Getting Conflicting Advice

[BiancaB]

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I'll give you my stats.

6 years of work experience post undergrad. 2 years Public health nutritionist, 1 year policy fellowship, 3 years clinical work.

AA Female
under grad overall 2.918
undergrad BCPM 2.612
overall w/ post bacc class 3.314
overall BCPM w/ post bacc classes 3.229

MCAT 1 17M 2006
MCAT 2 18O 2009
next MCAT date 7.29.11

Took all basic sciences as an undergrad, only bios w/ OK grades. Currently a post bacc student. Retaking chem, physics, upper level bios. will take ochem fall 2011.

option 1.
App in first week available. Study for MCAT this summer, apply this coming cycle w/out having re-taken ochem.

option 2.
re-take ochem in fall. App in first week avail (May/June 2012). Study and take MCAT summer 2012.


I am getting so much conflicting advice. thoughts?

 

[MayoorBust]

I'll give you my stats.

6 years of work experience post undergrad. 2 years Public health nutritionist, 1 year policy fellowship, 3 years clinical work.

AA Female
under grad overall 2.918
undergrad BCPM 2.612
overall w/ post bacc class 3.314
overall BCPM w/ post bacc classes 3.229

MCAT 1 17M 2006
MCAT 2 18O 2009
next MCAT date 7.29.11

Took all basic sciences as an undergrad, only bios w/ OK grades. Currently a post bacc student. Retaking chem, physics, upper level bios. will take ochem fall 2011.

option 1.
App in first week available. Study for MCAT this summer, apply this coming cycle w/out having re-taken ochem.

option 2.
re-take ochem in fall. App in first week avail (May/June 2012). Study and take MCAT summer 2012.


I am getting so much conflicting advice. thoughts?

Option 2 gets my votes. You will have a better grade for DO schools and going over the subject a second time will help you on the MCAT. It is a win and win

 

[BiancaB]

OK, maybe that will be the best option. Thank you!

 

[Lijia4]

Just so you are aware, the presence of orgo is actually pretty minimal on the MCAT in comparison to the other material. After you finish your courses, I'd still start reviewing material and take a practice test to see how you do. Taking the MCAT this summer after you've completed all your retakes could be more beneficial as your other course material will be fresh in your mind. Examkrackers or Kaplan books will fill you in on what you need to know for orgo. Since orgo won't be new to you and it takes up a relatively small portion on the MCAT, it's definitely possible to do well on the exam prior to retaking the course.

Deciding when to apply depends on how well you feel about your application. You obviously have a progressive trend with your post-bacc grades. Assuming this continues significantly, then you could apply this spring if you are confident that your MCAT score will be greatly improved. You could also play it safe by taking the MCAT first and making sure it's the score you want to apply with, then retake your orgo class, and then apply early next cycle. With this option, you'd be applying with a higher gpa and you'd know for sure that you are satisfied with an acceptable MCAT score. If you're a reapplicant, I would really suggest going this route.

 

[JRWhiter]

You should focus on your MCAT and apply this summer. Why? Retaking organic chemisty will not increase your gpa. It also will not prepare u adequately for the MCAT. Your experience and academic upward trend seem to be strong. Therefore, the MCAT should be your focus. Apply this summer.

 

[Lijia4]

You should focus on your MCAT and apply this summer. Why? Retaking organic chemisty will not increase your gpa. It also will not prepare u adequately for the MCAT. Your experience and academic upward trend seem to be strong. Therefore, the MCAT should be your focus. Apply this summer.

Well, actually, if the OP is applying to DO schools then the old grade will be replaced with the improved one...it may not be much of a difference, however.

 

[BiancaB]

Excellent! Onwards and upwards as my boss says! Any recommendations for a quick and thorough OChem (MCAT specific) review?

 

[JRWhiter]

Excellent! Onwards and upwards as my boss says! Any recommendations for a quick and thorough OChem (MCAT specific) review?

For the MCAT, I used Exam Crackers for each subject. The Berkely review is great for orgo, but there isn't much orgo on the MCAT. I basically learned physics for the first time using Exam Crackers. I suggest using exam crackers and The Berkely Review for Orgo. Also, taking plenty of practice tests helps tremendously. Pretend each practice test is the real thing.

 

[MayoorBust]

Excellent! Onwards and upwards as my boss says! Any recommendations for a quick and thorough OChem (MCAT specific) review?

I would suggest Examkrackers for a more in depth review go with BR. Please look through the MCAT section of this forum. I would like to also add that your GPA is quite low (even after your post-bacc). You need to secure a good score. 32+, if you do not you may encounter a string of rejections. Your E.Cs are amazing but you got to get hott on the academic tip.

 

[JRWhiter]

you're receiving Conflicting advice here too. Lol

 

[mafunk]

re-take ochem in fall. App in first week avail (May/June 2012). Study and take MCAT summer 2012.


I am getting so much conflicting advice. thoughts?

I've heard that they are putting less and less emphasis on ochem in the MCAT