How do you do it? Taking a prep class with a full course load?

[skyeblue0610]

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I'm still deciding between Kaplan or TPR this coming fall. I'm already going to have enough on my plate schoolwork wise, including 2 pre-req classes. How do you guys do it? I know they stuff the classes to get you ready for the MCAT but still. I'm looking at the times for both and I'm about to go crazy. How in the world do you get out of class/lab, study for about a minute then go to ANOTHER class room for 4 hours straight for like 3 consecutive days😱

The only thing I like about TPR is that their class times seem to work WITH you and have a break in between (going to class every other day) instead of 3 days back to back (how do you find the time to process everything)

The Kaplan classes offered right now are confusing. Why would the class go from February to June? Wouldn't you need to take the MCAT before June to apply?

I'm looking at classes for upcoming test dates to predict how they'll be later this year or next year? One Kaplan class set up for the May 2008 MCAT has a class time at 3pm😱 umm, okay so no school on Monday and/or if you do no study time for the classes you just got out of.

I'm trying to plan this out and make everything fit. But it feels like neither school NOR prep companies want to work with you. It feels like a battle of "which is more important, taking a prep course or being in a class"

I can handle alot but when I have to drive in hellish traffic to get to a prep class which takes study time out because I have to leave extra early, it really does feel like I have to choose.

Can anyone post their class schedule/study times/and prep class schedule? I know people do this but I need an idea or what you sacrifice? (Also, you don't have to mention social engagements (hanging out with the BF/GF/friends, ect....I have NONE during the week that's weekends only)

 

[greg1184]

I took the MCAT in July and applied the same year. You don't have to take it before June. I took a cram 3 times a week Kaplan course (which was perfect for me). I actually took the MCAT before the last class date. I studied for 2 months total (beginning of june to end of july. My MCAT went up 6 points.

Its a matter of how much effort you put into studying/practicing outside of class, and taking it in the summer was the best thing ever for me.

If you do take it during the semester, treat it as your most important class ever!! Don't forget it just because it is once a week. Study daily, take practice tests. The MCAT is the most important test in your premed life. Treat it that way.

 

[skyeblue0610]

I took the MCAT in July and applied the same year. You don't have to take it before June. I took a cram 3 times a week Kaplan course (which was perfect for me). I actually took the MCAT before the last class date. I studied for 2 months total (beginning of june to end of july. My MCAT went up 6 points.

Its a matter of how much effort you put into studying/practicing outside of class, and taking it in the summer was the best thing ever for me.

If you do take it during the semester, treat it as your most important class ever!! Don't forget it just because it is once a week. Study daily, take practice tests. The MCAT is the most important test in your premed life. Treat it that way.

See, I'm worried about that. I've had it drilled over and over to take the MCAT early April/May and apply early even from my advisor. Isn't taking it in the summer and getting the scores back at the end of August risky

 

[greg1184]

See, I'm worried about that. I've had it drilled over and over to take the MCAT early April/May and apply early even from my advisor. Isn't taking it in the summer and getting the scores back at the end of August risky

No. You have an option on the AMCAS application where you can mark that you are going to take the MCAT "day X". So you can get your secondaries, etc in and all they wait for is your MCAT. Schools often don't send out secondaries until July anyway. August or even September is definitely NOT too late to be complete by any stretch of the imagination considering that many schools don't even start interviews until September.

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

August or even September is definitely NOT too late to be complete by any stretch of the imagination considering that many schools don't even start interviews until September.

I have to disagree with this comment pretty strongly. Although interviews don't start until the middle to end of September at most places, the earliest interviews are granted to the earliest applicants. Early June primary leads to late June/early July secondary, which leads to a September interview. September primary leads to an October secondary (if you are lucky enough to not be put on hold), which leads to February-March interviews.

With so many people able to submit a completed application by June 1, submitting a primary in September is begging the adcoms to put you on hold. With the exception of only a couple of schools, a September primary is at a distinct disadvantage compared to a June primary. Unless you have amazingly strong numbers and a strong clinical and/or research resume, and thus you are bound to get in anyway, why would you want to risk being at a disadvantage, even just for a few schools?

 

[greg1184]

I have to disagree with this comment pretty strongly. Although interviews don't start until the middle to end of September at most places, the earliest interviews are granted to the earliest applicants. Early June primary leads to late June/early July secondary, which leads to a September interview. September primary leads to an October secondary (if you are lucky enough to not be put on hold), which leads to February-March interviews.

With so many people able to submit a completed application by June 1, submitting a primary in September is begging the adcoms to put you on hold. With the exception of only a couple of schools, a September primary is at a distinct disadvantage compared to a June primary. Unless you have amazingly strong numbers and a strong clinical and/or research resume, and thus you are bound to get in anyway, why would you want to risk being at a disadvantage, even just for a few schools?

I did not say that you can submit your primary in August or September without being late. I said that you can submit your primary in June, and you can mark the option you are taking the MCAT on date X. BEING COMPLETE (meaning Primary, Secondary, MCAT taken, all materials done) by August is NOT late. Submitting your Primary Application in August IS being late because of the amount of time it takes for it to be processed, the time to get secondaries, etc.

