class schedule during the semester of MCAT

[liveandlove]

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Hi,
I I am planning on taking the MCAT May 2011, I am planning on taking either Princeton or kaplan Review as my MCAT prep class during the Spring 2011 semester. I wanted to share the classes I will be taking next spring, and am hoping for some input on if I will have enough time to prepare for the MCAT.

I'm a biology major.

I'm planning on taking 12 hours

Organic Chem 2 (3 credit Hours)
Physics 2 (3)
Biochemistry 1 (3)
And 1 Honors Research class (3)

Do you all think I will have enough time to study?

Also, any suggestions on how to improve my reading speed will be great

Thank you

 

[Superman1978]

Whoa. That may only be 12 credits, but those are loaded credits. Plus, those are classes covered on the MCAT. That doesn't give you a lot of time to polish out any trouble areas in those subjects. I'm not going to tell you that you won't have enough time to study. But you won't have time for anything else.

As far as reading skill goes, I took a speed reading class several years ago which helped with my speed and comprehension.

 

[liveandlove]

The only reason I thought it would be a good idea is because it goes hand in hand with the material I need to know for the MCAT..So, the material I will be studying for these classes are what I need to know for the MCAT.

I can postpone the MCAT date to June instead of may that way I will have a month after the semester ends

Do you think it's doable?


btw thanks for the reply

 

[plzNOCarribbean]

I have been studying for the August MCAT and I am taking physics II and Cell Bio right now and I would NOT recommend doing what you are thinking of doing. It will be VERY difficult to study efficiently with the kinds of classes you are taking....especially with biochem.

Biochem is extremely consuming, as is ochem II. And honestly, I don't understand why people say you need to take biochem before you take the mcat. Thats simply not true. I would recommend finishing your pre-reqs first. I had to teach myself circuits and optics and it took about 1.5 weeks, which really slowed down my progress during my content "review" because i was forced to stop reviewing and completely learn something for the first time.

Oh, BTW I am in the TPR class and its best to take that class with a light load, since its almost 3 hours a day. I would recommend taking the mcat in either mid june/early july. You will be much better off that way

 

[liveandlove]

I did finish all my pre-reqs
I am taking physics 1, organic chem 1, Genetics, and Anthropology in the fall

If I were to postpone biochem I wouldn't graduate on time. And if I were to postpone the MCAT a semester or so then that will delay my application a whole year

therefore, my only option is to go with the heavy course load and take the MCAT June 18th

when do you recommend I start studying for the MCAT?

any other recommendations?

I have about 300 hospital hours
a year of research
500 hours community service

MY GPA so far is 3.8

 

[Don Draper]

The old, "my only option" pitch...

Usually when you start with this as your reason for doing something, you are going down an ill advised path. Anywho, it is very possible to prepare for the MCAT during the semester like this but you will be limiting your chances due to lack of time/energy.

You have many options. You can take the MCAT in July, you could try to postpone harder courses to summer or take an extra semester and graduate a bit later, etc.

Here is the thing, "can it be done?" Sure. But if you're not in that TOP percentile who can do it, then you may cost yourself 5 points on the MCAT. That can mean $, being rejected, etc.

I've said many times now that it can be done, but TIME is your most valuable resource when preparing. If you have limited time you won't do as well as you could.

If I were you, I would take in July... but again, not best case scenario.

 

[Don Draper]

I have been studying for the August MCAT and I am taking physics II and Cell Bio right now and I would NOT recommend doing what you are thinking of doing. It will be VERY difficult to study efficiently with the kinds of classes you are taking....especially with biochem.

Biochem is extremely consuming, as is ochem II. And honestly, I don't understand why people say you need to take biochem before you take the mcat. Thats simply not true. I would recommend finishing your pre-reqs first. I had to teach myself circuits and optics and it took about 1.5 weeks, which really slowed down my progress during my content "review" because i was forced to stop reviewing and completely learn something for the first time.

Oh, BTW I am in the TPR class and its best to take that class with a light load, since its almost 3 hours a day. I would recommend taking the mcat in either mid june/early july. You will be much better off that way

There are a lot of people telling you the same thing here. I've taken all these course also and they are time consuming. I know you think you're the exception to the rule likely, but many of us who have aced our pre-reqs would tell you to not set yourself up for failure by taking super-heavy load and prep for the MCAT.

Those courses could be some of your hardest A's in undergrad... or you end up trying to do so much MCAT and start to slide and get a B's.

 

[NickNaylor]

I studied for the MCAT while taking a 14 hour load, and let me tell you: it sucked. Over the course of the semester I didn't study for a total of around a month because I was simply too busy.

