Unusual situation - need suggestions

[gofer]

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There are no universities with a 4-hour driving distance from my town, one-way. Total commute time to closest university = 8 hours both ways.

I am constrained to living in this town, at least until a family member (let's call her X) who is in a coma passes. I am prepared to relocate to a different place with X after I get into a medical school but I cannot relocate with X just so that I can finish up my pre-med coursework. That certainly won't be fair to X.

How in the world can I do pre-med courses? (medical schools don't like online courses). Any creative ideas or suggestions? Thank you. P.S. I could travel anywhere during the summer semester when a relative can come and stay with X.

 

[BBender716]

I know this sounds really callous, and I really don't mean to be at ALL, but what is the harm in moving "X" with you for your pre-med coursework? I know you say that wouldn't be fair to "X", but it's not fair to yourself and you'd arguably be able to take better care of her if she's close instead of commuting.

I'm not really aware of all the logistics involved in moving someone who is in a comatose state, but maybe you can plan on limiting the amount of moving, maybe by moving to a place you can do your pre-med coursework and also have a "high density" of medical schools in the area (Chicago/NY come to mind) that you'd be able to apply to with a greater probability of staying put. This way you still only move once...

Hope this helps!

 

[gofer]

Thank you for your suggestion. I was thinking more along these lines -

I self-study in the Fall and Spring semesters. Then I go to some city with many universities over the summer. Normally, I would take only one class say Organic over Summer-1 and another class over Summer-2. But since I would have studied by myself over the Fall and Spring semesters, in the Summer, instead of taking only 1 or 2 classes, I take 5-6 classes, at different universities, if there are time conflicts.

Does anyone think this would be realistic? Or do all of you think something like this is impossible even if I would have busted my rear end during the rest of the year preparing?

 

[cfx]

Have you spoken to any of your state universities about this? They may offer more options that you think, such as correspondence, or something else where you can teach yourself and just take a few exams, with no real class time. It's possible that they may offer proctored exams somewhere nearer to you, but driving to the university for one day three or four times during the semester could be manageable.

I'm just taking a guess here, and I have no idea if this type of work is viewed negatively by adcoms, so point really is...ask the schools if they have anything to offer you, and consider it. Sorry you're in a tough spot. Good luck.

 

[gofer]

If you are talking about "challenge exams" or "independent study" then those are a no-go in my region. Besides I am not sure if medical schools like such things. A person that I may talk to at a medical school may say they're okay, but when I am actually being considered for admission, they will probably frown on something like this. Thanks for your suggestion though.

Have you spoken to any of your state universities about this? They may offer more options that you think, such as correspondence, or something else where you can teach yourself and just take a few exams. It's possible that they may offer proctored exams somewhere nearer to you, but driving to the university for one day three or four times during the semester could be manageable.

I'm just taking a guess here, and I have no idea how this type of work is viewed negatively by adcoms, so point really is...ask the schools if they have anything to offer you. Sorry you're in a tough spot. Good luck.

 

[gofer]

You know what would help me though - online courses where the transcript does not reveal they are online courses. So that medical schools won't know it is an online course. I don't know any such schools that have such online programs though.

 

[cfx]

You know what would help me though - online courses where the transcript does not reveal they are online courses. So that medical schools won't know it is an online course. I don't know any such schools that have such online programs though.

I've taken online courses that appear on transcripts exactly like "regular" courses--no unique designation. This wasn't any sort of program, though, just a course offered to anyone enrolled in the university. Never seen this with sciences, but it might be possible.

 

[gofer]

I've taken online courses that appear on transcripts exactly like "regular" courses--no unique designation. This wasn't any sort of program, though, just a course offered to anyone enrolled in the university. Never seen this with sciences, but it might be possible.

You're lucky. I asked a university and enrolled for one course last year because they assured me that the course will appear on my transcript like any other regular course. Shelled out a lot of money to that school and at the end of it all, the course did appear with an asterisk on the transcript. And that asterisk said "online course." When I protested they said whoever spoke to me had given me incorrect information. I even showed them the email but it still didn't change anything. Wasted my money there. It's late, gotta get some sleep now. G'night!

 

[Poliscidoc]

Honest advice- You and person x move closer, that's about the only option. If option 1 doesn't work then you have to wait for x to pass

 

[petyr_baelish]

I don't mean to sound harsh but if X is in a coma, how will s/he know if you are away at school?

