Good or Bad Idea?

[LCspark18]

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Hi,
I'm going to have the opportunity to take a waiver exam for biochem, as well as molec bio & genetics the week of orientation in about a month, and I as wondering if even trying to test out would be a good idea. It'd be nice not to have to bother with required homework, quizzes, etc., but I didn't know if testing out of the class would just be forfeiting a structured time of exam prep for the USMLE and COMLEX. I'm going to have to do quite a bit of review to know the material well enough to get a satisfying score on the exam, but nothing impossible if I work hard at it. I guess the default route would be to just prepare for the waiver exam, take it, then decide whether or not to take the class if I pass (and if not, question answered), but if I could NOT spend my last month studying when it's not really necessary, that'd be great. What do you think would be the best way to go, considering long term exam prep and the benefits of extra time out of class? Thanks so much! 🙂

LCspark

 

[Jalby]

Take the course. It's a different kind of biochem that you have to learn.

 

[LCspark18]

Thanks Jalby! Can anyone second this or have any other thoughts?

 

[Jalby]

Thanks Jalby! Can anyone second this or have any other thoughts?

Nope. It's unanamous

 

[DrMom]

I'm with Jalby. 🙂 consider it seconded 😉

 

[imtiaz]

Thanks Jalby! Can anyone second this or have any other thoughts?

i took several graduate level biochemistry classes in grad school and they were nothing like med school biochem. you learn more protein folding and gibbs free energy type stuff in grad school whereas in med school you learn pathways and clinical aspects. it's completely different. i'd suggest that you take the course, you'll have an easier time in it so it won't be too big of a deal for you.

 

[jakstat33]

by the sounds of it, you should have an "easier" time honoring the courses that you have a strong background in, AND it will help you with board prep (as that is what seems to be on everyone's mind this time of year on this forum)... the honors will look better than the passed waiver exams , and will help you reach the top of your class (or pretty close) if that is your aim in life.

so play the game, take the classes, get high marks, and accept that harvard residency with a smile on your face-- you'll make your mom a very happy woman!

 

[LCspark18]

Thanks guys! 🙂 I really appreciate your help.

 

[lotanna]

Ok everyone, I'm considering doing the biochem waiver exam as well, its 2hrs, 60 questions multiple choice, and I've access to old exams from past several yrs for my sch. Its basic biochem, and they actually encourage people to waiver out of it. I figure I've nothing to lose, as a 75% is Passing, and if I get at least a 75, I'll get a P, if not oh well, i take the half a semester class. I've lippincott and the old exams, especially old finals, which were also 60 multiple choice questions. I've about a month to study for it. Any advice? My schl is Pass or Fail for basic sciences, no high pass, just straight pass or fail so its not like I can get honors if i take the class. I emailed the prof and he's strongly encourangin everyone who has any kind of biochem background to take it.

Yeah I figure nothing to lose, I'm not paying to take it, worse case scenario i dont get a 75% oh well big deal. I'll need to know

basic biochem terminology
structures of the major types of biochemical compoinds
pH and the Henderson-Hass equation
protein structure and function
enzyme behavior and kinetics
significant aspects of the major metabolic pathays and their control
and structure
biosynthesis
catabolism of nucleotides.

we've a separate Genetics class which is also half a semester and so I wont have to know about the DNA rep, RNA synthesis and protein production or anything molecular bio related. We cant waiver out of that, and i wont seeing as its somewhat high yield for the boards.

In summary 😀
Straight biochem waiver, no genetics
access to old exams and lippincott
60 questions multiple choice
prof strongly encourages it
schl is P/F, no grades or high pass
75% is passing, and gets a P on class. Gives me more time to study for Physiology which is high yield on boards. Then I can really know that well, crush boards and be happy 🙂

Any thoughts? 😀?