A sophomore who's technically a junior...when should I take MCAT?

[paul2752]

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Hi,

currently I have a junior standing but I have only completed 3 semesters so far. I would be a sophomore if I had started without any transferred credits. I am studying chemical engineering and spanish minor

I started school with bunch of AP credits that took care of general bio/chemistry, almost all humanity/Social science classes and physics 1, so I still have sort of a head start compared to other students.

When do you think I should start studying for MCAT? Applying for medical school?

I have so far completed:
Math: finished all requirement including DEQ.
Chemistry: Finished Ochem 2 and lab. Have to take Biochemistry
Biology: No requirement except biochemistry. However I have taken Cell bio(C-) and may take microbiology.
Chem E: Finished thermodynamics. will take Fluid Operation and heat transfer for upcoming fall term.

Spanish: Took Spanish literature and advanced grammar(300 level). Will take Techinical Writing and Healthcare in Spanish.

 

[anonymoose1640]

Take the MCAT after you have taken the following courses:
physics
gen chem
organic chem
sociology
psychology
biology
physiology (you may be able to teach this to yourself with your current knowledge and Khan academy)

if you want to apply such that you don't take a gap year, I recommend taking the MCAT summer before junior year, winter or spring before May of your junior year. For you, that would be the end of this summer or some time next year. Don't take it until you're absolutely ready. If you're planning on taking a gap year or two you can consider taking the MCAT during your senior year or even after you graduate.

Hope that helps, good luck!

 

[paul2752]

Do you think MCAT prep is a must? Or can I do well based on what I learned in school and prep book?

 

[anonymoose1640]

Do you think MCAT prep is a must? Or can I do well based on what I learned in school and prep book?

Do you mean like a formal course from Kaplan? No, that is definitely not a requirement. Plus, they're several thousand dollars. If you can self motivate yourself, then get some of the prep books and give yourself ample time to review and learn the material (6 months out is usually safest, no less than 4 is what I'd recommend). If there's material from the prep books that isn't clear, then consult Khan academy or other educational sources for help.

However, if you think you will have trouble motivating yourself to study even months in advance, a prep course where you're forced to attend a lesson might be beneficial to you. It all depends on how you learn best (and how much money you're willing to spend).

 

[eteshoe]

Do you think MCAT prep is a must? Or can I do well based on what I learned in school and prep book?

Most people need to prep. Assume you are part of that crowd.

 

[paul2752]

Most people need to prep. Assume you are part of that crowd.

Lawlz I meant something like Kaplan prep course, which I would HATE to take becasue it's so expensive

 

[paul2752]

SO I guess I still have a year for the exam, right?

 

[jtd2081]

You have as long as you need man. I made the mistake of taking the MCAT before I think I was ready. Science-wise I was fine but I needed more work in CARS, so really don't rush the process. A bad MCAT is killer on the app so don't even put yourself in that position. I took a Princeton course and I think it was really helpful. It all depends on your foundation of the material. If you know most of it then books would be fine, but if you need some help I think the classes are helpful. Yes they are very expensive though so you have to decide if the money is worth it (my reasoning for the class: parents paid for it and how could I not take a class given how important the test was). But all up to you in the end. Many people have done great without the class and many have done poorly with the class, and visa versa.

 

[eteshoe]

Lawlz I meant something like Kaplan prep course, which I would HATE to take becasue it's so expensive

A prep course isn't really all that necessary unless you have the money. Once your prereqs are complete, with a proper plan of study and plenty of practice exams - you should be able to do well.