 

[WholeLottaGame7]

I don't mean to sound harsh but if X is in a coma, how will s/he know if you are away at school?

Remember that thread you started bemoaning everyone being called a troll...?

To the OP, there are definitely some "real" classes where you could self-study from the syllabus, email the professor with questions/etc, maybe use Blackboard to post assignments if there are any, and just show up for the exams. Unless there's a lab or small group portion or attendance is required, that might be doable. It wouldn't be any different than my college roommate showing up to his chem class 4 times in a semester: first day, 2 exams, and the final.

 

[venacontracta]

Unless there's a lab or small group portion or attendance is required, that might be doable. It wouldn't be any different than my college roommate showing up to his chem class 4 times in a semester: first day, 2 exams, and the final.

This.

You could easily knock out all of the classes that do not have labs by finding a school which has large classes and does not require attendance to lectures. This assumes you are good with studying on your own.

 

[gofer]

Honestly, even for my sake, it's not worth moving just for pre-med coursework. The logistics are incredibly challenging to move with someone who is in a coma. And too much homework needs to be done beforehand. Finding health insurance in the new location will mean moving first just to establish residency, finding a local job just to establish residency, etc. and even after doing all this, hardly anyone will be willing to give health insurance that does not have a pre-existing clause for X's current condition. So that is definitely out.

Over the Summer semesters, instead of taking only 1 or 2 classes, would I be able to take 5-6 classes, at different universities, if there are time conflicts. Does anyone think this would be realistic? Or do all of you think something like this is impossible even if I would have busted my rear end during the rest of the year preparing? (I would have already self-taught myself for the rest of the year in preparation for the hectic summer schedule).

 

[austinap]

You know what would help me though - online courses where the transcript does not reveal they are online courses. So that medical schools won't know it is an online course. I don't know any such schools that have such online programs though.

Most four-year universities don't list online courses any differently from other courses, but they also only offer a very limited number of courses online. I've never seen any real science class posted as an online course. Esp. any of your pre-reqs which are going to require labs. It's not going to happen.

If there are any community colleges nearby, you could go that route, but unless you're a superstar in a lot of other ways you could be shooting yourself in the foot by doing so.

My advice: either find a way to move closer to a university, or wait it out for the time being and find something to do that interests you. Get a job, pick up a hobby you can talk about, learn a language, etc. I foresee no reasonable way that you're going to get the credits you need without having to actually show up on campus. Almost any strategy that you could come up with has the potential to destroy your chances should it come up during an interview.

 

[austinap]

Honestly, even for my sake, it's not worth moving just for pre-med coursework. The logistics are incredibly challenging to move with someone who is in a coma. And too much homework needs to be done beforehand. Finding health insurance in the new location will mean moving first just to establish residency, finding a local job just to establish residency, etc. and even after doing all this, hardly anyone will be willing to give health insurance that does not have a pre-existing clause for X's current condition. So that is definitely out.

Over the Summer semesters, instead of taking only 1 or 2 classes, would I be able to take 5-6 classes, at different universities, if there are time conflicts. Does anyone think this would be realistic? Or do all of you think something like this is impossible even if I would have busted my rear end during the rest of the year preparing? (I would have already self-taught myself for the rest of the year in preparation for the hectic summer schedule).

Wait, you're saying that there are no universities in your state??. I'm pretty sure that isn't true of any state in the US. And no, taking 5-6 classes at different universities isn't realistic. Strategies like that usually end with the student failing all of their courses, proper f***ing their chances of ever getting into med school.

 

[Seven of Nine]

Okay, so you're a non-traditional applicant. You sound like you are self-motivated and disciplined. It sounds like you have the potential to earn high statistics. The good thing is that time is on your side. Don't shoot yourself in the foot by cramming or rushing coursework. I would be wary of taking a double courseload, because you could miss office hours, study groups, building rapport with your prof, etc. In my experience, professors are only obligated to work around exams in other classes within that university - not at our other local universities/cc's. Some professors are flexible, others not so much. You could find yourself in a very dangerous situation.

Where are you at in regards to the rest of your application? Clinical experience, work, volunteering, shadowing, hobbies? Can you focus on these areas until you have the opportunity to take your pre-reqs? That way, once you can, that is all you have to focus on. Also consider your financial situation. If you are supporting yourself & depending on the type of your work, you could focus on padding your bank account now to avoid having to work while you are taking classes.

