Anyone got suggestions

[mastamark]

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Hello all,

I need a little advice.

I am in the second semester of my second year in college. I was a biology major and completed my year of biology and general chemistry. I took organic I last semester but I failed it. I realize that I can retake it next fall followed by Orgo II the following semester. I was thinking of taking physics I and II over the sumer(algebra based), so it wouldn't be so tough with orgo. I go to a school that makes it mandatory to be a Bio or Biochem major to be in the pre-med program(which regulates all letters of rec from science profs). I should be taking the MCAT next spring but I don't see this happening. I gotta finish 2 semesters of Physics, 2 semesters of Organic and I changed my major so I can't ignore my psychology classes. And I definitely want to take Micrbiology and Biochem because I was told by my pre-professional advisors that early on that medical schools won't even look at you without them. I made B's in the pre-recs I took already, so I gotta proove to them I can do something other than the basics right? These upper div classes are also needed to takle the MCAT also from what I heard. I apologize if this isn't that coherent but my back is against the wall here. I feel overwhelmed at all of the stuff that needs to be done. Any advice at all would help me cope a little now.

I only plan on applying to Osteo schools. I really love the philosphy and I plan on primary care. I just think it's best for me.

 

[NewNick]

Hello all,

I need a little advice.

I am in the second semester of my second year in college. I was a biology major and completed my year of biology and general chemistry. I took organic I last semester but I failed it. I realize that I can retake it next fall followed by Orgo II the following semester. I was thinking of taking physics I and II over the sumer(algebra based), so it wouldn't be so tough with orgo. I go to a school that makes it mandatory to be a Bio or Biochem major to be in the pre-med program(which regulates all letters of rec from science profs). I should be taking the MCAT next spring but I don't see this happening. I gotta finish 2 semesters of Physics, 2 semesters of Organic and I changed my major so I can't ignore my psychology classes. And I definitely want to take Micrbiology and Biochem because I was told by my pre-professional advisors that early on that medical schools won't even look at you without them. I made B's in the pre-recs I took already, so I gotta proove to them I can do something other than the basics right? These upper div classes are also needed to takle the MCAT also from what I heard. I apologize if this isn't that coherent but my back is against the wall here. I feel overwhelmed at all of the stuff that needs to be done. Any advice at all would help me cope a little now.

I only plan on applying to Osteo schools. I really love the philosphy and I plan on primary care. I just think it's best for me.

If I understand you correctly, you'll be done with Physics and Org Chem in the next Spring (2007). If so, you still have one more year to finish your BA or BS degree. You can take BioChem and MicoBio in the last year. You are still be able to take the MCAT in April 2007 or Aug 2007. You can take Kaplan class parallel to Physics II and Org Chem II before taking MCAT. It's doable. Your advantage is the materials that you're learned are still fresh. When you take MCAT, you're still sharp. You can do it. Good luck.

 

[mj1878]

First off, try to calm down a bit, because you're going to be fine. Yes, there's a lot to do, but we've all done it and you're still just a sophomore. Also try and realize that perhaps this road will not be the traditional 4-year undergrad approach. Most of us took 5 years (or longer) to finish up everything, do the MCAT, and apply. I have some questions, then some suggestions:

1)You said you 'were' a biology major; are you still? If you are, don't worry about cramming in a bunch of extra upper level science classes, because you'll be taking them anyway. For example, at my school, a biology major would take General chem, Organic, Physics, Intro to biology, cell bio, micro, genetics, molecular, biochem, etc.
If you're still a bio major, then you'll be taking plenty of science classes to show admissions committees that you can handle the rigors of the classroom. If you're not currently a bio major, it sounds like you could still get letters of rec from individual professors, which is what I did(thereby bypassing the premed committee, which seems a little elitist and wrong to me).

2)Why won't you take Physics and Organic together? You say that you're stressed about everything that needs to be done, but this is something that needs to be done: you must take more than one prereq class per semester. They need to know that you can handle a LOT on your plate, since you'll be taking 25 credits or more per semester in medical school. If you stick to one per semester, I guarantee it will come up in interview as a negative sticking point.

My other suggestion is that you definitely need some psychology classes, but don't worry, they're all easy at the level you'll be taking them. If your school offers Biopsychology, I recommend taking it. Not only will you learn a lot, but it could change your outlook on some things. Also, at least one psychology course is required by most osteopathic schools.

Don't forget about the math requirement; if you haven't taken a college math course yet, do it soon. You don't have to take calculus; take statistics and breeze through it.

You do NOT absolutely need Microbiology and Biochem for the MCAT. Yes, there is some Micro and yes there is some Biochem on the exam, but you're really only talking about a VERY small amount of questions covering these areas anyway. The lion's share will cover General Chem, Organic, Biology, Genetics, and Physics(like 85 percent). I guarantee if you know these topics well, you'll do great. For example, I didn't take Micro, and did average in Biochem (which I didn't use at all for the MCAT) and got
11VR 11PS 8BS. You'll be fine. Also keep in mind that they're shortening the MCAT by a third next year, so they'll have to be a little more selective with their question pool. You're likely looking at two or so questions per topic area (per the AAMC MCAT topics list on the AAMC web site).


