Will med school frown upon students who only take science classes?

[Smileyfrowned]

I'm going to be a freshman majoring in biochemistry BS with pre-med focus. I got all of my general education taken care of in high school, through the dual-credit system, so all there is left to complete my bachelor degree is my science (major-related) courses. Typically, I can get my bachelor degree in three years and that's what I plan to do. With that being said, I will have to cram my science classes together, taking four each semester. Some with labs some don't. All of my GenEd are not science classes but I completed them before college. So basically my transcript of college is going to be all science class. Will Med school frown upon the fact that I took all of my non-science classes in high school for college credit and none in an actual university?

Also, what are some extracurricular activities med school like to see? I'm not very good with sport so athletic event is out the window.

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[bee17]

The college classes you took in high school will still appear on the transcripts you send to medical schools. I would be more worried about taking so many science classes every semester when you haven't taken any college science course yet. You may want to start with two (intro biology and general chemistry with labs) your first semester and then work your way up to more.

Medical schools want to see shadowing, clinical and non-clinical volunteering, leadership, research, and anything that speaks to who you are as a person. Go ahead and check the boxes, but also get involved with something just because it interests you.

 

[claduva94]

Well many schools (and more and more every year) have humanities pre-reqs that test scores sometimes don't cover.

 

[Smileyfrowned]

Thank you for your advice. But since my plan is to graduate in three years, I really have no choice but to take all those classes at the same time. I think it's doable though, I just have to manage my time wisely and work really hard. I already took some humanity class, it was covered in my GenEd course. I'm just worried that when I apply to a med school and looking at my transcript, they will think I'm not well-rounded, which I'm probably not but don't want them to find out. haha. I work as a CNA in a nursing home, I will volunteer at a hospital. I will also do research in a couple of my classes. I don't think I have leadership skill though, I'm an introvert, a little bit shy. Still working on breaking my bubble. I took a speech class, got a A, but didn't help much. Still wondering how to built a great relationship with my professors to get some good LOR. 🙁

 

[HybridEarth]

@Smileyfrowned I can tell you from reviewing each of the 32 schools I'm applying to, about 75% of them mentioned on their admissions sites that they "strongly recommend taking classes in the humanities, social sciences, and behavioral sciences." I would imagine that students who do well in a balanced curriculum are at a noticeable advantage if they took the time to list that on their admissions criteria. It would be in your best interest to fit these classes in wherever possible, even if it's during the summer if you're hellbent on finishing in three years.

 

[The Real SVB]

they will think I'm not well-rounded, which I'm probably not but don't want them to find out. haha.

They will find out. Even if by some godforsaken accident they can't tell from your transcript, they will tell immediately upon interviewing you. Science geeks who study nothing but science can be smelled from 10 feet away. These administrators/professors who review apps are not dumb.

Also...it is hard to believe that there is a college out there whose non-science requirements you will have already satisfied completely through secondary education credits. Either 1) you've been dual enrolled in college courses since 10th grade, 2) your school is a joke and has ridiculous requirements, 3) you're actually wrong and there's still requirements you need to take, or 4) your biochem major doesn't actually suck up every single class for all 3 years and you have room for electives that you're not willing to devote to non-science classes.

I encourage you to not be that awkward science geek with no life skills upon graduating, OP. Imaging if you burn out and don't get into med school – you will literally have no skills. None. Nada. Even if you do get into med school, you will be plagued by your lack of knowledge or appreciation for anything else besides the hard sciences and find yourself struggling to connect with people (e.g., your patients). Don't become that guy. Wanna know how to not be shy anymore? Take non-science classes and socialize with the cool people in those majors/classes and you will break out of your bubble. Stay locked up in your room and lab doing weird science things and you are less likely to grow as an individual in this respect.

FYI you're not going to kill your science classes in college as easily as you did in high school. It's a whole new ball game. All STEM classes for 3 years is a surefire way to get a mediocre GPA, no life skills, and an immediate red flag at any school you apply to.

