<p>I'm a CAP student at UTSA which means after a 3.2 GPA by May '08 I'll be in UT Austin. CAP program has specific requirements about what classes to take. In hs, I took a lot of AP courses such as Bio and both Physics exams, but not Chem. Now, UTSA says I've credit for Bio I,II,III college classes. It's been advised on here that one should then take higher level 'bio' classes such as genetics/biochem/etc. However, 99% of these classes are filled.. and all my med schools require I take a hard science class with a lab.. except all the labs too are filled. Yet I need to take one science course to transfer.</p>
<p>So, I took basic level chem that doesn't even have a lab and wait until next semester when space hopefully opens up for at least Chem I with its lab. Btw, I couldn't even get into Calculus I so I took Stat instead for fall and plan on doing the former in spring. Am I doing something wrong? This sched of mine below doesn't feel pre-med to me.. what can I do to make my fresh yr more rigorous for med adcoms?</p>
<p>English: Fresh Writing II
Science: Basic Chem
Social: Texas Politics/Govt II
Math: Basic Statistics
Misc: Spanish I w/'lab'</p>
<p>an easy schedule is good. you need to get a very high gpa to be considered for med school (at least a 3.5). that said, talk to your pre-med advisor and make sure that by the spring of your junior year, you will have taken a year of regular chemistry, organic chemistry, writing, biology, and physics. some schools don't accept higher level biology classes (they want you to take the intro bio class, regardless of your ap credit) but check with some of the schools that you're interested in applying to. as long as you have these required courses by then, you can take what you want. take easy classes to maintain a high gpa.</p>
<p>dmc89, I'm assuming you haven't started classes yet your freshman year, right? Haven't gone around begging admission to a filled class? Haven't found someone/something to manipulate the system to your needs and wants? Haven't gone through drop/add? Closed classes open up all the time. Get on campus early and stay late. Pound computer keys. Talk to anybody and everybody (Pre-Health Advisng. Dean of Students. Whoever.) Constantly check back for openings. Figure out how to work the system to your advantage.</p>
<p>I know UTSA is a large school but there are ways to attack the problem proactively. Don't just roll over for them. </p>
<p>What good is a basic Chem class to you with no lab? (Except for meeting some CAP req.) That's just wasting time. It does you no good for med school pre-req's and all the material will be covered again in Chem 1. Plus it might look kind of goofy on a transcript IMO. </p>
<p>If you are serious about getting over these "bumps in the road" to med school (career, whatever) you need to learn this : "Never take "no" for an answer from someone who can't say "yes". </p>
<p>JMO. Good luck.</p>
<p>(Hint: Weasel your way into Chem 1 w/ lab. And retake your Bio. Many schools suggest this even with a 5. You'll be starting out in good shape for med school pre req's, the MCAT, your GPA, and the CAP program.)</p>
<p>Why not try to knock out general ed. and major requirements, and then try and get into pre-med courses next semester? Because basic chem and basic stats seem like a bit of a waste to me if you're only going to try and get into Chem I and calculus later on.</p>
<p>I think your schedule is fine. It's OK to take the general introductory chem class--maybe that will help you to get an A in chem I. My D took the intro class because she didn't take chemistry at all in high school. </p>
<p>You have plenty of time since you are just starting freshman year. The most important thing as a freshman is to get the best grades you can so your GPA will be a high one. It's better to take things a little easier your first semester while you get used to college. </p>
<p>You could also start volunteering if you have time or get involved in some campus organization (humanitarian efforts are good). You also need those activities for med school (and because they are worthwhile efforts too, of course).</p>