starting out at a CC?

[shinee]

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Hello all 🙂 I have a question I wanted to ask, and it may sound silly, but I want to know would med school admissions commitee frown upon the fact that I started my pre med journey through a community college first for the first 2 years than transfering to a 4 years university/college?

My family and I have alot of financial difficulties so I thought about starting out at a CC for the first 2 years and than transfering to my state uni and start my pre med course there since I believe alot of med school wants you to do your pre req all in a 4 years insitution (I could be wrong).

I would really appreciate it if you can offer me some guidence on this idea thanks 🙂

 

[Barcu]

Hello all 🙂 I have a question I wanted to ask, and it may sound silly, but I want to know would med school admissions commitee frown upon the fact that I started my pre med journey through a community college first for the first 2 years than transfering to a 4 years university/college?

My family and I have alot of financial difficulties so I thought about starting out at a CC for the first 2 years and than transfering to my state uni and start my pre med course there since I believe alot of med school wants you to do your pre req all in a 4 years insitution (I could be wrong).

I would really appreciate it if you can offer me some guidence on this idea thanks 🙂

Not a problem if you perform well at a CC, then transfer to a 4-year and continue doing well.

You can start or do your prereqs at a CC, but make sure you take some upper-division science classes once you get to a 4-year to show you can handle it.

And do well on the MCAT.

If you do those things, it won't be an issue.

 

[Maison]

I'm starting out at a community college, and I've been told that it's no problem. I even called a doctor a while back and asked him some questions about my situation, and he told me I was going to be fine provided that I proved myself once I got to a university. I transfer this year.

The only thing you need to do, is wait until you go to an actual four-year before you take your science classes. Medical school admissions will like that you took them at a university instead.

 

[Barcu]

I'm starting out at a community college, and I've been told that it's no problem. I even called a doctor a while back and asked him some questions about my situation, and he told me I was going to be fine provided that I proved myself once I got to a university. I transfer this year.

The only thing you need to do, is wait until you go to an actual four-year before you take your science classes. Medical school admissions will like that you took them at a university instead.

This is true. Hold off if you can. However, since many people take the MCAT Junior year, it's pretty hard to do that.

If you need to take some prereqs at your CC go ahead (most would recommend Gen Chem and Gen Bio). Then, when you get to a 4-year, take OChem and Physics, as well as some upper-division Bio classes.

 

[shinee]

I'm starting out at a community college, and I've been told that it's no problem. I even called a doctor a while back and asked him some questions about my situation, and he told me I was going to be fine provided that I proved myself once I got to a university. I transfer this year.

The only thing you need to do, is wait until you go to an actual four-year before you take your science classes. Medical school admissions will like that you took them at a university instead.

Thank you Barcu 🙂

Maison, I have a question, are you scheduled to finish your bachelors within the next 2 years since you just transfered?

I know the situation is different for everyone, but my ultimate goal is to finish the first 2 years at CC and hopefully continue on and finish whatevers left the next 2 years totalling in 4 years. but because im a transfer would it take me longer to finish my bachelors?

 

[shinee]

This is true. Hold off if you can. However, since many people take the MCAT Junior year, it's pretty hard to do that.

If you need to take some prereqs at your CC go ahead (most would recommend Gen Chem and Gen Bio). Then, when you get to a 4-year, take OChem and Physics, as well as some upper-division Bio classes.

would they mind if i take my MCAT during my senior year or the end of it when im ready?

 

[Maison]

Thank you Barcu 🙂

Maison, I have a question, are you scheduled to finish your bachelors within the next 2 years since you just transfered?

I know the situation is different for everyone, but my ultimate goal is to finish the first 2 years at CC and hopefully continue on and finish whatevers left the next 2 years totalling in 4 years. but because im a transfer would it take me longer to finish my bachelors?

I think it depends on your major, but I'm not sure. I plan on majoring in Biophysics, so it might take me at least three years according to the advisors I've spoken with.