I submitted my primary in June, did my secondaries I received on July and August and the schools had everything in EXCEPT the MCAT so when the schools get my MCAT, I am complete. That is not being late. This is what I was talking about.

 

[skyeblue0610]

So, from what I can assume....NO ONE had a full course load and did everything with flying colors. No struggle whatsoever...interesting.....

 

[darkguy2k]

Actually I'm in the same situation you're in. I'm still deciding whether to take the prep course with my full load. I feel like the course will be a waste of time because I will be more focusing on my other courses so that I can make good grades. I still don't know what I'm going to do.

 

[skyeblue0610]

Actually I'm in the same situation you're in. I'm still deciding whether to take the prep course with my full load. I feel like the course will be a waste of time because I will be more focusing on my other courses so that I can make good grades. I still don't know what I'm going to do.

I know right. I think I'd focus more on my classes as well

 

[sunny1]

I feel ya! There's just no way I can study for the MCAT right now on top of work and classes.

In fact, because I want to allow myself enough time to study and take a prep course, I think I'm gonna delay my application by a year. 🙁

I guess I'd rather be safe than sorry. So I'll take the review course over the summer along with work and one class. Then take MCAT in August.

Apply following summer. I still have mixed feelings about delaying my application, but I honestly think it's what will ensure the best score for me and put me in the best position as an applicant.

 

[unsung]

I feel ya! There's just no way I can study for the MCAT right now on top of work and classes.

In fact, because I want to allow myself enough time to study and take a prep course, I think I'm gonna delay my application by a year. 🙁

I guess I'd rather be safe than sorry. So I'll take the review course over the summer along with work and one class. Then take MCAT in August.

Apply following summer. I still have mixed feelings about delaying my application, but I honestly think it's what will ensure the best score for me and put me in the best position as an applicant.

Yeah, I have no idea how other people do it. I'm only taking a part-time course load (also working part-time), on top of taking PR review course... and still I can barely make it to the PR courses, and take the practice exams when they schedule it.

I mean, it's a good review/use of time for material I've already gone over and know pretty well- then the classroom practice is useful. But in terms of material I've basically totally forgotten (i.e. genetics or biochem stuff) and need to reteach myself, having the classroom review instruction really isn't helping me much in relearning. I feel like I need a lot more time on my own outside of class to just read & really learn the material... which is pretty much impossible to do while taking classes & working. So if you're really up to date with basically knowing most of the material, and just need practice in doing passages as well as test taking strategies, then a review course is not bad at all. But if you actually need to substantially relearn some of the material... I really don't think there's enough time while taking classes too.

That's just me though. I think I'll need a couple months after the review course ends to just study on my own before taking the test. Frankly, I have no idea how ppl in my review course are managing... oftentimes it seems like they are either on the same level of understanding as me (in terms of needing additional review), or even less, but they're all planning on taking it in April. I can't imagine taking it in April, given my current level of readiness (?!)... then again, maybe this is why so many people are forced to reapply... 😕

Anyway, I'm planning on taking it some time in July. PR ends in April, and school ends mid-May... so I'll have 2 months on my own to consolidate everything and focus totally on MCAT (aside from working of course). I mean, I really don't want to take this test more than one time...

 

[skyeblue0610]

Yeah, I have no idea how other people do it. I'm only taking a part-time course load (also working part-time), on top of taking PR review course... and still I can barely make it to the PR courses, and take the practice exams when they schedule it.

I mean, it's a good review/use of time for material I've already gone over and know pretty well- then the classroom practice is useful. But in terms of material I've basically totally forgotten (i.e. genetics or biochem stuff) and need to reteach myself, having the classroom review instruction really isn't helping me much in relearning. I feel like I need a lot more time on my own outside of class to just read & really learn the material... which is pretty much impossible to do while taking classes & working. So if you're really up to date with basically knowing most of the material, and just need practice in doing passages as well as test taking strategies, then a review course is not bad at all. But if you actually need to substantially relearn some of the material... I really don't think there's enough time while taking classes too.

That's just me though. I think I'll need a couple months after the review course ends to just study on my own before taking the test. Frankly, I have no idea how ppl in my review course are managing... oftentimes it seems like they are either on the same level of understanding as me (in terms of needing additional review), or even less, but they're all planning on taking it in April. I can't imagine taking it in April, given my current level of readiness (?!)... then again, maybe this is why so many people are forced to reapply... 😕

Anyway, I'm planning on taking it some time in July. PR ends in April, and school ends mid-May... so I'll have 2 months on my own to consolidate everything and focus totally on MCAT (aside from working of course). I mean, I really don't want to take this test more than one time...

Wow, thankyou for this. So nice to hear the untold story😉 No one ever mentions how it was taking the course while in school

 

[NatureVsNurture]

Am taking Kaplan right now with full class load. each class having a lab with it. Truly speaking it is and will be hectic till may when classes end. So, what i am planning is to give classes the priority till then and then concentrate on MCAT.

