Confused on Timeline

[Doc2019]

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I'm a little confused about when to take the MCAT. I'm currently going the traditional route which is Bio, Chem freshman year, Orgo second year, and Physics third year but I've been reading online and apparently it's recommended to take the MCAT during second semester Junior Year to get in the applications as early as possible. However, I wouldn't even have finished Physics until my Junior Year is over so how does that work? I was also planning on taking Physiology second semester of my junior year as I've heard form upperclassmen at my college that it's great review. I feel like I'd be comfortable if I take it in June of the summer of Junior Year as I don't wanna take it while I'm taking courses and my pre-med advisor advised me to do that.

Tl;dr Does it really hurt to take the MCAT in June instead of May? This is assuming that I finish all my personal statements and application requirements before June.

 

[wayneBMSpremed]

You should take it in January your junior year. You may have to double up and take two science classes a couple of semesters. Make sure you can do well on them though! You should have the following done by the time you take the MCAT

-Intro Bio, Cell bio, Micro Bio (+ lab)
- Gen chem, Orgo 1 and 2
- Physics 1 and 2
- Biochem (this will really help, a lot)
-At least 1 psych class

 

[aalamruad]

I'm a little confused about when to take the MCAT. I'm currently going the traditional route which is Bio, Chem freshman year, Orgo second year, and Physics third year but I've been reading online and apparently it's recommended to take the MCAT during second semester Junior Year to get in the applications as early as possible. However, I wouldn't even have finished Physics until my Junior Year is over so how does that work? I was also planning on taking Physiology second semester of my junior year as I've heard form upperclassmen at my college that it's great review. I feel like I'd be comfortable if I take it in June of the summer of Junior Year as I don't wanna take it while I'm taking courses and my pre-med advisor advised me to do that.

Tl;dr Does it really hurt to take the MCAT in June instead of May? This is assuming that I finish all my personal statements and application requirements before June.

You could finish up your prereqs the first two years (o-chem and physics sophomore year) and take the MCAT the summer after your sophomore year, or more realistically do that and take biochem first semester junior year and take the MCAT in the spring of your junior year and apply early June. You don't need to take physiology.

 

[Doc2019]

But then what do people who go the traditional route do? Do they just take the MCAT without finishing physics?

 

[Ismet]

But then what do people who go the traditional route do? Do they just take the MCAT without finishing physics?

A lot of people double up on sciences in freshman and sophomore year. I.e. bio and chem freshman, orgo and physics sophomore.

 

[wysdoc]

But then what do people who go the traditional route do? Do they just take the MCAT without finishing physics?

Would it work for you to take physics in the summer?

 

[Doc2019]

I heard that would be look bad as I'd be taking a major prerequisite over the summer.

 

[wayneBMSpremed]

I think you should def meet with your pre med advisor at your university. It does not hurt you at all to take a class in the summer as long as it is at your main institute (not a community college)

 

[wysdoc]

I heard that would be look bad as I'd be taking a major prerequisite over the summer.

Not at all. Take it at any accredited college. Some med schools won't accept online stuff

 

[SwordOfTheMorning]

I heard that would be look bad as I'd be taking a major prerequisite over the summer.

I took physics 1, orgo 1, genetics and some other science classes in the summer because I didn't want to sit on my ass in the summer and wanted to finish quicker. I didn't know it could be perceived negatively until I read about it on SDN a few months back. Personally, I'd do it all again, because of the time I saved and based on how my application cycle has turned out.

 

[ciestar]

I heard that would be look bad as I'd be taking a major prerequisite over the summer.

I didn't have a choice.
I took Bio II, Physics I and II, and Organic I and II plus lab during summers, and I did just fine.

 

[MoDiddy]

I'm going the traditional route. Sophomore right now I'm taking Organic and physics this year. My junior fall I'll take Biochemistry/physiology and take MCAT junior spring

 

[james11]

There's basically no physics on the new mcat. You do not need to have taken every relevant class to do well on the MCAT. The most important thing is to have enough time to take a ton of practice tests. For that reason I suggest that people take the MCAT in August and study over the summer. If you want to apply the traditional route, that means doubling up on science classes as an underclassman and taking it at the midpoint of your college career.

(source: I tutor the mcat and scored..uh..pretty well)

 

[Lucca]

Nobody will care that you took one pre-req over the summer. Most people at my school (going trad) take the MCAT at the beginning of the fall semester Junior year or at the beginning of the spring semester Junior year. I dont know of any science major that doesn't double or triple up on sciences every semester.