Sorry this post is so long. You'll be fine. Take more prereqs, get out there and volunteer, get a job in a health-related field (preferable in a hospital, where you can network and meet physicians, especially DOs), do well on the MCAT, and apply in June(NO LATER!) of the year before you intend on matriculating. Good luck!

 

[mastamark]

If I understand you correctly, you'll be done with Physics and Org Chem in the next Spring (2007). If so, you still have one more year to finish your BA or BS degree. You can take BioChem and MicoBio in the last year. You are still be able to take the MCAT in April 2007 or Aug 2007. You can take Kaplan class parallel to Physics II and Org Chem II before taking MCAT. It's doable. Your advantage is the materials that you're learned are still fresh. When you take MCAT, you're still sharp. You can do it. Good luck.

Thanks for the reply. That was my plan, until I got a "reality check " from my pre-professional advisor. She said that you won't be able to do well on the Mcat without Microbiology, genetics, and Biochemistry, "unless you're einstein." This is after she said I am not doctor material (my gpa was 3.1 at the time). Seeing as I only have B's in Bio and Inorganic chem and that I failed the orgo 1, I guess it got to me a little. that maybe she was right. 🙁

I know I can pass these classes though. Me and my wife were on the verge of divorce over the last few months which is why I decided to take an easy load this semester(science free). Things are looking better now though. I changed my major to psychology because taking these classes this semester has given me something that I can't get in the Bio major: an insight into how people feel and not just how they operate.

 

[mastamark]

First off, try to calm down a bit, because you're going to be fine. Yes, there's a lot to do, but we've all done it and you're still just a sophomore. Also try and realize that perhaps this road will not be the traditional 4-year undergrad approach. Most of us took 5 years (or longer) to finish up everything, do the MCAT, and apply. I have some questions, then some suggestions:

1)You said you 'were' a biology major; are you still? If you are, don't worry about cramming in a bunch of extra upper level science classes, because you'll be taking them anyway. For example, at my school, a biology major would take General chem, Organic, Physics, Intro to biology, cell bio, micro, genetics, molecular, biochem, etc.
If you're still a bio major, then you'll be taking plenty of science classes to show admissions committees that you can handle the rigors of the classroom. If you're not currently a bio major, it sounds like you could still get letters of rec from individual professors, which is what I did(thereby bypassing the premed committee, which seems a little elitist and wrong to me).

2)Why won't you take Physics and Organic together? You say that you're stressed about everything that needs to be done, but this is something that needs to be done: you must take more than one prereq class per semester. They need to know that you can handle a LOT on your plate, since you'll be taking 25 credits or more per semester in medical school. If you stick to one per semester, I guarantee it will come up in interview as a negative sticking point.

My other suggestion is that you definitely need some psychology classes, but don't worry, they're all easy at the level you'll be taking them. If your school offers Biopsychology, I recommend taking it. Not only will you learn a lot, but it could change your outlook on some things. Also, at least one psychology course is required by most osteopathic schools.

Don't forget about the math requirement; if you haven't taken a college math course yet, do it soon. You don't have to take calculus; take statistics and breeze through it.

You do NOT absolutely need Microbiology and Biochem for the MCAT. Yes, there is some Micro and yes there is some Biochem on the exam, but you're really only talking about a VERY small amount of questions covering these areas anyway. The lion's share will cover General Chem, Organic, Biology, Genetics, and Physics(like 85 percent). I guarantee if you know these topics well, you'll do great. For example, I didn't take Micro, and did average in Biochem (which I didn't use at all for the MCAT) and got
11VR 11PS 8BS. You'll be fine. Also keep in mind that they're shortening the MCAT by a third next year, so they'll have to be a little more selective with their question pool. You're likely looking at two or so questions per topic area (per the AAMC MCAT topics list on the AAMC web site).


Sorry this post is so long. You'll be fine. Take more prereqs, get out there and volunteer, get a job in a health-related field (preferable in a hospital, where you can network and meet physicians, especially DOs), do well on the MCAT, and apply in June(NO LATER!) of the year before you intend on matriculating. Good luck!

Thanks. I am a psych major now. I love it. I am taking Psychobiology right now, and its a breeze LOL....I guess thats why I am panicking because it's a little too easy now. I feel like i am not accomplishing much. for the med related stuff I am a licensed paramedic, I have been working on an ambulance for about 5 years now. I still need to shadow though to get letters of recs from DOs.

