3 answers
Isabelle
Student
North Royalton, Ohio
1
Question
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Are CCP courses to get ahead in high school worth it for medschool?
I am a student taking college courses to try to earn the credits while I am still in high school
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3 answers
Alyssa Browning
cardiologist
11
Answers
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Hi there! I gather you're asking about CCP courses, which I'm guessing refers to community college programs? These can be a great stepping stone, particularly if your high school doesn't offer AP classes or certain subjects like physics that you're keen on exploring before college.
Medical schools often prefer that you complete your main courses at a four-year university they recognize, ideally one with a robust pre-health program. But this isn't a hard and fast rule. Different medical schools have different criteria for prospective students. For instance, some might prioritize high GPAs and having taken classes at a more "famous" undergraduate school, and research experience, while others might value your residency state, volunteer work, or experience with a primary care doctor.
Some community colleges offer courses that are identical to those at nearby universities. For instance, community colleges in California have aligned their first and second-year courses with those of the state universities to facilitate transfers.
My advice would be to focus on fulfilling your high school graduation requirements and taking enough science classes to prepare you for college. If you're well-prepared for college, you'll be well-prepared for medical school. High school classes don't typically factor into med school admissions, so concentrate on understanding and enjoying the material.
I loved my Advanced Placement Biology class in high school, but I didn't even sit for the AP test. I ended up retaking first-year biology in college. At my high school, it wasn't common to sit for AP exams, and even with a high score, I wasn't sure I wanted to skip first-year college biology. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't. However, having AP credit in another subject, like history (which my high school didn't offer), could have given me more flexibility in my college schedule.
Medical schools often prefer that you complete your main courses at a four-year university they recognize, ideally one with a robust pre-health program. But this isn't a hard and fast rule. Different medical schools have different criteria for prospective students. For instance, some might prioritize high GPAs and having taken classes at a more "famous" undergraduate school, and research experience, while others might value your residency state, volunteer work, or experience with a primary care doctor.
Some community colleges offer courses that are identical to those at nearby universities. For instance, community colleges in California have aligned their first and second-year courses with those of the state universities to facilitate transfers.
My advice would be to focus on fulfilling your high school graduation requirements and taking enough science classes to prepare you for college. If you're well-prepared for college, you'll be well-prepared for medical school. High school classes don't typically factor into med school admissions, so concentrate on understanding and enjoying the material.
I loved my Advanced Placement Biology class in high school, but I didn't even sit for the AP test. I ended up retaking first-year biology in college. At my high school, it wasn't common to sit for AP exams, and even with a high score, I wasn't sure I wanted to skip first-year college biology. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't. However, having AP credit in another subject, like history (which my high school didn't offer), could have given me more flexibility in my college schedule.
Edmund Joseph (Ed) Mancinelli Jr
Management--Corporate Strategy
10
Answers
Bedminster Township, New Jersey
Updated
Edmund Joseph (Ed)’s Answer
Great job! Taking these advanced classes is absolutely beneficial. They prepare you for future courses and demonstrate your initiative to a top-notch medical college. This will certainly be advantageous for you in the long run.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1187
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Isabelle !
I would say that since your aim is for medical school and you're in high school now already taking CCP courses, and since those credits would go towards your Bachelors degree plan, yes, they are worth taking now. These courses have the benefit of being free. I would advise to take as many as you can.
It's also nice to know that CCP courses are also available to students in your state for non-public school and home schooled students as well just in case you change high schools.
I would advise taking as many health science classes and sciences like biology and anatomy if you can. That would give you a good foundation for when you are enrolled full time at college. I also want to mention that English or some type of Composition or Public Speaking course would be really great to take as you will have a heavy writing demand and some presentation assignments in your work at college and medical school. College Credit Plus courses are great because you can fulfill requirements and get a glimpse into your future major. So my advice is definitely yes, they are very much a step forward and I believe they would be a benefit to you.
Best wishes in your studies !
I would say that since your aim is for medical school and you're in high school now already taking CCP courses, and since those credits would go towards your Bachelors degree plan, yes, they are worth taking now. These courses have the benefit of being free. I would advise to take as many as you can.
It's also nice to know that CCP courses are also available to students in your state for non-public school and home schooled students as well just in case you change high schools.
I would advise taking as many health science classes and sciences like biology and anatomy if you can. That would give you a good foundation for when you are enrolled full time at college. I also want to mention that English or some type of Composition or Public Speaking course would be really great to take as you will have a heavy writing demand and some presentation assignments in your work at college and medical school. College Credit Plus courses are great because you can fulfill requirements and get a glimpse into your future major. So my advice is definitely yes, they are very much a step forward and I believe they would be a benefit to you.
Best wishes in your studies !