Expert: Susie Watts - 3/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I'm a homeschooled senior this year, and I'm planning a career in medicine.  I
want to go to medical school and get my MD.  For various reasons I'm
committed to staying at home next year, instead of going to college.  My
question for you is should I try to do my first year online then transfer to an
actual college?  This has been my plan for some time, but I've been
reconsidering since I learned med schools do not like online credits.  Do you
think it would be best to go to an actual college the year after next as a
freshman?
Thank you!
Hannah

ANSWER: I think you should plan on getting a job next year and wait to start college when you can actually attend a school.  Medical school is difficult enough to get into and you don't need any question about online courses to become an obstacle.  Maybe you could volunteer in a hospital for the year and get some practical experience.  That is always good to add to your resume.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you!  That sounds like a good plan.  I've been looking into Phoenix's
online individual courses, and I'd love to take 2 or 3 of them.  Should I try to get
these credits to transfer?  That way I wouldn't have to take them when I get to a
real college?  I'm thinking about US lit, psychology, anatomy, etc.

Answer
If you decide to take anything online, I would not take any science or math courses.  They should to taken at a university.  The other thing you might consider is taking some classes at a community college if you have one nearby.  They may have more credibility than online courses.