It can be done, but you must be very disciplined. I'd recommend setting your test date such that you have at least a couple of weeks to review after classes end.

 

[liveandlove]

The old, "my only option" pitch...

Usually when you start with this as your reason for doing something, you are going down an ill advised path. Anywho, it is very possible to prepare for the MCAT during the semester like this but you will be limiting your chances due to lack of time/energy.

You have many options. You can take the MCAT in July, you could try to postpone harder courses to summer or take an extra semester and graduate a bit later, etc.

Here is the thing, "can it be done?" Sure. But if you're not in that TOP percentile who can do it, then you may cost yourself 5 points on the MCAT. That can mean $, being rejected, etc.

I've said many times now that it can be done, but TIME is your most valuable resource when preparing. If you have limited time you won't do as well as you could.

If I were you, I would take in July... but again, not best case scenario.

Wouldn't taking it on July be too late? I am also planing to take a classroom course

 

[mitchlucker]

There really is no "good time" is the shortest answer, just to pick the least ****** one.


Because you're a science major, you have to study. There really is no "light science" course load. Which means EXTREMELY disciplined all the time. No partying a couple times a week. No going to the gym instead of studying. You are studying for the MCAT and your regular courses and maintaining your ECs. Nose to the books basically all the time. It can be done.

I took a large course load (4 sciences and 2 non-science classes) while "studying" for the MCAT because I thought it would be a good prep for what med school would be like (work wise) but it came down to this:

-My grades suffered (my avg gpa was >3.95, got a 3.70 this past semester, probably going to look bad that my grades declined before applying)
-I didn't have enough useful brain-time to devote to MCAT (You might have time, but you can't be burnt out)
-Lost some weight cuz I wasn't at the gym as much
-Was stressed out 24/7 that I should be doing something more useful which makes it hard to have fun believe it or not even when you're doing something you usually love to

So, finals ended which was rough studying for 6 finals, but luckily they were spaced out. Then had 2 weeks to study for the MCAT.

This was all my Junior year. If I were you I would take the MCAT during summer sophomore year (when you can still retake and be fine for the "correct cycle") which it seems like you are doing based on the courses you listed (typical sophomore pre-med science classes), but the only downfall is you WON'T have biochem or physiology, which you will learn in your prep class but I think "classroom" exposure to the material first makes studying 1000x easier. My advice would be to take the MCAT June or July and only study when you get out for summer break. This will let you do a few things, like go to the gym, have fun once in a while etc, because you're not spending this time on other stressful stuff like classes. This will let you get the highest score (IMO) that you really deserve on the MCAT.

This coming from me who will probably see an MCAT score below my potential when I get my scores back soon, just because I was so burnt out from classes and then studying for the MCAT.

My pre-med adviser told me to not show weakness in scheduling (ie- dipping from 19 credits/semester to 12 credits during my "MCAT" semester) because it would show that I couldn't handle a medical school work load, so 12 might be a little too light.

Even with Orgo and physics, I think Orgo was easier than gen. chem, and college physics 1 and 2 are actually pretty easy but both of these classes require library time, bio chem is a lot of work though and a lot of memorizing but I think it will help you with the MCAT. The research class too will probably be a lot of work.

In short, I don't think effective MCAT studying could be done during this semester, even though it is only 12 credits. Unless you are 100% efficient and 100% disciplined (which unless you are a machine and unlike 100% of college students everywhere, couldn't be done.) I would say take the MCAT class, learn in the classroom but don't kill yourself trying to study for a May date. Take your finals, take a few days off to just veg, then study hardcore for a June/July/August date and apply May 2012. But don't work during this time, or work a lighter schedule. By postponing until July you can allow yourself to go to the gym, go out with friends etc, while still studying for the majority of the days.

IE- your life won't hiccup as much as if you were to do it during the semester.


And coming from me, and someone else who already applied- studying for MCAT during any semester completely sucks. So, take time to study (It might not be best case scenario, but it will improve your score) instead of hastily rushing into taking it because you want to apply early (like me). Guaranteed your score will go up (which matters more than when you apply IMO, but I don't really know for certain)

From what you're saying, it sounds like you're a freshman going into sophomore year, so this is my advice, stuff I wish someone had told me.

 

[Don Draper]

Wouldn't taking it on July be too late? I am also planing to take a classroom course

Nope. You can take in July and be complete in early/mid August, which is what I'm doing.

Your complete time is what matters most for your application. You see a lot of SDN freaks saying you have to be complete in July, but early/mid August is fine for most schools if not all.

