Importance of biochem for MCAT?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
shindotp

shindotp

Membership Revoked
Removed
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2008
Messages
673
Reaction score
1
Members do not see this ad.
I was planning on taking biochem my sophomore year concurrently with Organic Chem, but I was advised not to take biochem until after I have completed orgo (and it conflicts timewise with another class I need to take by the end of my sophomore year). So I decided not to take it until my junior year, but that will be the only premed class that I will not have yet taken by the summer after my sophomore year. I want to take the MCAT as soon as possible, so I'm thinking about just taking the MCAT before taking biochem...

Should I wait until the winter of my junior year to take the MCAT? And take like a prep course during my junior year fall semester?

I was planning on studying for the MCAT during the second semester of my sophomore year and during the summer right after...
 
biochem was by far the most helpful course i took in terms of the mcat... you dont REALLY need to take mcat til spring of your junior year, so why not take biochem that fall?
 
Biochem has pretty much zero importance for the MCAT take it whenever it fits best into you scheduel.

Also, take the MCAT when you feel you will be most well prepared for it, don't rush into it.

edit: Well it didn't seem helpful for the version of the MCAT I wrote anyway, maybe for some versions it is( refering to above post).
 
Wow, such contrasting opinions. I've heard from others that it's pretty helpful... But I'm not sure. I definitely want to take the MCAT ASAP because of my bad long term memory.
 
I honestly don't know how helpful it is, as I have never taken it. You can def. do fine without it, but maybe it would help. Why don't you just take the course during the fall and test in the spring? You could always take a prep course during the fall and test in January. Or prep course in the early spring and test in April of your Junior year. Take your time with it.
 
Actually let me add to my compents. Are you a bio major?

If no, it may be helpful; if you're not comfortable with some bio topics like replication and translation. As it does review these and cover a few other MCAT topics (at least the biochem I took anyways). But these topics can also be learned in a higher yield manner (no fluff in between) from an MCAT prep book.

If yes, I don't know how much help it would really be. Biochem has a very narrow range of topics which are helpful for the MCAT most of which are either ground into you in other bio classes (replication, translation, ). The ones that aren't ground into you in other classes can be pretty easily picked up from going through MCAT study guides (hemoglobin saturation curves, for example).

I'd still vote to just use your MCAT studying to learn anything you don't know or aren't fully comfortable with since it's higher yield. I just figured I'd tack a more detailed version of my thoughts on.
 
Last edited:
the reason i think it was helpful could have been specific to my mcat- (i dont know how much its ok to talk about the content of my specific test, but biochem definitely helped).
 
The reason it has helped me in practice so far is that it focuses on qualities of specific amino acid residues. If you don't take Biochem... simply study the amino acids in terms of special characteristics (hyrophobic/philic, charged, aromatic, disulfide (cys), proline's kink, etc)
 
not necessary for the mcat.
orgo not necessary for bio. in fact, some bioengineering (that are more like Engineering bio) forgo orgo (rhymed) to biochem.

however, learning always makes material more intuitive and it will help

taking biochemistry, might actually would have helped you get into a lab

🙂might
 
I didnt find it all that useful for my mcat. There was nothing on any metabolic pathways, I think I had maybe 2 questions on protein structure/ properties, but those are easily learned alone without the biochem class. For me 1st half of biochem was all protein structure/amino acids and such (which you will have drilled into you every bio class probably anyways) and the 2nd half was all metabolic pathways which ive rarely seen on any MCAT practice or actual test for that matter. Dont stress about not taking it before the MCAT its by no way required and if they do ask you biochem stuff it will be easy stuff.
 
