Somewhere between non trad and recent grad --Applying before taking physics

[rachc06]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi all,

I find I fall somewhere between a career-changer and a traditional student and thus my path to medical school has involved a lot of confusion and frustration--but I'm finally taking steps and I'm hoping you guys might be able to give me some input on the below:

I graduated college in 2006 with a B.S. in Environmental Science, cGPA of 3.67, I think sGPA is around the same (don't have the info on me at the moment.). I took 1 year bio with labs, 1 year gen chem with labs, and 1 semester of organic chemistry with no lab. This course specifically states it is not a prerequisite for med school.
While I got mostly A's in my science courses, they were big lectures and I didn't get to know my professors...so no LoRs from them.

So that means I need 1 year orgo & 1 year physics with labs. I am currently taking orgo at Harvard Extension School while working full time. I wanted to take physics too but given my work schedule it was just not possible.

I initially planned to take organic fall 13/spring14, take MCAT in summer 14 and apply for schools, and taking physics in the year before matriculating.

An advisor at HES said he didn't think this was possible, though all schools I want to apply to specify you can apply prior to completing prerequisites.

Can anyone shed some light on this? Can I apply before taking physics?

I thank you for any input you could provide!

 

[SN12357]

Hi all,

I find I fall somewhere between a career-changer and a traditional student and thus my path to medical school has involved a lot of confusion and frustration--but I'm finally taking steps and I'm hoping you guys might be able to give me some input on the below:

I graduated college in 2006 with a B.S. in Environmental Science, cGPA of 3.67, I think sGPA is around the same (don't have the info on me at the moment.). I took 1 year bio with labs, 1 year gen chem with labs, and 1 semester of organic chemistry with no lab. This course specifically states it is not a prerequisite for med school.
While I got mostly A's in my science courses, they were big lectures and I didn't get to know my professors...so no LoRs from them.

So that means I need 1 year orgo & 1 year physics with labs. I am currently taking orgo at Harvard Extension School while working full time. I wanted to take physics too but given my work schedule it was just not possible.

I initially planned to take organic fall 13/spring14, take MCAT in summer 14 and apply for schools, and taking physics in the year before matriculating.

An advisor at HES said he didn't think this was possible, though all schools I want to apply to specify you can apply prior to completing prerequisites.

Can anyone shed some light on this? Can I apply before taking physics?

I thank you for any input you could provide!

I am applying this year, from Harvard Extension HCP, missing a very basic prereq. Five interviews so far, so nothing appears to be holding me back on that front. I had a similar situation to you, with a strong science background that left out some basic stuff.

However, I am missing only the one course. Not sure how missing two would be viewed. I imagine that having a strong MCAT would be very important in that case.

One major concern would be if you would be crippling yourself on the MCAT by not taking physics first. Do you have a very strong math background? Did you do well on physics in high school? Physics can absolutely tank your PS subscore on the MCAT. It's not a subject you want to be shaky on going in.

 

[theseeker4]

I am applying this year, from Harvard Extension HCP, missing a very basic prereq. Five interviews so far, so nothing appears to be holding me back on that front. I had a similar situation to you, with a strong science background that left out some basic stuff.

However, I am missing only the one course. Not sure how missing two would be viewed. I imagine that having a strong MCAT would be very important in that case.

One major concern would be if you would be crippling yourself on the MCAT by not taking physics first. Do you have a very strong math background? Did you do well on physics in high school? Physics can absolutely tank your PS subscore on the MCAT. It's not a subject you want to be shaky on going in.

This is the biggest problem with your plan. You need your MCAT to be considered, and a significant part of the PS section is physics. I am not sure how you plan to do well on the MCAT without physics, but make sure you will, in fact, do well before you commit to this plan.

 

[Captain Sisko]

I'm applying without having had biology. I'm taking it at night while applying. Getting a lot of attention too, so it's possible. You'll have to study hard for the mcat though, physics isn't for sissies.

 

[JDMcNugent]

Most schools will be fine with you applying with 1 or 2 pre-reqs not met at the time of application but will note that they need to be completed prior to matriculation. For the sake of the MCAT, Physics 1 and 2 should definitely be taken before (50/50 split for PS section on inorganic chem and physics) and Orgo 1 should definitely be taken (70/30 split on BS for bio and orgo, respectively). Orgo 2 concepts can be reviewed for the mcat through supplement texts, i.e., kaplan, examkrackers, orgo as a 2nd language book, etc.

 

[JDMcNugent]

oh and make sure you suck up with your professors or establish a good relationship if you can. If that isn't possible, it wouldn't hurt to reach out to your old professors even if you were in large lectures. You can maybe try to contact old lab instructors as well since they may have a better idea of who you are with smaller classroom settings.

 

[petyr_baelish]

I was contemplating doing what you are doing early last year. Then I actually took Physics I and was I ever glad that I did not attempt the MCAT without it. You have to take the course anyway so you might as well go in to the MCAT with it under your belt. In full disclosure, I know how it feels to just want to tackle the MCAT without delay. I am considering taking the MCAT with all pre-reqs completed except the second semester Organic Chemistry. Chemistry is my strength so I feel comfortable self-learning. Is physics your strength? If you have no idea, you need to be aware that Physics has a way of thinking that you need to learn to do well on the problems.

 

[Gauss44]

What will happen to your AMCAS application once you submit your physics grade? Will you lose your place in line? IDK.