Timing of Prerequisites taken in University?

[Guest ycat]

Hi all, im a second year student pursuing a B.Sc at York U. I was wondering if anybody knew if all major prerequisites have to be taken within the same time period? For example, I haven't taken introductory physics, general chemistry or organic chem. as of yet. I was planning to take physics in my 4th year, because it would be eaisier on me to take chem, organic chem, and physics at different times so i can focus on each course. But won't medical schools look at my application differently? I mean, compared to someone who took them all within the same year (or witihin a very short time frame), and also did well in those courses? Im sorry if my question sounds very elementary but this issue has had me worried for quite a while now and i just needed to know if this is going to effect my status as an applicant.

Thanks alot.

[MedPen]

I'm presuming you're not in science?

Besides, won't you need the prereqs to write the MCAT?

[Kyleh]

Use the search function and you will find 100s of posts about your question.

[Madz25]

Hi all, im a second year student pursuing a B.Sc at York U. I was wondering if anybody knew if all major prerequisites have to be taken within the same time period? For example, I haven't taken introductory physics, general chemistry or organic chem. as of yet. I was planning to take physics in my 4th year, because it would be eaisier on me to take chem, organic chem, and physics at different times so i can focus on each course. But won't medical schools look at my application differently? I mean, compared to someone who took them all within the same year (or witihin a very short time frame), and also did well in those courses? Im sorry if my question sounds very elementary but this issue has had me worried for quite a while now and i just needed to know if this is going to effect my status as an applicant.

Thanks alot.

 

Short version: take them whenever you want. doing them in 4th year wont matter much. i.e. it wont, or shouldnt, reflect negatively on your application. also, if you do them in 4th year - for some schools, they wont be included in your gpa which can be beneficial. not doing them all at the same time isn't a big deal either. many science students MUST do them at the same time because they are prequisites for higher level courses they need to complete their program requirements. do what you feel comfortable with. it will NOT make or break your application.

 

as someone has already mentioned, it may be helpful for you to do these courses before taking the mcat if you don't have a science background. if you decide to do that - then i suggest you do these courses in the summer since some schools dont consider summer courses in gpa but will accept them as fulfilling the prerequisites.

 

hope this helps. try the search function - there are some great old threads on this topic.