Can't take these classes before MCAT...?

[amar314]

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Long story short my first semester Freshman year was terrible and although I amended it 2nd semester, it left me in a time crunch.

Basically can't take these before the MCAT (from what I've read on here they are highly recommended, but not required.): Cell Bio, Microbio, genetics.

On a side note, I'm also forced to take Physics 2 & Biochem together...how difficult is this combo?

I've slightly considered a gap year due to all these issues, anyone see any validity to this or does it not matter much?

Thanks a lot! 🙂

 

[Ismet]

You don't need cell bio, micro, or genetics for the MCAT. I didn't take any of them and I did just fine. Most people don't take all 3 of those anyway unless they're a bio major.

 

[allantois]

Well what's generally recommended beyond gen bio is (in the order of priority): physiology, cell bio and genetics. My school teaches very little of each in gen bio as they focus one semester almost entirely on plants. For me the easiest way to learn Bio content for MCAT would be to take additional classes although AMCAS does officially state that you only need gen bio (I think it's so hypocritical of them to deny the fact that the material on the test comes from upper bio courses as well).

You should be able to take 2 science courses in regards to biochem and physics.

 

[FutureOncologist]

I took 2 bio classes and a biological psychology (Brain and Behavior) class at the same time, while studying the MCAT, and made a 4.0 that semester and got a 36 on the MCAT. Very doable.

 

[Ismet]

Well what's generally recommended beyond gen bio is (in the order of priority): physiology, cell bio and genetics. My school teaches very little of each in gen bio as they focus one semester almost entirely on plants. For me the easiest way to learn Bio content for MCAT would be to take additional classes although AMCAS does officially state that you only need gen bio (I think it's so hypocritical of them to deny the fact that the material on the test comes from upper bio courses as well).

You should be able to take 2 science courses in regards to biochem and physics.

I'd argue that biochem is more pertinent than cell bio and genetics. The genetics on the MCAT is very basic from what I can remember, there's no need to take a genetics class solely for the MCAT IMO. Biochem isn't essential for the old MCAT but I thought it helped with understanding some stuff that ended up on my test. Obviously it's essential for the new MCAT.

 

[moisne]

You are fine in terms of pre req. considering you did poorly, perhaps you want a gap year or more time to review for those pre req classes. Biochemistry is recommended for 2015 mcat

 

[amar314]

Thanks a lot everyone! I'm (most likely) switching to a Microbio major, I have the option of taking Molecular Genetics before MCAT, would it help any or should I leave it off till senior year?
I'll be taking Biochem junior spring and I plan on taking the MCAT first thing that summer. I had planned to study abroad next summer but that seems out of the question now and I'll be able to squeeze in microbio, cell bio and a pathogens course (not for the MCAT, but the major).

I got a 2.4 my first semester (D+ in chem1 and C in anatomy), retook chem in the Spring and got an A- and ended up with a 3.92 that semester...so overall 3.26 GPA for freshman year. I figured out where I was erring and believe I learned how to study more efficiently which was my problem that semester. If I continue getting 3.8-3.9 each semester I should end up with a 3.6 by the time I apply which is enough, at least I hope? What do you all think?

I appreciate all the help!

 

[amar314]

Do you guys think molecular genetics is helpful/relevant for the new MCAT?

 

[moisne]

Srs? What'd you get on the MCAT?

They test very very basic genetics. You don't need it. Take a Princeton or Kaplan review book and that's enough.

 

[Aerus]

Srs? What'd you get on the MCAT?

Genetics is a good class to take for the MCAT if time and space permits, but it's far from necessary. General Biology should cover the genetics you need to know. For the new MCAT, the only biology course you need in addition to General Biology is Biochemistry.

And OP, Biochemistry and Physics are definitely doable together. They're just two science classes, nothing special. If you're going to be majoring in biology, you're going to be taking more than just two sciences together.