I know I'm stating the obvious, but biochemistry is not included as part of any MCAT section. The class helps by improving your understanding of general (and maybe a little organic) chemistry, which can also be accomplished by thorough review of these subjects. It's unlikely, but taking biochemistry may actually hurt you a little on the MCAT, in that you're supposed to focus on general concepts. The detailed information you learn in biochem may cause you to rely unnecessarily on outside information
 
shindotp said:
I was planning on taking biochem my sophomore year concurrently with Organic Chem, but I was advised not to take biochem until after I have completed orgo (and it conflicts timewise with another class I need to take by the end of my sophomore year). So I decided not to take it until my junior year, but that will be the only premed class that I will not have yet taken by the summer after my sophomore year. I want to take the MCAT as soon as possible, so I'm thinking about just taking the MCAT before taking biochem...

Should I wait until the winter of my junior year to take the MCAT? And take like a prep course during my junior year fall semester?

I was planning on studying for the MCAT during the second semester of my sophomore year and during the summer right after...
Click to expand...

biochem isn't a prereq for the mcat so i wouldn't worry too much about taking it before hand. from what i have heard, prep book plus gen bio and organic 1 is pretty much all you'll need for the bio part of the mcat..and obviously dont be in any rush to take the exam lest you dont perform optimally or you end up having to take it over again because xyz reason kept you from applying or getting in the first time(s) through the traditional route.
 
WIth biochem you learn in-depth how glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the TCA cycle works. You'll learn about enzyme kinetics: competitive and non-competitive inhibitors...., Michaelis-Menten equations (Km and Vmax), P02 curves, hemoglobin. But the MCAT doesn't test on any of these subjects in-depth. If they did, it would be a crime. If you've taken it I am sure it can only help.

Personally I think biochemistry my favorite undergrad class since it's so applicable and really ties in everything you've learned from microbiology to organic chemistry. Immunology is a close second.

You don't need to take biochem for the MCAT. Take it when you have the flexibility in your schedule. Most people probably don't take it till the fall of the junior year.
 
Thanks a lot for all the helpful responses. I guess I'll just take it in the fall of my Jr year!
 
I didn't take biochem until after I took the MCAT and I did fine... I think it would have helped a bit though.
 
Looking back, taking biochem would have helped. But it wasn't something that I had to take to do well on the MCAT. I would say take physiology before the test though- dead useful.
 
I didn't take Biochem or Organic Chem 2. 37Q was my score, and I never once felt I was even at an infinitesimal disadvantage during all of my studying for the MCAT and taking practice tests.
 
MCAT, in that you're supposed to focus on general concepts.
Click to expand...

EXACTLY. You do not need a full year of Organic Chemistry, nor a full year of Physics, nor a full year of Biology. In fact, a semester of each of these topics would suffice because now more than ever the MCAT is focusing more on general concepts and critical thinking, data interpretation, etc.

The whole paranoia about having to take every single premed requirement prior to the MCAT is unjustified. If you have a semester of each of the above, and you review the subjects as per the prep books/prep courses you should do well - as long as you are good at taking standardized tests. If you bombed the SATs or ACT, then, use enough time to improve your test taking skills as much as the time you are using to review specific subjects.
 
To posters who say biochem didn't help at all, would you say that genetics and cell bio helped instead? or human physiology?
 
There may be passages based upon biochemistry that ask questions about biochemistry but only if the information is in the passage the questions are based upon, or can be inferred from a synthesis of info in the passage and organic/general chemistry that you should be solid in. Hence biochem can be an advantage in that you might "just know" the answer without having to use critical thinking. Then again, you may get confused if it causes you to not keep your mind on general principles during the test.

Overall I wouldn't go out of my way to take biochem before the MCAT.

Edit: I do think cell/molecular biology, genetics, and physiology (not necessarily anatomy), are more helpful. I was told I didn't need to take physiology, yet the MCAT will ask you questions on physiology. So I had to learn it mostly on my own.
 
I was about to ask this. I'm taking organic 2 and physics 2 this summer, in the fall i'm taking biochemistry, genetics, microbiology (with two other non-science classes). I wanted to take the MCAT in September but I think I'd be better prepared for the one in January. What do you guys think?
 
