mcat studying while taking science courses

[paperaeroplane]

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I am a nontrad and I just finished all my prereqs and I am looking to take the MCAT in March of next year (2012). I am not a great standardized test taker so I am enrolling in a Kaplan course starting in the fall. In terms of my course schedule for the fall, I am definitely taking Neurobio....but I was wondering if adding a second course (Biochem or Genetics) might be a good idea or on the other hand might take away from my MCAT prep time and lead to a lower score next March. I'm not working but would be volunteering and applying to part-time research positions. Any suggestions as to whether adding the second course would be a good/bad idea would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[KindofBlue]

Depends on what kind of study habits you have.
If you can diligently study for a number of months (6 or more) while spending a fixed amount of time studying, you could. But if you're not as organized, near impossibility you could pull off all the sciences plus MCAT.
I suggest looking at SN2ed's study guide to get a feeling of how much study hours/material is required. I've been using his schedule and it would usually take me about 5~7 hrs a day for studying alone (besides break, goofing around etc). His guide is more on the thorough side, covering pretty much every possible aspect of preparation, but even if you slim it down I think it would take 4~5 hrs a day at least (a 3 month schedule BTW).
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=623898

 

[nycsoul87]

OP, I am also a postbacc who has just finished the prereqs. I started studying this past week for the Jan 28/29 2012 MCAT and am using SN2ed's study guide (see sticky). I will be using the 4 month plan but am stretching it out to five months. My schedule this semester is geared towards reinforcing my weaker points (BS):
I will be taking Physiology, Human Anatomy, and Cell Biology.
I am also working PT as a lab assistant and will be volunteering once a week.
Overall, I'm in for a busy semester but I feel that it can be done if you have the time management skills.

As for whether or not to add the second course, I would do it only if I didn't have other responsibilities. I don't have a family I am responsible for or a full time job to maintain so I have the time and the flexibility to take on a little bit more on the academics side. Your situation might be different.

Of the two courses, Biochem is the more intensive of the two at my school so I would lean towards Genetics instead. Just my 2 cents 🙂

 

[paul411]

For the MCAT: Cell biology, genetics and biochem (in that order) would be more helpful than neurobiology

 

[SoulinNeed]

I'll be taking Orgo II and A&P1 in this Spring when I prepare, but I won't be working or anything. I'll be taking a Princeton course to help me stay on track. It's all about time management and dedication. If you can manage that for a few months, then I don't see why you can't do well. I refuse to believe that most medical students (those who got in) were actually able to dedicate 3-4 months of their lives to the MCAT, without working or taking some classes. It's just a reality of life, and if they can do it, so can we.

 

[slwnstdy]

I am in a similar situation as well--post-bacc. It does seem a bit extreme/frustrating to expect people to drop everything (work, school, volunteering) for one test. Shooting for a test date next spring, finishing physics, a master's program and working. It sure sounds like a lot---multitasking should count for something right? I guess in these situations its hard to give any advice without knowing one's study habits--so good-luck and just do the best you can! I will also be trying out SN2ed's program (but extended out 5-6 months). I hope more people will keep posting on that thread about their success/issues with the program--it is really helpful information.