umd011

I was wondering if taking pre-req classes at a local community college would look back when applying. I'll be graduating in about a year with a BS in psychology. I'm assuming my GPA will be about a 3.0-3.2. My GPA isn't something that I'm worried about. It definitely could have been worse (due to personal problems). I'm planning on taking a year or two off, hopefully working as a research assistant. I'd like to attend a doctoral program in neuroscience after my gap year. However, I only have one year of biology courses, and chemistry 1 under my belt, as well as Calc 1 (this was when I tried to be a biology major but my life came crumbling on me and I decided to switch majors to something easier). I know I'll need a full year of chemistry, as well as orgo, physics, and probably another advanced biology course. Taking these classes at a 4 year unviersity will cost me a nice chunk of change I don't have...will it hurt my chances if I took them at a community college? I do plan to take a few graduate level courses as a non-degree seeking student (after I've taken the pre-req courses and saved up some money). And I'm definitely going to try my hardest to see if I can land an RA position after graduation. I'm also considering calling up a few programs and asking them personally. I know the areas of neuroscience I'm most interested in. I've done my research on a few programs. I suppose I'm mostly worried that not taking them as an undergrad will make my application look weak. Also, the university I attend now does not allow students to take classes at another college. I can't take classes at a CC and have them transfer.