Highly recommended science classes

[Enigmatic77]

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For those who are completing a post-bacc program, did you take science classes outside of the prerequisites and if so, why? My school has a list of classes that they "highly recommend." In what case does it matter? I had a 3.3 in undergrad and am thinking an excellent outing in my prerequisites and elective science classes would look better than just having good grades in the prerequisites. I think this would push my application to a later date and I'm not sure if this is something I want to do.

Any takers?

 

[johnnyscans]

For those who are completing a post-bacc program, did you take science classes outside of the prerequisites and if so, why? My school has a list of classes that they "highly recommend." In what case does it matter? I had a 3.3 in undergrad and am thinking an excellent outing in my prerequisites and elective science classes would look better than just having good grades in the prerequisites. I think this would push my application to a later date and I'm not sure if this is something I want to do.

Any takers?

In addition to the chem/orgo/bio/physics sequence I have taken biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology and anatomy and physiology I/II.

I'm currently studying for the MCAT and these courses are extremely high yield. I've also heard biochem helps A LOT with MS1.

 

[Enigmatic77]

In addition to the chem/orgo/bio/physics sequence I have taken biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology and anatomy and physiology I/II.

I'm currently studying for the MCAT and these courses are extremely high yield. I've also heard biochem helps A LOT with MS1.

So this is what my current and future semesters will look like:

Spring 2013
• General Chemistry I and Lab
• Biology I

Summer 2013
• General Chemistry II and Lab
• Biology II

Fall 2013
• Organic Chemistry I and Lab
• Physics I

Spring 2014
• Organic Chemistry II and Lab
• Physics II

If I decide to take Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cellular Biology, where should I fit it into my schedule above? I want to finish everything by Spring 2014 and study for the MCAT from June 2014 until Fall 2014.

 

[deleted248403]

I've also heard biochem helps A LOT with MS1.

YMMV but my biochem degree didnt help squat with biochem MS1 - though it had been a few years since I'd done it.

Try to take micro and immuno if you can - my friends that were micro majors said it really helped them when we did it. Some even used their old notes over our notes for some lectures.

 

[DrMidlife]

I want to finish everything by Spring 2014 and study for the MCAT from June 2014 until Fall 2014.

That sets you up to apply to med school in June 2015. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can apply late in the cycle. See the reapplicant forum for endless "How come I didn't get any interviews? I can't see anything wrong with my app" discussions where people didn't have secondaries complete until fall.

If you can get A's in a heavier load, then take a heavier load. Otherwise it's just going to take more time.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Enigmatic77]

That sets you up to apply to med school in June 2015. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can apply late in the cycle. See the reapplicant forum for endless "How come I didn't get any interviews? I can't see anything wrong with my app" discussions where people didn't have secondaries complete until fall.

If you can get A's in a heavier load, then take a heavier load. Otherwise it's just going to take more time.

Best of luck to you.

Why do I have to wait until June 2015 to apply? Why can't I apply in September 2014 if I will be done with everything by the summer? Are you supposed to submit applications in the summer? I thought it was like applying to college and graduate school whereby you can submit your application in September.

 

[deleted248403]

Why do I have to wait until June 2015 to apply? Why can't I apply in September 2014 if I will be done with everything by the summer? Are you supposed to submit applications in the summer? I thought it was like applying to college and graduate school whereby you can submit your application in September.

You caaaan submit your apps in September but most people have primaries in by August (and confirmed, which itself can take a month), and all secondaries in by Sept/Oct. Its a long process.

And its nothing like applying to college.

And last accepted MCAT date is usually like Sept 1 - and schools won't even touch your app until you have an MCAT score.

 

[DrMidlife]

Here's why:

See the reapplicant forum for endless "How come I didn't get any interviews? I can't see anything wrong with my app" discussions where people didn't have secondaries complete until fall.