When to apply?

[will7678]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I just recently decided to change directions in my life and now want to go to medical school. I have 4 semesters of biology done from an associates degree in nursing but none of the other pre-reqs. I am going to take chemistry, physics and calculus this spring, then chemistry over the summer so that I can start Organic chem in the fall and be finished with all of the pre-reqs by the end of next spring (2009). Will I be able to apply this coming summer even though I will not have the prereqs done yet? Or do I need to wait until I have finished each pre-req before even applying? I know I will be at a disadvantage taking the MCAT without some of the prereqs but I hope that I can study my butt off to make it up and still score competitively.

 

[zebalong]

Biology for nursing does not meet the pre-reques for pre-med. You'll need to take separate biology courses for pre-med.

 

[LandSpeed]

I just recently decided to change directions in my life and now want to go to medical school. I have 4 semesters of biology done from an associates degree in nursing but none of the other pre-reqs. I am going to take chemistry, physics and calculus this spring, then chemistry over the summer so that I can start Organic chem in the fall and be finished with all of the pre-reqs by the end of next spring (2009). Will I be able to apply this coming summer even though I will not have the prereqs done yet? Or do I need to wait until I have finished each pre-req before even applying? I know I will be at a disadvantage taking the MCAT without some of the prereqs but I hope that I can study my butt off to make it up and still score competitively.

First, I want to say congrats on picking medicine after getting into nursing. I myself am in nursing, and will be starting down the long road to medical school ASAP. If I were you, though, I wouldn't plan on taking the MCAT before taking the prereqs like chem, physics, etc. Sure, the bio courses you've got are great, but they're not enough to prepare you for this kind of test -- even if you are studying independently. It will take time, amigo, and that's all. You might as well do it right if you're going to do it at all, so don't rush things and finish your prereqs, take the MCAT after, then apply and wait out the glide year like everyone else.

 

[will7678]

Biology for nursing does not meet the pre-reques for pre-med. You'll need to take separate biology courses for pre-med.

I have taken Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology and Nutrition for my biology courses. The school websites that I visited didn't really specify what biology classes that were needed just that I needed two semesters. Wouldn't these cover this requirement?

 

[Waywoe]

You would have to check with each school you are interested in. I know at Upstate, they want the biology requirements to be fulfillied by general Bio I and II. I could not substitute my micro, A&P, or cell bio for them.

 

[gman33]

Most likely your nursing bio courses won't meet the prereq requirements. You can contact individual school to confirm, but you're probably better off taking the bio for majors series.

Don't try to rush through the prereqs and the MCAT. There are too many stories of people who attempt this, hurt their GPA, and make it a real uphill battle from there.

 

[will7678]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like I need to plan on trying to make it into med school in the fall of 2010. I sat down and planned a schedule that should have me finishing all of the prereqs by next spring leaving me that summer to really study for the MCAT and get my application together. Well at least by that time my wife should hopefully be finished with her degree (dietician) and hopefully making some more money while I go through med school. Debt here I come!!!!

 

[Gold 5]

Will,
If possible take your MCAT in late May after class. This way if you need to retake it in say August, it won't hurt you to much. Also have all your LOR's lined up and ready in June (wish I did) along with your transcripts for AMCAS. If you look at these boards, most individuals have AMCAS certify their transcripts in June and receive / complete secondaries in July. If you want the best shoot to be in, be EARLY!

One caveat: don't take the MCAT until you are scoring on prcatice tests your desired test score. Take a kaplan class if necessary. Best of luck