Two years left, no prereqs done.What to do?

[the duck]

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I'll be transferring to a UC school next from a community college as a psychology major. My problem is I won't have completed any of my science prerequisites ( math and english will be done). I plan on taking as many summer classes as I can, but I'm guessing I won't be able to complete all of the sciences and upper-division psych in two years. ( Due to budget cuts, the UCs basically kick transfer students out after 2 years there).

From what I've seen, most formal postbacc programs are targeted at people with low GPAs (so far I have a 4.0 😎) or URMs, which I'm not one of.

I guess my main question is, how many of my prereqs do you guys think I can expect to get done in two years, while enjoying the college life I've been missing out on at a CC for the past 2 years? Secondly, can anyone point me in the direction of where I would look to be able to take science classes post-graduation at a 4-year school ( I'm NOT going back to a CC)?
Thanks in advance!

 

[LizzyM]

There are two kinds of post-bac. One is for people who have done the pre-med pre-reqs and have a low gpa (so they need to take more upper level science courses to prove that they have what it takes) and the other type of post-bac gives graduates the opportunity to complete the pre-reqs that weren't taken as undergrads. Some of these also include advising and connections to labs & volunteer sites. The purpose is to take someone who decides later that medical school is the right path.

You could forget the pre-reqs (except Chem I and II, I'd recommend that sequence) and get your psych degree and then do a one year post-bac with o-chem, biology and physics. After that you take the MCAT and have a gap year to work during the interview cycle.

Three schools well known for their post-bac programs are Columbia University, Bryn Mawr, and Mills College. There are others. They are expensive. Perhaps there are other options for you...

 

[Suenya]

You may well be able to do it. I did all the prereqs in a summer and one year, while working on my psych thesis research. I didn't take physics because I had AP credits though. If you do summers and only take psych/prereqs you might pull through.

Otherwise there are other programs where you can take one or two classes that you need to finish. Harvard has Harvard Extension school where I took Organic II (I messed up one test so I wanted a better grade before applying), and there are other schools where you can easily take just one or two more classes during the summer or a year after if you need to to finish it up.

It's actually not too big of an issue, although you'll have to find out what works for you schedule/locationwise. Good luck!

 

[the duck]

Thanks for your replies guys!

It seems like I need to decide whether or not to wait and do a post-bacc program after. My worry with that plan is that I'm sure they are rather competitive, and if I was to hold off on doing my pre-reqs, and then not get into one of them I would be in trouble. At the same time, being able to focus on one thing at once instead of trying to cram every thing into 2 years is rather attractive.
Do a lot of schools have extension programs that are moderately easy to get into? Again, I don't want to a plan that relies on Harvard accepting me into a program.

 

[HawaiiHereICome]

There are two kinds of post-bac. One is for people who have done the pre-med pre-reqs and have a low gpa (so they need to take more upper level science courses to prove that they have what it takes) and the other type of post-bac gives graduates the opportunity to complete the pre-reqs that weren't taken as undergrads. Some of these also include advising and connections to labs & volunteer sites. The purpose is to take someone who decides later that medical school is the right path.

You could forget the pre-reqs (except Chem I and II, I'd recommend that sequence) and get your psych degree and then do a one year post-bac with o-chem, biology and physics. After that you take the MCAT and have a gap year to work during the interview cycle.

Three schools well known for their post-bac programs are Columbia University, Bryn Mawr, and Mills College. There are others. They are expensive. Perhaps there are other options for you...

Let's get crackin'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IERWeWdxSeM

 

[the duck]

Let's get crackin'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IERWeWdxSeM

Yes! Exactly the information I needed! Thank you so much for you're contribution, your a life saver! 😀

 

[HawaiiHereICome]

Yes! Exactly the information I needed! Thank you so much for you're contribution, your a life saver! 😀

You are most welcome. Everything you need is right there!

 

[xanthomondo]

I'll be transferring to a UC school next from a community college as a psychology major. My problem is I won't have completed any of my science prerequisites ( math and english will be done). I plan on taking as many summer classes as I can, but I'm guessing I won't be able to complete all of the sciences and upper-division psych in two years. ( Due to budget cuts, the UCs basically kick transfer students out after 2 years there).

From what I've seen, most formal postbacc programs are targeted at people with low GPAs (so far I have a 4.0 😎) or URMs, which I'm not one of.

