I didn't do it that way (had issues with orgo, and didn't take biochem until my last semester, so had to take MCAT after I graduated), but it's probably the smartest. Trying to get the MCAT in before applying junior year is often not viable, since you won't be done with biochem until after your 5th semester (typically you need one year of gen chem and orgo to even take biochem). If you're really prepared, and have been studying along with classes and don't need much to do content review, you can devote your winter break to relentless preparation. And if your practice scores are high, take the MCAT right before the spring semester starts. I would not recommend scheduling the MCAT during the academic semester (unless you only take part-time classes and lighten your research load if you're doing research), as you're like to either sacrifice MCAT studying for your classes or sacrifice class preparation for the MCAT. And if you schedule the exam for the summer, intending to apply that summer, you'll likely be applying late. By giving yourself the entire summer, if you need it, not worrying about applying, you're maximizing your chance of success.
Cognitive Science. It's typically a B.A degree, but UCI offers a B.S. It has many disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, philosophy, computer science, artificial intelligence, and more. It is a relatively new field.
Sounds really cool, not sure who your counselor is - your advisor for your major, a general career or pre-professional counselor, or an advisor for your entire college unit (the science college or the liberal arts or human services (whatever has the cog sci major) but make sure to get a variety of opinions if this person isn’t one who often deals with pre-meds. Many well-meaning faculty in areas with pre med majors like bio or chem or some psych have their own ideas on how to be a good applicant, but someone at career and internship services who deals with professional school applications may have good/better advice! Just an FYI
