MCAT studying and taking class

[bigbad]

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I made this thread to get input on the mixing of MCAT studying, class and other ECs. The reason its posted here instead of MCAT discussion is because I am looking for input about my particular situation, rather than MCAT study schedule advice.

I'm planning on taking the MCAT this coming April (or perhaps May) and I'm also registered for classes for winter quarter (Like 13 units, genetics, biostats, spanish). In addition, I'm heavily involved in clubs and also want to continue doing some volunteering/shadowing on the side.

13 units isn't much, but it still has the potential to take away a good part of my study time, especially when genetics has a reputation for being difficult at my school. I have a tendency of being overconfident (with no good reason) and want to know if I'm being realistic here and will be able to get enough study in for a good score. I know people take quarters off just to study but I don't know if that's common. It doesn't seem to be.

So basically here are my options:

1. Do the above

2. Take the quarter off (I would still need to be around school and would probably need to dorm to 1) Stay away from my parents and 2) Continue being active in clubs I have leadership positions in since that is pretty important)

3. Drop a class or two and be part-time and continue ECs (I don't even know if its possible to continue to dorm or how this would work since I've paid my tuition in advance already).

I know people on SDN can save African babies, get a 4.0 AND a 45 on the MCAT but let's be realistic and assume I'm an average-ish student.

tl;dr MCAT WAT DO

 

[tiedyeddog]

3. Drop a class or two and be part-time and continue ECs (I don't even know if its possible to continue to dorm or how this would work since I've paid my tuition in advance already).

This is probably your best option. I mean, you can't cut down on EC's for just one semester? For most, not all, studying for the MCAT is like a full time class schedule on it's own.

 

[NickNaylor]

If you think you can handle it, keep doing everything. During my MCAT semester I took 15 hours and reached the zenith of my EC involvement and still did well. Make no mistake, it was an absolutely terrible semester. It was stressful and I had essentially no free time. But it's definitely possible if you have a plan, are diligent, and manage your time well. It's not for everyone, but it's also not impossible as many make it out to be.

Only you can decide for sure since you know yourself best.

 

[KLycos]

When I was studying for the MCAT, I was working about 50 hours a week. I only studied probably an hour or two per day for a couple months and got a 31Q. I wish I had spent more time, but you gotta find a happy medium between school or work and MCAT.

 

[NinersFan0]

I have a sneaking suspicion you go to a school in southern California???


Anyway,

I would stay involved with as many things as you can while studying for the MCAT. I would strongly go against going part-time. MCAT studying takes time, but not THAT much time. In fact, I found that it was better to have a lot of things going on during MCAT prep to keep me balanced. That way, I was always more enthusiastic when it came to studying and would enjoy my breaks (class/studying/ECs/gym etc). I found that self-studying worked fine for me, but I'm not sure what your specific needs/wants are regarding self study vs. classes...