What counts as advanced coursework?

[futuredocprolly]

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I used my 5 on AP Chem to place out of Gen Chem 1 and 2 Lab. Some of the schools require that if AP credit is used, it is supplemented with upper level courses in that discipline, ie. Chem. Is taking analytical chemistry + lab and biochemistry enough to satisfy this for most schools?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I used my 5 on AP Chem to place out of Gen Chem 1 and 2 Lab. Some of the schools require that if AP credit is used, it is supplemented with upper level courses in that discipline, ie. Chem. Is taking analytical chemistry + lab and biochemistry enough to satisfy this for most schools?

If you are asking about the definition of "advanced," usually we refer to course that can be taken after the gateway foundation courses are taken. Technically, yes p-chem/analytical/quant and biochem would be "advanced" chemistry courses. Technically organiz is too.

If you are asking about medical schools' preferences for advanced coursework, look up the MSAR and the list of "recommended" course subjects.

Talk with your prehealth advisors.

 

[futuredocprolly]

Thank you for your response! For example Northwestern on MSAR says this about AP credit for CHEM:

"AP credit accepted. However, advanced level undergraduate courses in the science disciplines for which AP credit was awarded is expected."

And their website says:

"Science AP courses for which an applicant has received course credit at their undergraduate degree-granting institution will be considered as fulfilling the pre-medical science course requirements. Applicants should keep in mind, however, that the committee will expect to see advanced level undergraduate courses in the science disciplines for which the AP credit was awarded."

I find that this is quite a common strong recommendation by many schools that accept AP credit. Yet I think it is pretty vague on how many advanced science courses they expect or at what level (ie. 2XX, 3XX, 4XX level courses).

I guess I will need to reach out to each school individually.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Thank you for your response! For example Northwestern on MSAR says this about AP credit for CHEM:

"AP credit accepted. However, advanced level undergraduate courses in the science disciplines for which AP credit was awarded is expected."

And their website says:

"Science AP courses for which an applicant has received course credit at their undergraduate degree-granting institution will be considered as fulfilling the pre-medical science course requirements. Applicants should keep in mind, however, that the committee will expect to see advanced level undergraduate courses in the science disciplines for which the AP credit was awarded."

I find that this is quite a common strong recommendation by many schools that accept AP credit. Yet I think it is pretty vague on how many advanced science courses they expect or at what level (ie. 2XX, 3XX, 4XX level courses).

I guess I will need to reach out to each school individually.

Since you are referring to your own AP Chem credit, the academic advisors and the chemistry department likely have set up a policy for acknowledging AP credit but placing you in courses that are appropriate. Schools have had this challenge for decades (I can tell you), and an example of 'advanced level' undergraduate course would be Organic Chemistry. Needless to say, lofty freshman premed dreams die in Organic Chemistry (How Freshman Year Mistakes Keep You Out of Med School | SDN). And organic and biochem are "advanced level undergrad" courses.

Many undergrad schools give an alternative chemistry refresher course for AP 4 or AP 5 Chemistry students. Others may give an exam to give you credit but still require you to take THEIR intro chem sequence. Learning chemistry in your high school is not the same as learning chem PLUS LABS in a huge lecture + lab course.

Likewise for the physics sequence. What do you think would be appropriate "advanced physics" that med schools want? Answer: they don't.

Answering the medical schools' preferences such as the quote you have posted is the domain of the prehealth advisors to give students a path to address these concerns. So ask your prehealth advisors first.

 

[futuredocprolly]

I see. I already graduated though and am applying this cycle.