MCAT with full courseload

[blueperson]

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I'm looking for a Post-bac program. However, many people have told me to take the MCAT during the spring semester of that same year (while taking 4-5 classes with no prior science background). Is this pretty typical? I'm concerned that I won't have time to study for the MCAT, or my courses will suffer because I need to take the MCAT. What have been your experiences? Is it possible to do the coursework and then take the MCAT in August but wait a calendar year to apply?

 

[rockstar2525]

If all the classes you are taking are the science classes that are tested on the MCAT, then you should be able to do it. I did it this past semester and found it helpful to have all the material fresh in my mind during my MCAT studying. The problem comes when you have a full load including social sciences, english and other stuff that you have to spend time on, but isn't helpful to your MCAT prep in anyway.

 

[JDAWG07]

I did it while having a full load of classes and being active in ECs. I ended up doing well but I think this was because I had already had taken all of the classes that I needed for the MCAT. For me, studying mostly involved getting used to the test format and taking practice exams more than learning material. For you, I would suggest taking it only after you've had all of the class material first. If you want, you can try practice exams during the registration period to sign up for the MCAT and see how you fair as far as at least being familiar with the material on the test. Don't commit unless you have a good gut feeling about it.

 

[opinionkitten]

i took the test during a full courseload and waited a year to apply, i would suggest you give yourself some free time to prep for the exam. its certainly doable to prep for the mcat while studying for other junk, just not particularly enjoyable. i did princeton review which was like 5 nights a week or something godawful on top of my courses and ec's and it was kind of hellish. take it in august, youll save yourself a huge amount of stress

 

[sfbear]

I did it while working full time (about 50 hrs/week) and it wasn't that bad. The key is to start early - I took one of the Kaplan courses that starts in october and meets once a week. If you're taking science courses, though, I wouldn't worry too much. focus on the practice exams, and remember, the MCAT is about CONCEPTS, not details.