Taking prerequisites as fast as possible

[futuremedic]

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What is the fastest way to take post-bacc prerequisite classes coming from an entirely different field, starting right now (July 2012)?

Online courses for summer session?
Taking as many classes as possible at once?

Could I do it all in a year? Or does it have to take more? Or less?

Thanks!

 

[MaenadsDance]

It will necessarily take more than a year if you have absolutely no pre-med prereqs because of the Gen Chem -- O-Chem sequence. There are established post-baccalaureate programs that fit in all prereqs in about 18mos, and it may be possible to do it as quickly on your own at a state school or extension school (cheaper, easier to get into), but remember that you have to take and study for the MCAT too.

Regardless, you'll probably have a gap year.

 

[xoxx]

What is the fastest way to take post-bacc prerequisite classes coming from an entirely different field, starting right now (July 2012)?

Online courses for summer session?
Taking as many classes as possible at once?

Could I do it all in a year? Or does it have to take more? Or less?

Thanks!

fall: chem 1 and- bio 1 and 2
spring: orgo 1 and 2- physics 1 and 2

assuming you have all the math/other stuff out of the way

 

[MaenadsDance]

fall: chem 1 and- bio 1 and 2
spring: orgo 1 and 2- physics 1 and 2

assuming you have all the math/other stuff out of the way

You're suggesting taking Orgo 1 and 2 and Physics 1 and 2 all in the same semester? Most schools won't let you do that.

 

[LawlasaurusRex]

Echoing the posters above, this is going to take you at least 2 years. Here's an idea for just the core sciences (I'm not sure what else you're missing).

Fall: Chem 1, Bio 1
Spring: Chem 2, Bio 2
Summer: Physics 1, Physics 2 (assuming the school you are at has an accelerated program where they cram an entire year in the summer term)
Fall: O-chem 1
Spring: O-chem 2, study for MCAT
Summer: Apply

This is a pretty dense schedule and your biggest hurdle will be the second spring term where you are balancing Ochem and MCAT preparation. There is no way you can apply without at least having these classes listed above done (though you can finish other small stuff like math, social science and whatnot during the year you apply/interview). The MCAT isn't some test you can BS your way through. You'll also need to have some extracurricular activities to back up your story of "why medicine" to whoever will read your application in the future. It takes far more than just a good GPA, MCAT score and pre-reqs fulfilled to get into medical school these days.

 

[kpcrew]

You're suggesting taking Orgo 1 and 2 and Physics 1 and 2 all in the same semester? Most schools won't let you do that.

wat

 

[futuremedic]

Can you take the courses in a sequence and use the summer as well to do it in one year? Or are there any community colleges that have half-semester intensive courses?

 

[futuremedic]

LawlasaurusRex - I have a bachelors degree and all of the math prereqs. Are there any schools that have short, accelerated intensive courses where you can do a year in one semester and get it done in one year (obviously, full time).

 

[mmmcdowe]

Fall: Bio 1 Gen chem 1, Winter: Bio 2 Gen chem 2, Spring: Ochem 1 and physics 1, summer session 1: ochem 2 and physics 2. Best to avoid online and community classes as much as possible.

The above schedule is not necessarily advisible.

 

[futuremedic]

xoxx - What schools have an accelerated program to take chem 1 & 2 and bio 1 and 2 in the same semester?

 

[mmmcdowe]

xoxx - What schools have an accelerated program to take chem 1 & 2 and bio 1 and 2 in the same semester?

Technically, many schools say the req for classes like chem 2 is to have or currently be taking chem 1. Not advisable though.