Major/minor/timeline question

[Humanz]

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Hi all,

I currently am an undergraduate at a UC and in the midst of my 2nd year-- finishing ochem and physics in the spring quarter and planning on taking the MCAT this (2011) august. My question is, is this a good time to take the MCAT, or should I wait until next summer? I'm beginning to study from a practice book starting this upcoming winter quarter and will be taking a course this summer barring anything unfortunate happening..

Also,
I'm an Entomology (insect studies) major. The major itself has all the core-sciences that DO's require pre-application, but does anyone think that my slightly obscure major has any sort of hook to it? It's not as directly applicable as say, a "human biology" major would be.. but I picked it because I enjoy it and it was just my luck that some of the requirements for the B.S. matched med school pre-reqs.

I will be taking a Spanish course this quarter and plan to take subsequent ones every quarter hereafter. I do not speak spanish, have never taken a spanish course in high school, it does not serve for any lower division requirements.. I'm wondering if extensive coursework (note: NOT a minor, as it would take +2 quarters after 4th year to complete) will show itself in my application as something interesting to the admissions committee.. I think learning spanish is essential as a CA resident and a prospective physician. Basically, will this "extended coursework" show itself in my application.


Any advice would be great for these two lengthy questions!

 

[cliquesh]

Hi all,

I currently am an undergraduate at a UC and in the midst of my 2nd year-- finishing ochem and physics in the spring quarter and planning on taking the MCAT this (2011) august. My question is, is this a good time to take the MCAT, or should I wait until next summer? I'm beginning to study from a practice book starting this upcoming winter quarter and will be taking a course this summer barring anything unfortunate happening..

Also,
I'm an Entomology (insect studies) major. The major itself has all the core-sciences that DO's require pre-application, but does anyone think that my slightly obscure major has any sort of hook to it? It's not as directly applicable as say, a "human biology" major would be.. but I picked it because I enjoy it and it was just my luck that some of the requirements for the B.S. matched med school pre-reqs.

I will be taking a Spanish course this quarter and plan to take subsequent ones every quarter hereafter. I do not speak spanish, have never taken a spanish course in high school, it does not serve for any lower division requirements.. I'm wondering if extensive coursework (note: NOT a minor, as it would take +2 quarters after 4th year to complete) will show itself in my application as something interesting to the admissions committee.. I think learning spanish is essential as a CA resident and a prospective physician. Basically, will this "extended coursework" show itself in my application.


Any advice would be great for these two lengthy questions!

I would wait to take the MCAT, being an Entomology major will not hurt it will probably help, and I don't think they will notice your spanish coursework. A lot of undergrad schools require their students to take several semesters of foreign language. You should stick with it, however. It is useful to know spanish.

 

[Humanz]

I would wait to take the MCAT, being an Entomology major will not hurt it will probably help, and I don't think they will notice your spanish coursework. A lot of undergrad schools require their students to take several semesters of foreign language. You should stick with it, however. It is useful to know spanish.

Thanks for your help!

 

[koan]

Definitely stick with the entomology route -- that is awesome! I'd imagine it will lead to an interesting discussion at most of your interviews.

Also, it sounds like your MCAT timeline is perfect, especially if you have the summer free to devote to studying. I'm assuming you're planning to apply during summer 2012 for entry fall 2013. That is perfect.

 

[Humanz]

Definitely stick with the entomology route -- that is awesome! I'd imagine it will lead to an interesting discussion at most of your interviews.

Also, it sounds like your MCAT timeline is perfect, especially if you have the summer free to devote to studying. I'm assuming you're planning to apply during summer 2012 for entry fall 2013. That is perfect.

Thanks, that's what I sort of thought too. And yes, that is what I'm planning as far as the MCAT goes. Thanks!