I just finished my sophomore year. I have completed most of my premed classes. Both organic chemistry done, both physics done, gen Chem done, and cell bio done. I have no taken genetics, Human Anatomy or biochem. I know the new has about 25% biochem on it. This summer I will be participating in SMDEP at Howard for six weeks. I'll take genetics and biochem there before junior yr starts. So I'll be getting a head start on the subject before the Fall semester. Can I learn biochem on my own to prep me for the new MCAT? Will I be able to prep for the exam by August/September ? Or should I wait until May of next year to take the test? I thought doing it now will be good because the test will still be fresh in my head. And also I have done much of EC/volunteering so I was hoping to use junior year to focus on that without the stress of the test.
MCAT summer before or after junior year
- Thread starter Abby95
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If you have yet to take biochem, do not take the new MCAT. A six week biochem course isn't the same, and I doubt it will stick well enough either. Personally, I would wait until the spring of your junior year. I would highly recommend taking Psych and Socio before the MCAT. At the bare minimum, a social psychology class. Ultimately it's up to you and when you feel the most ready.
I would agree with @DrHart on this one, why rush to take the MCAT after your sophomore year when you can take that extra year to study and really solidify your knowledge of the relevant chemistry/bio/physics/biochem/orgo/psych/sociology? Taking the test once, and doing it right the first time, will look much better than having to take the test twice. You can even take the exam in late June after your junior year to have enough time to interview for a few acceptances.
Overall, it's really up to you when you think you're ready to take the test. Just make sure you are taking practice tests and are consistently averaging what you hope to score on the actual test.
Overall, it's really up to you when you think you're ready to take the test. Just make sure you are taking practice tests and are consistently averaging what you hope to score on the actual test.
Thank you for your insight I will wait. I took developmental psychology already. Would that be good enough for the new MCAT? My school offers social psychology but I had no idea that's more beneficial for the new MCAT. Also is basic sociology good? Or do you recommend a specific sociology class? Should I take human anatomy/physiology with genetics and biochem? Between A&P and genetics which is more in depth on the new MCAT?
Basic sociology and psychology should be adequate, but read up on the topics covered for each section of the MCAT, you may find some topics that are/aren't taught in that specific course.
Also, A&P is not on the MCAT. Taking A&P with Genetics and Biochem is way too much. Genetics and biochem concurrently is much more manageable.
Also, A&P is not on the MCAT. Taking A&P with Genetics and Biochem is way too much. Genetics and biochem concurrently is much more manageable.
Thank you so much
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Take Biochem and psych 101 and a sociology class (either basic or sociology of health). The new MCAT has a lot of emphasis on theories you learn in those classes and no prep material has hit the right mix so far.
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I would personally take both intro psych and intro socio - although I know there are many out there who would disagree with me. The way I see it, the content on the new MCAT is covered in these classes, so you know that what you'll be learning will be on the test. Social psych is a mix of sociology and psychology - you could think of it as a "sparknotes" version of the content you'll see on the new MCAT.
I took bacterial genetics before testing and I don't think it helped much. I have yet to take A&P but I've heard many people say it complements intro bio very nicely - not to mention the new MCAT maintains a focus on human disease/medicine - so no more derpy passages about some random seamonster's biological activity. Definitely take biochem and pour your heart and soul into learning it. Almost all of the science from the new MCAT is somehow related to biochem - at least that was my impression when I took it in April.
Bottom line/Order of importance (imo) = Biochem > Intro Psych > Intro Socio > A&P/Genetics
in terms of the classes you (personally) might take before testing.
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