Artimacia said:
I was about to ask this. I'm taking organic 2 and physics 2 this summer, in the fall i'm taking biochemistry, genetics, microbiology (with two other non-science classes). I wanted to take the MCAT in September but I think I'd be better prepared for the one in January. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

That is a bit tough. You'll need to focus a lot of attention on your Fall courses, which will help somewhat with your MCAT but probably not quite the same efficiency as doing practice tests and such. If you can find a few hours a day to study for the MCAT (in addition to the time you need to spend on your courses) during the Fall term, then the January one would probably be better. If your summer is jam-packed with full time work on top of other responsibilities, then that would further make January attractive. Even given that I'd dedicate a few hours to studying over the summer if at all possible, while a less activity-filled summer might allow for 4-6 hours per day. If your summer would allow more intensive studying that you'll stick to, then September would be better. The material most pertinent to the MCAT will be fresher in your mind if you take the September one as well. So the answer is it depends on factors I cannot know, and you might not know for sure yet. 🙂
 
It will most likely not make any difference whether you have taken those courses. However, more study time can help (if you actually use the extra time), so I would take the January test date. January leaves you plenty of time for a retake if necessary.
 
fastfingers said:
To posters who say biochem didn't help at all, would you say that genetics and cell bio helped instead? or human physiology?
Click to expand...

Physiology could be helpful.

Genetics/cell bio have the same issue as biochem; only the very basic material is tested on the MCAT making taking the class pretty low yield for the MCAT.
 
fastfingers said:
To posters who say biochem didn't help at all, would you say that genetics and cell bio helped instead? or human physiology?
Click to expand...

I honestly feel that you can do fine with nothing more than the general bio. Biology is a lot of memorization, so it's a lot easier to learn on your own. However, I had just finished Genetics when I tested, and there was a lot of there, so I know that helped me. If you have the time, take as many of these classes as you can. It can only help.

Artimacia said:
I was about to ask this. I'm taking organic 2 and physics 2 this summer, in the fall i'm taking biochemistry, genetics, microbiology (with two other non-science classes). I wanted to take the MCAT in September but I think I'd be better prepared for the one in January. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

I'd say go with January. It is hard to study for the MCAT during the fall but it's possible. I studied from August to October and then December and January. The tests are late enough in January that starting after your finals for the fall are done gives you plenty of time to refresh and do practice tests. I has a big fan of the January test. More time to prepare than the summer before, and you're not into your classes enough to have to worry about a lot of work in January. Also, plenty of time to retake and still apply early.
 
fastfingers said:
To posters who say biochem didn't help at all, would you say that genetics and cell bio helped instead? or human physiology?
Click to expand...

Like I said, physiology would be helpful, but not necessary.
 
I am currently taking biochem - after I took the MCAT. I think it would have helped some, but I couldn't say whether it would have surely raised my BS score. It kind of gets you in the thinking mode of how to tie everything you've learned from bio and ochem together, so that is a good thing. I had a few passages on topics that were discussed in biochem (don't think I'm allowed to specifically say what they were on this site but I definitely remember them) so I think it would have helped me in my case.

I would say definitely take genetics if you can. That's meat and potatoes biology and it will surely be of much help. You would probably be fine just looking over the review books for the anatomy/physiology stuff, which isn't much of the BS anyway, if it even shows up.

IMO, genetics > biochem for MCAT prep. The only value I think biochem would provide is exposing you to a few topics that just so happen to show up as passeges on your test (in my case).
 
My MCAT was very heavy on the genetics. I think there were at least 10 genetics questions distributed across at least 3 passages (3 questions on penetrance alone!) and only one biochem question (discrete on sugars) which could have easily been answered by studying any standard review book. Don't take biochem just for the MCAT and definitely don't take biochem and orgo at the same time or you will be very very sorry.
 
BlueElmo said:
Looking back, taking biochem would have helped. But it wasn't something that I had to take to do well on the MCAT. I would say take physiology before the test though- dead useful.
Click to expand...