 

[Don Draper]

I studied for the MCAT while taking a 14 hour load, and let me tell you: it sucked. Over the course of the semester I didn't study for a total of around a month because I was simply too busy.

It can be done, but you must be very disciplined. I'd recommend setting your test date such that you have at least a couple of weeks to review after classes end.

I think Cole hits it perfect here, almost everyone who has taken a decent load recommends against doing it because it is pretty rough.

If you want to maximize your chances, probably best to give yourself ample time. We're looking out for you...

There really is no "good time" is the shortest answer, just to pick the least ****** one.


Because you're a science major, you have to study. There really is no "light science" course load. Which means EXTREMELY disciplined all the time. No partying a couple times a week. No going to the gym instead of studying. You are studying for the MCAT and your regular courses and maintaining your ECs. Nose to the books basically all the time. It can be done.

I took a large course load (4 sciences and 2 non-science classes) while "studying" for the MCAT because I thought it would be a good prep for what med school would be like (work wise) but it came down to this:

-My grades suffered (my avg gpa was >3.95, got a 3.70 this past semester, probably going to look bad that my grades declined before applying)
-I didn't have enough useful brain-time to devote to MCAT (You might have time, but you can't be burnt out)
-Lost some weight cuz I wasn't at the gym as much
-Was stressed out 24/7 that I should be doing something more useful which makes it hard to have fun believe it or not even when you're doing something you usually love to

So, finals ended which was rough studying for 6 finals, but luckily they were spaced out. Then had 2 weeks to study for the MCAT.

This was all my Junior year. If I were you I would take the MCAT during summer sophomore year (when you can still retake and be fine for the "correct cycle") which it seems like you are doing based on the courses you listed (typical sophomore pre-med science classes), but the only downfall is you WON'T have biochem or physiology, which you will learn in your prep class but I think "classroom" exposure to the material first makes studying 1000x easier. My advice would be to take the MCAT June or July and only study when you get out for summer break. This will let you do a few things, like go to the gym, have fun once in a while etc, because you're not spending this time on other stressful stuff like classes. This will let you get the highest score (IMO) that you really deserve on the MCAT.

This coming from me who will probably see an MCAT score below my potential when I get my scores back soon, just because I was so burnt out from classes and then studying for the MCAT.

My pre-med adviser told me to not show weakness in scheduling (ie- dipping from 19 credits/semester to 12 credits during my "MCAT" semester) because it would show that I couldn't handle a medical school work load, so 12 might be a little too light.

Even with Orgo and physics, I think Orgo was easier than gen. chem, and college physics 1 and 2 are actually pretty easy but both of these classes require library time, bio chem is a lot of work though and a lot of memorizing but I think it will help you with the MCAT. The research class too will probably be a lot of work.

In short, I don't think effective MCAT studying could be done during this semester, even though it is only 12 credits. Unless you are 100% efficient and 100% disciplined (which unless you are a machine and unlike 100% of college students everywhere, couldn't be done.) I would say take the MCAT class, learn in the classroom but don't kill yourself trying to study for a May date. Take your finals, take a few days off to just veg, then study hardcore for a June/July/August date and apply May 2012. But don't work during this time, or work a lighter schedule. By postponing until July you can allow yourself to go to the gym, go out with friends etc, while still studying for the majority of the days.

IE- your life won't hiccup as much as if you were to do it during the semester.


And coming from me, and someone else who already applied- studying for MCAT during any semester completely sucks. So, take time to study (It might not be best case scenario, but it will improve your score) instead of hastily rushing into taking it because you want to apply early (like me). Guaranteed your score will go up (which matters more than when you apply IMO, but I don't really know for certain)

From what you're saying, it sounds like you're a freshman going into sophomore year, so this is my advice, stuff I wish someone had told me.

Read this post carefully, I think it hits all of the important points that everyone is trying to communicate to you.

Possible is not equal to likely. In fact, possible can often mean unlikely.

 

[liveandlove]

There really is no "good time" is the shortest answer, just to pick the least ****** one.


Because you're a science major, you have to study. There really is no "light science" course load. Which means EXTREMELY disciplined all the time. No partying a couple times a week. No going to the gym instead of studying. You are studying for the MCAT and your regular courses and maintaining your ECs. Nose to the books basically all the time. It can be done.

