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what classes do I need to take during my first 2 years of city college?
If I'm going to community college for 2 years, and I wanna know the classes I need to take to be on track with becoming a pediatrician before I transfer.
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5 answers
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Michael’s Answer
Hi Katherine,
Great question! Going to community college for the first two years of your college education is a great decision. I would focus on ensuring you complete all of your required courses, so that when you decide to transfer to a different school, you don't have to spend extra money or time taking classes that aren't relevant to your major. Usually this consists of classes surrounding English, Math, Science, along with possible electives. Many of these courses can be easily transferred over to whatever college you transfer to. Getting these out of the way allows you to transfer to your new school with most likely half of the time you'll need to get your degree there, and will allow you to focus on solely taking classes related to your major. It gives you a leg up in your new school, and can honestly save you thousands of dollars.
Great question! Going to community college for the first two years of your college education is a great decision. I would focus on ensuring you complete all of your required courses, so that when you decide to transfer to a different school, you don't have to spend extra money or time taking classes that aren't relevant to your major. Usually this consists of classes surrounding English, Math, Science, along with possible electives. Many of these courses can be easily transferred over to whatever college you transfer to. Getting these out of the way allows you to transfer to your new school with most likely half of the time you'll need to get your degree there, and will allow you to focus on solely taking classes related to your major. It gives you a leg up in your new school, and can honestly save you thousands of dollars.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Katherine
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
To become a pediatrician, you will need to complete a bachelor's degree, followed by a medical degree and residency training. Community college can be a great option for completing the first two years of your undergraduate education, which will typically involve completing general education and prerequisite coursework. Here are some general classes you can consider taking during your first two years of community college that will help you prepare for a pre-medical program: General education requirements: Most four-year colleges require students to complete general education requirements, which typically include classes in English, math, science, social sciences, and humanities. Biology is an important prerequisite for medical school, so it's important to take courses like General Biology I and II, Microbiology, and Anatomy and Physiology. Chemistry is another important prerequisite for medical school, so it's important to take courses like General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, and Biochemistry. Physics is also a requirement for medical school, so you may want to take courses like Physics I and II to prepare for the MCAT. Most medical schools require at least one semester of calculus, so you may want to take Calculus I and II during your first two years of community college. Medical schools also look for applicants with a strong background in social sciences, so taking courses like General Psychology and Introduction to Sociology can be helpful. It's important to note that specific requirements for pre-medical programs can vary by college, so you should check with the colleges you are interested in transferring to for their specific requirements. It's also important to maintain a high GPA and get involved in extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to the field of medicine.
Updated
George’s Answer
Hi Katherine,
Make sure in the first two years of Community College you take prerequisite courses that are required to apply to Medical School. These included, in my case, Calculus, Organic Chemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, etc. Find a Counselor in your school that is familiar with this so that you do not have to scramble for courses when you transfer to a 4-year College. I am not sure about this, but the courses at the Community College should be equivalent and accepted by the 4-year College. It is good to complete them in the first two years so that you can move on and concentrate on the Major you will select in the College you transfer to. Some people consider Summer School to complete prerequisites. I did that with Organic Chemistry Lab. It was actually not that bad and I enjoyed it. Again, make sure where you go to a Summer program gives you credits that are transferable to the school that will give you your Bachelor's Degree. Best of luck!
Make sure in the first two years of Community College you take prerequisite courses that are required to apply to Medical School. These included, in my case, Calculus, Organic Chemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, etc. Find a Counselor in your school that is familiar with this so that you do not have to scramble for courses when you transfer to a 4-year College. I am not sure about this, but the courses at the Community College should be equivalent and accepted by the 4-year College. It is good to complete them in the first two years so that you can move on and concentrate on the Major you will select in the College you transfer to. Some people consider Summer School to complete prerequisites. I did that with Organic Chemistry Lab. It was actually not that bad and I enjoyed it. Again, make sure where you go to a Summer program gives you credits that are transferable to the school that will give you your Bachelor's Degree. Best of luck!
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
You want to talk to an academic advisor to be certain. Usually it is general studies which are alot of the same stuff you took in high school You can CLEP out of alot of those. CLEP test is good because you get credit if you get 51% of the answers correct and it only costs about $100. If you score around a 70% on a practice CLEP test (free), you should consider testing out of that subject. It will save you months of time and alot of money.
Updated
Jeanne’s Answer
The first 2 years of college are typically focused on general education to meet GE requirements. My children finished college in 3 years double major and 2.5 years single major by being strategic about the courses they selected. They also took courses over summer and winter to get ahead. You might want to consider this as you are selecting courses, many courses can double count (for example, a biology class can count towards GE requirements and a pre-requisite for your major). Don't be afraid to ask a counselor in your major earlier than later for advice on selecting classes. A lot of colleges use students to advise on courses, but don't know the tricks of the trade. Best of luck to you
See a counselor or advisor at college to provide input on class selcetion
Jeanne recommends the following next steps: