MCAT Advice

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I know this is probably asked so many times but I need some advice because literally my head is going to explode. I wanted to take Orgo I in the summer, so I can be able to take my MCAT next year Summer but it seems like there is a large emphasis on Orgo I in the MCAT. I don't know if it would be a safe idea or not. Is there a chem class, like gen II or orgo II, that really wouldn't matter THAT much on the MCAT? I honestly feel so confused. Also, I graduate possibly by Winter 2016.

 

[V]

I would also be interested in the difference between taking a pre-req in summer vs during the semester.

 

[akumar29]

Well I would recommend taking pre-req specially orgo in summer because I was personally able to focus much more considering it was the only course I took. Everyday I studied 4-6 hours just on one subject. In addition, there was "1" passage and 2 discretes on my MCAT from orgo. And in the passage I could easily answer 2 of the 4 questions even if I did not know much on my MCAT. I took the MCAT before orgo II, I got a 10.

However, the more you learn before your MCAT can only and only help you.

 

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Akuma

Well I would recommend taking pre-req specially orgo in summer because I was personally able to focus much more considering it was the only course I took. Everyday I studied 4-6 hours just on one subject. In addition, there was "1" passage and 2 discretes on my MCAT from orgo. And in the passage I could easily answer 2 of the 4 questions even if I did not know much on my MCAT. I took the MCAT before orgo II, I got a 10.

However, the more you learn before your MCAT can only and only help you.

Thank you. I think I am just going to take in the Summer! It seems better to focus on it anyways since it is tough. Then Gen II, Orgo II, with maybe biochem.

 

[kp11]

Well I would recommend taking pre-req specially orgo in summer because I was personally able to focus much more considering it was the only course I took. Everyday I studied 4-6 hours just on one subject. In addition, there was "1" passage and 2 discretes on my MCAT from orgo. And in the passage I could easily answer 2 of the 4 questions even if I did not know much on my MCAT. I took the MCAT before orgo II, I got a 10.

However, the more you learn before your MCAT can only and only help you.

I couldn't agree more. the first practice test I took, I remember thinking "where did all of the Orgo go?" The VR section was more worrisome for me. Also, I am not sure how different the new 2015 MCAT will be with all of the new additions. Orgo could be more or less emphasized depending on how they break down on each subject.

 

[jlescher]

I know this is probably asked so many times but I need some advice because literally my head is going to explode. I wanted to take Orgo I in the summer, so I can be able to take my MCAT next year Summer but it seems like there is a large emphasis on Orgo I in the MCAT. I don't know if it would be a safe idea or not. Is there a chem class, like gen II or orgo II, that really wouldn't matter THAT much on the MCAT? I honestly feel so confused. Also, I graduate possibly by Winter 2016.

I took Orgo I in summer and it was fine; however, I felt the opposite of akumar29. I went to school in Wisconsin so summers were precious and I found it hard to stay inside and study. Organic was also my least favorite science class. Mainly because it has very little application. Biochem on the other hand, was one of my favorites. Lot's of application. I would't say Orgo I is focused on too much in the MCAT. There are typically 1-2 passages on it and there seems to be a trend of phasing it out. I got screwed and had 3 passages on my test. I essentially ignored Orgo, relative to the other subjects, while studying and got a 12 on bio. Biochem is much higher yield, but you can answer most of the questions with regular bio knowledge. Biochem just helps to understand things on a deeper level. Just know the basics of organic and you'll be fine.

 

[JDMcNugent]

I would say that most of the orgo you see on practice tests focus a lot on the 1st semester concepts of orgo and the 2nd semester concepts such as lab techniques and multi-step syntheses.

 

[MovingForward]

You guys are all so nice. Thank you so much for your advice!!