I have no problem with this, though. I need plenty of time to raise my GPA and prepare, because I didn't care when I first started college and made bad grades.

 

[unhappytnt]

would they mind if i take my MCAT during my senior year or the end of it when im ready?

Nope. But then you'll most likely end up having to take a gap year.

 

[shinee]

I think it depends on your major, but I'm not sure. I plan on majoring in Biophysics, so it might take me at least three years according to the advisors I've spoken with.

I have no problem with this, though. I need plenty of time to raise my GPA and prepare, because I didn't care when I first started college and made bad grades.

Thats really cool. I plan to knock out the first 2 years, than go on to my state university majoring in Biochemistry. If Iam able to keep my grades up in CC I can qualify for alot of scholarships and tuition waivers at the state Uni.
So its best if I complete my general Ed at CC first, than wait to do my science/pre req at Uni right?

 

[shinee]

Nope. But then you'll most likely end up having to take a gap year.

how long is the gap year?

 

[Barcu]

would they mind if i take my MCAT during my senior year or the end of it when im ready?

They would not mind. And the most important thing to remember about the MCAT is this: DO NOT take it until you are ready.

I actually took the MCAT my Senior year, so I had to take a gap year. Med schools start matriculating every fall, so the length of your gap year depends on when you graduate.

Ex: I graduated in May 2010 and will start med school in August 2011.

Many schools actually look positively on gap years and taking some time off (as long as you are doing something useful with it). So don't worry about pushing back your app to be better prepared for the MCAT.

 

[unhappytnt]

how long is the gap year?

Depends. One year if you get accepted in the first cycle you apply in. If not, you might have to take additional gap years.

 

[CougarMD]

Thats really cool. I plan to knock out the first 2 years, than go on to my state university majoring in Biochemistry. If Iam able to keep my grades up in CC I can qualify for alot of scholarships and tuition waivers at the state Uni.
So its best if I complete my general Ed at CC first, than wait to do my science/pre req at Uni right?

If you are going for a science degree.....I disagree about this. The lower division science prereqs you need for your degree are generally the same ones you need for med school.

If you wait to take them at the university, you are adding a TON of time onto your university education.

I really think that the best way to go is to take all that you can at a CC. When you transfer, you will still be taking a ton of upper division science classes for your major at the university, and schools will have this as proof that you can handle the coursework.

In California, they won't even let you transfer into a science major WITHOUT taking Bio 1/2, Chem 1/2, OChem 1/2, Physics 1/2, and Calc 1/2 at a CC.

For the record....I started at a CC. Transferred to a university, got a non-science degree. Got a non-science graduate degree. Then went back and took ALL of my prereqs at a CC. Only one school asked about it and it was more out of curiosity than anything else. The way it was phrased by my interviewer, as I was literally walking out the door: "Hey, so, um....just for my own curiosity...how did you do so well on the MCAT? I assume you took your prereqs at a CC for financial reasons, right? That seemed to work out for you." . No one else has mentioned it (that doesn't mean they're not talking about it in their adcom meetings) and my application journey went well🙂



I think people need to stop being so caught up with this CC thing. Think about it as you do anything else for your app. Are you trying to "get away" with something? Like, taking CC classes while at a university because they might be "easier"? Or doing an EC where you log a crapload of hours but don't do or learn anything? Or omitting some grades you got at a school you don't send a transcript in for? No? Then you're fine.

(Most) med schools just want a logical reason for the things you do. Have a coherent story about everything you do and talk about. Taking your prereqs at a CC, for you, is logical. Just do it🙂

 

[shinee]

Thank you

MCAT is really important, I wanna be fully prepared before I attack it. maybe the gap year can be a handy year for me. I can use it to work, shadow, gain HCE hrs and much more I guess.

 

[JJMrK]

Plenty of people do this, although it might make it harder to have everything done and ready to go in 4 years. As long as you do well in your classes and the MCAT it won't be a problem at most places.

