Frequently Asked Questions
Should a pre-medical student accept AP credit for courses that medical schools require, or should the student retake the courses here?
It depends. The only general rule is that medical schools are happy for students to take higher level courses rather than general level courses, but only as long as they still take the same (or higher) number of courses in the subject. Some medical schools (not Creighton's so much) are "bean counters" about it.
Let’s take General Chemistry as an example. AP credit for general chemistry requires a score of at least 4 for one semester, and a score of 5 for both semesters. Should a student with such a score decline the credit and take the course(s) “over,” or use the credit and start at a higher level of chemistry?
1. Check with the Chemistry Dept. in all cases. What follows are general guidelines but do not substitute for meeting with a chemistry faculty member.
2. Lab credit for Gen. Chem. would still require inspection of the lab notebook; good AP scores are necessary but not sufficient for lab credit.
3. If a pre-medical student uses, say, one semester of Gen. Chem. I credit (CHM 203/204, 4 credits - 3 lecture plus 1 lab) via AP, then as noted above, the student should eventually take upper-level chemistry to "replace" those four lower-level credits. Note, however, that some medical schools require both semesters of organic chemistry (with lab) AND one semester of biochemistry as well! Thus, one could not count either organic or biochem. as "replacement" courses because those are also required, in addition to the two semesters of general chemistry. So, not taking the the first semester of general chemistry means planning to take one "replacement" course with lab OTHER THAN biochemistry.
The same general philosophy applies to other courses. For example, an AP score of 5 on the biology AP test can earn a student both semesters of General Biology credit. For some such students, bypassing our BIO 211/212 has worked fine. For others, they wish they had taken BIO 211/212 before taking upper-level biology courses. The AP test score alone doesn’t give enough information. So, be sure to meet with a Biology faculty member who can discuss the high school course with the student and together decide if BIO 211 and/or 212 should be taken.
What about AP math credit? How is it different from AP science credit?
Math is a bit different from the required pre-medical science courses. Many medical schools don’t require any specific math; a few do. Among those that do, some (like UNMC) accept either calculus or statistics. But of course, math is important in the pre-medical sciences.
Should a pre-medical student accept AP credit for MTH 245 (Calc. I); if so, should the student go on to take MTH 246 (Calc. II)? Or, should the student start over again with Calc. I? Again, it depends. As always, if possible discuss the decision with faculty in the math department.
The goal is to have sufficient calculus ability for General Physics, plus more for purposes other than General Physics as needed. Chemistry majors will need MTH 246 (Calculus II). Physics and math majors will need through Calculus III. Others likely need only Calculus I, for use in General Physics.
Usually, if the student earned an AP score of 4 or 5 on the Calculus AB Advanced Placement exam, taking Calculus I “again” would be a waste of time. Similarly, a score of 4 or 5 on the Calculus BC Advanced Placement exam probably means the student has learned the material covered in both Calculus I and Calculus II.
Creighton offers calculus credit for an AP score of 3 or better. However, unless the AP test was the more advanced Calculus BC (not AB) version, students might want to retake Calculus I if they got just the minimum qualifying AP score of 3, unless the student will go on to take MTH 246 (Calculus II) when she/he is able to devote a good amount of time to it.
According to medical students and physicians, statistics is more often used in medicine than is calculus. Statistics is helpful regardless of how much calculus is taken.
Some medical schools prefer statistics courses that don't have the word "fundamental" or "business" in their names. Other than that, to my knowledge they equally like statistics courses taught by the math/stat. department and statistics courses taught by other departments such as psychology or biology.
Statistics is usually taken after the student has chosen a major, because the major (or minor) might include some statistics. For example, for a biology minor or major, BIO 401 (Biostatistics) might well be the course to take.
What if I don't want to major in the sciences?
Lots of national and local data, as well as explicit statements and observed behavior of medical school admissions committees, makes it very clear that students can major in anything. The keys are:
- Choose a major for the right reasons (you’re really interested in it and want to really engage in it).
- Take recommended as well as required science courses.
Please see Choosing a Major for more information.
What courses should a pre-medical student take, and when should they be taken?
Please see Choosing a Major.
What if I don't do well in General Chemistry?
Identify the reasons why you didn’t do well, in consultation with professor and advisors.
Consider multiple indicators (not just one class experience) as you continually update your career plans. All students should frequently reassess career plans each semester. Don’t give up on your original career plans too early, yet always keep other options in mind. Keeping one’s eyes wide open does not entail being unfocused, it just prevents tunnel vision!
Consider taking CHM 105 (Intro. Chem.) during the spring.
If you withdrew or got a D or F grade in General Chemistry but it’s still relevant to your plans, try General Chemistry again in the summer or in the following school year as long as you’ve completed any necessary math and/or chemistry preparation.
What if I haven't taken General Chemistry yet and it's my second semester?
You can either take it in the summer after the freshman year, or in the sophomore year. It may well still be possible to matriculate in medical school the August following your graduation with a bachelor’s degree, as long as both semesters of organic chemistry are completed before applying..
What can I do if I am feeling overwhelmed?
There would be something wrong if a pre-medical student did not feel overwhelmed at times. Take advantage of the mentoring opportunities and advising opportunities. Creighton is a wonderful community with older pre-medical students, current medical students, advisors and counselors, and professors all eager to help.