Is it worth it to take classes with MCAT in mind?

[EarnestlyWilde]

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I've gathered that vertebrate physiology, biochem, and molecular bio & genetics would be 3 good courses to take for MCAT prep. It seems like a reasonably heavy workload for next semester, but there are a few things stopping me so my question is--is it worth it to do it anyway?

Factor 1: I'm doing the first part of the 2 semester Independent Study sequence this semester. It might be time consuming to do it with 3 bio courses. Should I drop the IS or a bio class?

Factor 2: One professor who I've known for a while and is now my adviser seems to really want to me to take his advanced bio seminar where you read a lot of published articles in a specific topic. Maybe he just wants more people in general to show interest in it? I'm interested in the class, but don't know if this is the best arrangement of my schedule. It's only offered in Spring and I feel like I'm disappointing him by not taking it in my junior year which he emphasized as a better time to take it, though most people are seniors in the class. Is that a bad reason to take it? It's also apparently hard to get selected for it so maybe I wouldn't make the cut anyway 🙄 Hey, maybe it would even help with MCAT style dense reading and analysis

Factor 3: I will definitely have to register for the second semester of a language class. Not particularly significant, but it does take up space towards the max credit limit (Basically up to 5 classes, unless I request an increase tho I don't need it for graduation or major req fulfillment)

Factor 4: I'm far ahead enough in my major to only need ~1.2 bio classes per semester until graduation (I'm in my third year). Biochem & Molec/Genetics would count towards it, but physio is under a section I fulfilled with a diff class. My sGPA could def use some polishing, tho, so I don't particularly mind the extra class. It's more of a workload issue

I don't know if taking 3 upper bio courses + 1 hard seminar course + IS + language = 6 classes (would need credit limit raised) all at the same time is best

It would really help to hear some advice from people who have actually taken MCAT plus these classes and can offer some perspective?

Thanks so much 😳

 

[AlteredScale]

I've gathered that vertebrate physiology, biochem, and molecular bio & genetics would be 3 good courses to take for MCAT prep. It seems like a reasonably heavy workload for next semester, but there are a few things stopping me so my question is--is it worth it to do it anyway?

Factor 1: I'm doing the first part of the 2 semester Independent Study sequence this semester. It might be time consuming to do it with 3 bio courses. Should I drop the IS or a bio class?

Factor 2: One professor who I've known for a while and is now my adviser seems to really want to me to take his advanced bio seminar where you read a lot of published articles in a specific topic. Maybe he just wants more people in general to show interest in it? I'm interested in the class, but don't know if this is the best arrangement of my schedule. It's only offered in Spring and I feel like I'm disappointing him by not taking it in my junior year which he emphasized as a better time to take it, though most people are seniors in the class. Is that a bad reason to take it? It's also apparently hard to get selected for it so maybe I wouldn't make the cut anyway 🙄 Hey, maybe it would even help with MCAT style dense reading and analysis

Factor 3: I will definitely have to register for the second semester of a language class. Not particularly significant, but it does take up space towards the max credit limit (Basically up to 5 classes, unless I request an increase tho I don't need it for graduation or major req fulfillment)

Factor 4: I'm far ahead enough in my major to only need ~1.2 bio classes per semester until graduation (I'm in my third year). Biochem & Molec/Genetics would count towards it, but physio is under a section I fulfilled with a diff class. My sGPA could def use some polishing, tho, so I don't particularly mind the extra class. It's more of a workload issue

I don't know if taking 3 upper bio courses + 1 hard seminar course + IS + language = 6 classes (would need credit limit raised) all at the same time is best

It would really help to hear some advice from people who have actually taken MCAT plus these classes and can offer some perspective?

Thanks so much 😳

Taking upper div. courses related to biology can help with your MCAT prep, but I wouldn't use it as your study source. There is high yield MCAT info that is usually introduced the first 1/4 of these upper div. courses while the rest of the course is extraneous and not important to the mcat.

Factor 1: Your course load looks to be solid for a semester but it's subjective to you. Can YOU handle it? If not drop some classes through the semester. Also, is the IS something that you want to do or just thinking about doing because "it will look good on my med school app".

Factor 2: Taking this course will help you with reading comprehension. But you shouldn't feel any guilt in avoiding courses, take what is best for you. If you want to prepare for the dense material for the MCAT start reading The Economist and The New Yorker! The style of reading comprehension for the MCAT is quite unique.

Hard to say how you will do this semester, coming from a UC we only have 10 weeks to complete a course instead of the normal 20 wk semester so taking more than 3 upper div courses is pretty hard (IMO, different for others).

Again, you can buy a review book (TPR Cracking the MCAT) and see what material is really important to the MCAT. These upper courses you are taking are an extension of these basic ideas and will most likely not be tested. The only upper course that has really helped me with the MCAT is endocrinology and even then there was a lot of info outside of the scope of the MCAT so be weary of that.

