Advice Needed: MCAT prep and Course Load

[ajswiss]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Alright, so I have not completed any of my science req's and will be a "junior" next year ( haha- as if i've only been in school two years 😉 )

My plan is to take my chemistry and math over the summer, then next fall take ochem, bio, phys, and (insert fourth class) throughout the year. So, if I take the APRIL MCAT I will basically have been studying the subjects for 7 months. However, I will have not taken a FULL YEAR's worth of science other than chemistry.

Could anyone offer advice on this choice? Luckily, I won't be working that year (just fitting in shadowing/volunteer time), so I can focus quite abit of time studying the course work and doing additional MCAT studying. I suppose anyone who has taken the MCAT under similar circumstances could offer advice, although all advice is welcome!

Also I have another question about taking those three science classes at one time. Is this typically done? What has everyone's experience been with taking multiple science classes simultaniously? I noticed there is quite a bit of advice posted on the forum about study tips, so I will be sure to take a look at that!

One last question; regarding the MCAT, could someone possibly reccommend a fourth class that would be benefitial to preperation?

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to reading your responces!!

 

[Engineer2MD]

Hi,
Let me just say, what you are planning *can* be done, but it is NOT easy! I'm a non-trad, an engineer career-changer. I went back to school this year and last fall took Biology, OChem, and Genetcis. This semester I'm taking Biology, OChem, and Biochemistry. These two semesters are tougher than anything I ever faced as an engineer. Getting it all done at once is great, but these classes are so different from anything I ever did before -- sounds like they would be for you too.

I have some things working against me -- I'm married, I commute, I've had a few very difficult "personal situations" I've dealt with this semester..... But I've found that FOR ME --

1) I should really buckle down and focus ONLY on my classes
2) The MCAT can wait until July and I can still apply "early"
3) I can take the MCAT more than once, it's not horrible to do so, and if I want to keep my May date I can always take it and see "how it goes" and take it again if necessary
4) Studying for the MCAT is WAY WAY WAY easier when I've covered the material in class -- so having the classes beforehand makes it much easier.

Honestly? I say what's your hurry? In my case, I'm poor 😉 and I'm not getting any younger. What's your situation?

Can you commit to a YEAR of tough work? Be honest with yourself and the best advice I've gotten around here is: Don't screw your GPA!!!!

As for classes to take in addition: My advisor recommended Genetics, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry. They are not required for the MCAT, but they seem to help a lot!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Tracia