St Petersburgh College

[ceng2doc]

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I've recently heard some had all pre-req courses through St. Pete College in Clearwater, FL, and were admitted to med schools without problems.

Has anybody had any experience/knowledge about how to complete those pre-req. courses (bio, phy, chem, orgo, etc.) at St. Pete College? Do they have evening classes? How reputed is that college before med school ad-coms?

I'm a Florida resident and may request from my current employer to relocate to Clearwater.

Thanks for any solid feedbacks,

 

[pdeco1]

Go to your local university. SPC is a junior college that offers a couple of 4 year degrees. Moving to attend SPC seems like a stretch. What are your local options?

 

[ceng2doc]

Go to your local university. SPC is a junior college that offers a couple of 4 year degrees. Moving to attend SPC seems like a stretch. What are your local options?

USF and University of Tampa seem not offering evening classes, I don't understand why. I cannot take 3 days off from my current position, as I've to work for full-time.

There's only Hillsborough Community College and St. Pete College left as options.

St. Pete College seems like offering bachelor degrees, and having evening classes for all of the courses, which attracts my attention. Do still think it's gonna be a stretch? Why?

 

[Krisss17]

I've recently heard some had all pre-req courses through St. Pete College in Clearwater, FL, and were admitted to med schools without problems.

Has anybody had any experience/knowledge about how to complete those pre-req. courses (bio, phy, chem, orgo, etc.) at St. Pete College? Do they have evening classes? How reputed is that college before med school ad-coms?

I'm a Florida resident and may request from my current employer to relocate to Clearwater.

Thanks for any solid feedbacks,

While yes you can take the prereqs at SPC, you might also consider going to USF to take some upper level sciences. I don't believe that SPC offers any sciences higher than organic chemistry.

As for evening courses, I'm sure they do...I would go to their website and check out their schedule to get a better idea of when.

I'm going to the new State College of Florida which was Manatee Community College where I'll be finishing my prereqs...however, I am also planning on getting my BA at USF where I will be taking biochemistry, genetics and physiology next year.

Since you have not already a student at SPC, why don't you check out USF first. I'm only staying for organic and physics because I've been a student here for a while, and I'm really looking forward to taking organic chemistry with the professor here who 1) has his PhD in organic, 2) classes are small (<48 students in lecture), and 3) a linked lab.

Go to your local university. SPC is a junior college that offers a couple of 4 year degrees. Moving to attend SPC seems like a stretch. What are your local options?

Well it has more than a couple of 4-yr degrees, but they are BS degrees only versus BS and BA like a university like USF. Like mentioned above, it doesn't offer any science classes in the 3000/4000 level.

 

[Revilla]

While yes you can take the prereqs at SPC, you might also consider going to USF to take some upper level sciences. I don't believe that SPC offers any sciences higher than organic chemistry.

Actually, SPC offers a few higher level science courses. These are primarily for the science education majors, but they will let in those post-bacc students doing their med school/pharmacy pre-reqs there. I took Biochem (3000-level), Genetics (4000-level), and Physiology (4000-level) at SPC, along with my pre-reqs.

Since you have not already a student at SPC, why don't you check out USF first.

The reason I chose SPC is because USF is extremely poor at getting post-bacc students registered because they have least priority in the registration process. By the time the freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are registered, you're left trying to get into whatever classes they didn't want. If you're a non-trad, try USF, but it's going to be hard to get into the classes you want/need. I also looked into the University of Tampa, which is where I really wanted to go. Too expensive. I couldn't justify paying 40-grand for a post-bacc I could do at SPC for a fraction of the price.

OP, I had no trouble with SPC. The professors were WONDERFUL, I learned a lot, collected a bunch of LORs, and no school said a word about it. In fact, both MD and DO schools were very complimentary of my post-bacc record, both in Florida (where SPC is known) and out-of-state. I think one of the perks of SPC is that the classes are small so the professors really get to know you. My largest class had 90 people in it. My smallest had 12. I was able to go to office hours for help, open lab for tutoring, and even organize study groups and review sessions with the professor coming in on her own time to help us review for exams. It was a great experience!

