What happens if you haven't completed all the prereqs for a specific school?

[ziggyd0c]

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this question would be best described with an example:

i'm applying to USC this year (in addition to many, many other schools). they are the only school i've seen thus far that requires molecular biology, which i haven't taken. if they were to accept me, i would totally take molecular biology. but if they don't, i don't really want to take it because i don't need it for any other schools.

is there a way to put this on the secondary? theirs has the option of putting "completed" or "in progress" for the prereqs, neither of which really work. can i be like "hey, i haven't taken this yet, but if you admit me, i will totally take any class you want me to take."

 

[armybound]

if they ask, tell them you plan on taking it in the spring or summer. all they care is that you understand you have to have it before matriculation.

 

[red10]

You can put it in AMCAS as a "future" course.
I'm doing the same thing with Orgo 2 since most midwest schools will let me use biochem (which is a req for my major while orgo 2 isn't).

If you receive an acceptance from a school that requires a course you haven't taken, your acceptance will be conditionally based on whether or not you complete the course with a satisfactory grade before matriculation.

 

[ziggyd0c]

if they ask, tell them you plan on taking it in the spring or summer. all they care is that you understand you have to have it before matriculation.

so should i put "in progress" for it on my secondary? i don't want to just leave it blank and have them reject me for that reason alone. or should i call them? i'm sure they're not gonna call me and be like "oh hey! we really want you, but we noticed you haven't taken this class yet! will you take it please??" (my stats aren't great and i'd be lucky to even get an interview at USC)

 

[not so calm now]

rejection happens if you're applying to West Virginia University and aren't finished with prereqs by 12/09! 😡

 

[ziggyd0c]

You can put it in AMCAS as a "future" course.
I'm doing the same thing with Orgo 2 since most midwest schools will let me use biochem (which is a req for my major while orgo 2 isn't).

If you receive an acceptance from a school that requires a course you haven't taken, your acceptance will be conditionally based on whether or not you complete the course with a satisfactory grade before matriculation.

i put biochem on amcas as a future course, because i am definitely taking it this fall, but it's too late to add anything else i think, my amcas was verified a loooong time ago

 

[ziggyd0c]

rejection happens if you're applying to West Virginia University and aren't finished with prereqs by 12/09! 😡

wow, strict!! i guess they need every reason they can get to reject people when they're getting 3500 apps for a class of 150 🙁

the other thing i'm worried about is what if i haven't heard from these schools by the end of december... i'll have to register by then if i want to take classes starting in january.

 

[movax]

Temple is a school I ran into that wants all your prereqs done by application time (i.e. your AMCAS better have the grades for all of the prereqs on it, or you're just wasting money).

 

[Ignition]

I'd recommend calling the admissions office of USC and inquiring on how they handle a prereq situation like this. That's the only answer you'll get that you know is 100% accurate.

Don't be afraid of the admissions office! 🙂

Best of luck.

 

[ziggyd0c]

UIC is another one with this problem... i'm planning on taking an intro sociology class this fall to fulfill their "behavioral sciences" requirement. i would definitely not be taking otherwise lol

 

[jal06c]

Temple is a school I ran into that wants all your prereqs done by application time (i.e. your AMCAS better have the grades for all of the prereqs on it, or you're just wasting money).

really?!? bummer, i really wanted to apply there but will be taking physics 2 this fall, which is my only pre-req that is not complete. so i shouldn't even bother to apply? do you know this from personal experience, word of mouth, or straight from a temple rep/adcom? thanks

 

[movax]

really?!? bummer, i really wanted to apply there but will be taking physics 2 this fall, which is my only pre-req that is not complete. so i shouldn't even bother to apply? do you know this from personal experience, word of mouth, or straight from a temple rep/adcom? thanks

IIRC, I read that on their website. Most schools say 'before matriculation', but IIRC, they explicitly say 'before app'.

 

[jal06c]

IIRC, I read that on their website. Most schools say 'before matriculation', but IIRC, they explicitly say 'before app'.

oh yeah, i just read it: "It is recommended that all required courses be completed prior to applying." ugh. since physics 2 is the only pre-req not completed (and i got an A in physics 1!!), do you think i should stipp apply since it only says recommended? or is it a waste of money? thanks.