Courses to finish/be enrolled in for NEW MCAT

[confusedstudent2195]

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Hello!

With the new MCAT this year what are some courses you all would recommend taking before this new test? I'm attempting to write out my schedule with my recent major change and want to know what is essential for this new test! I have 2 semesters before my intended MCAT semester.

 

[Tiffafi]

I definitely suggest taking biochem! I took biochem and a metabolism course before the first time taking it and I think those helped me the most. My major also required me to read a lot of research articles so if you have any classes like that it should definitely help!

 

[popopopop]

So much genetics, oh so much genetics on all of the practice materials. Oh, and cell physiology would definitely help.

 

[californicati0n]

Biochem. Definitely so much more important than physics, ochem, etc. in terms of the MCAT. If you have room in your schedule, psychology and sociology could help. That being said, I know plenty of people who have taken the test without having taken those classes and they do just fine.

 

[confusedstudent2195]

I definitely suggest taking biochem! I took biochem and a metabolism course before the first time taking it and I think those helped me the most. My major also required me to read a lot of research articles so if you have any classes like that it should definitely help!

I'm taking a pathogenic bacteria class next semester and our bio dept. head suggested that it may sub for bio chem when applying for schools that require it... also, my school has "survey of bio chem" ... *sigh* Any ideas on how this differs or is this the same as any other universities?

@californicati0n also what do you think on this?

 

[Ad2b]

pathogen bacteria = NOT helpful on MCAT
cell bio = HELPFUL
biochem = required

your bio dept head indicates the general lack of knowledge when it comes to all things MCAT related... he's dead wrong

 

[confusedstudent2195]

pathogen bacteria = NOT helpful on MCAT
cell bio = HELPFUL
biochem = required

you bio dept head indicates the general lack of knowledge when it comes to all things MCAT related... he's dead wrong

Thank you, it was mostly a class for my own self interest anyways! Even though the universities class is survey of bio chem it's still okay? It just doesn't make sense to me that it's a survey class, you know? Maybe it's like this at other schools as well. There's a bio Chem 2 class but no just regular biochem.

 

[BluMist]

should look at course descriptions and course catalog.
at one of my schools, biochem 1 is only offered once per year as a 200 level course where survey of biochem is essentially a "pre-bio" course (bottom of 100 level).
I would not (and did not) take the survey class in this or similar situations.

Thank you, it was mostly a class for my own self interest anyways! Even though the universities class is survey of bio chem it's still okay? It just doesn't make sense to me that it's a survey class, you know? Maybe it's like this at other schools as well. There's a bio Chem 2 class but no just regular biochem.

 

[confusedstudent2195]

Thoughts on bacterial metabolism?

 

[Ad2b]

I guess I would state, to yourself, what you're trying to accomplish.

If it's get out with a degree and apply, then so be it. Is that class required?

If it's to get properly prepped for the MCAT? no, that course won't help you; biochem... and maybe some more biochem topped with a little genetics and then more?

biochem as blumist said, you need the non-survey course; the one that digs into the the details for the MCAT (and med school)