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Prerequisite Classes at a Community College?

Hi everyone,
I'm a college student studying on a pre-med track, and I'm planning to take math (calculus) and physics classes at a community college to help reduce the cost of my education. However, I've heard that taking prerequisites like these at a community college might hurt my chances of getting into medical school.

I want to save on tuition, but I'm a little scared that this might impact my medical school application. Has anyone had experience with this or can offer advice?
Thanks in advance!

Thank you comment icon Look into the CLEP test. You can test out of some of those courses. It is a great way to save money and time. TRAVIS UPCHURCH

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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Angel !

I've read your other question along with this one. I see by your tags that your intention is to major in Psychology. Your other inquiry mentions that you want to do the bulk of your studies online. You also seem to want to take general ed or prerequisites in person at a community college.

Doing an online education for pre-med or psychology will short-change your education and experiences as well as possible opportunities, but you should do whatever you can after being well informed. It really should all be done in person because Psychology is not a solitary field of work, you can learn more through in class lectures and class discussions, sometimes there are special guest speakers that you'd miss out on if doing it online, and in person will offer you more support and on campus services that would be helpful to you.

Taking courses at a community college would not matter as long as the credits are able to be transferred over to a university. Each Medical School has different requirements. As long as you have a Bachelors Degree, you can apply to Medical School. Has nothing to do with if you took some classes at a community college, but like I said, each medical school has different requirements.

Go to various Medical School websites, specifically ones you'd apply to and see what their requirements are. If you go in person to college, the guidance office would be able to guide you in this 100%. It is possible to apply for Federal Financial Aid for college as well as Scholarships and Grants which would give you more financial support if you enroll as an in person student. There's a bit of online reading that you will have to do for specific information about specific colleges.

Make a list of all the community colleges in the area where you live. See if they offer online credit courses. Then with a university or Med School in mind, see if the credits transfer over to those colleges. Most times, a community college that is close by a University has an agreement with the University that their credits will transfer over. Information for this can't be generalized because each college has different guidelines in place. So you'd have to know exactly which colleges you are asking about.

Millions of people go to community colleges for courses, so it's just a matter of transferability. Online courses may not be transferrable, all the more reason to just consider doing everything on site in person. Especially for a serious major like Psychology or Pre-Med. You'll need a structured path for putting in lab or practicum hours which can be assigned by a professor. They have information about opportunities which you will need to gain experience.

I would advise returning to the person who told you that community college courses would damper your chances of getting into medical school. Ask that person to explain in detail why it would lessen your chances. My perception is that once you have a Bachelors Degree, you can apply to Medical School. Your score on the MCAT entrance exam, your GPA from undergraduate school and your hands on experience is looked at more than the type of college you went to for some courses. You will be better off also if you do not do any of it online.

So go to your Academic Counseling office soon and clarify and verify any of this information. Sometimes people just say things that are their opinion and it could affect the way you see your choices. Transferability of credits as well as doing an in person experience will be what you'll need and to get more information specifically for the actual colleges involved.


Best wishes in all you do !
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! angel
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Victoria’s Answer

Absolutely not! First off do not let fear dictate your choices. Prerequisites are exactly what you need to keep the path going. Complete your classes with the best grade then move onto the next step. Do not waste a penny more than you need to!
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Perry’s Answer

Hello Angel,

Much of this is repeated from above:

-Everything in person. Nothing online.
-Community college for the first two years should be fine. But maybe call one [or two] medical school admissions office[s] and see what they say.
-Psychology major is fine. Most majors are fine. [As long as all the pre-med requirements are met - should be obvious.] Add a few upper division Biology classes.
-Grades and MCAT !
-Extracurricular activities - science [including at least one research assisting in a professor's Lab, and volunteering in some medical clinics] AND non-science loves of yours. Just an example, I was a free camp counselor for underprivileged kids two Summers. But no extracurricular activities your first semester at each school. And no more than a total of 3 [preferably 2] at each time throughout.

Perry
Thank you comment icon Thank you! angel
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome, Angel ! Michelle M.
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Quirdia’s Answer

Hi Angel,

Taking courses at a local community college is a great option, especially when considering the cost of education in the medical field. Since these courses are not specific to medical programs, like Nursing courses, they should not negatively impact your application.

However, if you're ever uncertain about transfer credits, I recommend reaching out directly to the admissions office of your desired school. They can provide detailed information about their transfer agreements with your current community college.

Best regards,
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Quirdia angel
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Michael’s Answer

Angel,

This "rumor" has been going around from at least the late 1960's. There is not a problem in taking lower division courses at the JC level. I had many classmates in medical school that did so. I agree that nothing online will be worth anything. The important thing is that you excel in all classes taken at the JC level then validate the knowledge gained with MCAT scores.

