Does anyone know if there are time limits to apply for medical school after completing a bachelor's? I graduated from undergrad in 2012 and since then have retaken organic chemistry to improve my grade. Otherwise I have been working in EMS as a basic and I am really enjoying the experience. I have been considering moving on and getting my paramedic which would add at least 2 more years before I would be able to apply for medical school. I know I have seen requirements that applicants must have taken the MCAT within 3 years of application but I haven't noticed anything like that for completion of undergrad. On the other hand I have a coworker who would have to retake a class before she can complete her Medic to RN Bridge because it has been more than 7 years since she took it. I just don't want to do anything wrong and ruin my chances. I hope this makes sense! Thanks for any help you can give me!
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Time Limits?
Started by HealingHeart
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It'll be a long time before your classes will expire (if they do at all). You're good to go.
Thank you!
Different schools have different policies. However, in general, if you have been out of a rigorous academic environment for many years, it is prudent to do more coursework even if you can pull off a good MCAT without it. This is done to demonstrate that you're able to go back into school and succeed with a difficult courseload-- it is hard for many people to transition back to exams covering large volumes of material. Unfortunately, this isn't the kind of thing reflected in application requirements, so you'd have to decide whether your app would be worrisome that you'd become too far removed to comfortably transition back to school and reach the same level of performance. Four or five years probably isn't when that question comes up. However, if something unforseen happens or you don't get into med school on your first cycle, you might need to start seriously considering courses to be competitive if you're hitting 7 or 8 years out. For that reason, if you are feeling like you are otherwise in all ways ready to launch a successful application to medical school, I would strongly consider whether delaying for paramedic training is really worthwhile. Also, don't wait to get LORs if you are thinking of putting this off longer.
