Interested in the Pre-Med program

[OmarT]

Hey everyone,
This is my first post here, I've been a quiet lurker for some time now. Quick intro on myself and then to my question..

I'm currently 21 years old and I've earned my bachelors in Economics after jumping from major to major for a little while. Long story short, I got discouraged and distracted along the way. I am back on track now and I would like to finish my pre-meds and go into the med program at Antigua. I have finished Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2, Calc, Physics 1, Bio 1,2, English and whatnot.

At my University, my GPA is around 3.0, but my first 45 credits which I earned at a community college when I was 17-18yo have a disgusting GPA of around 2.4ish!

For my extra curricular activies, Ive been shadowing a physician weekly for quite some time now, and ive been active in some clubs throughout college, all while being employed several hours weekly. Also, I volunteered in a refugee camp in the Middle East for a couple weeks in two of the past summers. In addition I've gone through some major lifestyle changes such as losing 80+lbs, and have fixed many flaws in myself such as laziness, lethargy, carelessness and gluttony which all came along with it!

Any hints you can offer? Chance of getting accepted? I have no fear of living on the island, as I've lived/been to much more unstable countries. I know I have the dedication and motivation now to do well and excel, but what is the best way to represent and show this to those who decide my fate with AUA?

[Tipton]

I have finished Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2, Calc, Physics 1, Bio 1,2, English and whatnot.

Does the "and whatnot" inlcude your Org Chem 1&2 and Calc/Stats? If it does then we're not really discussing Premed at AUA but Basic Sciences.

Your profile is pretty similar to students AUA has accepted in the past.

If you could include a couple of professional Letters of Recommendation from your shadowing and volunteer experience it would be a nice addition to your application.

[OmarT]

Does the "and whatnot" inlcude your Org Chem 1&2 and Calc/Stats? If it does then we're not really discussing Premed at AUA but Basic Sciences.

Your profile is pretty similar to students AUA has accepted in the past.

If you could include a couple of professional Letters of Recommendation from your shadowing and volunteer experience it would be a nice addition to your application.

No, I haven't completed physics 2, orgo1,orgo2, or stats. How difficult is it to get aua to accept already completed pre med classes and say start out in pre-med 3 or something, is that possible? Also, do they accept 3 classes a year into the pre med program as they do with the med? I can definitely get those letters together as part of my application.
thanks for the reply Sir.

[Tipton]

Yes. It is possible to be accepted into any semester of Premed (1,2,3,4) depending of course on what you have done and the grades received on the courses.

And Yes. The same 3 start dates every year: Jan, May & Sept for both Premed and Basic Sciences.

BTW - Have you looked into finishing these courses here in the US and then applying to Basic Sciences? Just curious to why you want to go to Antigua for courses which would be much cheaper in the US.

[DOCplucinski]

i would deff recommend, as i usually do, finishing at least 90 credits in the states before really thinking about about Caribbean route

[OmarT]

Yes. It is possible to be accepted into any semester of Premed (1,2,3,4) depending of course on what you have done and the grades received on the courses.

And Yes. The same 3 start dates every year: Jan, May & Sept for both Premed and Basic Sciences.

BTW - Have you looked into finishing these courses here in the US and then applying to Basic Sciences? Just curious to why you want to go to Antigua for courses which would be much cheaper in the US.

I have looked into doing the courses here, but id prefer to get used to the environment there prior to doing my first med semester. If it would only take another two or three semesters there to complete the remaining pre med requirements, it seems like a great option for me. Thankfully, the cost is not really an issue in my decision.

Ive already earned 130 or so credits and bachelors here at a good university, so i'm overall ready for the next step.
I really appreciate all your guys help and input. Much thanks.

[Dr. Zoidberg]

Hey you won't need any extra time to experience this island. You will be here for at least 16months for basics. Try to finish up your requirements in the states and then come down. The island is ok, but home in America is paradise. Trust me, everyone wishes they were at home studying and not here.

[Sree Cheruku]

Ive already earned 130 or so credits and bachelors here at a good university, so i'm overall ready for the next step.
If you already have a degree (and presumably have not been able to get into a US school), you're among the people I would recommend AUA's premed program to. You might as well get everything done in one place.

[Cesar123]

I am considering doing the premed as well, I applied for basic sciences but due some poor premed grades, i got rejected for basic sciences, well they said the fall 08 class got filled up, so i might hop into premed if they let me, I am not sure where they would put me in, as far as the premed 4 semester, i got As in genetics, microbiology, anatomy, ** in my physics and D and B for organic chem 2 lecture at my university, does anybody know if i would have to retake these courses if i get into premed. I had about a 2.0 science gpa from what they calculated, because i had gotten some D during my younger years but i retook and got A and **.

[Cyberia]

I was in the same boat as you. I was denied into ** and that was it for me. I called the office back and they said i could get into premed. When i got to registration on the island..they put me in premed 1. I had brought my transcripts with me (being also like you..retaking the courses i never went to as a freshman and sophmore and receiving A's in them) and got put into premed 4 "modified". But there is no set standard. One of my friends has his degree in chemistry..but he took AP chem in high school years ago and there is no chem 1 on his transript. So he's taking chem 1 and A&P this semester. If you get a 3.0 in premed, you're guarenteed a spot in med 1.

[Cyberia]

Lol...it *** out "Bee" S...meaning basic science..

[Tipton]

If you get a 3.0 in premed, you're guarenteed a spot in med 1.

Just to clarify: if you maintain a 3.00 GPA in AUA's Premed, you are promoted to Basic Sciences upon successful completion. Premed Dean makes the final determination to Dean of Basic Sciences.

[Tipton]

[quote=Cesar123;858112]...anatomy, ** in my physics and D and B for organic chem 2 lecture at my university, does anybody know if i would have to retake these courses if i get into premed...quote]

Placement decisions are made by the Premed Dean in the Admissions process. Depends on what he feels you need the most to make the next step into Basic Sciences.