Essential Classes before MCAT

[Perfectionist]

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so which undergrad courses are essential to take before the MCAT in order to go over the content before reviewing for the test?

 

[Bacchus]

Bio
Chem
Physics
Orgo
-----------
Biochem
Genetics
Microbiology
Molecular Biology

Of course, the last 4 are recommendations that could help.

 

[DrChristianTroy]

Bio
Chem
Physics
Orgo
-----------
Biochem
Genetics
Microbiology
Molecular Biology

Of course, the last 4 are recommendations that could help.

I was going to suggest the same eight. I took the May 10th MCAT and there was a large amount of genetics. Actually one of the passages was almost exactly the same as a set of questions that I had on a Genetics exam. The all help, but balance your GPA with the amount of information that you can learn in these courses.

 

[aamna0601]

Technically, 2 semesters of Ochem, 2 semesters of bio (pref. cellular/molecular and genetics), but physiology and biochemistry are also helpful. 2 Semesters of Physics.

I took the MCAT after 1 semester of physics, cellular bio, and g chem. however I studied the rest of the material on my own. I got a 31 S, but I know if I had taken it a year later I would have gotten mid thirties probably...

Personally I think 2 semesters G chem, 1 semester o chem (you dont really need second semester), cellular/molecular bio, genetics (!!!!), 2 semesters physics and if you can take biochem, it would prolly help.

 

[UTnut]

I was concerned about orgo going into mine, but there didn't seem to be much. I would definitely recommend physics (at least first semester) and genetics though.

 

[Bacchus]

I had an entire passage on orgo. At first I started to get scared, and then I looked at it and went, "Duh, you idiot, you know all of this."

 

[dr seuss]

I pretty much agree with what Bacchus said but I also think it depends on the classes at your university. At my school freshman biology is only one semester. Genetics is covered really well but physiology and microbiology aren't really covered that much.

Most people recommend genetics as the class to take, but at my school I think cell biology or physiology would be more helpful. I think instead of just taking what everyone says to take you should consider what you have learned in the basic classes and what you are good at.

 

[TheRealMD]

Besides the required pre-reqs, I wouldn't suggest taking any specific courses for the purpose of MCAT prep. You'll get plenty of that while actually studying for it. Besides, I really doubt that the one question you know the answer to will make that huge of a difference (and is worth taking an entire class for).

However, because they require a year beyond intro bio, I'd probably pick classes like what has been recommended before (but no more than that). Upper level classes have too much detail, and sifting through that detail takes up precious time.

 

[calnation]

Writing courses couldn't hurt. And hell, maybe even a PE course to get your stamina going

 

[gasdf1234567]

I found non-prereq bio courses to be a complete waste of time as preparation for the MCAT. In classes like molecular bio and biochem, 99% of the material is too in-depth for the MCAT and will only distract you from the basic material that is actually needed. I say take no classes for the sole purpose of the MCAT. If you take half or a fourth of the time you spend in a 3 credit class and use it to study MCAT prep books, I think you would be better off.

 

[mterp45]

I found non-prereq bio courses to be a complete waste of time as preparation for the MCAT. In classes like molecular bio and biochem, 99% of the material is too in-depth for the MCAT and will only distract you from the basic material that is actually needed. I say take no classes for the sole purpose of the MCAT. If you take half or a fourth of the time you spend in a 3 credit class and use it to study MCAT prep books, I think you would be better off.

It's funny you say that, I did the exact opposite and took biochem, genetics, immuno, microbio and mam physio all this year for the sole purpose of improving my Bio score.

 

[Decicco]

In July 2007, I got an 8 in Biological sciences. In May 2008, I got a 13. What happened between now and then? Four things: Genetics, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular bio.

 

[Perfectionist]

thanks for the suggestions lol I love how everyone has diff views but I might as well take those suggested courses before the test since the classes are required by the major anyway...

 

[p30doc]

i recommend cell bio before the mcat, it was very helpful for me