What do you think?

[spideyman44]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Currently I'm working 40+ hours a week and taking a Gen Chem class at night Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays. Like everyone else I want to get this done asap but not at the expense of my grades. Because I'm trying to pay off some credit card debt and a car loan I'm trying to make as much money as I can. I don't want to find a new job since this one pays pretty well and will hopefully allow me to be rid of my debt within the next year or two.

I was thinking of just continuing taking one class a quarter inlcuding the summer quarter until my debt is gone. After that I want to find a new job with a more flexible schedule so that I can take 2 classes a quarter. So for my first year which I'm in now I would just the 3 quarters of general chemistry, then in the summer start physics and follow through with the 3 quarters of that, and so on. Would it look bad that I'm taking 3 maybe even 4 years just to take the prerequisite classes and some upper level bio classes before I take the MCAT and apply to medical school?

 

[njbmd]

What looks "bad" is poor grades in premedical coursework period. If you are working, you are not expected to attend classes full time especially if you have previously attended full time. If your grades start to drop, the job should be your first place to cut back. Money is nice but it can't come at the expense of scholarship.

 

[spideyman44]

Sorry for the late reply. I've been busy with things lately. Thanks for the response. I'm fortunate that I've taken all these classes before during my undergraduate time so I know most if not all my weak areas. I'm just trying to take my time with it and see what happens. I'm doing very well in my Chem 1 class right now so that gives me hope I can do this with a little bit of effort.

 

[dragonfly99]

I think it's fine to take one class at a time. Just make sure you want to do this medicine thing...I mean REALLY want to do it. Make sure you want to do it enough that you won't be bored that it's going to take you 10 years at least (i.e. 3 to take your classes, 4 in med school, 3+ in residency). Big sacrifices will be needed during all those times. Make sure you are willing to give up that much of your life for medicine...