+1 👍
It helped that physiology wasn't really memorization but concepts that could be applied. Pretty much common sense stuff once you got the hang of it.
 
Well, next semester, genetics and biochem is offered to me, but I'm unsure whether I should take both of just one of them. Since I'll be a junior next semester, I'll be taking my MCATs on the next april with either the background of genetics, biochem or both. If I don't take genetics or biochem, and instead take a major requirement course (one that require a whole lot less workload), I'll have much more time to study for the MCAT. Would ppl here recommend I take the genetics or biochem? I also heard that genetics and biochem is recommend by med schools, but I've heard that I can always take it my senior year to fulfill the recommendation. I'm aiming for possible top tier med school.
 
Spending adequate time studying from review books and taking practice tests will be much >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>. for your score then taking a biochem or genetics course.
 
oh, but what about in terms of having a biochem or genetics grade when I apply for med school? If I don't take biochem or genetics next semester, I won't be able to apply for med schools with grades in those classes (although I've been doing great in my other science class). Would you say that it is highly important for me to finish those classes prior to applying?
 
fastfingers said:
oh, but what about in terms of having a biochem or genetics grade when I apply for med school? If I don't take biochem or genetics next semester, I won't be able to apply for med schools with grades in those classes (although I've been doing great in my other science class). Would you say that it is highly important for me to finish those classes prior to applying?
Click to expand...
I would say if you have All As or a 3.6-3.7+ gpa in your sciences then not taking Biochem or genetics wont hurt you...but if your sci gpa is a little lower and you can make an A, then by all means go for it.

Definitely not necessary though, and wont hurt you.
 
I think it all depends how rigorous the courses you had in undergrad were. If you feel like you have a solid foundation in the concepts in intro bio, then maybe you don't need biochem or genetics. For example, if you went to, say, UCLA and took the LS series, then taking biochem before the MCAT isn't necessary. Some schools, however, don't have as thorough coverage of those concepts and then taking the upper divisions might help.
 
About three years ago when I joined this forum, Biochem was featured predominantly on the MCAT. Everyone said "take Biochem, take Biochem" because it wasn't uncommon to get three passages on the Krebs Cycle alone.

That isn't the case now. Now it's all genetics. Genetics beats Physiology, Biochem, Microbiology, and any other Bio class. There were MCAT people who had anywhere from 3-5 Genetics passages. And we're not talking punnett squares or Hardy-Weinberg. We're talking molecular questions on molecular genetics tests or experiments.

Definitely know your genetics. Learn the rest from review books if you're rusty.
 
Just Joshin said:
About three years ago when I joined this forum, Biochem was featured predominantly on the MCAT. Everyone said "take Biochem, take Biochem" because it wasn't uncommon to get three passages on the Krebs Cycle alone.

That isn't the case now. Now it's all genetics. Genetics beats Physiology, Biochem, Microbiology, and any other Bio class. There were MCAT people who had anywhere from 3-5 Genetics passages. And we're not talking punnett squares or Hardy-Weinberg. We're talking molecular questions on molecular genetics tests or experiments.

Definitely know your genetics. Learn the rest from review books if you're rusty.
Click to expand...

I don't know, my test in 2008 had a lot of physiology and molecular biology, but almost no genetics. I think tests vary a lot. It would be helpful to take physiology and genetics before the MCAT, but there's nothing in the MCAT that you won't have learned from the prep books and 1st year biology course.
 
BlueElmo said:
I don't know, my test in 2008 had a lot of physiology and molecular biology, but almost no genetics. I think tests vary a lot. It would be helpful to take physiology and genetics before the MCAT, but there's nothing in the MCAT that you won't have learned from the prep books and 1st year biology course.
Click to expand...

That all depends on your course. My 1st year bio class didn't prepare me for most of what was on the MCAT. We never even did any physiology and genetics was mostly Mendilian with the exception of a molecular chapter.

When in 2008 did you take the MCAT? According to the MCAT forum, the genetics emphasis came about last June or July. Before that, it was still physiology. After that, most administrations had people complaining about the amount of genetics on there.
 
