Is studying for the mcat before taking physics a bad idea? Please help!

[asigna]

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Hey everyone a friend suggested to me that it would be in my best interest to study for the current mcat over the summer rather than take the new one. Only problem is I haven't taken physics yet..is it possible to learn everything in physics while actually studying for the mcat, or will I just be hurting myself?

Suggestions please! Thanks!

 

[petyr_baelish]

Yep. It's very bad.

 

[shaybaybay91]

I was planning to do that, but my friends convinced me not to. I don't think it's impossible, but it's probably better to learn it well from a class the first time . That way you really understand the concepts and won't get tripped up when you come across questions that require you to recall different equations that may relate to physics 1 and 2. Unless you're extremely disciplined, intelligent and can self teach yourself, I'd say take the class first and make life easier. The MCAT isn't a test most people should rush into.

 

[XmedBarney]

Hey everyone a friend suggested to me that it would be in my best interest to study for the current mcat over the summer rather than take the new one. Only problem is I haven't taken physics yet..is it possible to learn everything in physics while actually studying for the mcat, or will I just be hurting myself?

Suggestions please! Thanks!

Depends, teaching yourself physics at the level of the MCAT is not too difficult, if you have the requisite math skills and determination it can probably be done. In fact, a self-taught person could probably attempt all portions of the MCAT, but it would def. take some serious dedication.

 

[Mad Jack]

It's possible. Then again, it's possible to fight a bear with your fists and live, but most people wouldn't chance it if their back weren't against the wall and they had no other options. Not having a thorough grasp of physics will probably cost you at least 3 points on your PS score, which would be a fatal blow to most, so proceed at your own risk unless you're some kind of physics savant.

 

[Zelda840]

Not having a thorough grasp of physics will probably cost you at least 3 points on your PS score, which would be a fatal blow to most, so proceed at your own risk unless you're some kind of physics savant.

^This.

I took the mcat before taking physics II and it seriously hurt me. I am a pretty self-disciplined person and studied every day for 3 months, but it wasn't enough to bridge the gap. Ended up with an 8 in PS section and a 29 total, when I know I could have gotten in the low 30's if I just hadn't rushed into it.

 

[mrh125]

I wouldn't recommend it at all because physics is one of the more tricky subjects for premeds and pretty much everyone. There's a lot of material in phys on the mcat and you need an intuitive grasp over the concepts behind the formulas to do well on the mcat as well as knowing the formulas. You'd save yourself a lot of hardships if you just took physics first.

 

[moisne]

Did you take physics in high school. I think a physics honors or ap physics would have been sufficient for the MCAT

 

[medic86]

Damn, you guys are scaring me.

I'm self-teaching myself physics II alongside my physics I lecture this semester, then I'm going hard on MCAT studying for the next ~3 months. Should I worry? 😳

 

[XmedBarney]

Damn, you guys are scaring me.

I'm self-teaching myself physics II alongside my physics I lecture this semester, then I'm going hard on MCAT studying for the next ~3 months. Should I worry? 😳

Self teaching yourself is definitely doable, it's just you also need to be checking yourself to make sure you actually understand all the material. I highly recommend using old tests and quizzes from your seniors to do this.