I plan on taking stats next year also 😳

 

[NewNick]

Thanks for the reply. That was my plan, until I got a "reality check " from my pre-professional advisor. She said that you won't be able to do well on the Mcat without Microbiology, genetics, and Biochemistry, "unless you're einstein." This is after she said I am not doctor material (my gpa was 3.1 at the time). Seeing as I only have B's in Bio and Inorganic chem and that I failed the orgo 1, I guess it got to me a little. that maybe she was right. 🙁

I know I can pass these classes though. Me and my wife were on the verge of divorce over the last few months which is why I decided to take an easy load this semester(science free). Things are looking better now though. I changed my major to psychology because taking these classes this semester has given me something that I can't get in the Bio major: an insight into how people feel and not just how they operate.

Man, don't try to pass it. Try to be excellent in those classes. The MCAT is a killer. 🙂 Like I said, it's doable in your situtation. I'm a non-trad student, so I don't know what to say more to you. All I can say is try to focus. You can do anything you want. You're still early in the game.

 

[JasonUD]

Don't worry about having the classification of being premed or even having a committee letter...I wasn't recommended by my schools premed committee because my science gpa was .02 under what they want me to have. I had my advisor collect all my letters for me and she sent them out after I addressed my envelopes. Personally I don't believe in the premed committees, how is a group of people that i never met going to tell my medical schools about me...It should be my professors directly...the committee, I feel, just distances who I really am even more by putting another barrior between me and med schools. Most school say send a letter from a committee OR 2 from science profs anyway...not a single one of my schools has asked me where's your committee letter or why didn't they recommend you. Change your major to whatever you want and don't worry about the committee or premed classification, my experience tells me you can bypass them entirely.

Def. take an MCAT course (I liked KAPLAN)...I took physics over the summer the year before I did Kaplan and then took kaplan with orgo II. Take the april test so you can choose to take the august if you do poorly (its only offered twice a year and you can only take it three times). I found microbio helped on the test but don't over do yourself to fit it in there, Kaplan will teach you what you need.

Don't let the stress get to you...I know exactly how you feel being all stressed out and youre probably thinking about quitting and moving to an island somewhere to completely remove yourself from society (or not)....but theres a reason its so hard to do the prereqs and studying for the MCAT and organizing your letters of recs....its to ween out those who think they want to be doctors from those who know they want to be doctors.

Good luck! 😀

 

[HunterGatherer]

I agree with this poster.

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visit the MCAT 30+ thread. Tons of people take the MCAT with only taking prereqs and get 30+. Some of the people are still in the process of finishing up 1-2 of the pre-reqs when sitting for the MCAT.

Even when you see biochem material or microbio material on the MCAT the questions are presented so that you can answer. When you see a crazy passage or question just realize you prepared for this. Examine the question to translate it into a 1st/2nd semester premed pre-req class.

I have a 3.1 as well. Took gen chem and physics 10 years ago. finished bio and orgo and managed a 32. believe in yourself and you can do it. Only take upper division classes if it will help your major which I doubt it will for psychology. Taking upper division also puts you in a situation to have a glide year if you wait to take the MCAT after completing them.


Read that whole thread 30+ MCAT thread. This gave me the confidence to do what I did.

I also skipped the whole premed committee thing because I thought I could waltz into the premed office in Jan 2005 and get the committee letter by August 2005 but they had a Feb 1st deadline. Interfolio.com saved me there.

If you want to finish physics this summer: I think good idea. Then you can concentrate on orgo and take the MCAT in Spring 2007 while taking Orgo II or wait for the summer. You will be taking upper division psychbio courses to finish your major while in your 3rd year so that will be enough science on your plate to prove to adcoms you can handle a courseload filled with science.

You do NOT absolutely need Microbiology and Biochem for the MCAT. Yes, there is some Micro and yes there is some Biochem on the exam, but you're really only talking about a VERY small amount of questions covering these areas anyway. The lion's share will cover General Chem, Organic, Biology, Genetics, and Physics(like 85 percent). I guarantee if you know these topics well, you'll do great. For example, I didn't take Micro, and did average in Biochem (which I didn't use at all for the MCAT) and got
11VR 11PS 8BS. You'll be fine. Also keep in mind that they're shortening the MCAT by a third next year, so they'll have to be a little more selective with their question pool. You're likely looking at two or so questions per topic area (per the AAMC MCAT topics list on the AAMC web site).

 

[rgerwin]

That's crap. Biochem would be very helpful for the MCAT, bur I've never taken Micro, and basic genetics is in intro bio, and I've never felt I needed them when studying.

Thanks for the reply. That was my plan, until I got a "reality check " from my pre-professional advisor. She said that you won't be able to do well on the Mcat without Microbiology, genetics, and Biochemistry, "unless you're einstein." This is after she said I am not doctor material (my gpa was 3.1 at the time). Seeing as I only have B's in Bio and Inorganic chem and that I failed the orgo 1, I guess it got to me a little. that maybe she was right. 🙁

I know I can pass these classes though. Me and my wife were on the verge of divorce over the last few months which is why I decided to take an easy load this semester(science free). Things are looking better now though. I changed my major to psychology because taking these classes this semester has given me something that I can't get in the Bio major: an insight into how people feel and not just how they operate.