 

[shinee]

Plenty of people do this, although it might make it harder to get everything done and ready to go in 4 years. As long as you do well in your classes and the MCAT it won't be a problem.

yes, that is the situation I am contemplating about. If everything goes dandy and say, I achieved A's and B's etc on all my classes and pre reqs and don't need to repeat any of them would I be able to finish in 4 years...?

 

[Maison]

So its best if I complete my general Ed at CC first, than wait to do my science/pre req at Uni right?

That's what I'm doing, at least.

It might help if you buy a book or something on getting into medical school, just so it can help you out more with the bigger picture. I picked up the Kaplan guide to medical school a while back, and didn't regret it.

 

[JJMrK]

yes, that is the situation I am contemplating about. If everything goes dandy and say, I achieved A's and B's etc on all my classes and pre reqs and don't need to repeat any of them would I be able to finish in 4 years...?

Maybe, but there's always the issue of transferring units and having to take lower division classes that weren't available at your CC. If you plan well and nothing goes wrong you can probably do it. I bet it'd be easier if you went to a CC close to the university you are thinking about going to. They'll be familiar with sending students to that particular school and you'll get better advice throughout the process.

 

[Fiddlergirl]

I'd like to chime in and agree that's it's perfectly acceptable to take some of your pre-reqs at a CC. I did biology and chem at my CC, then took physics at my 4 year school later on. If you wait until you transfer, I don't think it would be possible to graduate in 4 years.
I can also say from my experience that absolutely no one cared that I started at a cc. Wasn't asked about it once during interviews.

 

[JonnyL]

The only thing you need to do, is wait until you go to an actual four-year before you take your science classes. Medical school admissions will like that you took them at a university instead.

Honestly, I strongly advice against doing this.

1) If you don't take any lower division science classes before you transfer it will take a lot longer for you to apply to med school. Don't waste money taking classes at a 4 year that you can already take at a CC.

2) Taking the science prereqs at a CC are much better (usually) than at a university because of a smaller class setting and the fact that CC professors are more towards actually teaching than professors at a university who are leaning more toward their research (This is usually the case). Yes, Medical schools would prefer you to take the prereq science classes at a 4 year but they also want you to do well. CC in my opinion allows you to understand the material better (Again, I say this is usually the case.)

3) Playing off of #2, a better understanding of the material helps you with the MCAT. The MCAT material doesn't go beyond the lower division classes that you can take at a CC.

4) Yes, Medical Schools will feel a bit skeptical of your ability since you took the classes at a CC, BUT if you do well on the MCAT, and do well on your upper division classes after you transfer, that erases any doubt the Adcoms may have about your ability.


My advice: take your sciences classes at a CC. Some if not all. I know some people on here would disagree with me but I feel this is a good way to follow.

 

[shinee]

Maybe, but there's always the issue of transferring units and having to take lower division classes that weren't available at your CC. If you plan well and nothing goes wrong you can probably do it. I bet it'd be easier if you went to a CC close to the university you are thinking about going to. They'll be familiar with sending students to that particular school and you'll get better advice throughout the process.

Thanks JJMrK, yes the University I planned on transferring to has a very good relationship with my CC. Alot if not all their students goes there because its less expensive, close to home and like I said recieve alot of tuition and fees waivers if we go there.

but yes, I will speak with the counselor and inform them about my goals etc and hear their perspective about it.

I just don't want med school to frown about the fact that I took pre reqs at CC.

also, all of the required pre med courses are offered at my CC

 

[shinee]

double post

 

[JonnyL]

as I've said before, don't worry about and just do well. Many people go to med school after taking prereqs at a CC. I know many people who graduated a 4-year university who came back to a CC to take the prereqs they need to apply.

Take the Prereqs at a CC and do well, rock the MCATs, and Rock your upper division courses. Add some ECs and amazing PS and you're good to go.

 

[copon]

My brother, who is now a dentist, but is required to take same science classes as pre-med.(genchem,ochem,bio)
He mentioned that CC he attended, which I am as well, copies or uses the same curriculum that the transferring universities use.

