Advice for Nontrad?

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

Took Intro Bio and Gen Chem a few years ago…but dropped out of college after being discouraged by my first year grades. Clearly wasn’t ready for college… given the grades I earned in the following prerequisites (later found out that I didn’t have the right study skills) -

Intro Bio I © & Lab ©
Intro Bio II (A) & Lab ©
Gen Chem I (B-) & Lab (B-)
Gen Chem II © & Lab (B-)

After a few years of working and volunteering, and after much thought about what I want to do in life… I am hoping for a second chance. Feeling more mature and motivated than ever, I enrolled in college classes last spring and have aced a full year of courses so far as a returning student. I would appreciate any advice and guidance going forward as my current university does not have a premed adviser.

Given my grades and the time gap (don’t remember much from the above classes), should I repeat the above courses (for better grades and as refreshers)? Or, should I forego the retakes in favor of taking higher level courses in each subject? (IOW, go on to take Organic chemistry and upper division bio [A&P, Cell/Molec, etc…])

One big concern with going ahead is that I am not sure how the lack of/ limited information retained from the lower level courses (Intro Bio & Gen Chem) will affect my performance in upper division courses for both subjects (assuming upper division Bio builds on intro bio, and Organic Chemistry builds on where you left off from Gen Chem II). If it’s recommended that I continue on with upper division courses, will this be an issue ?

As an add on, I plan to major in the natural sciences…so I’m hoping this will give me lots of opportunities to raise my sGPA.

2

It is very possible that you can apply to med school as a non-traditional. It depends on how many years have you worked and how old are you. The age part may have to do with your financing but the number of years have to do with your acceptance. Normally, you will be considered a non-trad after 5 years.

You need to start the whole BS degree again preferably with a 4 year institution and if you DO WELL with the gpa and Mcat, you will be considered by Med School and they might “forgive” your pass grades.

There is a special section for “non-traditionals” on sdn, you may want to review all the threads.

https://■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/forums/nontraditional-students.110/

3

@DenTek

Kudos to you for realizing you needed time to mature.

I’ve known a number of successful non-trads who have gone to med school. It takes persistence and passion.

If you feel uncertain of your grasp of the foundational material in bio and gen chem, then retake gen chem and bio. You’ll need a strong foundation in both to be successful in upper level science coursework. Adcomms are not going to penalize you for the retakes since it will be obvious there is big time gap in transcript.

I wish you success!