Also no offense but you sound really Asian. (Correct me if I'm wrong?) Please don't become that cookie cutter Asian science nerd who has awkward people skills. plz

 

[largelyuntrustworthy]

Also keep in mind the general trend in how things from the MCAT to medical school admission requirements are changing. The MCAT now has an intense focus on aspects of the human condition relating to human behavior, society, and culture. Medical schools are now dropping prerequisite classes in favor of core competencies that relate to how one interacts and engages other human beings outside of a textbook. I admire the OP's commitment and drive to prepare for medical school, but the fact of the matter is that they are developing themselves into the type of applicant that is exactly what medicine is drifting away from these days. The Real SVB is harsh, and a little too fast and loose with the race thing for my tastes, but his/her points are correct. Medical schools could easily fill their classes in a couple weeks if they just interviewed/accepted the top MCAT/GPA candidates, but they don't. They go through an intensive process to vet applicants to ensure that they are well-rounded, relatable people.

 

[nwts]

It's no longer just a matter of what looks good to medical schools, it is now becoming a matter of what is required by medical schools. With the new MCAT, many colleges are now requiring psychology and/or sociology. Some of these haven't gone into effect yet, but there will be a lot of schools that have this requirement in effect by the time you're applying. Have you taken either or both of those courses? If not, you'll want to do that, both to prepare for the MCAT and to fulfill requirements at many medical schools. Also, many medical schools require one or two English courses, and a lot of them don't take AP credit. If you were dual enrolled in high school and took English at the college you dual enrolled at, you'll probably be fine for the English requirement, but if you got credit by taking AP courses, this could be a problem. You really should look into the requirements of medical schools that you're interested in and make sure you can satisfy them before filling up your schedule with only hard sciences.

Additionally, as others have said, taking non-science courses will make you a better student and a more well-rounded person. Don't miss out!

 

[mathnerd88]

The OP hasn't really done his research...

Lots of med schools don't accept AP credits or non-science classes not taken in college without a grade. Even if you use AP credits, you're required to take an additional 1 year of English, chemistry, physics, and biology that HAS a grade, making it more difficult for you.

For example, let's say you use AP credit for chemistry, physics, and biology. You're REQUIRED to take an additional year of classes in those subjects for a grade. For biochemistry majors, it becomes a problem especially in the class of physics. While you can get a degree without taking any more physics classes, medical schools require an additional year in that subject, so you're going to have to take higher level physics courses while in college because you already got credit for the basic physics course. Same will go with chemistry and you're going to have to take physical chemistry (which is going to be much much harder than general chemistry.)

I've learned especially that it is never a good idea to use AP credit anymore in college to fulfill requirements. It just makes it harder for you later on when you apply for medical school.

 

[moisne]

Well ... I also graduated early and I took mostly science classes (because my school didn't really have an English or biology department). But if you got your pre-req covered it should be fine. My course work weren't a problem

 

[mathnerd88]

Well ... I also graduated early and I took mostly science classes (because my school didn't really have an English or biology department). But if you got your pre-req covered it should be fine. My course work weren't a problem

Many medical schools do not accept AP credit. You have to watch out for that.

 

[mathnerd88]

For example OP, look at this:
http://medicine.tufts.edu/Admissions/MD-Application-Process/Course-Prerequisites

Tufts Medical School policy on AP credit:
For biology and physics, AP credit does not reduce required coursework. Applicants with AP credit in these disciplines are expected to take a full year of college coursework in biology and a semester of college coursework in physics. For chemistry, AP credit may be applied toward the general chemistry requirement and as one semester of the two years total required coursework. Applicants with AP credit in chemistry must present at least a year and a half of college chemistry coursework that includes at least one semester course in organic chemistry. Examples (in semesters): 1 AP + 1 general + 2 organic or1 AP + 1 general + 1 organic + 1 biochemistry or1 AP + 2 organic + 1 biochemistry

You may be screwing yourself trying to take all your college courses in high school. Your classes will get much harder than the average college student (because you have to take more advanced courses to satisfy requirements.)