ChubbyChaser said:
I would say if you have All As or a 3.6-3.7+ gpa in your sciences then not taking Biochem or genetics wont hurt you...but if your sci gpa is a little lower and you can make an A, then by all means go for it.

Definitely not necessary though, and wont hurt you.
Click to expand...


oh alright. how was the success level of previous applicants who didn't take the recommended classes such as biochem, genetics and cell bio (or didn't even take the required class such as biochem), and only took it in the senior year when med schools have no idea what the grade is. I do fit the description of a high gpa, but i have a sociology-based major and have very limited science classes (other than the required premed courses). If I don't take biochem, I wouldn't have taken a single upper level science course and I'm afraid that would significantly hurt my application. But then again, I feel Biochem can only hurt my gpa and take time away from studying for MCAT.
 
Just Joshin said:
That all depends on your course. My 1st year bio class didn't prepare me for most of what was on the MCAT. We never even did any physiology and genetics was mostly Mendilian with the exception of a molecular chapter.

When in 2008 did you take the MCAT? According to the MCAT forum, the genetics emphasis came about last June or July. Before that, it was still physiology. After that, most administrations had people complaining about the amount of genetics on there.
Click to expand...

Mine was the September sitting. Even if your first year biology is not up to par, I still think you can glean most of the material from prep course or prep books.
 
Most of the genetics should have been covered in biology, because it should have covered genetics on a basic level, ditto for microbiology, and to a much lesser extent physiology. Perhaps that’s just due to my instructors not balancing breadth and depth perfectly, /shrug. So I’d say physiology>genetics>microbiology>biochemistry. Two caveats: 1. The test is not long enough to cover everything evenly, so some tests may be weighed more towards one subject than another. 2. As the admin mentioned, courses are NOT a substitute for studying for the test itself, but I still stand by the idea that courses help if they don’t get in the way of your studying for the MCAT.
 
LiveUninhibited said:
Most of the genetics should have been covered in biology, because it should have covered genetics on a basic level, ditto for microbiology, and to a much lesser extent physiology. Perhaps that’s just due to my instructors not balancing breadth and depth perfectly, /shrug. So I’d say physiology>genetics>microbiology>biochemistry. Two caveats: 1. The test is not long enough to cover everything evenly, so some tests may be weighed more towards one subject than another. 2. As the admin mentioned, courses are NOT a substitute for studying for the test itself, but I still stand by the idea that courses help if they don’t get in the way of your studying for the MCAT.
Click to expand...

I didn't study additional material for the test, just took practice tests. The foundation I had from my courses was enough to do just fine on the test.
 
DrYoda said:
Actually let me add to my compents. Are you a bio major?

If no, it may be helpful; if you're not comfortable with some bio topics like replication and translation. As it does review these and cover a few other MCAT topics (at least the biochem I took anyways). But these topics can also be learned in a higher yield manner (no fluff in between) from an MCAT prep book.

If yes, I don't know how much help it would really be. Biochem has a very narrow range of topics which are helpful for the MCAT most of which are either ground into you in other bio classes (replication, translation, ). The ones that aren't ground into you in other classes can be pretty easily picked up from going through MCAT study guides (hemoglobin saturation curves, for example).

I'd still vote to just use your MCAT studying to learn anything you don't know or aren't fully comfortable with since it's higher yield. I just figured I'd tack a more detailed version of my thoughts on.
Click to expand...

Exactly! Physiology>> biochem
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Online Biochem before MCAT or self teach and take after?
Replies
7
Views
1K
chilly_md
chilly_md
B
importance of SMPs
Replies
4
Views
670
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
T
Secondaries waiting for MCAT
Replies
4
Views
789
chilly_md
chilly_md
M
Orgo/biochem combo course?
Replies
9
Views
1K
eigen
eigen
D
Biochem & Bioinformatics double major VS Chem Eng
Replies
5
Views
817
einvincible12
E
Top