Thoughts on pre-matriculation courses? Alternatives?

[Ancient_Eldritch]

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I got accepted to med school for fall 2016. I'm thinking of tryng to take an accelerated pre-matriculation course at the med school that includes anatomy, physiology, biochem etc taught in the same format. I'm REALLY thinking it would because I haven't taken anatomy in undergrad, and experiencing med school earlier would probably make the transition easier. Has anyone here done one of this programs, and did you find it helpful?


The thing is I may not be able to get into this program because it's usually for those underrepresented in healthcare and I wasn't recruited. I'm still going to try and see if I can get into this program, but if I can't would it be worth enrolling in a human anatomy course with lab at my undergrad school? I really want to be prepared for anatomy in med school. I have a solid background of biochem, physio, cell bio, and genetics, just not anatomy.

 

[zarfot]

I wish I had taken anatomy before graduating undergrad. So does 5-6 of my friends that I studied with since we had never seen this material or learned it before.

 

[FindMeOnTheLinks]

I would not do it. Those types of things are usually half-baked. My school offers something similar and it didn't give a leg up to anybody. It's going to be a shock no matter what when you start real school. Might as well just have the extra 3 weeks or whatever to do fun things.

 

[Pierre Escargot]

In my personal experience (for what it's worth), I only took a fairly light anatomy course as an undergrad and I'm doing fine in anatomy now. I wouldn't stress about it too much, in my opinion. I'm not sure how intensive the anatomy course that your current school offers is, but perhaps it can help familiarize you with some things before you start if you so choose. Either way, you'll be fine if you put in the work when med school starts.

 

[libraryismyhome]

I would do it. My school gave me $1,000 scholarship for doing it too. It's good to become familiar with school facilities, and identify study spots.

The most important part here would be that you have the opportunity to reach out to faculty members at your school. I would talk to your faculty member who is focused on helping students on choosing outside sources (BRS, Lippincott, testbanks) and how to use them effectively while going through lectures.

 

[Ancient_Eldritch]

I wish I had taken anatomy before graduating undergrad. So does 5-6 of my friends that I studied with since we had never seen this material or learned it before.

interesting, how significant would you say the learning curve was for you in anatomy?

 

[Gambler 101]

You don't need to spend money on a formal course. If you insist on pre studying, I'd start with Costanzo for physiology, Netter's for anatomy with Grant's dissector. Even if you end up slacking off, you'll get use of these resources during the year

 

[TBV]

At my school those classes are taught by the rising second years so you need to take it with a grain of salt. From people that had gone through it, it helped them transition to med school life but they say they did not feel a significant boost above their classmates. My point being, if you are actually trying to get an edge on people early it probably wont help. If you want buffer time to get used to the pace and workload of school, give it a shot.

 

[jqueb29]

I wouldn't recommend it at all. Unless you have gone to med school before, there is literally nothing you can do to prepare yourself for what med school is actually like. Have fun and drink some beer instead. You'll regret not taking that time off when you have no choice but to study your life away or flunk out.

 

[WedgeDawg]

If you know generally what you had to know for the MCAT biology section before coming into medical school (which is pretty much necessary to do well on the MCAT anyway) you'll be fine in anatomy. It's a lot of information, but you adapt very quickly. Most important thing is to not get behind. Hit the ground running and you'll be in good shape. Doing a pre-course or whatever is not necessary at all.

 

[moisne]

I got accepted to med school for fall 2016. I'm thinking of tryng to take an accelerated pre-matriculation course at the med school that includes anatomy, physiology, biochem etc taught in the same format. I'm REALLY thinking it would because I haven't taken anatomy in undergrad, and experiencing med school earlier would probably make the transition easier. Has anyone here done one of this programs, and did you find it helpful?


The thing is I may not be able to get into this program because it's usually for those underrepresented in healthcare and I wasn't recruited. I'm still going to try and see if I can get into this program, but if I can't would it be worth enrolling in a human anatomy course with lab at my undergrad school? I really want to be prepared for anatomy in med school. I have a solid background of biochem, physio, cell bio, and genetics, just not anatomy.

If it's directed by a program associated with the school for underrepresented people - it should help. I worked for one of those programs for a while and it's a lot easier than med school, you don't honestly retain that much - however... things sounding familiar to you in med school is a real good thing. Everytime I see something I've heard about or previously learned (and forgot) I feel a bit more relieved.