 

[Smileyfrowned]

I actually got my Associate of Science degree when I graduated high school. I took sociology, psychology, ethics, government, two history course, intro to anthropology, public speaking, comp 1 and 2, basic nutrition, a computer class, and other math and science classes in high school for dual-credit. My high school is really flexible on which classes I want to take. I basically started college in my junior year of high school. I took at least five college class per year, some in summer, for two year from a community college, until I graduated high school this year. I don't want to be a science nerd who only does lab and study all day, I don't intend to, and I do plan to have a social life. The reason why I asked the question if med school frown upon people who only take science class is because I actually DO want a social life. Since I want to finish in three years and I have to finish all those science classes to complete my degree, I don't want to be too busy with classes I don't need since I already have my humanity, social, behavior classes taken care of in high school with dual-credit system. I want to make time for extracurricular activities, going to school clubs, parties, work, etc. Dealing with all the science classes is already hard enough, I just don't want to increase my workload by taking non-science classes when I don't really need them anymore. So, I'm really asking if med school will frown upon people who took other non-science class in high school for college credit, but took none in actual college time.

 

[mathnerd88]

Boston University School of Medicine
Here is another school that also explains this further:

http://www.bumc.bu.edu/admissions/applicationprocess/requirements/

All prerequisites must be completed before a student can matriculate at BUSM. We generally prefer that applicants take these courses at 4-year undergraduate institution rather than utilize advanced placement credits. If an applicant chooses to use advanced placement credits, rather than taking a course at a 4 year accredited college, he/she will be asked to explain the circumstances as a part of their BUSM secondary application. The Committee on Admissions will then consider the matter as a part of its comprehensive review of the application. This applies also to CLEP, community college, and junior college courses as well. If an applicant has placed out of a required college level course, we will also accept another course in that discipline at the same or higher level.

 

[moisne]

Many medical schools do not accept AP credit. You have to watch out for that.

1. Check which schools accepted.

I did 1-2 years at a college as dual enrollment bc my school doesn't offer those courses and they offered to pay my tuition

Could be what OP did - if not - just check schools

Edit: I did run into one of those problems for California in school. They insisted I take general chemistry one because it was on my transcript, I was teaching general chemistry one at a community college at the time... Lol didn't apply to that school

 

[T1p]

I didn't take many humanities (~5 including 2 English) since I doubled in engineering. I received a decent amount of interview invites. With that said, I agree with previous posters that it is probably better to take more humanities.

 

[mathnerd88]

I actually got my Associate of Science degree when I graduated high school. I took sociology, psychology, ethics, government, two history course, intro to anthropology, public speaking, comp 1 and 2, basic nutrition, a computer class, and other math and science classes in high school for dual-credit. My high school is really flexible on which classes I want to take. I basically started college in my junior year of high school. I took at least five college class per year, some in summer, for two year from a community college, until I graduated high school this year. I don't want to be a science nerd who only does lab and study all day, I don't intend to, and I do plan to have a social life. The reason why I asked the question if med school frown upon people who only take science class is because I actually DO want a social life. Since I want to finish in three years and I have to finish all those science classes to complete my degree, I don't want to be too busy with classes I don't need since I already have my humanity, social, behavior classes taken care of in high school with dual-credit system. I want to make time for extracurricular activities, going to school clubs, parties, work, etc. Dealing with all the science classes is already hard enough, I just don't want to increase my workload by taking non-science classes when I don't really need them anymore. So, I'm really asking if med school will frown upon people who took other non-science class in high school for college credit, but took none in actual college time.

Did you get actual grades and took these courses as an undergraduate from a four year accredited university? If so that changes the story. If your college is just using these as transfer credit from another institution, then that's fine.

 

[Smileyfrowned]

Did you get actual grades and took these courses as an undergraduate from a four year accredited university? If so that changes the story. If your college is just using these as transfer credit from another institution, then that's fine.

Yes, all of those classes I took in high school count as transfer credit on my transcript. I took those classes from a nearby two-year community college. They are not AP classes. I have 63 credit on my profile before I start my freshman year at a four-year university this fall.