I took a large course load (4 sciences and 2 non-science classes) while "studying" for the MCAT because I thought it would be a good prep for what med school would be like (work wise) but it came down to this:

-My grades suffered (my avg gpa was >3.95, got a 3.70 this past semester, probably going to look bad that my grades declined before applying)
-I didn't have enough useful brain-time to devote to MCAT (You might have time, but you can't be burnt out)
-Lost some weight cuz I wasn't at the gym as much
-Was stressed out 24/7 that I should be doing something more useful which makes it hard to have fun believe it or not even when you're doing something you usually love to

So, finals ended which was rough studying for 6 finals, but luckily they were spaced out. Then had 2 weeks to study for the MCAT.

This was all my Junior year. If I were you I would take the MCAT during summer sophomore year (when you can still retake and be fine for the "correct cycle") which it seems like you are doing based on the courses you listed (typical sophomore pre-med science classes), but the only downfall is you WON'T have biochem or physiology, which you will learn in your prep class but I think "classroom" exposure to the material first makes studying 1000x easier. My advice would be to take the MCAT June or July and only study when you get out for summer break. This will let you do a few things, like go to the gym, have fun once in a while etc, because you're not spending this time on other stressful stuff like classes. This will let you get the highest score (IMO) that you really deserve on the MCAT.

This coming from me who will probably see an MCAT score below my potential when I get my scores back soon, just because I was so burnt out from classes and then studying for the MCAT.

My pre-med adviser told me to not show weakness in scheduling (ie- dipping from 19 credits/semester to 12 credits during my "MCAT" semester) because it would show that I couldn't handle a medical school work load, so 12 might be a little too light.

Even with Orgo and physics, I think Orgo was easier than gen. chem, and college physics 1 and 2 are actually pretty easy but both of these classes require library time, bio chem is a lot of work though and a lot of memorizing but I think it will help you with the MCAT. The research class too will probably be a lot of work.

In short, I don't think effective MCAT studying could be done during this semester, even though it is only 12 credits. Unless you are 100% efficient and 100% disciplined (which unless you are a machine and unlike 100% of college students everywhere, couldn't be done.) I would say take the MCAT class, learn in the classroom but don't kill yourself trying to study for a May date. Take your finals, take a few days off to just veg, then study hardcore for a June/July/August date and apply May 2012. But don't work during this time, or work a lighter schedule. By postponing until July you can allow yourself to go to the gym, go out with friends etc, while still studying for the majority of the days.

IE- your life won't hiccup as much as if you were to do it during the semester.


And coming from me, and someone else who already applied- studying for MCAT during any semester completely sucks. So, take time to study (It might not be best case scenario, but it will improve your score) instead of hastily rushing into taking it because you want to apply early (like me). Guaranteed your score will go up (which matters more than when you apply IMO, but I don't really know for certain)

From what you're saying, it sounds like you're a freshman going into sophomore year, so this is my advice, stuff I wish someone had told me.

Actually I am a junior and I graduate spring of 2012. I don't party or go to the GYM. I don't work either..all I do is study

Thank you for the advice! I will probably go with the June 17th date and that way I will have about a month to review before the exam

oh and I am taking physics, organic chem, and biochem all without the labs..I will postpone the labs

 

[plzNOCarribbean]

Actually I am a junior and I graduate spring of 2012. I don't party or go to the GYM. I don't work either..all I do is study

Thank you for the advice! I will probably go with the June 17th date and that way I will have about a month to review before the exam

oh and I am taking physics, organic chem, and biochem all without the labs..I will postpone the labs

^You may need to change that. I didn't "Party" or go to the gym and I became extremely burnt out. One thing you have to realize is that we are humans, not robots. I took 18 hrs both semesters, same classes you are talking about taking and I got extremely burnt out when i began studying for the mcat. Never thought I would say that, but its the truth.

I took ochem II,Physics I, microbiology, neurobiology, economics, and the physics and orgo labs all in 1 semester. It was hell, and even though i aced everything it really sucked the life out of me because i started my mcat prep 2 days after finals. Anyways, my point is that you need something to look forward to. Reward yourself after you work hard or your gonna be burnt out, and it will hurt your performance believe it or not.

I am very good with time management, and even I became completely demoralized when I started my mcat prep. It will be even harder with a full load, especially with those courses, EC, and research. Hats off to you if you can do it, but from the consensus here, it is obviously not advised. Anyway, don't say we didn't warn you....