 

[EarnestlyWilde]

Taking upper div. courses related to biology can help with your MCAT prep, but I wouldn't use it as your study source. There is high yield MCAT info that is usually introduced the first 1/4 of these upper div. courses while the rest of the course is extraneous and not important to the mcat.

Factor 1: Your course load looks to be solid for a semester but it's subjective to you. Can YOU handle it? If not drop some classes through the semester. Also, is the IS something that you want to do or just thinking about doing because "it will look good on my med school app".

Factor 2: Taking this course will help you with reading comprehension. But you shouldn't feel any guilt in avoiding courses, take what is best for you. If you want to prepare for the dense material for the MCAT start reading The Economist and The New Yorker! The style of reading comprehension for the MCAT is quite unique.

Hard to say how you will do this semester, coming from a UC we only have 10 weeks to complete a course instead of the normal 20 wk semester so taking more than 3 upper div courses is pretty hard (IMO, different for others).

Again, you can buy a review book (TPR Cracking the MCAT) and see what material is really important to the MCAT. These upper courses you are taking are an extension of these basic ideas and will most likely not be tested. The only upper course that has really helped me with the MCAT is endocrinology and even then there was a lot of info outside of the scope of the MCAT so be weary of that.

Thanks for the detailed reply!

I didn't realize MCAT yield was 25%, though that's still quite a bit. I think I'll eliminate physio then since it's not req and I want to be take a breadth of classes in UG.
Do you think the 25% justifies taking Molec Bio one semester earlier and sacrificing a non-science class?

Factor 1 comment: A. At my school my current sched is considered heavy, of 1 bio, 1 orgo, 1 IS, 1 fun seminar, 1 language but I think it's reasonable. I've done three science in the past, but 4 would probably be too much...especially when they all have midterms on the same day. B. I do want to do IS. I like working in the lab but IS is better than tech-ing. It also happens to be required for me lol It is a 10-20hr/wk commitment though :/

Factor 2: Thanks, that was helpful. I feel better about taking the class now since I could use more help in reading comp and I think I have a good hang of the understand + memorize part of studying.
About the economist--do you have any specific tips? I read it occasionally (I just like it) if I have some free time (so...not often) but I don't feel like I leveled up in reading afterwards. Are any sections better than others for MCAT? I always skip finance and science is my favorite, though I read it last.

 

[Aerus]

If it means anything, my friend said that taking physiology made studying immensely easier for him.

 

[EarnestlyWilde]

If it means anything, my friend said that taking physiology made studying immensely easier for him.

Now I'm back to being more conflicted

I wish I had just taken physio this semester...

Hm, well, if I enjoy learning bio more than writing 10 page essays about religious symbolism on ancient roman shields...maybe I should just take the crazy 5 science classes + language...okay no that sounds terrible *hits head against premed wall*

 

[Aerus]

Now I'm back to being more conflicted

I wish I had just taken physio this semester...

Hm, well, if I enjoy learning bio more than writing 10 page essays about religious symbolism on ancient roman shields...maybe I should just take the crazy 5 science classes + language...okay no that sounds terrible *hits head against premed wall*

While physiology is arguably the highest yield class to take before the MCAT, it's not required. Everything you need to know is in your prep books and your General Bio classes.

Keeping your GPA higher is much more important than easier studying time.

 

[EarnestlyWilde]

While physiology is arguably the highest yield class to take before the MCAT, it's not required. Everything you need to know is in your prep books and your General Bio classes.

Keeping your GPA higher is much more important than easier studying time.

This seems like an obvious statement, but it is so helpful 😀

Hm even 4 sci classes is still pretty intimidating tho, especially when it's not necessary for graduation...need to figure out which one to weed.

 

[AlteredScale]

Thanks for the detailed reply!

I didn't realize MCAT yield was 25%, though that's still quite a bit. I think I'll eliminate physio then since it's not req and I want to be take a breadth of classes in UG.
Do you think the 25% justifies taking Molec Bio one semester earlier and sacrificing a non-science class?

Factor 1 comment: A. At my school my current sched is considered heavy, of 1 bio, 1 orgo, 1 IS, 1 fun seminar, 1 language but I think it's reasonable. I've done three science in the past, but 4 would probably be too much...especially when they all have midterms on the same day. B. I do want to do IS. I like working in the lab but IS is better than tech-ing. It also happens to be required for me lol It is a 10-20hr/wk commitment though :/

Factor 2: Thanks, that was helpful. I feel better about taking the class now since I could use more help in reading comp and I think I have a good hang of the understand + memorize part of studying.
About the economist--do you have any specific tips? I read it occasionally (I just like it) if I have some free time (so...not often) but I don't feel like I leveled up in reading afterwards. Are any sections better than others for MCAT? I always skip finance and science is my favorite, though I read it last.

No problemo!

I think to answer all of your questions regarding the MCAT is to 1) get a review book or look online (AMCAS has a list of required topics, wikiMCAT) to see what the test entails and 2) take a practice MCAT (AMCAS, Gold Standard-1, Kaplan) before classes start. You can then see where you are.