 

[mathnerd88]

Yes, all of those classes I took in high school count as transfer credit on my transcript. I took those classes from a nearby two-year community college. They are not AP classes. I have 63 credit on my profile before I start my freshman year at a four-year university this fall.

Be careful. You said you took them from a 2-year community college? Many medical schools only want courses taken from a 4 year accredited college (look above for BUSM.)

 

[NeuResurgens]

Most medical schools require some amount of non-science classes, such as writing/English, and some have a required number of credit hours in the humanities. You'll need to check with individual schools to see if they accept AP credit for these requirements.

In general, I'd say you should be careful trying to rush through in three years. Taking 4 science classes a semester for three years might start to wear on you, and your GPA might suffer. See how things look, evaluate your own abilities, and decide whether the three years will work or if you should take a fourth.

 

[bee17]

OP, it sounds like you would benefit from talking to an academic advisor at your school. See if your proposed schedule is feasible. Advisers often know which classes work well together and which do not. For example, at my school, advisers often recommend taking biochem, cell bio, and mammalian physiology together because there is a lot of overlap.

Also, don't worry about taking dual-enrollment classes at CC. It sounds like you will be taking your pre-reqs at a university, so you should be just fine. You took CC classes because that is what your high school offered, not because you were trying to avoid university-level classes.

 

[Smileyfrowned]

Be careful. You said you took them from a 2-year community college? Many medical schools only want courses taken from a 4 year accredited college (look above for BUSM.)

Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I will look in to that.

 

[mathnerd88]

Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I will look in to that.

They will still take 2 year CC, but they mention they strongly prefer 4 year accredited college courses. Just be careful and look at the schools you want to apply to and their requirements. Won't hurt to call the admissions offices either of the schools you want to apply to eventually.

 

[Smileyfrowned]

OP, it sounds like you would benefit from talking to an academic advisor at your school. See if your proposed schedule is feasible. Advisers often know which classes work well together and which do not. For example, at my school, advisers often recommend taking biochem, cell bio, and mammalian physiology together because there is a lot of overlap.

I actually met with my pre-med advisor couple of days ago during my freshman orientation. He looked at my three-year plan that I've mapped out. I have Molecular and Cellular biology 1, chem 1, physic 1, and biology orientation seminar, planned for my first semester and all the sequential classes for the second semester. Together it is 27 credit hour. And he actually wanted me to take more classes because I have this $1000 scholarship that require me to take up to 30 credit hours. But taking an actual 3 hours is already $950 so I just didn't take an extra class. Don't know if my advisor is more concern about my workload or me not meeting my scholarship requirement. And he said is doable so.... I don't even know.

 

[mathnerd88]

I actually met with my pre-med advisor couple of days ago during my freshman orientation. He looked at my three-year plan that I've mapped out. I have Molecular and Cellular biology 1, chem 1, physic 1, and biology orientation seminar, planned for my first semester and all the sequential classes for the second semester. Together it is 27 credit hour. And he actually wanted me to take more classes because I have this $1000 scholarship that require me to take up to 30 credit hours. But taking an actual 3 hours is already $950 so I just didn't take an extra class. Don't know if my advisor is more concern about my workload or me not meeting my scholarship requirement. And he said is doable so.... I don't even know.

Well, anything is technically doable. You just have to find the right balance for yourself between work and play. You just don't want to burn yourself out and not have any life.

 

[The Real SVB]

I have Molecular and Cellular biology 1, chem 1, physic 1, and biology orientation seminar, planned for my first semester and all the sequential classes for the second semester. Together it is 27 credit hour. And he actually wanted me to take more classes because I have this $1000 scholarship that require me to take up to 30 credit hours.

Ok cool do that and let us know how it crashes and burns.

 

[nwts]

That sounds like a lot to me, but I cannot tell you what is right for you. Here are a few things you should consider though: What was your high school like? Did you go to one of those really intense high schools that are designed to send tons of students to big name schools, or did you just go to the average high school? What kind of college will you be going to? Is it a school known for being challenging, or is it a mid or low-tier school?

