Will not fulfilling a pre-requisite class hurt my application?

[wasabee]

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Hi everyone,

Just a question about pre-requisite coursework. Biochemistry is a requirement for a couple of medical schools in my state. I've looked up on each of their admissions sites, and it seems that students need to finish their pre-req coursework prior to matriculation. However, it is highly suggested that coursework be completed prior to application.

1.) Do you guys think it will affect my application if my transcript is missing Biochemistry? Meaning that if my application compare to another student's app with similar stats and EC's - if they have already taken Biochemistry and I haven't yet - will their application be favored over mine?

2.) Will I still receive an interview / acceptance if I haven't taken Biochemistry (but will take it the following Fall after I've applied), assuming that the rest of my app is decent? Or will they offer an interview invite/acceptance after I've completed the Biochem course and send an update?


Summary: Will not taking Biochemistry (a pre-req required in some med schools in my state) hurt my application / prevent me from getting an interview invite or acceptance?


Thank you!

 

[Black Mamba24]

1) All else being equal, if the applicant has anything extra over you then he/she will be favored. That said, I wouldn't think that the other applicant would be favored significantly over you.

2) On AMCAS, you have the option of listing future coursework. If you plan to take it the fall that you're are required, I think that it will have a minimal affect (if you follow through). In other words, I do believe that you would get interviews/acceptances with the course in progress or to be taken prior to matriculation.

 

[Zoopeda]

A few schools I've spoken with have mentioned the importance of each applicant demonstrating their success in upper level science classes (beyond pre-reqs). If you don't have any other upper level science courses under your belt (micro, genetics, biochem, a&p, etc), then it might hurt your chances at some schools to not have taken them yet...

 

[gmcguitar4]

If the school states a class as a per-requisite and you didn't take it..of course it will hurt you. It is the bare minimum that the school is looking for.

 

[NickNaylor]

A few schools I've spoken with have mentioned the importance of each applicant demonstrating their success in upper level science classes (beyond pre-reqs). If you don't have any other upper level science courses under your belt (micro, genetics, biochem, a&p, etc), then it might hurt your chances at some schools to not have taken them yet...

I would add that I think it's less about upper level SCIENCE courses specifically and more about completing a rigorous curriculum, even if it's not in the sciences. If all you've taken are freshman/sophomore level courses by the time you apply, it's a legitimate question to wonder if you've challenged yourself during undergrad and if you can handle medical school academically.

To the OP, with very few exceptions you can apply without having completed all of the pre-reqs and be invited to interview, accepted, etc.. However, you must complete the pre-reqs before matriculating lest you face the wrath of your (future) medical school. I find it hard to believe that there could be a situation where whether or not you've taken a non-required course plays a part in your ultimate fate. There are too many other important things above that.

 

[wasabee]

Thanks for your replies, everyone.

I have contacted the schools that require Biochemistry and asked my questions, and they said that not fulfilling Biochemistry will not hurt my application and I will still be able to receive interview invites, etc. They said that these things happen all the time and as long as I have completed the Biochem requirement before matriculation, all will be well.

Now I hope that my curriculum seems "rigorous" enough...I'm only going to have 32 hours of upper-level science courses by the time I apply...is that enough?

 

[TheShaker]

Sorry to bump this thread, but I have a question for my situation. I have not finished up my English prereq but I did not know that there was an option to list future coursework on AMCAS. Is there a solution to this problem? Unless schools don't really care...?