JCE -
I think your plan is fine. The CC is a good place to get back into the “school” mode, especially since you don’t plan on taking the pre-reqs there. The suggestion to take an intro chem class or pre-calc at the CC isn’t a bad idea. Taking intro chem would probably help you out when you take gen chem. I don’t know how your math skills are, but you want to make sure that your algebra skills are solid prior to taking gen chem and that your trig skills are solid prior to taking physics. I see no problem with taking the maths at the CC. You will probably get more help and one-on-one attention there, if you need it. Personally, I don’t think it will hurt your application if you take intro chem (not the pre-req) and/or math courses at the CC.
Can you give some examples of what is confusing you about the MSAR? In general, most medical schools require (at minimum) one year of biology (what type of biology may vary) with lab, one year of general chemistry with lab, one year of physics with lab, and one year of organic chemistry with lab (sorry to repeat what Bill posted previously). Some schools may list inorganic chemistry as a pre-req instead of gen chem, usually they are the same thing. Some schools will specify cell biology - again, this is usually a component of a general bio class.
Many schools are starting to require biochemistry, and many others recommend it. You will find that a lot of schools will list classes that they “recommend” - like genetics, calculus, anatomy, etc. These are NOT required for admission, and it will probably not significantly diminish your chances of getting in to a school assuming your GPA and MCAT are good. Only a few schools actually REQUIRE calculus or the others I mentioned.
When you get ready to schedule at the university, make sure you find out what bio, chem, and physics classes are considered the “pre-med” classes. A lot of universities will print out a list of classes that they “recommend” for pre-meds. Although not all the classes on the list are usually necessary for admission to medical school, you can be assured that the gen chem, bio and physics class that they list will meet the requirements for medical schools.
As for choosing a major . . . choose whatever major makes you happy. If you want to major in philosophy or English lit, go for it. The medical schools don’t care what your major is as long as you take the pre-reqs. You will find that even if you decide to be a non-science major, you can still count some of your pre-med classes towards your general education/elective requirements and it might not take you as much extra time as you think. If you find that you are a strong student, you can sometimes knock out the entire year of chemistry, physics or biology during summer sessions, and that would help you finish your degree + pre-reqs quicker.
Good luck!