He said the CC's science courses were much harder and he learned more because the CC's felt they had to abide by the universities curriculum requirements to the "T" and that the university was much more relaxed and easier but did not get as much out of it.

I know this is one scenario and the bottom line in going to CC or university is to learn the material so you do well on the MCAT and do not struggle when you are accepted into med school.

 

[Silverman780]

There is no problem with it

Personally:

Two years at CC
Took Gen Biology
And 2/3 parts of Gen Chem
finished Math and Writing pre-reqs

Now I only have 2.5 years to complete at my university for my B.S.

 

[shinee]

There is no problem with it

Personally:

Two years at CC
Took Gen Biology
And 2/3 parts of Gen Chem
finished Math and Writing pre-reqs

Now I only have 2.5 years to complete at my university for my B.S.

oh wow. may I ask what major?

 

[migatz]

.

 

[shinee]

There is NOTHING wrong with this. I was in the same situation - stayed close to home to help family financially - and was accepted to my top choice medical school. As a previous poster mentioned, California CC's require you to complete most of your pre-med courses before you can transfer to a UC, so holding off may not be possible for some people. Also, waiting until you are at a major university could lengthen the amount of time it takes to complete your degree. I finished most of my pre-med classes at CC (except Physics) and took my MCAT during my senior year.

The best advice is to do your best WHEREVER you are ...

thank you, and thanks to everyone els who contributed 🙂

its nice to know people got accepted to med school even though they completed majority of their pre req at CC.

that gives me alot of hope 🙂

 

[rHinO1]

I agree with other posters (especially CougarMD) that taking some of the pre-reqs at the cc are necessary, and as a science major you will be fine.

I'll add some anecdotal evidence. I spent two years at a cc, then transferred to a four year school. Straight A's all the way through, with an average MCAT (31Q) and good ECs got me six interviews so far (all at great schools including UCSF) and multiple acceptances. I wasn't asked about my cc experience at all.

 

[shinee]

thank you so much everyone 🙂 I feel extra confident hearing this 😀 its so good to hear people's success stories and what they accomplished with starting out at CC.

 

[rHinO1]

quick question:
when you were studying for the MCAT, were there lots of stuff you did not learn during your undergrad at CC?
I know some professors at CC do not go into great detail when teaching materials(at least where I go).

I think the cc prepared me as well as a four year would have. Honestly, I don't think any school prepares you for the MCAT. No matter what, you have to study more. I studied two months while working full time and only took 4 practice tests, but I still managed a 10/10/11 Q. I guess it was good enough.

More importantly, I think the cc prepared me well for upper division science classes. I transferred to UCSD, which has a great biology department. I majored in human biology, and in classes of 300-400 people I was consistently in the top 10. If you do well at the cc, then you will do well wherever you transfer to, as long as you are willing to do the work.

 

[the duck]

I don't really have much to add, but thought I'd post for funzies. I'm nearly done my first 2 years at a CC, and will be transferring to UCLA or UC Davis with a 4.0 come fall. I opted to take none of my pre-reqs here, with the exception of math and english. However, this choice limited me to a non-science major, in my case psych. It is also leaving me in a rather difficult situation with regards to taking literally all my science courses at the same time as I'm taking my upper division courses. Especially if I want to take some upper division sciences, I may well end up having to take a 3rd year after transferring to finish it all, and then possibly a gap year to take the MCAT and apply.

If I could do it over again, I'd probably take 1 or 2 pre-reqs at the CC to get it out of the way...Though I still probably wouldn't take them all.


Anyways, thats my life story! Good luck!

 

[mulberry]

Look, you work your butt off and don't let any hard-nosed snot tell you other wise. My bro-in-law is a PGY-2 Anesth resident and he worked his tail off the first 2 years at a CC and finished at a 4 year tier 3/4 undergrad program. Look at him now. The facts don't lie 😉