I guess my main question is, how many of my prereqs do you guys think I can expect to get done in two years, while enjoying the college life I've been missing out on at a CC for the past 2 years? Secondly, can anyone point me in the direction of where I would look to be able to take science classes post-graduation at a 4-year school ( I'm NOT going back to a CC)?
Thanks in advance!

How many upper level psych classes do you need to take to graduate?

You should be able to knock out gen chem 1+2, physics 1+2, and intro to bio 1+2 in the first year, and hit orgo 1+2 in the second year (or do 2 classes per year). If you're taking summer classes you can spread them out even more.

 

[ucsfstudents]

Whatever you decide to do, just make sure you dedicate enough time to do well in your classes.

 

[Double Bonded]

There are two kinds of post-bac. One is for people who have done the pre-med pre-reqs and have a low gpa (so they need to take more upper level science courses to prove that they have what it takes) and the other type of post-bac gives graduates the opportunity to complete the pre-reqs that weren't taken as undergrads. Some of these also include advising and connections to labs & volunteer sites. The purpose is to take someone who decides later that medical school is the right path.

You could forget the pre-reqs (except Chem I and II, I'd recommend that sequence) and get your psych degree and then do a one year post-bac with o-chem, biology and physics. After that you take the MCAT and have a gap year to work during the interview cycle.

Three schools well known for their post-bac programs are Columbia University, Bryn Mawr, and Mills College. There are others. They are expensive. Perhaps there are other options for you...

what's your advice for transfer students who didn't take any science prereqs in cc and decided to stay an extra semester/year?

how would you view someone who took 1-2 prereq /semester after transferring and stayed an extra semester?

 

[FlowRate]

You could probably take those classes with your major. If not, take a 5th year. It shouldn't be too bad.

 

[the duck]

This is not true. Look at your UC guide. There is a limit of how many units you can take. The total, including transferable classes, is 225 units/credits. The amount of years you are there don't matter as long as you don't exceed the maximum units. A psychology major is 40 units/credits, while the pre-med is about 60 to 90 units/credits.

Its different for community college transfers. We only got 2 years, plus a little if you have a double major.

 

[Shaptown]

This is not true. Look at your UC guide. There is a limit of how many units you can take. The total, including transferable classes, is 225 units/credits. The amount of years you are there don't matter as long as you don't exceed the maximum units. A psychology major is 40 units/credits, while the pre-med is about 60 to 90 units/credits.

I was molecular genetics, and my degree was 180 units to graduate. Granted I think only 160 of those units were actually devoted towards the major. The rest were restricted electives and GE's. Granted I did have 235 units when I graduated, so your statement is not true either. All you need to do is petition your specific college within the university if you plan to exceed the unit cap.

 

[Double Bonded]

Its different for community college transfers. We only got 2 years, plus a little if you have a double major.

it is very possible to be a super senior/take a victory lap as a cc transfer at UC's.

 

[the duck]

it is very possible to be a super senior/take a victory lap as a cc transfer at UC's.

You'r positive about this? I was under the impression it changed in the last few years due to budget cuts. I'm trying to actually find where it read this, but I'm not being able to...😕

If I could stay as a super senior that would make my life far easier.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Its different for community college transfers. We only got 2 years, plus a little if you have a double major.

Again, false. I speak as someone that transfered. It's the maximum number of units that counts, not the years it takes.

 

[web2linc]

From personal experience, you do not want to rush through your prereqs. Don't try to take Cell Bio, Physics II, O-Chem II and O-Chem lab in the same semester with other classes.

 

[TriagePreMed]

From personal experience, you do not want to rush through your prereqs. Don't try to take Cell Bio, Physics II, O-Chem II and O-Chem lab in the same semester with other classes.

I know a guy doing this at my school. From the beginning of the semester to now, his face has slowly been turning more and more sad and his eyes more baggy.

 

[the duck]

I know a guy doing this at my school. From the beginning of the semester to now, his face has slowly been turning more and more sad and his eyes more baggy.

Yeah... I'm thinking 1 science a quarter, along with my other classes.

 

[FlowRate]

Man, lightweights. Try 4-6 science/engineering classes per semester. Plenty of people on this forum have done it successfully. Different breeds I guess.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Yeah... I'm thinking 1 science a quarter, along with my other classes.

Taking 2 sciences should be fine. It's when you do 3 that it sucks because you need to spend so many hours in the lab.