And what about MCAT? Pre-reqs without a doubt are important for your knowledge base. You could, however, start looking into the verbal section. Practice passages, explore strategies, read... whatever you need to do. I also found even in the biological sciences section that there were many things (e.g. hormones, systems, basic anatomy) I had to learn independently not covered in coursework.

 

[sustentacular]

Honestly, even for my sake, it's not worth moving just for pre-med coursework.

The prerequisite classes in Bio, Chem, Organic, and Physics have a lab requirement too.. Perhaps you could do distance learning online for the lectures and then plan to do some of the labs during the summer. Labs are generally only 1 credit courses so it may be possible for you to do multiple labs in the summer sessions. I think it would still take you at least 2 years since Chem 1 and 2 are prerequisites to Orgo 1 and 2.

I think even if the courses showed up as "online" classes on your transcript you have a very easy explanation for this.

 

[Poliscidoc]

Honestly, even for my sake, it's not worth moving just for pre-med coursework. The logistics are incredibly challenging to move with someone who is in a coma. And too much homework needs to be done beforehand. Finding health insurance in the new location will mean moving first just to establish residency, finding a local job just to establish residency, etc. and even after doing all this, hardly anyone will be willing to give health insurance that does not have a pre-existing clause for X's current condition. So that is definitely out.

Over the Summer semesters, instead of taking only 1 or 2 classes, would I be able to take 5-6 classes, at different universities, if there are time conflicts. Does anyone think this would be realistic? Or do all of you think something like this is impossible even if I would have busted my rear end during the rest of the year preparing? (I would have already self-taught myself for the rest of the year in preparation for the hectic summer schedule).

How does health insurance lapse because someone moves, this makes no sense. Logic says pay the bill and coverage continues.

 

[gofer]

How does health insurance lapse because someone moves, this makes no sense. Logic says pay the bill and coverage continues.

Insurance is often employer-specific or state-specific or restricts you to certain HMO's. If you move, you usually need new insurance. The situation is compounded if you have a pre-existing condition like cancer because no one wants to insure you.

 

[gofer]

Clinical experience, work, volunteering, shadowing, hobbies

I have more than adequate clinical experience, work, volunteering and hobbies. Shadowing - I have not done any, unfortunately. The only medical facility in the area has a policy of not allowing any student to shadow their physicians. In the last five years, only one student has shadowed at this facility, but something happened and now that door is closed.

 

[gofer]

I also found even in the biological sciences section that there were many things (e.g. hormones, systems, basic anatomy) I had to learn independently not covered in coursework.

I wish I had a list of such topics, so that I can start preparing for them.
Thanks.

 

[imorbust]

Honestly, even for my sake, it's not worth moving just for pre-med coursework. The logistics are incredibly challenging to move with someone who is in a coma. And too much homework needs to be done beforehand. Finding health insurance in the new location will mean moving first just to establish residency, finding a local job just to establish residency, etc. and even after doing all this, hardly anyone will be willing to give health insurance that does not have a pre-existing clause for X's current condition. So that is definitely out.

This isn't usually true--I'm guessing you either need to look into it more and/or get a new case manager. If it's truly a chronic coma a patient will go to a chronic care facility, in which case you transfer the patient to a different facility. The current hospital/nursing home will have a case manager whose job it is to find a placement based on the family's wishes. The new bed might not be in the exact location you desire, but certainly within a reasonable distance to a university. Finding a bed isn't instantaneous, that's true, but since you're talking in months/years at this point the several week wait when you wouldn't be in classes anyway isn't that long at all. Frankly, it will be more difficult for YOU to move in terms of logistics.

 

[gofer]

Imorbust, thanks for the information. Do you know anything about getting health insurance in a new place - insurance where pre-existing conditions are waived? (some background information: she is currently in a HIP but for less than 3 mo, so a new HIP transfer is not possible; she has not had continuous insurance for over 12 mo, so a HIPPA provision will not apply from what I am told; she is also close to exhausting the annual max, so newer HIPs wouldn't want to accept her; I would also like to get her insured in a HIP BEFORE moving her there which seems impossible at the moment; finally the state I would like to relocate to is one where we have relatives and that state doesn't have a HIP at all). But if you know anything about getting health insurance without pre-existing conditions, please let me know because I would like to move to a place with better medical care.