Course selection: Non-science major

[UCStudent999]

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Besides the required (bio, chem, ochem, biochem, physics, english, and math), how helpful/necessary is it to take the following courses as opposed to just thoroughly preparing for the mcat:

Molecular biology
Sociology
Genetics
Cell biology
Physiology
Public health courses
Anything else?

 

[751866]

Besides the required (bio, chem, ochem, biochem, physics, english, and math), how helpful/necessary is it to take the following courses as opposed to just thoroughly preparing for the mcat:

Molecular biology
Sociology
Genetics
Cell biology
Physiology
Public health courses
Anything else?

I was a non science major and assuming you hit all any requirements, I would also suggest genetics and cell bio (biochem wasn't required for me when I applied but I took it anyway). I felt genetics and cell bio were really helpful in the first courses of med school and the genetics was more so on the MCAT when I took it (2013).

I can't comment on sociology/psychology but I would take things that interest you. Public health will almost always be a waste for MCAT and for medical school/Step exams. Statistics coursework would better serve you (biostatistics if you're at a schools with good biostats faculty like Hopkins, Vanderbilt, Harvard, U Florida). Keep in mind, pre med school is the last time you basically have to learn things that interest you.

Edited for clarity: I meant assuming you have all requirements met...

 

[plshelpvanxious]

You also need to make sure you meet requirements for application. Most schools will say you need X classes in biology, chem, physics, etc.
That's probably more important than how helpful each individual class is. I don't think I found schools that specifically required genetics and cell bio but because of AP credits I think I needed them in order to qualify.

Edit: really any bio class I took was very helpful. Same with biochem. The more exposure I had to a topic pre-med school, the easier it was to learn it again.

 

[ADr.1Day]

Usually required for health professions..
-Biochem
-Anatomy & Physiology
-Microbiology

Very Helpful although not required
-Genetics
-Molecular Biology

I was a health Major so I took classes that are health related but taught in bio dept.
-Pathology
-Epidemiology
-Nutrition

Humanity courses such as Sociology & Psychology are generally electives you take, if you haven't taken them then you might be okay, although I have come across some Med schools that require 6+ credits in Psych or other humanities... They are generally easy A's (IMO)