 

[Shaptown]

Triage you really have no idea what you are talking about my friend. What are you, a junior in undergrad?.....

 

[the duck]

Man, lightweights. Try 4-6 science/engineering classes per semester. Plenty of people on this forum have done it successfully. Different breeds I guess.

Calling me a "different breed" are you? My logic is that I'll just be getting used to the harder course work at a 4-year, at the same time I'm taking upper division stuff ( albeit in a relatively easy major). It seems smarter to start off slow and not risk my GPA, then try to take a bunch of them at once just to show off to people who have nothing better to do than go on an internet forum and brag about how many courses they take, and put other people down. Cheers. :🙄

 

[the duck]

Triage you really have no idea what you are talking about my friend. What are you, a junior in undergrad?.....

Not that I'm doubting what you say, but I noticed that your status is "postdoc" which leads me to believe you've been out of school for a few years. Unless I'm totally off the wall, UC schools have changed the rules for transfer students in the last few years...is it a possibility that your info, while correct at the time, is a little outdated?

 

[Double Bonded]

Man, lightweights. Try 4-6 science/engineering classes per semester. Plenty of people on this forum have done it successfully. Different breeds I guess.

4-6 science/engineering classes with a 3.9/39...that's insane!

I guess I'm part of the lightweight crew. I've taken 1-2 science classes (2-3 if we want to count labs as separate classes) per semester. My GPA is protected and I've got time to do stuff i really want to do.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Triage you really have no idea what you are talking about my friend. What are you, a junior in undergrad?.....

I graduated 4 years ago. I'm a non-trad. With anime stuff on your account you are the last person in the world that should try to bring down others.

Personal attacks doesn't add anything to the conversation. Maybe you can use some citations if you're that interested in proving me wrong.

 

[Schizotypy]

I had a major change of plans after my senior year (I'm also a psych major) and ended up staying on after I could've graduated for an additional 2 years to finish all of the premed prereqs. I could easily have done it in 3 semesters, but as I was also working and peppering in a few psych courses I had always wanted to take but couldn't, I did it in 4 and a couple of summers. (And to the above poster, I took cell bio, anatomy w/ lab, ochem ii and ochem lab in one semester while working, it wasn't that bad 😛).

I was able to maintain a 4.0 in all these courses, but I had also already learned how best to study. I do think it's probably unlikely that you would be able to get all of them done, finish your upper level psych, and maintain a great GPA and social life in 2 years, especially if you are not accustomed to the level of difficulty of science courses at a university. I went to a CC for one year, and a 4.0 there is just not the same as one at a university, in my opinion. (There's a reason they don't transfer, at least at my school.)

If you are at all able to stay on an extra year, I'm certain it would be doable, but you'll first need to make sure you have the time management skills to finish your high level psych while doubling/tripling/whatevering up on science classes. Don't get discouraged, though. It's definitely not as difficult/overwhelming as it seems. 🙂

 

[manraj76]

But take summer school and you should be fine. They don't kick you out they just try to make sure you leave in 2 years.

 

[Schizotypy]

The classes transfer (the CC I went to is within the same system as the university I transferred to). I was referring to the GPA not transferring.

 

[the duck]

The classes transfer (the CC I went to is within the same system as the university I transferred to). I was referring to the GPA not transferring.

Same with mine, but the GPA factors back in for applying to MD school, so no biggie there.

 

[FlowRate]

I guess I'm part of the lightweight crew. I've taken 1-2 science classes (2-3 if we want to count labs as separate classes) per semester. My GPA is protected and I've got time to do stuff i really want to do.

The bold is why I think it's good to take things slow and also why I encourage double majoring in something technical and something non-technical. But that's just if I had to do it all over again knowing what I know now and obviously that's never the case in life =P. I don't like taking things slow solely to be keeping your GPA high and easing into things and what not... there has to be cool, interesting stuff going on outside of school, too 🙂

Calling me a "different breed" are you?

