Taking Science Prerequisites at Community College OK If High MCAT?

[Chevy Chase Fan]

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Hey guys,

I just started going back to school this month. I'm an 2008 grad, studied information systems (business). Taking my prereqs at community college b/c I went to a very expensive school for undergrad and can't afford university right now.

If I score high on the MCAT (say +30), will that keep the admissions peeps from raising an eye to my community college science transcript?

also, for your science GPA, do they only count science classes that are prerequisites? I ask because I'm taking anatomy and physiology this summer (b/c was also considering PT), and I have an A in lecture and lab, so anything I can add to my GPA is nice (especially since my cummulative is a 3.04!!)

 

[Just Joshin]

Taking classes at a CC in your position is fine, regardless of MCAT. But yes, a high MCAT will assure them that you got a quality education. The only time that CC is a stigma is when you have an applicant taking his regular classes at a four-year university and then driving to the CC to take Organic Chemistry, giving the impression that he took it at the CC because it was easier than at the four-year school he already attends.

In your case, you already graduated. You're going back to school. Many non-trads who go back to get their pre-reqs go to the local CC because of cost/convenience. Just get a decent MCAT and you'll be fine.

As for GPA, yes, every science course counts in your science GPA whether or not it's a pre-req. With DO schools, a quick way to bring up your GPA is to retake courses you did poorly in in the past. The DO application will only count your latest grade in your GPA calculation. Be aware though that for MD school they'll average the two grades if you retake.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Yes you can do that. Though I would still recommend doing some higher level courses at your state university.

 

[Jay Leno]

Hey guys,

I just started going back to school this month. I'm an 2008 grad, studied information systems (business). Taking my prereqs at community college b/c I went to a very expensive school for undergrad and can't afford university right now.

If I score high on the MCAT (say +30), will that keep the admissions peeps from raising an eye to my community college science transcript?

also, for your science GPA, do they only count science classes that are prerequisites? I ask because I'm taking anatomy and physiology this summer (b/c was also considering PT), and I have an A in lecture and lab, so anything I can add to my GPA is nice (especially since my cummulative is a 3.04!!)

I'm not sure if you're planning on applying to Allopathic (MD) schools or not, but I do know that some allopathic medical schools (i.e. Wake Forest, Case Western Reserve) state that they prefer that you take your prerequisite classes at a 4 year college. I think a similar policy would apply to most osteopathic medical school. I'm not trying to slam CC but there is a perception (unfair or not) that the pre-requisite classes at 4 year colleges are more rigorous than CC classes. Given how competitive admissions are, I think anything that would increase your chances would be a good idea, and this includes taking classes at a 4 year (even if it is more expensive than a CC class).

 

[DrDre2001]

I think it would look a little less impressive at a Community College. But, given how much money you can save and how much more convenient it would be (as your local CC is probably closer to you), I would do it.

 

[Wesco]

That fact that university courses are admired more is kinda funny, at least in my town. Many students I know in my town actually go to the university because they believe that several science classes are easier to take there than our local community college. Even the nursing programs at our community college is more intense that the university.

 

[YoungGregory]

You might want to try and take classes at a major universities regional campus. Here schools have regional campuses that cost the same as going to a CC, but on your transcript it just shows up as if you went to main campus.