One thing I will say, though, is that if you go to SPC, don't take any "easy" professors. The harder the professor, the more you'll learn. Also, review for the MCAT as you're going through the classes. A few of the professors will design their tests like an MCAT or PCAT exam, testing theory and critical thinking skills, but the majority don't. When I got to the MCAT, I knew the material, but it was difficult to transition from the Chem tests I had been taking, for example (all problem sets), to MCAT-style tests.

 

[ceng2doc]

Actually, SPC offers a few higher level science courses. These are primarily for the science education majors, but they will let in those post-bacc students doing their med school/pharmacy pre-reqs there. I took Biochem (3000-level), Genetics (4000-level), and Physiology (4000-level) at SPC, along with my pre-reqs.



The reason I chose SPC is because USF is extremely poor at getting post-bacc students registered because they have least priority in the registration process. By the time the freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are registered, you're left trying to get into whatever classes they didn't want. If you're a non-trad, try USF, but it's going to be hard to get into the classes you want/need. I also looked into the University of Tampa, which is where I really wanted to go. Too expensive. I couldn't justify paying 40-grand for a post-bacc I could do at SPC for a fraction of the price.

OP, I had no trouble with SPC. The professors were WONDERFUL, I learned a lot, collected a bunch of LORs, and no school said a word about it. In fact, both MD and DO schools were very complimentary of my post-bacc record, both in Florida (where SPC is known) and out-of-state. I think one of the perks of SPC is that the classes are small so the professors really get to know you. My largest class had 90 people in it. My smallest had 12. I was able to go to office hours for help, open lab for tutoring, and even organize study groups and review sessions with the professor coming in on her own time to help us review for exams. It was a great experience!

One thing I will say, though, is that if you go to SPC, don't take any "easy" professors. The harder the professor, the more you'll learn. Also, review for the MCAT as you're going through the classes. A few of the professors will design their tests like an MCAT or PCAT exam, testing theory and critical thinking skills, but the majority don't. When I got to the MCAT, I knew the material, but it was difficult to transition from the Chem tests I had been taking, for example (all problem sets), to MCAT-style tests.

Could you please advise me how to register as a post-bacc student at SPC in order to take those pre-req courses as soon as possible? I couldn't see any info at their website regarding post-bacc studies.

 

[Revilla]

Could you please advise me how to register as a post-bacc student at SPC in order to take those pre-req courses as soon as possible? I couldn't see any info at their website regarding post-bacc studies.

They don't have a formal post-bacc program, so you need to apply as a non-degree seeking student and once you're in, you'll get a student number and password to register for classes. I can give you a run-down of professors if you want via PM.

 

[pdeco1]

To avoid the non degree seeking dilemma at USF or any other school all you need to do is declare a major.

 

[ceng2doc]

To avoid the non degree seeking dilemma at USF or any other school all you need to do is declare a major.

Say, you declared a major, but you're gonna take only those pre-reqs as a post-bacc. Won't you have to fulfill the other requirements of that degree you've chosen? Won't your adviser assign you some other classes? How does it work?

 

[Revilla]

To avoid the non degree seeking dilemma at USF or any other school all you need to do is declare a major.

That still won't give you priority registration at USF, at least not your first semester. I declared Biomedical Science as my major when I applied to USF as a post-bacc student. I was accepted into the program, but I had last priority after all current students. I couldn't even get into Bio 101. I tried Gen Chem. Strike. I tried Physics. Nope. I couldn't try Organic since I didn't have Gen Chem. It was a wash. That's why I went to SPC.

 

[Revilla]

Say, you declared a major, but you're gonna take only those pre-reqs as a post-bacc. Won't you have to fulfill the other requirements of that degree you've chosen? Won't your adviser assign you some other classes? How does it work?

