<p>I am going to a CC taking Bio 102, Math 119 (Pre Calc), Engl 101, Speech 101.
I plan to transfer into a 4 year school as a Junior in the fall term but if I can transfer earlier I'd be very happy. My high school career wasn't too good (Sat 1860/GPA 87-88/rank top 33%).</p>
<p>My concerns are that I took AP Bio, AP US Gov, AP Psych and got a 3,3,4 respectively. My CC gave me credit for all three but if I transfer out to a different college and their requirement is a 4+ will they still give me credit for the courses I skipped and will they even count all the subsequent courses I've taken (a 3 in AP Bio got me into Bio 102, skipping 100/101). So if I take Bio 200 something, will they count it?</p>
<p>Also, I know I need to start early and get involved in extra curriculars. I didn't do any in high school and it killed my chances at getting ANY scholarships. From the threads I've read here it seems that volunteering/shadowing/research/internships carry the most weight. How can I get involved in these?</p>
<p>Lastly, how important is the quality of a school? I am a minority and was accepted into Pitt but couldn't afford going. If I get accepted into a decent school it doesn't mean I can afford it. The most I'd be able to afford would be a tier 3/4 school. Will this kill my chances at Med School admissions? I know I need to speak with colleges and see how transfering would work out and financial aid. Should I worry about med schools now as well? Oh and before I forget, I am a freshman currently; when do most people start studying for MCATs?</p>
<p>Just take care of what is on your plate now. Do excellent in your classes. Transfer to a reputable school. Don’t be too concerned about tiers, just go the best school you can afford with good pre-med advising if possible. How do you find that school? </p>
<p>One way would be to talk to the pre-med advisors (in person or e-mail). </p>
<p>Research where their kids go to med school. Become an expert on how pre-meds do from your target schools.</p>
<p>I’ll let some folks who may have experience with your specific credit issues comment on that part.</p>
<p>What about extra currics? Most of the clubs at my CC are useless (Anime, Philosophy, Student Environment Protection Agency, Democratic nation)</p>
<p>Why limit yourself to your school? There isn’t some volunteer work you want to do? Physician shadowing? Non-medical volunteering? Make your own opportunities. The glass really is half-full. It’s just the way you look at it.</p>
<p>Well that’s kinda what I wanted more info on. How do I get more information about those oppurtunities? I’ve phoned both of the hospitals in my area and both say 18 or older only. How would I go about physician shadowing? Do hospitals allow that or do I need one who is in private practice?</p>
<p>It is very difficult to shadow doctors who work at public hospitals because of patient confidentiality issues. Most refuse flat out to allow any shadowing regardless of age.</p>
<p>You will have better luck trying to arrange something through a private physician. Do you have family physician? That would be the best place to start asking. If you don’t have a family physician, how about asking at the local health clinic you use? </p>
<p>And under-18s can volunteer at hospitals. (D2 started volunteering during the summer after 8th grade. She worked in pediatrics–which was the only ward that allowed under-18s as volunteers.) You will probably have to contact a number of hospitals to find one that will accepted younger volunteers. It’s hard because there are so many insurance liability issues involved with under 18ers.</p>
<p>And I have to ask, have you taken any Red Cross training? Having some Red Cross certification (First Aid, CPR, First Responder) may help smooth your way with finding a volunteer slot. Also, call your local Red Cross chapter, they may have some ideas of where you can volunteer.</p>
<p>Other places that you can volunteer are at nursing and rehabilitation facilities. Not glamorous, but most of medicine isn’t.</p>
<p>^^ According to his other posts, it looks like he’s a 17 year old freshman at a CC. I thinks he’s counting on his AP credits to give him advanced standing–although how likely that is to happen is unclear.</p>