There are most definitely different theories of how pre-meds should conduct their business. Coming into undergrad, I was advised by the "do a fallback major, take lots of hard classes, get a good gpa, and try hard on the mcat" faction (which I no longer agree with these days, but it's a solid starting point, albeit a bit masochistic.) I simply think it's silly to complain about 2-3 science classes in a semester, which leaves you with huge amounts of free time to do fun stuff 🙂

 

[the duck]

The bold is why I think it's good to take things slow and also why I encourage double majoring in something technical and something non-technical. But that's just if I had to do it all over again knowing what I know now and obviously that's never the case in life =P. I don't like taking things slow solely to be keeping your GPA high and easing into things and what not... there has to be cool, interesting stuff going on outside of school, too 🙂


There are most definitely different theories of how pre-meds should conduct their business. Coming into undergrad, I was advised by the "do a fallback major, take lots of hard classes, get a good gpa, and try hard on the mcat" faction (which I no longer agree with these days, but it's a solid starting point, albeit a bit masochistic.) I simply think it's silly to complain about 2-3 science classes in a semester, which leaves you with huge amounts of free time to do fun stuff 🙂

I guess I wasn't very clear, I see no issue with 2-3 science classes by themselves, or even with another easy-ish course thrown in. But seeing as I'll be a junior/senior when I'm taking my pre-reqs, I'll also have a lot of upper division coursework that I'll need to do, hence only 1-2 sciences a semester.

 

[Tianar]

I'm an undergrad at Bryn Mawr and I know our post-bac program is mostly focused on getting the pre-reqs done. There's opportunity to take upper-level science courses if you've already completed one or more of the pre-reqs. It's a year-long program and you can start in the fall session or the summer session.

I've taken a few of my pre-reqs with post-bac students and I hear nothing but good things about the program. And I know the advising is great since we have the same advising office.

 

[Shaptown]

Yes I graduated 6 or so years ago.

And triage, what does my avatar being anime have to do with anything? Exactly...it doesn't. Secondly I was not trying to bring anyone down, merely state that you should get your facts state before you post and spread misinformation, which is exactly what you did.

You really need to grow up. And while you are add it, become more informed. If you plan on practicing medicine while being as misinformed as you currently are, then that is truly a recipe for disaster.

Still not bringing anyone down merely pointing out the fact that you really need to stop spreading wrong information. Take care, and have fun.

 

[Double Bonded]

There are two kinds of post-bac. One is for people who have done the pre-med pre-reqs and have a low gpa (so they need to take more upper level science courses to prove that they have what it takes) and the other type of post-bac gives graduates the opportunity to complete the pre-reqs that weren't taken as undergrads. Some of these also include advising and connections to labs & volunteer sites. The purpose is to take someone who decides later that medical school is the right path.

You could forget the pre-reqs (except Chem I and II, I'd recommend that sequence) and get your psych degree and then do a one year post-bac with o-chem, biology and physics. After that you take the MCAT and have a gap year to work during the interview cycle.

Three schools well known for their post-bac programs are Columbia University, Bryn Mawr, and Mills College. There are others. They are expensive. Perhaps there are other options for you...

what's your advice for transfer students who didn't take any science prereqs in cc and decided to stay an extra semester/year?

how would you view someone who took 1-2 prereq /semester after transferring and stayed an extra semester?

still curious about this LizzyM, any advice?

 

[the duck]

Yes I graduated 6 or so years ago.

And triage, what does my avatar being anime have to do with anything? Exactly...it doesn't. Secondly I was not trying to bring anyone down, merely state that you should get your facts state before you post and spread misinformation, which is exactly what you did.

You really need to grow up. And while you are add it, become more informed. If you plan on practicing medicine while being as misinformed as you currently are, then that is truly a recipe for disaster.

Still not bringing anyone down merely pointing out the fact that you really need to stop spreading wrong information. Take care, and have fun.

I'm meeting with a counselor for UC Davis ( by the way, anyone have any opinions as far as how UCD is in general, and specifically pre-med?) and I'll find out the exact policy, and let you guys know.

 

[LizzyM]

what's your advice for transfer students who didn't take any science prereqs in cc and decided to stay an extra semester/year?

how would you view someone who took 1-2 prereq /semester after transferring and stayed an extra semester?

That's not a post bac. It is going to be judged like any other traditional applicant. It won't be as strong as someone who takes a more rigorous schedule but it isn't a killer.

 

[Raziela]

Its different for community college transfers. We only got 2 years, plus a little if you have a double major.

Could you possibly double major as a mol bio or bio major? Then you could take your pre-reqs are part of your degree?

 

[the duck]

Could you possibly double major as a mol bio or bio major? Then you could take your pre-reqs are part of your degree?

I wish. In order to double major in Bio, I would need to complete the bio major prereqs at the CC, which is basically year of bio, year of chem, and year of organic. Which for obvious reasons defeats the purpose.