If you went to a pretty average high school, 4-year college will likely be significantly more challenging than high school classes. It may not be, depending on the college, but it very well could be. For me, my first year in college completely blew high school out of the water, and I wasn't even taking anything all that difficult in my first year. Like you, I did dual enrollment while in high school, but my community college classes couldn't hold a candle to the challenge of the classes at my undergraduate college. Having one or two science classes when you are new to the challenging environment of college is hard enough, let alone taking four science classes. It might be possible for you to pass all four courses, but what will your grades be like? If you get a 3.1 or 3.2 GPA, that is going to create a problem when applying to medical school.

 

[Smileyfrowned]

I think I'm going to go ahead and stick with my plan for the first year, if it's too much for me, I will go for the tradition four-year schedule. And I will consider all of your kindly and helpful advices. I think if I stick with the three-year plan, I'm going to take a couple humanity and social science classes in the summer. Thank you all for your suggestions and comments. They are all very helpful and I've learned a lot.

 

[The Real SVB]

I don't think you're really listening. Why don't you have space AT ALL during your regular semesters to take non-science classes? Why can't you take any non-sciences during the regular year?

I still don't understand how you literally have 6 semesters filled with science classes in order to complete just ONE major in biochemistry. This cannot possibly be the case. Do you mean that you want to do the biochem major and then take extra science classes on top of that? Meaning, you'll finish the major and be taking other courses that are not strictly required for the major? I just don't see how ANY college could structure a major to be so intensive that it requires SIX SEMESTERS of full courseload to complete. That just sounds false.

Again, you are going to have a bad time if all you do is science during the school year and leave classes for the summer. While others are doing summer activities to build up stronger applications, you will be stuck in class trying to catch up to everyone else. This will not help you get into med school.

 

[tortelliniboy]

Technically you'll be fine as long as you complete all of the pre-reqs specifics to the schools you wish to apply to their specifications (i.e. are AP classes/CC classes kosher?). However, the real SVB makes a few good points I'd like to reiterate plus some of my own.

1. you haven't taken a course at a 4 year university yet from what I'm reading. It's pretty risky to go in and overload yourself with what are perceived as difficult classes rather than getting a feel during that first semester and adjusting based on how you feel.

2. It will be much harder to enjoy the best time of your life with this schedule rather than taking it easy. Not to mention much harder to fit in your extracurriculars. Why torture yourself when you can have a shot at an amazing college experience + plenty of time to build up your CV at your leisure?

3. I'm going to be blunt; from our short interaction in this topic you give off an incredibly awkward vibe. Sure books smarts are one thing but why take a guy with that as his sole strength when you there's guys like me with a 3.9/35, research, shadowing, volunteering, jacked, good with the ladies, interesting hobbies like home brewing, etc.

(yes I'm more or less being satirical on the well rounded thing on point 3, but you would be surprised at the importance of soft skills in the process.)

 

[The Real SVB]

I'm going to be blunt; from our short interaction in this topic you give off an incredibly awkward vibe.

i.e., not unlike a lot of the stereotypical STEM people...like my little cousins...le sigh~

 

[Grace184]

Take some non sci classes to balance it out. That's black and white. That is what's being said.
Pick something useful/relevant but interesting and something you can get an A in.
Like I took Brain, Behavior, and Cognition in Psych (easy A for me) but it was interesting and relevant to science
And double check all the pre reqs like everyone's saying and make sure your CC credits are OK

And do try to get laid

 

[DrHart]

Also no offense but you sound really Asian. (Correct me if I'm wrong?) Please don't become that cookie cutter Asian science nerd who has awkward people skills. plz

Ok cool do that and let us know how it crashes and burns.

i.e., not unlike a lot of the stereotypical STEM people...like my little cousins...le sigh~

 

[The Real SVB]

View attachment 193022

Just trying to create a sense of urgency for OP. I'd take the risk of looking like an dingus if it can prods him into taking this seriously and listen to some of the advice.

 

[youmed]

Just trying to create a sense of urgency for OP. I'd take the risk of looking like an dingus if it can prods him into taking this seriously and listen to some of the advice.

