Cell Biology while Studying for MCAT

[banana_phone]

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Hi all,

Non-trad here, applying next cycle, taking MCAT in April 2016.

At my school, General Biology covers all of the material a typical one-year Biology sequence covers. I took the course last fall and now need another Bio to fulfill the requirement. I have spoken to advisors and all believe Cell Bio is the best course for me to take. My question is, should I take it in the fall, when I'm already taking Biochem, Physiology, volunteering in a cancer research lab, volunteering at the hospital, and working part-time? Or take it in the spring, when I was planning on devoting my time solely to studying for the MCAT and volunteering?

The cost differential to take in the fall at a local liberal arts university ($9k for the class) versus the spring at a different university ($4k for the class) is huge, so I'm leaning towards taking it during spring term, but I don't want to screw myself over for studying. Would taking the course while studying be a poor decision?

Thanks.

 

[Fedekz]

I'd just take it in the spring, however I would plan on taking your MCAT after the spring semester then... I just took the MCAT and all I can say is cell bio (and biochem) was a very significant portion of the exam. So taking the MCAT in April before you're completely done with the course would be ill advised.

 

[banana_phone]

The class would end mid-April, so the course would be complete by the time I took the test. My other concern there is having to study for a final while its crunch time for the MCAT...but I don't want to push back my application by a year because of one course. If I took the MCAT in May, would it be alright for me to apply in the 2016/2017 cycle still? I was hoping for April in case I need to retake. May seems like pushing it if I want to submit AMCAS as soon as possible (which I do)

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

I am a fan of nearly full-time MCAT studying. I would have hated to have had to divert my brain power to studying for a class. Are the other two classes the only classes you are taking in addition? I think you can certainly take those three classes together, along with your other activities, you will just be a little bit miserable.

 

[starlite911]

I took 14 credit hours while studying for the MCAT, and although n=1, I think that taking another class simultaneously will be fine. Take the MCAT in May, and just be ready for it then and take it once and only once. Your application will not be late because MCAT scores are (largely) tied to secondaries anyways

 

[Dr. Bacon 5204]

I say go for it. I don't have personal experience juggling studying for classes and studying for the MCAT, however I will be doing so starting next year. I'm also planning on taking my physics classes leading up to the test, and kind of using them as prep for that part of it, so why not? It might help you, as I hope it does me. 👍

 

[Xenith]

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[banana_phone]

I am a fan of nearly full-time MCAT studying. I would have hated to have had to divert my brain power to studying for a class. Are the other two classes the only classes you are taking in addition? I think you can certainly take those three classes together, along with your other activities, you will just be a little bit miserable.

I'm also taking a 1-credit "Writing a Personal Statement" course and working as TA for a Genetics course in the fall. Still think it would be manageable? I would love to be able to devote those 3/4 months to the MCAT (+ volunteering) but also don't want to set myself up for failure in the fall. The fall semester Cell Bio (only offered at a different university than my own, as mine only offers Cell spring semester) is a 6-credit beast.

 

[genericpremedstudent]

$9,000 for one class? thats how much an entire year of tuition is at my school. i guess i dont really have room to complain about how expensive tuition is lol