<p>Hey CC...I'm currently a freshman at a Top 25, majoring in Government. Okay, so initially I wanted to be a physician, but the debt I would incur really scared me, so I decided not to pursue it. However, after investigating the alternatives (investment banking, law, other business careers, etc.) I've decided I really would hate those things. However, I didn't come to this decision until recently, and I was wondering what I should do with regards to starting premed. Basically, I have a bunch of questions. I have AP Credit for Biology and placed out of intro. I also have fulfilled through AP Credit my school's 2 semester English requirement. Also, I received credit for Calculus I. Will I need to retake these courses, or is AP ok for medical school (especially for the 1 year of english and half the math)? 2nd question, will I have to take summer classes to finish on time and go to med school after graduation? I'm almost afraid to ask my parents to pay for me to take summer courses, so I'd rather not do that, but if I have to I will. If I take summer courses, will med schools look upon me unfavorably? Basically, what do I have to do in order to graduate in 4 years with all my pre-med requirements fulfilled. I'm really in a tough situation and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!</p>
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investment banking, law, other business careers
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Hardly a complete set of alternatives, but okay.</p>
<p>1.) You will need to take SOME year of English, Biology, and Math. It does not necessarily have to be the first year, however. If you like, you can take more advanced coursework.</p>
<p>2.) Obviously this depends on your school's graduation requirements, your major, and whether you're willing to overload. Nobody here can answer this for you.</p>
<p>3.) Summer courses are not the best idea, but they're not going to crush you.</p>
<p>So you're saying some medical schools actually look down upon those who take summer courses?</p>
<p>Indirectly, yes. Summer courses interfere with more important priorities like research and clinical exposure. You have nine months a year to demonstrate what a good student you are. Summers are your opportunity to prove that you're well-rounded, too.</p>
<p>Directly, maybe. Summer courses are generally reputed to be graded on a more generous curve, but it's not clear how much medical schools are aware of this... or how much they even care.</p>
<p>could someone technically take easier GEs or classes for their major during the school yr, but premed reqs in the summer?</p>
<p>From what BDM said, that probably wouldn't be the best idea. But then again BDM also said "Summer courses are generally reputed to be graded on a more generous curve, but it's not clear how much medical schools are aware of this... or how much they even care."</p>