Creating a sense of urgency doesn't have to be done in a way that you are doing.

 

[DrHart]

Just trying to create a sense of urgency for OP. I'd take the risk of looking like an dingus if it can prods him into taking this seriously and listen to some of the advice.

We're on an online forum here. Give your advice and move on. Theres no need to to act up.

 

[Smileyfrowned]

I don't think you're really listening. Why don't you have space AT ALL during your regular semesters to take non-science classes? Why can't you take any non-sciences during the regular year?

In my case, I really don't have too much wiggle room for non-science class in the fall and spring if i do decide to go down with finishing in three year. And I'm not taking anymore science classes than what my degree requires. I have to take Mol. bio 1&2, chem 1&2, phy1&2, organic chem 1&2, analytical chem1&2, calc 2, biochem 1&2, gene expression, biological physical chemistry, independent study, genetics, and 12 hours of upper level bio class in order to get my degree. In my college, everyone is expected to take at least 15-17 hours every semester for four year. I'm trying to fit it into a three year schedule and planning to do research at the same time. I'm trying to give myself some breathing room for school clubs, friends, activities, and school events by not burdening myself with non-science classes during the regular year. I already have enough on my plate. The reason why I said I want to take non-science courses during the summer is because I want to take them online. I actually want to go home for the summer so I don't plan to stay on campus for the summer, and science classes are not offered online. I plan to work as a CNA at a hospital or nursing home to gain some clinical experience and possibly shadowing a doctor in the summer. And I can do that if I take classes online. My three-year plan is not set in stone. I never know if I have the capacity to take all those classes at once AND have a life at the same time if I don't try. Like I said before, I think I will give this a try and if it is too much, I can go easy on myself in the spring. Having a good GPA and enjoying my social life is still my main priority. Thank you for your suggestions though, I will keep those in mind.

 

[claduva94]

In my case, I really don't have too much wiggle room for non-science class in the fall and spring if i do decide to go down with finishing in three year. And I'm not taking anymore science classes than what my degree requires. I have to take Mol. bio 1&2, chem 1&2, phy1&2, organic chem 1&2, analytical chem1&2, calc 2, biochem 1&2, gene expression, biological physical chemistry, independent study, genetics, and 12 hours of upper level bio class in order to get my degree. In my college, everyone is expected to take at least 15-17 hours every semester for four year. I'm trying to fit it into a three year schedule and planning to do research at the same time. I'm trying to give myself some breathing room for school clubs, friends, activities, and school events by not burdening myself with non-science classes during the regular year. I already have enough on my plate. The reason why I said I want to take non-science courses during the summer is because I want to take them online. I actually want to go home for the summer so I don't plan to stay on campus for the summer, and science classes are not offered online. I plan to work as a CNA at a hospital or nursing home to gain some clinical experience and possibly shadowing a doctor in the summer. And I can do that if I take classes online. My three-year plan is not set in stone. I never know if I have the capacity to take all those classes at once AND have a life at the same time if I don't try. Like I said before, I think I will give this a try and if it is too much, I can go easy on myself in the spring. Having a good GPA and enjoying my social life is still my main priority. Thank you for your suggestions though, I will keep those in mind.

I'm asking this as someone who did graduate in three years (with an engineering degree) but why is that your goal? I can tell you firsthand that I somewhat regret doing it and can assure you it will weaken your application just because of a lack of time. Feel free to PM me to discuss it further.

 

[nwts]

By my count, your degree requires 21 science courses. This would mean 3 out of your 6 semesters, you'd take 4 science courses. For the remaining 3 semesters, you'd take 3 science courses. This should still leave room in your schedule for non-science courses, especially during the semesters where you are taking 3 science courses. Is there something I'm missing?

 

[Goro]

Experience with patients and service to others less fortunate than yourself. We want to see altruism and humanism.