 

[mterp45]

Where there is a will, there is a way. The thought of an obstacle enhances fears and often has the ability to make a minor obstacle seem grandiose, but once you get rolling you will never look back. The key is to establish a routine and roll with it. It will help your time management skills and make the semester fly by very quickly. I am taking 17 credits, two labs, doing 12 hours of reasearch per week, volunteering 8 hrs per week, taking the Kaplan course which meets three times per week, hanging out with the girlfriend at least two days out of the week (she makes me 😀), and I still find time to study for the MCAT at least 4 hours a day during the week and 8 hours during the weekend and for my classes at least four hours a day. How do I do it? well I lose out on a lot of sleep (I only get about four to three hours of sleep every night), I only go out once every two weeks on Fridays (my friends make me😀) but more importantly, the fact that I don't get drunk when I do go out enables me to wake up early saturday and study for the MCAT. YOU CAN DO IT, the hardest part is making the commitment and you made the commitment long ago when you decided you wanted to go to med school now all you have to do is follow through.

 

[BrainTeazer]

If you have taken all the classes like genetics, biochem, physio, ochem, gchem, physics etc etc...than you might not even need the classes. Classes basically go over the same info that we learned in our classes...they do not really show you how to take the test etc...the method of taking the test really boils down to what suits you the best.

I took TPR and I regret wasting time and the money for it. I thought it was totally worthless. I would rather buy princeton, berk and examcracker books and buy the aamc online tests and work off of it.

Focusing on classes while studying for MCATs is possible, but the fact is [esp since i m in quarter system], april mcat is right after the finals and during may tests you would be having midterms. This all factors in figuring out when to take the test and how it would affect your grades. The best thing is to do it in january [after winter break] and then take it again in april if there is a need for it.

What people are doing these days is...they take a year off. What this does is ...it gives you can chance to take mcat during senior year and also you can take easy load and take some classes over the summer or the fall [of your "year of"]

 

[RSAgator]

Where there is a will, there is a way. The thought of an obstacle enhances fears and often has the ability to make a minor obstacle seem grandiose, but once you get rolling you will never look back. The key is to establish a routine and roll with it. It will help your time management skills and make the semester fly by very quickly. I am taking 17 credits, three sciences (mam physiology, genetics, immuno), two labs, doing 12 hours of reasearch per week, volunteering 8 hrs per week, taking the Kaplan course which meets three times per week, hanging out with the girlfriend at least two days out of the week (she makes me 😀), and I still find time to study for the MCAT at least 4 hours a day during the week and 8 hours during the weekend and for my classes at least four hours a day. How do I do it? well I lose out on a lot of sleep (I only get about four to three hours of sleep every night), I only go out once every two weeks on Fridays (my friends make me😀) but more importantly, the fact that I don't get drunk when I do go out enables me to wake up early saturday and study for the MCAT. YOU CAN DO IT, the hardest part is making the commitment and you made the commitment long ago when you decided you wanted to go to med school now all you have to do is follow through.

3 to 4 hours of sleep a night?!? While I agree where there is a will there is a way, I don't think 3 months of a schedule like this is very sustainable, and if it is for you it definitely isn't for most. I am rather envious though =)

OP Is it not possible to rearrange your schedule so that you can take 1 less class? The best time to take the MCAT is when you're ready, so I don't understand why people put themselves in situations where they may not be ready come time to take it. What happens if, come mid semester, you decide you're not studying as well as you should be for the mcat or that you need to spend more time on one class in order to get your grade up (which means less time with everything else). If you spread yourself too thin, then everything you do is going to suffer.

If you have the motivation then why not just study for it yourself? You'll save both money and time, and be able to figure out a schedule that works perfectly for you.

As for how people do it, some people simply don't need to study as much as others, and some people are able to just study constantly without getting burnt out. Only you can know what kind of a person you are, so you need to decide if you can do it. It has been done, it can be done, but it might not be able to be done by you and if that's the case you need to accept it and adjust accordingly.

In developing your schedule you need to do 2 things. Make sacrifices, and be realistic. Sometimes the number of sacrifices you would need to make make things very unrealistic, so tread cautiously when striking this balance.

 

[sunny1]

In developing your schedule you need to do 2 things. Make sacrifices, and be realistic. Sometimes the number of sacrifices you would need to make make things very unrealistic, so tread cautiously when striking this balance.

I agree with dcohen. 3-4 hours of sleep a night is not realistic for me. I have to get 7. I am spread too thin right now with full-time work and my part-time classes. Toss in a family visit or a mandatory trip out of town, and something's gotta give. I'm already worried enough about my grades this semester.

Therefore I'm pushing my timeline out as mentioned above. I'll take the summer prep course with MCAT in late July. If it makes my application late, so be it. Either I'll be a little late or I'll wait until the following year (yuck!), but it is what it is.

If you're overwhelmed now, drop some stuff that you can finish at a later date would be my advice. You'll be happier in the short term and will better perform in whatever it is you continue to do (and retain that knowedge if you need it for later) in my opinion.