Taking prereqs at a CC?

[jmcoreymv]

I graduated two years ago with a BS and MS in electrical engineering and a 4.0 GPA. After 2 years, and a lot of contemplation, I've decided I want to go to medical school, however I don't have the chem or bio prereqs yet. Are there any issues with taking these classes at a local CC? Will this hurt my chances of getting into a good school? I've got more than enough physics courses at least

Thanks!

[cheechootrain]

It is looked down upon by most schools.

[medmatt]

Not with your background. Get the classes out of the way, and do well on the MCAT. You'll be fine. If you want to go to Harvard then either; 38+ on the MCAT with CC courses, or Univ. courses and 35+ on the MCAT. Good luck.

[CaribMD]

It is looked down upon by most schools.

It will hurt you at the top tier schools for consideration
Much less at Mid tier

DO probably not too much affect

this is only in your case with that GPA if you had a lower GPA I would say hands down University is where you want to be, but when GPA's are above 3.4 I think people have done well to prove they can "Do it".

the reason its looked down upon is

Challenge of the courses and ease of grade achievement at CC Vs University.

I do not agree with this since when I went to CC my professor taught the same course at the Uni across the street. But you will find many biases along this path, you have to do what you think is best for you and understand what may happen.

thats one of the purposes of this site.

good Luck.

[cheechootrain]

Not with your background. Get the classes out of the way, and do well on the MCAT. You'll be fine. If you want to go to Harvard then either; 38+ on the MCAT with CC courses, or Univ. courses and 35+ on the MCAT. Good luck.

I doubt that Harvard will accept a person who took their PRE REQs at a community college.

[medmatt]

How many engineers do you know with a 4.0? How many do you know that have a MS? I'd say he'd have a SUPER good shot at the big schools with that undergrad/grad degree GPA and a 35+. When you get to medical school and start finding out the kinds of backgrounds people have who are matriculating, you will be able to figure out what would stand out. Everyone who matriculate's resumes would stand out in a sea of undergrads. This guy would stand out amongst a bunch of matriculating students at an average medical school. I guarantee Harvard would at least give him the once over.

[CaribMD]

How many engineers do you know with a 4.0? How many do you know that have a MS? I'd say he'd have a SUPER good shot at the big schools with that undergrad/grad degree GPA and a 35+. When you get to medical school and start finding out the kinds of backgrounds people have who are matriculating, you will be able to figure out what would stand out. Everyone who matriculate's resumes would stand out in a sea of undergrads. This guy would stand out amongst a bunch of matriculating students at an average medical school. I guarantee Harvard would at least give him the once over.

I would give you that its possible

But I still feel it hurts the chances when compared to others who have high GPA's as well all from universities.

I think its a hard call really, there are no absolutes and I think we tend to post at times like there are.

This is crystal ball stuff and every time I post I try to remember to make it about what I think in terms of chances vs never and not and will not..........

[cheechootrain]

No, what I'm saying is that Harvard looks down at candidates who took their pre reqs at a community college. I didn't say there isn't any exception to this. Unless I'm wrong, and Harvard doesn't care if you took your pre-reqs at a CC, so then I should take it at a CC where I would probably get straight As for the CC I have in mind.

[b2med]

Since I already have an undergrad degree(non-med), would it be wise to chose Harvard as a post bac to increase my chances into US medical schools? Does it really matter which school the pre-med credits come from or is it more about MCAT scores and GPA?