Unique Scheduling Conflicts with Prerequisites

[Rapha]

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Hi everyone,

I'm a premed student at a small liberal arts college, entering into my second year as a science major.

In order to take the appropriate courses throughout my undergrad to fit with the changes that will come in effect because of the MCAT2015, such as the new prerequisites of some medical schools and so that I may adequately prepare for the MCAT2015 itself, I must take the relevant courses.

Unfortunately, my school is very small and there aren't many options with the classes that are offered. Because of this I won't be able Introduction to Sociology in a traditional classroom setting (my school only offers it online) and won't be able to take Biochemistry I before I take my MCAT2015 (my school won't offer it until afterwards).

The Sociology section of the MCAT2015 seems more of a general and broad subject area relying on basic knowledge. If I took the class at a local community college (generally speaking, medical schools seem to frown more upon relevant online courses in comparison to community college courses, as some don't even accept online course credits for requirements) over the summer would that be a good choice?
I'm just trying to weigh in my options of whether to take Sociology at a community college (my only outside option at the moment) even though some medical schools don't view the CC rigor as competitive, or take Sociology online at my school and risk having medical schools reject it as a fulfillment of a prerequisite.

Concerning Biochemistry I, I can only take it in my Senior year but I want to take my MCAT during or right after my Junior year. Should I take it over the summer next year after my Sophomore year, at a community college/local university (even if they don't offer a lab class)? Or should I just not take Biochem before I take the MCAT, and self-study the specific topics and take the course Senior year?

On a side note—I have and will be taking all of my prerequisite courses at my University. I will only take Sociology and possibly Biochemistry I elsewhere because that's the best/only choice I have.

What do you guys suggest? Has anyone experienced something like I have?
Thanks! 🙂

 

[mehc012]

Hi everyone,

I'm a premed student at a small liberal arts college, entering into my second year as a science major.

In order to take the appropriate courses throughout my undergrad to fit with the changes that will come in effect because of the MCAT2015, such as the new prerequisites of some medical schools and so that I may adequately prepare for the MCAT2015 itself, I must take the relevant courses.

Unfortunately, my school is very small and there aren't many options with the classes that are offered. Because of this I won't be able Introduction to Sociology in a traditional classroom setting (my school only offers it online) and won't be able to take Biochemistry I before I take my MCAT2015 (my school won't offer it until afterwards).

The Sociology section of the MCAT2015 seems more of a general and broad subject area relying on basic knowledge. If I took the class at a local community college (generally speaking, medical schools seem to frown more upon relevant online courses in comparison to community college courses, as some don't even accept online course credits for requirements) over the summer would that be a good choice?
I'm just trying to weigh in my options of whether to take Sociology at a community college (my only outside option at the moment) even though some medical schools don't view the CC rigor as competitive, or take Sociology online at my school and risk having medical schools reject it as a fulfillment of a prerequisite.

Concerning Biochemistry I, I can only take it in my Senior year but I want to take my MCAT during or right after my Junior year. Should I take it over the summer next year after my Sophomore year, at a community college/local university (even if they don't offer a lab class)? Or should I just not take Biochem before I take the MCAT, and self-study the specific topics and take the course Senior year?

On a side note—I have and will be taking all of my prerequisite courses at my University. I will only take Sociology and possibly Biochemistry I elsewhere because that's the best/only choice I have.

What do you guys suggest? Has anyone experienced something like I have?
Thanks! 🙂

Talk to your adviser (not your premed one, they're usually unhelpful...your academic one) about Biochem. You may be able to get that bumped up depending on the exact cause of your scheduling issue. I wouldn't take it without the lab - most places which require it require the lab, so you may as well do both, right?

Sociology isn't a prerequisite, so honestly, take it wherever you can in whichever form. If asked about it, you can say 'my school offered it only online, but I decided to take it in preparation for the new MCAT, so [insert the choice you made]", which is perfectly reasonable.