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I apologize in advance if a thread like this existed beforehand. I could not find it.
This question is geared for towards current applicants and med students, but any and all thoughtful input is appreciated.
If you could go back and devise the perfect schedule for college classes, namely the pre-reqs, what would it look like? Considering the MCAT, the app cycle at the end of your junior year, room for viable ECs (research, clinical experience, clubs, etc...), how would this impact when you take certain classes?
Pre-reqs:
-Inorganic Chemistry/Gen Chem (2 semesters)
-Biology (2 semesters)
-English (2 semesters)
-Calculus (2 semesters)
-Organic Chemistry/OChem (2 semesters)
-Physics (2 semesters)
If you'd like, go ahead and copy and paste the sample schedule below to make changes/edits. I believe this would be the ideal schedule:
FRESHMAN: English, Physics, Gen Chem, Calculus, (wait 1 semester for ECs)
SUMMER 1: ECs
SOPHOMORE: Bio, OChem, (MCAT Prep for Gen Chem and Physics), Research, ECs
SUMMER 2: 2-3 months MCAT studying and take it, (minimal ECs)
JUNIOR: Major Requirements, ECs, Prep for app cycle (LORs, PS, etc...)
SUMMER 3: App cycle (submission, secondaries, pray, etc...)
SENIOR: Graduate, Interviews, more praying, hopefully an acceptance
Reasoning:
During your freshman year, I combined three math-related classes since they will be similar in that aspect. It typically takes students a little while to adjust for college so I would advise that ECs be avoided until the second semester to gauge how well someone is going. During the summer, ECs should be started with at least clinical experience and possibly research if you're interested and if it is available.
During your sophomore year, maybe some light MCAT Prep for the two classes you would need during the freshman year while continuing ECs (as lightly or as heavily as you feel you can do, but be sure to have at least a small commitment for continuity). During this summer, I think it is best to take the MCAT so during this time is heavy prep. The test date can be as late as a week before school starts up again. Same advice goes for ECs (light). That way, there is some room for additional time to study if you found out that you didn't do as well as you planned. Taking on the MCAT during this time will save a lot of stress later on. Performance at this point will be a good indicator for success in the app cycle and possibly considerations for improvement or maybe (although drastic) a career change.
During your junior year, be EC heavy, and continue with somewhat of a light, manageable course load to increase the GPA as much as possible so an upward trend can be established if necessary or just to maintain that high GPA. I say to do more ECs during this time so potential LORs can be received and remain current and also these experiences will be easy to discuss since it they will have occurred less than a year/semester ago. During the last semester, be on top of LORs, have people reading your PS, etc... for a seamless application so it is ready to be submitted the first day (for Early Decision programs, rolling admissions, and a huge burden being lifted off). During this summer, continue ECs while completing secondaries as quickly and thoughtfully as you can. Buy some interview attire, get it tailored to your fit, and begin practicing some mock interviews, etc... (SDN will be most valuable during this time for secondaries and interview questions)
During your senior year, do anything necessary to graduate on time. Inform profs and whoever needs to be informed for interview dates. Be awesome and honest during interviews, and hopefully
at least a few acceptances will come your way. If you get an acceptance before the second semester, now is the time to relax a little and prepare to endeavor an even more arduous journey...
This question is geared for towards current applicants and med students, but any and all thoughtful input is appreciated.
If you could go back and devise the perfect schedule for college classes, namely the pre-reqs, what would it look like? Considering the MCAT, the app cycle at the end of your junior year, room for viable ECs (research, clinical experience, clubs, etc...), how would this impact when you take certain classes?
Pre-reqs:
-Inorganic Chemistry/Gen Chem (2 semesters)
-Biology (2 semesters)
-English (2 semesters)
-Calculus (2 semesters)
-Organic Chemistry/OChem (2 semesters)
-Physics (2 semesters)
If you'd like, go ahead and copy and paste the sample schedule below to make changes/edits. I believe this would be the ideal schedule:
FRESHMAN: English, Physics, Gen Chem, Calculus, (wait 1 semester for ECs)
SUMMER 1: ECs
SOPHOMORE: Bio, OChem, (MCAT Prep for Gen Chem and Physics), Research, ECs
SUMMER 2: 2-3 months MCAT studying and take it, (minimal ECs)
JUNIOR: Major Requirements, ECs, Prep for app cycle (LORs, PS, etc...)
SUMMER 3: App cycle (submission, secondaries, pray, etc...)
SENIOR: Graduate, Interviews, more praying, hopefully an acceptance
Reasoning:
During your freshman year, I combined three math-related classes since they will be similar in that aspect. It typically takes students a little while to adjust for college so I would advise that ECs be avoided until the second semester to gauge how well someone is going. During the summer, ECs should be started with at least clinical experience and possibly research if you're interested and if it is available.
During your sophomore year, maybe some light MCAT Prep for the two classes you would need during the freshman year while continuing ECs (as lightly or as heavily as you feel you can do, but be sure to have at least a small commitment for continuity). During this summer, I think it is best to take the MCAT so during this time is heavy prep. The test date can be as late as a week before school starts up again. Same advice goes for ECs (light). That way, there is some room for additional time to study if you found out that you didn't do as well as you planned. Taking on the MCAT during this time will save a lot of stress later on. Performance at this point will be a good indicator for success in the app cycle and possibly considerations for improvement or maybe (although drastic) a career change.
During your junior year, be EC heavy, and continue with somewhat of a light, manageable course load to increase the GPA as much as possible so an upward trend can be established if necessary or just to maintain that high GPA. I say to do more ECs during this time so potential LORs can be received and remain current and also these experiences will be easy to discuss since it they will have occurred less than a year/semester ago. During the last semester, be on top of LORs, have people reading your PS, etc... for a seamless application so it is ready to be submitted the first day (for Early Decision programs, rolling admissions, and a huge burden being lifted off). During this summer, continue ECs while completing secondaries as quickly and thoughtfully as you can. Buy some interview attire, get it tailored to your fit, and begin practicing some mock interviews, etc... (SDN will be most valuable during this time for secondaries and interview questions)
During your senior year, do anything necessary to graduate on time. Inform profs and whoever needs to be informed for interview dates. Be awesome and honest during interviews, and hopefully
at least a few acceptances will come your way. If you get an acceptance before the second semester, now is the time to relax a little and prepare to endeavor an even more arduous journey...
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