No, you don't have to finish the degree, but it wouldn't hurt if you did. I researched all this when I was going through the process. You apply for a major in order to get financial aid help and to get a committee letter when you apply for med school. I was told that many people apply for the major, but don't complete it, though I don't see much sense in that. To get a Biomedical Science degree from USF (assuming you already have a Bachelor's), it's only something like 30 credits, most of which you have to take for med school anyway, so you're talking a few extra credits -- Genetics, for example, and Physiology -- to get the second Bachelor's.

 

[Dissonance]

Hey Listen,

I am from tampa, attended both USF and an out of state university where I got my major in another field. I went to SPC in 2007 and did evening classes for both organic and physics which I was missing for pre-req's to med school, since I work(ed) a full time job during the day. I had NO problems with any of these being accredited, since its a State college.

Both Myself and several others from my classes were admitted to med school, dental, and pharmacy.

SPC is fine, and the tuition is great. If you are going to take organic chem there take it with Dr. Musgrave, he's excellent. Physics take Dr. Summers.

 

[Revilla]

Hey Listen,

I am from tampa, attended both USF and an out of state university where I got my major in another field. I went to SPC in 2007 and did evening classes for both organic and physics which I was missing for pre-req's to med school, since I work(ed) a full time job during the day. I had NO problems with any of these being accredited, since its a State college.

Both Myself and several others from my classes were admitted to med school, dental, and pharmacy.

SPC is fine, and the tuition is great. If you are going to take organic chem there take it with Dr. Musgrave, he's excellent. Physics take Dr. Summers.

LOL, I gave him the same advice about Dr. Musgrave. I must disagree with you about Summers though, at least for MCAT Physics prep. I took Summers for one semester and his class was pretty easy, but he doesn't teach theory, just how to apply equations to problem sets. I say go with Eligon for Physics. You'll work a lot harder, but she's a blessing when it comes to MCAT Physics.

 

[Krisss17]

Actually, SPC offers a few higher level science courses. These are primarily for the science education majors, but they will let in those post-bacc students doing their med school/pharmacy pre-reqs there. I took Biochem (3000-level), Genetics (4000-level), and Physiology (4000-level) at SPC, along with my pre-reqs.

Wow! I didn't realize that, that is really good to know.

The reason I chose SPC is because USF is extremely poor at getting post-bacc students registered because they have least priority in the registration process. By the time the freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are registered, you're left trying to get into whatever classes they didn't want. If you're a non-trad, try USF, but it's going to be hard to get into the classes you want/need.

I totally agree with this...I am at USF but my major isn't one of the sciences. I remember a friend of mine who decided to take organic chem at USF in Tampa, and while she was able to get into the lecture (huge class, definitely over 100 students if not more], but very, very limited lab seats. Because of this, when you are finally able to get into the lab (many semesters ahead), you'll have students that took organic at many different times.

OP, I had no trouble with SPC. The professors were WONDERFUL, I learned a lot, collected a bunch of LORs, and no school said a word about it. In fact, both MD and DO schools were very complimentary of my post-bacc record, both in Florida (where SPC is known) and out-of-state. I think one of the perks of SPC is that the classes are small so the professors really get to know you. My largest class had 90 people in it. My smallest had 12. I was able to go to office hours for help, open lab for tutoring, and even organize study groups and review sessions with the professor coming in on her own time to help us review for exams. It was a great experience!

One of the reasons I stayed at the CC level (although now MCC is now SCF) is because of the professors. The organic chem prof is a PhD in organic chem AND loves to teach. I'll have a much better chance at getting a good LOR and getting help when needed. Only 48 to the lecture class.

That still won't give you priority registration at USF, at least not your first semester. I declared Biomedical Science as my major when I applied to USF as a post-bacc student. I was accepted into the program, but I had last priority after all current students. I couldn't even get into Bio 101. I tried Gen Chem. Strike. I tried Physics. Nope. I couldn't try Organic since I didn't have Gen Chem. It was a wash. That's why I went to SPC.