 

[liveandlove]

Do I drop Biochem and keep Physics 2 Organic chem 2 and reasearch then ? that will put me 9 hours

I agree with everything you all are saying and I understand you are trying to help me. I also know I am not the exception to the rule, especially that English is not my first language. It's just that I have limited options as I stated before. I don't wanna have to postpone the MCAT later than June or drop more than one class because that will result in me wasting a whole year

 

[Silverfalcon]

I did finish all my pre-reqs
I am taking physics 1, organic chem 1, Genetics, and Anthropology in the fall

Even without reading everything in here, do you even know what it means by "pre-reqs"? I don't think you do, at all. Note the past tense for "bold" and future tense for "underlined."

 

[Don Draper]

Do I drop Biochem and keep Physics 2 Organic chem 2 and reasearch then ? that will put me 9 hours

I agree with everything you all are saying and I understand you are trying to help me. I also know I am not the exception to the rule, especially that English is not my first language. It's just that I have limited options as I stated before. I don't wanna have to postpone the MCAT later than June or drop more than one class because that will result in me wasting a whole year

No one can tell you what to do. We have all given you advice and people have even explained their circumstances. Ideally I would tell you to either:

A. Take the MCAT later, July or August
B. Take the lesser load (9 units) and take in July
C. Try to find a way to give yourself 8-12 weeks to focus on MCAT (not during the semester)

People always say, they HAVE to do ____ or they have no other options.

Well, let me give you two scenarios:

• You get a 30 on the MCAT studying during the semester and get your app in nice and early.
• You get a 36 on the MCAT and postpone your app a little while.

Obviously if your score is the same, it is best to be early. But if you end up doing poorly because you ignored advice and went in guns blazing, then you have yourself to blame.

Again, possible: yes.
Favorable circumstances: no.
High probability of success: no.

If you have owned all your pre-reqs and are one of the top students in ochem/physics/chem/etc then maybe you don't need much time at all. But if you have weaknesses then time always helps.

 

[liveandlove]

Thanks everyone for the advice!! I really appreciate it and I will take your advices into consideration

 

[liveandlove]

Even without reading everything in here, do you even know what it means by "pre-reqs"? I don't think you do, at all. Note the past tense for "bold" and future tense for "underlined."

I thought pre-reqs were classes like Art, History, Government, English 1301, ....

Thank you for informing me

 

[Silverfalcon]

I thought pre-reqs were classes like Art, History, Government, English 1301, ....

Thank you for informing me

No.

Pre-requisites for medical school. They include 1 year of general bio, 1 year of general chemistry, 1 year of organic chemistry, 1 year of physics, and 1 year of English. You must have taken all of them or concurrently (only with Physics II or Organic Chemistry II granted that you have somewhat strong background on them) prior to studying for MCAT.

Failing to do so will result in a low score and destroy your chance for medical school admission.

 

[liveandlove]

No.

Pre-requisites for medical school. They include 1 year of general bio, 1 year of general chemistry, 1 year of organic chemistry, 1 year of physics, and 1 year of English. You must have taken all of them or concurrently (only with Physics II or Organic Chemistry II granted that you have somewhat strong background on them) prior to studying for MCAT.

Failing to do so will result in a low score and destroy your chance for medical school admission.

I know what the pre-reqs for medical School are.I just thought there were classes that all majors had to take and those were the pre-reqs for all majors..but I do know that medical school requires 1 year of general bio, 1 year of general chem, 1 year of physics, 1 year of English, 1 year of organic chem, Calculus, and Stats. I also know that they recommend Bio-chem, Genetics, Microbiology, Physiology,....

I have taken a year of bio, a year of general Chem,a year of English, and a year of Calculus
I will have all of the pre-reqs done by the time I take the MCAT.I am planning on taking the MCAT a year from now..and in that year I will be taking Physics 1 and 2, Organic 1 and 2, Genetics, and Biochemistry

 

[Silverfalcon]

I know what the pre-reqs for medical School are.I just thought there were classes that all majors had to take and those were the pre-reqs for all majors..but I do know that medical school requires 1 year of general bio, 1 year of general chem, 1 year of physics, 1 year of English, 1 year of organic chem, Calculus, and Stats. I also know that they recommend Bio-chem, Genetics, Microbiology, Physiology,....

I have taken a year of bio, a year of general Chem,a year of English, and a year of Calculus
I will have all of the pre-reqs done by the time I take the MCAT.I am planning on taking the MCAT a year from now..and in that year I will be taking Physics 1 and 2, Organic 1 and 2, Genetics, and Biochemistry

Okay, you at least knew what I meant by pre-requisites. That's pretty a standard term though.

Anyway, you are obviously not getting my point or read my post more carefully. Read what I said in previous post.

 

[Damia]

.

 

[liveandlove]

lots of good advices! Thanks everyone!!