Looking for advice for planning my classes

[TalentedWasabi]

International Student at a T5, 3.9+ CGPA

Hey! I am a rising sophomore considering majoring in either neuroscience or finance but on the premed track. I do plan on taking at least 1 gap year post-grad. During freshman year, I completed my gen chem 1, stat, and math reqs. However, i took a break in the spring to explore other fields and want to come back to the premed world. However, Im lost at how I should plan my remaining prereqs for the upcoming semesters. I have phys 1/2, orgo 1/2, biochem, bio 1/2, and chem 2 left. I also want to start prepping for the MCAT by the end of junior year.

The current plan is:
Soph Fall: Chem 2, Phys 1
Soph Spring: Orgo 1, Phys 2
Junior Fall: Orgo 2, Bio 1
Junior Spring: Biochem, Bio 2


Any thoughts on how I should tweak this? My prehealth advisor told me to take bio before physics, but I am worried I'll forget the calculus by junior year so I want to get done with it as soon as possible. I also really enjoy physics so I don't mind taking it now.

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[Mr.Smile12]

First, what does your major advisor say? Do you have a schedule of courses you have to take to finish with a neuroscience degree, or balance a dual degree schedule with finance? I would expect you to have already discussed your plans with those advisors before taking your break.

You want to take Biology as it is likely a prerequisite for biochemistry. It makes no sense for you to take biochem and intro bio at the same time. This is why many premeds take physics in their third undergrad year.

The usual schedule I see on the science prerequisites (not including any required math you need as prerequisites; if you have AP credit, this will definitely depend on your school's academic advising policies):
1) GChem 1, Bio 1, (psych/soc 1) statistics
2) GChem 2, Bio 2, (psych/soc 2)
3) OChem 1, Physics 1, Intermediate Bio like micro
4) OChem 2, Physics 2, Intermediate Bio like physiology
5) Biochem, Intermediate Bio like genetics
6) Advanced bio like immunology, anatomy, advanced cell/mol bio, histology

You also don't need to take calculus-based physics for medical school; you should only take calc-based physics if it is required by your major. You should take statistics as relevant to your major.

If you had AP credit giving you some intro bio credit, you can move up the physics 1/2 sequence.