

[Catalystik]

Isn't Ochem a pre-req for Biochem? 😎

It varies by school. A number of med schools allow substitution of OChem II with Biochem.

 

[Catalystik]

With a below average GPA, do you recommend I take more classes to boost (very slightly) my GPA, or should I devote my time outside of class to volunteering and clinical work?

I recommend more science classes. Even though your cGPA and BCPM won't change much, it's helpful to show a steep upward grade trend before applying (by getting As). This is your first priority, even if not getting the necessary ECs completed means delaying application by a year.

How about Microbiology, if it's available to you?

 

[Muflic]

I recommend more science classes. Even though your cGPA and BCPM won't change much, it's helpful to show a steep upward grade trend before applying (by getting As). This is your first priority, even if not getting the necessary ECs completed means delaying application by a year.

How about Microbiology, if it's available to you?

yes. It is offered over winter quarter, so I'll plan on taking it then. Thank you for the advice! Any other recommended up level science courses?

 

[bucks2010]

definitely take physiology. great review of biological sciences if you haven't taken the MCAT yet.