Medical Is it okay to do simple coursework and part-time for MCAT Preparation?

[Goro]

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Hello,

1. Is it a good idea to have a semester that is fairly simple in order to focus on MCAT preparation? I still have to fulfill elective coursework and one more biology lab as a part of my degree requirements. I would be taking 9 credits (2 science - lab). This would be during the spring semester a year from now, this coming summer would be comprised of research 30-40 hours a week so it is possible for me to prepare this summer and take the MCAT then focus on extracurriculars once school resumes.

2. What would Adcoms think of a student taking an easy semester from someone wanting to enter their rigorous program? I ask this because of the fact that academic pressure is emphasized a whole lot in order to prove a student can handle rigorous semesters of coursework (aka a week of medical school).

I'd like to add I have an upward trend as a student. I went from a B student in General Biology and Chemistry to acing Physics, Organic Chem., and advanced Biology. I find this relevant to share because I guess it would be my way of showing I can handle what we consider challenging coursework as undergrads and have shown growth.

Upward trends are always good.

A single light semester + MCAT prep should not be lethal, but do keep in mind that you don't get this luxury in med school.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

1. Is it a good idea to have a semester that is fairly simple in order to focus on MCAT preparation? I still have to fulfill elective coursework and one more biology lab as a part of my degree requirements. I would be taking 9 credits (2 science - lab). This would be during the spring semester a year from now, this coming summer would be comprised of research 30-40 hours a week so it is possible for me to prepare this summer and take the MCAT then focus on extracurriculars once school resumes.

2. What would Adcoms think of a student taking an easy semester from someone wanting to enter their rigorous program? I ask this because of the fact that academic pressure is emphasized a whole lot in order to prove a student can handle rigorous semesters of coursework (aka a week of medical school).

I'd like to add I have an upward trend as a student. I went from a B student in General Biology and Chemistry to acing Physics, Organic Chem., and advanced Biology. I find this relevant to share because I guess it would be my way of showing I can handle what we consider challenging coursework as undergrads and have shown growth.

My opinions generally mirror Goro's.

1) I don't think you need to take a "light semester" to focus on MCAT preparation if your grades are already pretty solid. You need to work on understanding the complexity of the exam questions and get practice. As Goro pointed out, you don't get this luxury in medical school, so blowing either the MCAT or your grades in that semester will not be a smart gamble if you can't do it. And there are many stories of students who don't do as well with one or the other as they would like prior to applying.

2) As a former admissions reviewer, it makes a difference if you don't do well in one versus the other. I expect if you scaled back everything to focus on the MCAT that you would do well and not need to repeat taking the exam since that is according to you, your best circumstance. I would take how well you do in rigorous classes and how you ramped it up prior to medical school, but many of my peers on committee would just look at your cumulative results and not delve into the details. Just understand, you can't make excuses if you fall short to the committee; your results are your results.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Thank you for informing me. I may push 3 credits into the fall to drop it to 6 credits (100 level elective + microbio lab).
This would allow me to focus that much more time on the MCAT and I'm sure I will do well with the semester, but for the MCAT I will see.
Considering my loss during my first year I definitely have to review general biology and general chemistry as it is, on top of behavioral sciences and CARS. Physics, organic, and biochem may not need a content review for, but I will practice them.

While studying for the MCAT is important, I don't know about dropping to below part-time. How does that affect your tuition/financial aid as an undergraduate? What does your academic advising office allow?

Networking is extremely important and is undervalued among applicants. I would make sure you have connections with current students, admissions staff, and some faculty. You also need to be sure you know what resources your prehealth advising office offers when it comes to handling recommendations or writing a committee evaluation. If you drop off your coursework involvement too much, you need to be sure you have supportive references. Also, if you don't have enough clinical experience and non-clinical volunteering, you're going to be again behind the curve.