Also, what are some extracurricular activities med school like to see? I'm not very good with sport so athletic event is out the window.[/QUOTE]

 

[Smileyfrowned]

By my count, your degree requires 21 science courses. This would mean 3 out of your 6 semesters, you'd take 4 science courses. For the remaining 3 semesters, you'd take 3 science courses. This should still leave room in your schedule for non-science courses, especially during the semesters where you are taking 3 science courses. Is there something I'm missing?

There are also required seminars and lab. You are right, I'm basically taking 3 science class per semester, but those are hard classes, and I want to do research each year as well. So research counts as another class. I just want to give myself more time for school events, school clubs, and social life while I'm still in school for fall and spring. I don't want to have to save time to study for another class during the year when I can take that class online during the summer when I'm not bothered with science classes.

 

[Smileyfrowned]

I'm asking this as someone who did graduate in three years (with an engineering degree) but why is that your goal? I can tell you firsthand that I somewhat regret doing it and can assure you it will weaken your application just because of a lack of time. Feel free to PM me to discuss it further.

To be honest, I just want to finish school early because it's an option for me. Since I graduated high school with an associate degree, there's really just science class left for me. I thought if I could just finish taking those science classes and nothing else, I can gain myself another year. It could possibly benefit me later on, say I don't know, if I found a great study abroad opportunity, I can do that for a year and still not fall behind with peers my same age. Or if I do get into a med school, and say a school that allows a five-year plan, I want to go for the five year plan and still graduate on time. I just feel that the process to become a doctor is way too long, I want to finish as soon as possible and if I don't get in to a med school, I can have a year to plan out what I want to do next.

Since you graduated in three year and looks like you're already a med student! WHOO HOO 🙂 How much time did you spend on doing research and gaining experience? Were you a honor student? I'm planning on applying for the program but don't know if the extra hard work really matters though? Most importantly, how you balance your schedule?

 

[claduva94]

To be honest, I just want to finish school early because it's an option for me. Since I graduated high school with an associate degree, there's really just science class left for me. I thought if I could just finish taking those science classes and nothing else, I can gain myself another year. It could possibly benefit me later on, say I don't know, if I found a great study abroad opportunity, I can do that for a year and still not fall behind with peers my same age. Or if I do get into a med school, and say a school that allows a five-year plan, I want to go for the five year plan and still graduate on time. I just feel that the process to become a doctor is way too long, I want to finish as soon as possible and if I don't get in to a med school, I can have a year to plan out what I want to do next.

Since you graduated in three year and looks like you're already a med student! WHOO HOO 🙂 How much time did you spend on doing research and gaining experience? Were you a honor student? I'm planning on applying for the program but don't know if the extra hard work really matters though? Most importantly, how you balance your schedule?

Your reasons are very similar to mine so I respect that. Just keep an open mind throughout your career. I've found that I am still young and the year will be inconsequential. Anyway, to answer your questions I spent about 10 hours a week doing research, 20 hours a week working, 3-4 hours a week volunteering, and then a few hours doing other activities. I did graduate with highest honors and wrote a senior thesis but chose not to do the honors program because at my school it would have prevented early graduation. I would say it is only worth it for the opportunities it provides. Simply being in an honors program won't impress adcoms that much. But to balance my schedule I definitely had to make a lot of sacrifices socially. I would use google calendars to schedule everything out and I almost always had to be doing something. I did end up getting into a very good medical school, so from that standpoint it was worth it. But from the social side, I know I missed out and I also ended up losing a relationship of two and a half years because I worked too much. So while there is a lot to gain, there is also a lot to lose. I would think very carefully about what you want to do and try not to lock yourself into anything just yet. It is a lot of work but if it is what you want best of luck and I am more than happy to provide you additional advice.

 

[Mad Jack]

With changes to the MCAT and the general requirements of most schools, taking only science classes basically isn't an option.

 

[nwts]

There are also required seminars and lab. You are right, I'm basically taking 3 science class per semester, but those are hard classes, and I want to do research each year as well. So research counts as another class. I just want to give myself more time for school events, school clubs, and social life while I'm still in school for fall and spring. I don't want to have to save time to study for another class during the year when I can take that class online during the summer when I'm not bothered with science classes.