It's difficult trying to say that your mol bio course will actually help your studies for the MCAT. Yes there will be information there that is pertinent to the MCAT but much of it could be potentially outside of the testing for the MCAT. Stick with personal review or take an intensive MCAT review course to study high yield material. (latter is cheaper, MUCH cheaper)

If you like research then do the IS. It's a potential talking point for AdComs. But if you haven't done any clinical I'd skip the IS, keep good grades, and start getting some clinical experience which is much more worth your while then bench work.

I read the economist and make sure I understand the argument, whether the author was passive or aggressive about his point, pulling strong examples to support his argument, and reading through the article as fast as I can w/o losing my train of though

 

[Aerus]

This seems like an obvious statement, but it is so helpful 😀

Hm even 4 sci classes is still pretty intimidating tho, especially when it's not necessary for graduation...need to figure out which one to weed.

What are all of the classes you intend to take? When will you take the MCAT?

 

[EarnestlyWilde]

What are all of the classes you intend to take? When will you take the MCAT?

Classes:
1-More or less have to/strongly should take second part of year-long language sequence
Options:
2-Vertebrate physiology (won't help with major reqs, may help with sGPA if I do well)
3- Molecular Biology & Genetics (will take eventually for major)*
4- Biochem (will take eventually for major)*
5- Advanced neuroscience seminar (will take eventually for major)*
6- Independent study part 2 of 2- since I'm still in my junior year, it's possible to postpone this to first semester senior year but I haven't discussed it with my PI yet. I wouldn't particularly mind since I could go back to work-study for the semester and have a more flexible schedule

*Some mix of these classes will be necessary to keep req fulfillment flow going. Initially planned on 2.

I was planning on taking the MCAT next summer. Am I over-worrying thinking I won't be able to fully self-study? It's just such a black box to me, I don't know

 

[Aerus]

Classes:
1-More or less have to/strongly should take second part of year-long language sequence
Options:
2-Vertebrate physiology
3- Molecular Biology & Genetics
4- Biochem
5- Advanced neuroscience seminar
6- Independent study part 2 of 2- since I'm still in my junior year, it's possible to postpone this to first semester senior year but I haven't discussed it with my PI yet. I wouldn't particularly mind since I could go back to work-study for the semester and have a more flexible schedule

I was planning on taking the MCAT next summer. Am I over-worrying thinking I won't be able to fully self-study? It's just such a black box to me, I don't know

Are all the bio classes year long classes or semester classes?

 

[EarnestlyWilde]

Semester classes

 

[Aerus]

Why not split them between the two semesters?

EDIT: Just kidding, you're talking about NEXT semester. I forgot that semester started awhile ago. I'm on quarter, so we JUST started the year haha.

 

[Aerus]

1) Language
2) Physiology
3) Biochemistry
4) Molecular Bio/Genetics OR the seminar and IS.

I think that sounds reasonable.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Take human physio over vertebrate physio if possible.

 

[EarnestlyWilde]

That does sound reasonable. Now I have to talk to PI about IS, though I'll wait until course selection actually opens. Hopefully she doesn't have a good reason for it being a bad idea

I think you're saying Molec/Gen is better prep than reading comp in terms of MCAT? I do kind of feel like if I'm going to take it eventually, makes sense to do it next sem.
Now I have to figure out the best way to explain not taking the class. I should get practice telling people at least mildly bad news 🙄 If I take it one year later, both the prof and I should be happy anyway

 

[EarnestlyWilde]

Take human physio over vertebrate physio if possible.

There is no human physio, alas. I hope it's not an inordinate amt of extra info...

Just googled it...there is a grad class that may be in the med school (web link is .med) but I don't think I would be allowed to register for it/would fail lol

 

[Aerus]

That does sound reasonable. Now I have to talk to PI about IS, though I'll wait until course selection actually opens. Hopefully she doesn't have a good reason for it being a bad idea

I think you're saying Molec/Gen is better prep than reading comp in terms of MCAT? I do kind of feel like if I'm going to take it eventually, makes sense to do it next sem.
Now I have to figure out the best way to explain not taking the class. I should get practice telling people at least mildly bad news 🙄 If I take it one year later, both the prof and I should be happy anyway

Reading comprehension can be improved much easier by yourself, as you have access to economist articles online. I'm making myself read a couple each week.

Molecular biology....you can self study that class, but I don't think you want to. =P

 

[AlteredScale]

IDK, at UCSD all biology majors are required to take upper division molecular biology (except for ecology majors) so if it's an optional course then it's all up to your liking!

 

[EarnestlyWilde]

IDK, at UCSD all biology majors are required to take upper division molecular biology (except for ecology majors) so if it's an optional course then it's all up to your liking!

It is required but I'm not graduating for another two years so I don't have to take it next semester...so that's beside the point, but thanks for chipping in