I have 2 years of undergrad sciences to catch up on before I can start med school. For Fall 2009/Spring 2010, I'll be taking 2 Gen Chem Classes, 2 Bio classes, and 2 Physics classes. Then in Fall 2010, I'll be taking my first Gen chem and Genetics.
However, if I wait until I finish all my classes in the Spring of 2011 and THEN take my MCAT and apply for med school, I will have a one year gap in between finishing prereqs and starting med school. I'd like to avoid this if at all possible.
So, I've been vigorously working through an organic chemistry book on my own time, and so far I've managed to teach myself half a semester's worth of material in just a couple of weeks. And so far, I have a very firm grasp of everything I've studied.
Is it foolish to think I can continue studying like this, even while working and schooling full time, just so I can take the MCAT before actually taking any org chem classes?? I'm a great self-learner, but I was wondering what other people's thoughts were on trying to accomplish such a monumental feat.
Thanks for your time!
P.S. I should also add that I called my preferred med school, and their admissions office told me that I would still be a viable candidate even if I hadn't taken org chem by the time I applied. She said as long as I had it finished by the time I entered med school, and as long as my MCATs were good, then I should be okay.
However, if I wait until I finish all my classes in the Spring of 2011 and THEN take my MCAT and apply for med school, I will have a one year gap in between finishing prereqs and starting med school. I'd like to avoid this if at all possible.
So, I've been vigorously working through an organic chemistry book on my own time, and so far I've managed to teach myself half a semester's worth of material in just a couple of weeks. And so far, I have a very firm grasp of everything I've studied.
Is it foolish to think I can continue studying like this, even while working and schooling full time, just so I can take the MCAT before actually taking any org chem classes?? I'm a great self-learner, but I was wondering what other people's thoughts were on trying to accomplish such a monumental feat.
Thanks for your time!
P.S. I should also add that I called my preferred med school, and their admissions office told me that I would still be a viable candidate even if I hadn't taken org chem by the time I applied. She said as long as I had it finished by the time I entered med school, and as long as my MCATs were good, then I should be okay.