Yep...they don't make it easy to take these prereqs at USF

 

[pdeco1]

At any large university your going to have to play the drop/add registration game. If you want the seat bad enough you will camp out in front of the computer and get into the classes you need. That is what I did. I was cleared for registration two weeks before the semester began and was able to get into both chem and bio including both labs.

For some the CC route works. Its cheaper and getting classes is a lot easier. In my situation I didnt need another question mark on my resume for taking CC courses and I also wanted to participate in research at USF.

Good luck.

 

[Revilla]

My feeling is, why play that game at USF when you don't have to? I tried to get into my classes for four weeks. I knew no one and the professors weren't easy to get a hold of. It didn't help matters that USF is the most bureaucratic school I've ever heard of. Taking a sip of water from the water fountain requires a yard of red tape. And as Krisss17 said, because of the way lectures and labs work, often, you'll have to take your lab courses after you've completed lecture, sometimes three or four semesters after. IMO, that's a poorly organized curriculum.

SPC gets the job done, gives you the chance to take upper level science classes, lets you meet and actually get to know PhDs who truly want to teach, and is well respected by adcoms. It's also cheaper than USF and given the fact that the campus is so much smaller, it's less of a hassle. You don't have to drive around for 40 minutes to find a parking space before each class.

I'm happy with the choice I made and I'd do it again.

 

[ceng2doc]

Did anybody commute between Tampa and St. Petersburg for a while?

I wonder how the commute is gonna look like while trying to catch 5:30pm classes at St.Pete/Clearwater/Tarpon Springs campuses starting to drive from I-75.

Any real life experiences would be appreciated.

 

[ceng2doc]

Hey Listen,

I am from tampa, attended both USF and an out of state university where I got my major in another field. I went to SPC in 2007 and did evening classes for both organic and physics which I was missing for pre-req's to med school, since I work(ed) a full time job during the day. I had NO problems with any of these being accredited, since its a State college.

Both Myself and several others from my classes were admitted to med school, dental, and pharmacy.

SPC is fine, and the tuition is great. If you are going to take organic chem there take it with Dr. Musgrave, he's excellent. Physics take Dr. Summers.

How did you commute to SPC campuses? Did you drive from Tampa to there? I'd like to imagine how the commute is gonna be especially when all schools are open, and at 4:00pm to reach 5:30pm classes.

 

[ceng2doc]

I registered to SPC for Fall semester, and am gonna take 2 courses together with the labs. The commute doesn't seem as overhelming now as I expected before, which takes about 45-50 minutes to drive to St. Pete Campus from west Tampa.

 

[tabishis]

I am currently attending USF. Declared BMS as my major and if I get into med school I will drop out of it before completion. If I don't get into med school then I'll just finish undergrad in BMS.

 

[ceng2doc]

I am currently attending USF. Declared BMS as my major and if I get into med school I will drop out of it before completion. If I don't get into med school then I'll just finish undergrad in BMS.

After talking to many of the ad-coms in FL, I decided to attend to USF, and stopped taking courses from St. Pete.

I know some already said that they were admitted to med-schools after St. Pete without any hassles, but it might have been their own, unique experiences. After all, nobody knows what happened in their process.

In order to not stretch my chances, I'll start taking courses in USF and hopefully won't regret it later. (crossed fingers)

 

[Dissonance]

After talking to many of the ad-coms in FL, I decided to attend to USF, and stopped taking courses from St. Pete.

I know some already said that they were admitted to med-schools after St. Pete without any hassles, but it might have been their own, unique experiences. After all, nobody knows what happened in their process.

In order to not stretch my chances, I'll start taking courses in USF and hopefully won't regret it later. (crossed fingers)

Good decision. Most adcoms look favorably upon large named schools *historically*. Like I mentioned before, I had both a bachelors and masters from USF and another Institution. I came to SPC to take Ochem later, since it wasnt part of my original degrees.

When it came time to applying, there were no questions about my 'post-bacc' classes or grades.

I think if you complete your MAJOR at a large name university but then take some classes here and there at the CC level or SPC you shouldnt not have any problems getting in to med school assuming your GPA stays high.