MCAT questions

[Rk01]

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I am currently a non-trad student deciding when to take the MCAT. I will be taking genetics, physics 1, and orgo 1 in the fall. In spring I will be taking physics 2, orgo 2 and cell and molc. Each semester I have a few other classes sprinkled in, however these are just general classes. I will not have biochem till next year because my university requiring orgo 1,2 first. I was hoping to begin studying for the MCAT early next semester, but I am hesitant due to a heavy course load/missing many prereqs. I am also wish to not take a gap year but understand if I have to.

Due to me not have a lot of the prereqs done would it be recommended for me to wait to take the MCAT, or self study and take in the spring?

Thank you!!

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Most people would advise you to wait til after you've taken your prereqs. I took mine without Orgo or Biochem and it was a little rough, I ended up with a 509 after 6 weeks of self study. I'm pretty sure I would've gotten more like a 515-520 if I'd taken all the prereqs first, my science subscores were just terrible compared to CARS/PsychSoc. I was also in a position where I really needed to give it a shot because my family needed to relocate ASAP.

If you're in a spot to wait, wait and do it the next winter/spring instead.

 

[Rk01]

Most people would advise you to wait til after you've taken your prereqs. I took mine without Orgo or Biochem and it was a little rough, I ended up with a 509 after 6 weeks of self study. I'm pretty sure I would've gotten more like a 515-520 if I'd taken all the prereqs first, my science subscores were just terrible compared to CARS/PsychSoc. I was also in a position where I really needed to give it a shot because my family needed to relocate ASAP.

If you're in a spot to wait, wait and do it the next winter/spring instead.

Thank you for the response. I do not have any reason that I would have to take the mcat early such as needing to relocate. Taking it early would just be out of personal preference to avoid a gap year. I did some more reading online and it seems most do advise to wait, especially if you don't have bio chem/physics 2 at least started.

 

[Wamuu]

Thank you for the response. I do not have any reason that I would have to take the mcat early such as needing to relocate. Taking it early would just be out of personal preference to avoid a gap year. I did some more reading online and it seems most do advise to wait, especially if you don't have bio chem/physics 2 at least started.

I have a few friends who studied intermittently while taking the prerequisites whereas I chose to study after it had all been done. Honestly, I wish I studied sooner. Being able to study as you go helps solidify information and apply it, thus reinforcing the knowledge. The aforementioned friends would study maybe a few hours per week before taking the MCAT, so over the span of one year, they were able to get in quite a bit of review and keeping older things refreshed.

Also, since you're in the non-trad forum, why are you trying to avoid a gap year?

 

[Rk01]

I have a few friends who studied intermittently while taking the prerequisites whereas I chose to study after it had all been done. Honestly, I wish I studied sooner. Being able to study as you go helps solidify information and apply it, thus reinforcing the knowledge. The aforementioned friends would study maybe a few hours per week before taking the MCAT, so over the span of one year, they were able to get in quite a bit of review and keeping older things refreshed.

Also, since you're in the non-trad forum, why are you trying to avoid a gap year?

I have heard people using a similar method of studying and have preformed quite well. Allows for good retention of material imo. The main reason I want to avoid a gap year is my Premed is my second degree. I originally did an associates in nursing which took longer than expected due to some family issues, and me stepping away from school. When I finished, I decided to pursue Medicine after and began my Premed journey. However because it was an associates I still needed to complete a bachelors which is what I am working on now (Bs Bio (medical science)). Many of my nursing science courses did not transfer either so my bachelors is 3 years all together along with 3 years for nursing. Taking a gap year just pushes it all back further. I do realize that I am in a marathon however and expect it to take a long time, so if I do need/end up taking a gap year I understand.

 

[Wamuu]

I have heard people using a similar method of studying and have preformed quite well. Allows for good retention of material imo. The main reason I want to avoid a gap year is my Premed is my second degree. I originally did an associates in nursing which took longer than expected due to some family issues, and me stepping away from school. When I finished, I decided to pursue Medicine after and began my Premed journey. However because it was an associates I still needed to complete a bachelors which is what I am working on now (Bs Bio (medical science)). Many of my nursing science courses did not transfer either so my bachelors is 3 years all together along with 3 years for nursing. Taking a gap year just pushes it all back further. I do realize that I am in a marathon however and expect it to take a long time, so if I do need/end up taking a gap year I understand.

Okay so let me sort this out for the sake of my own clarity.

You have the academic year of 2025-2026 to take genetics, physics 1, and orgo 1 in the fall. Then in the spring you're taking physics 2, orgo 2 and cell & molecular biology. Following this, academic year 2026-2027, you will be doing biochemistry only? Or will there be a few others in there too?

So, in your mind's eye, you see yourself wanting to avoid a gap year following the 26-27 academic year. Understandable. In that case, I would just study throughout this year and through biochemistry and possibly aim to take the MCAT in 2027, early spring semester. This allows for a retake but some time for more dedicated studying.