Is Microbiology useful for the MCAT?

[kerenza]

I have a choice of taking Microbio with a good prof vs cell bio with an extremely hard prof who gives out almost no A''s before MCAT. What would you do?

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[Lawpy]

I have a choice of taking Microbio with a good prof vs cell bio with an extremely hard prof who gives out almost no A''s before MCAT. What would you do?

Protect the GPA. Take microbiology.

 

[BoroPreMed92]

I had quite a few Micro questions during prep and on my actual MCAT but cell bio definitely outweighed Micro

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[kerenza]

What about Microbio or Cell Metabolism?

 

[eteshoe]

What about Microbio or Cell Metabolism?

If that's some sort of biochem course, I would take it.

 

[Bulldogs2020]

It definitely could be helpful, but isn't required to do well.

 

[Dagrimsta1]

So tired of people saying protect your GPA. Go learn something. Take the course that will best enrich your education.

 

[Wiesal]

So tired of people saying protect your GPA. Go learn something. Take the course that will best enrich your education.

The system we compete in doesn't always allow for this. Unfortunately, I don't believe adcoms will perceive "the professor was overly difficult/unfair" as a valid excuse regardless of validity.

 

[Turkishking]

Protect your GPA

 

[Fluffy123]

My mcat had 3 microbio passages and a few free standing questions. Anyone who didn't take micro was at a severe disadvantage. Cell bio can be learned easily, micro not so much so I would go with micro

 

[Go_Pokes_11]

micro for sure.

 

[787593]

Cell bio was super helpful for the MCAT. Micro was not. BUT.... I'd say protect the GPA with your life. You can learn cell bio during MCAT prep.

 

[keemobad]

Microbio isn't as important and can be learned independently very easily, on the other hand you should also protect your GPA. If you can take a B and not care about it then go for the cell bio as its like 80% of the biology section

 

[kerenza]

If that's some sort of biochem course, I would take it.

• Course Description: This course will survey key cellular catabolic and anabolic pathways in eukaryotic cells. Focus will be on the regulation and integration of these pathways as they impact eukaryotic cell function and mechanisms of disease as opposed to detailed analysis of the chemistry of specific reactions that is the focus of general biochemistry courses. Emphasis will be placed on the structure and regulation of specific enzymes, energy utilization as well the implication to human diseases such as diabetes and asthma.

 

[keemobad]

• Course Description: This course will survey key cellular catabolic and anabolic pathways in eukaryotic cells. Focus will be on the regulation and integration of these pathways as they impact eukaryotic cell function and mechanisms of disease as opposed to detailed analysis of the chemistry of specific reactions that is the focus of general biochemistry courses. Emphasis will be placed on the structure and regulation of specific enzymes, energy utilization as well the implication to human diseases such as diabetes and asthma.

Others may disagree but this sounds like too detailed for the MCAT.

 

[Fluffy123]

Others may disagree but this sounds like too detailed for the MCAT.

I agree with this statement

 

[DiscusKeeper]

I took micro and did not take cell bio. I did not feel like I missed any cell bio content on the MCAT. I never ran across a question about cell biology that had not been covered in my other biology courses, like anatomy and physiology or general biology. I would agree with pretty much everyone else and say take micro over cell bio to protect your GPA.

However, if you have the opportunity to take Molecular Biology before the MCAT and you have not yet done so, I would highly recommend it. I missed some molecular biology questions on my practice tests because I was unfamiliar with the content. I'm taking molecular biology now, and it makes me wish I had done it before.

Similar to what other people have said, micro bio isn't very high yield on the MCAT, but it's still a useful course to take before med school.

 

[deforestasian]

I took an upper div molecular bio class the quarter before taking the MCAT, and I swear that is the only reason I did okay in the bio section. (side note: I didn't study for the MCAT hardly enough due to time restraints, so this class saved me)

I was in micro class when I took the MCAT, and while it was an easy class GPA wise, it didn't help me at all with my preparation in my opinion.

So if you can manage the molecular bio, I would recommend that.

 

[To be MD]

I have a choice of taking Microbio with a good prof vs cell bio with an extremely hard prof who gives out almost no A''s before MCAT. What would you do?

not really