In fact, there is a school of thought that JC's may have a superior learning experience for the student. At large research based Universities it is not uncommon for graduate teaching assistants to give some of the lectures, teach all the laboratory sessions, and staff the professor's office hours. At JC, you might find a dedicated teacher who is more available for help in office hours, will teach all lab sessions, and with whom you might have a better personal relationship.

The admissions selection process has changed over the years. The traditional selection tools of GPA, Standardized tests (MCAT) are known to have higher validity and predictive value, yet have lager equity gaps and focus on only part of the student. Personal statements and Letters of Recommendation have low reliability and predictive value. It is assumed that by the time your essay is submitted it has gone through multiple revisions and suggestions by friends, family and professors. A poor essay will hurt you, but a great one may not set you apart.

Some schools have started using MMI, Multiple Mini Interviews to help remove bias. Other tests, such as PREview, Casper, and Duet are being used by some schools. Casper or Preview aim to measure desirable qualities like collaboration, communication, empathy, equity, ethics, self-awareness, resilience, professionalism, motivation and problem solving. It appears that more and more schools are moving in that direction.

As Dr. Zuckerman stated any major is fine as long as you excel at the required basic science courses and any other required classes. Although advanced biology classes in physiology, anatomy, microbiology etc. may make your first two years of medical school easier, it will be repetitive as medical school will teach all that you need for the USMLE.

Michael recommends the following next steps:

At the JC level, consider a Study Skills Course. I took one in the evenings, learned the SPQ3R method and changed the way I studied for the good.
Consider taking Organic Chemistry over the summer. It is like a full time job plus overtime. But it is the only class you would take. Check out UT or SMU for course details.
Another fallacy is that a bachelors degree is required for admission to medical school. There are multiple programs that accelerate the education process with joint admission to UG and medical school for qualified HS students. Some medical schools do require a bachelors, but others just require three years. Some have shortened the medical school experience to three years.
Bottom line: talk to some medical schools admission officers at schools that you might want to attend. You have several in the Dallas area. And don't believe everything you hear from a person who has not been there (ie Medical School)
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James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Angel!

Prerequisite Classes at a Community College

When considering taking prerequisite classes for medical school, particularly calculus and physics, at a community college, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against any perceived drawbacks. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the factors involved:

1. Understanding Medical School Admissions Criteria

Medical schools typically have specific prerequisites that applicants must complete before applying. These often include courses in biology, chemistry (general and organic), physics, and mathematics (which may include calculus). The admissions committees evaluate not only the completion of these courses but also the grades achieved in them.

2. Perception of Community College Coursework

There is a common misconception that taking courses at a community college may negatively impact an applicant’s chances of admission to medical school. However, this perception is not universally held among all medical schools. Many institutions recognize that community colleges provide valuable educational opportunities and can serve as a stepping stone for students who may need to strengthen their academic records or reduce financial burdens.

3. Importance of Academic Performance

What matters most in the context of medical school applications is your performance in these courses rather than where you took them. A strong GPA, particularly in science and math courses, will significantly enhance your application regardless of whether those courses were taken at a community college or a four-year institution. Admissions committees are more focused on your ability to succeed academically and demonstrate mastery of the material.

4. Transferability of Credits

Before enrolling in community college courses, it is crucial to ensure that the credits will transfer to your intended four-year institution or medical school program. Most accredited community colleges have established transfer agreements with local universities, which can facilitate this process. It’s advisable to consult with an academic advisor both at the community college and your prospective four-year institution to confirm credit transferability.

5. Additional Considerations for Pre-Med Students

In addition to coursework, medical schools consider other factors such as extracurricular activities, volunteer work, research experience, and letters of recommendation. Engaging in relevant experiences outside the classroom can bolster your application significantly.

6. Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, taking calculus and physics at a community college can be a smart financial decision if you perform well in those classes and ensure that they meet the requirements for your future academic goals. Focus on achieving high grades and gaining relevant experiences alongside your coursework.

In summary, while there might be concerns about attending community college for pre-med prerequisites impacting medical school admissions negatively, these concerns are often overstated compared to actual performance outcomes.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): This organization provides comprehensive resources regarding medical school admissions criteria and insights into what admissions committees value.

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM): Offers guidance on osteopathic medicine education pathways and emphasizes the importance of diverse educational backgrounds.

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): Provides information on college admissions processes including considerations for students transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions.

Probability that the answer is correct: 95%

God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.
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