I completely understand that there are a lot of things going on and that you have to balance out your schedule in the way that is best for you. I was just pointing out that earlier you seemed to kind of indicate that you don't have room in your schedule for non-science classes, but it looks like you definitely have room. I understand the issue of taking lots of STEM classes in the same semester. I am an engineering major, so I have had 1 semester where I was taking 3 STEM classes, 4 semesters where I was taking 4 STEM classes, and 1 semester where I was taking 5 STEM classes. I have still taken 6 non-science classes over those 6 semesters. It's certainly a lot of work to have the non-science courses in addition to the STEM courses, but it is doable, and I found those 6 non-science courses to be very valuable. Again, I am not trying to tell you what to do. Only you know what is best for you. I just want to make sure you realize that it is very doable to take a few non-science classes.

If you do decide to take non-science courses only in the summer, I'd strongly encourage you to check out many medical schools' policies on online courses. Some medical schools don't accept them for credit, and most medical schools would probably prefer that you took them in person, even if they do accept them. I don't know since I'm not an adcom, but it also could raise some eyebrows that all of the non-science courses that you took while completing your bachelor's degree were online. Even if you take those courses in the summer, is there any way you could take some of them in person?

 

[snowflake5]

I came into college with a ton of AP credits, and started as a sophomore. I finished in 3 years (BS, Biology, cum laude, in the honors program), and I was able to study abroad! (I also did research, had clinical and non-clinical volunteering, did tons of shadowing, worked, and held a leadership position in a pre-med group)

I was never asked about my APs (I know you have CC courses!), and didn't have any trouble in the application process with the schools I applied to. It's possible, but make sure you plan it out ahead of time! Good luck! 🙂

 

[The Real SVB]

Eh...schools will still see that you've done nothing but science and hold that against you. I'm sure of it. Also, good luck on the new MCAT with a plan like that. You can't just rewire your thinking for the test after pigeonholing yourself with a rushed curriculum like that.

Also, in the likely case you end up enjoying college, you'll want to rethink rushing it through. Most of us realized college was pretty damn fun and unique and wanted to stay for the full time.

I know you want to get out of school and get into the real world with flexibility...be careful what you wish for. I'm one year out of college already and I'll take college any day over this stuff, and it's not because I have a ****ty job or anything. I love my job and life. But college was just better and different. Just saying.

 

[Smileyfrowned]

It's certainly a lot of work to have the non-science courses in addition to the STEM courses, but it is doable, and I found those 6 non-science courses to be very valuable.

Wow, five STEM class at the same time? Did that work out ok for you? I still want a good GPA, my goal is aiming for an A in every class. I know I set my bar pretty high but gotta have confidence right. haha. During your semester with 4 or 3 STEM as well as non-science class. Did you have pretty good GPA? did you have to study incredible much, did you still have time for school events, clubs, and work and volunteering? I am starting to consider taking some humanity and social science class in person like a lot of you have suggested. Just hoping I can handle it.

 

[panda16]

^ it's hard to directly compare BCPM classes from one school to another. My Uni more or less requires you take one non science class so as to prevent people from going overboard because that would be unreasonable to have five science classes concurrently here.

One of my friends at state school was in five Chem classes concurrently and got a 4.0 and said it was an easy semester, though. So take it all with a grain of salt.

 

[Smileyfrowned]

I came into college with a ton of AP credits, and started as a sophomore. I finished in 3 years (BS, Biology, cum laude, in the honors program), and I was able to study abroad! (I also did research, had clinical and non-clinical volunteering, did tons of shadowing, worked, and held a leadership position in a pre-med group)

Would you recommend finishing in three years? since you've been through it all and succeeded. Will I have time to build my application with everything I have to do? research, volunteering, classes, social life, shadowing, working, and other activities? Did your honor program helped you get into a med school? What would you say is the biggest deciding factor for med school to accept you? Will graduating in three years and having a good GPA puts you at a advantage? I know whether I'll make it in three year really depend on me and my abilities but I just want to hear other people's story on how they have made it. Haha.