MCAT with no science pre-reqs completed

[kah145]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello,

I have a rather stupid question about the MCAT. I am starting my "informal" postbac studies at a state university this fall and planning on taking the MCAT in that following April or summer to apply.

I won't be done with all my science pre-reqs until early summer of next year.
Is it possible to start studying for MCAT when you have no background in any of those subjects (with the exception of verbal section I guess)??

 

[phEight]

I haven't taken the MCAT so I feel you shouldn't take my advice too seriously. It is definitely possible to start studying for the MCAT prior, but whether or not it will prepare as well as you would like, that's a different story. I'm currently taking GenChem2 and I also have a Kaplan MCAT review book which explains the concepts fairly well.

I'm actually using the book right now to help study for my upcoming exam because it definitely helps as a study aid to tie in all the main concepts clearly. A lot of these classes are very dense, it definitely helps me to step back and see the big picture, especially while taking these dense courses during the summer. With that said, you can start studying early on, and whenever you do take the classes, perhaps the material will sink in better and you'll have a better understanding of it. Whether you can take the MCAT without taking the proper prereqs is something I definitely would not be able to pull off with confidence.

 

[Ggnome]

This is just my opinion, based on my experience, so others may have a different viewpoint. However, I'd say this: the MCAT is a challenging, grueling test. As an undergrad, it was without a question the most difficult test I took. Anything that puts you at a disadvantage, in my book, is not a good thing. I took the April MCAT last year, and I started studying around January for it (even some in December, actually)- having taken all of the prereqs by then. I'm sure there are some people on here who didn't need to spend all that time studying, but for me, it was necessary.
So, if you need several months to study, which from looking on here, is pretty average, that leaves you starting to really study hard when you've only completed half of the prereqs. It's not impossible, but you could probably do better if you delayed taking the test. I wouldn't see any other way around not knowing all of the material except studying some on your own...even so, and this is just me, talking from the experience I have--I wouldn't do it. The MCAT was hard enough having taken all of the classes and studying on my own for hours and hours. I'd say any disadvantage isn't worth it! Wait and do it with your best effort. If you rush it, you'll likely just have to re-take it anyway.
That's just my two cents. By the way, I gave the same advice to my boyfriend, who wasn't exactly thrilled to hear my take on it. But I love him, so I was honest, and I'm giving you my honest opinion as well. Good luck!

 

[Nyu2004]

You can definitely take the test but don't plan on doing well on it. Think about it, a test that is meant to be a challenge to every person that takes it (after they have taken the pre requisites) and your going to go in without knowing everything? Do you know what you are getting yourself into?

 

[LodiDodi]

I took the MCAT (paper) and got 37, so heres my advice, since the MCAT is the one thing I could do right when it came to medschool.

Many older applicants have to take the MCAT with many years past since their pre reqs and basically relearn everything. Also pre reqs sorta help if they are taken right before the MCAT, but if you wait a year, the info kinda flows out of your head.

The issue here is how capable you are of studying and learning quickly. Did you have an easy time with chem and bio in high school, are you capable of quickly understanding them? Also are you a good test taker? Do you have the cash for a prep course if necessary?

If you cannot cram very well and memorize and understand science rapidly, I wouldn't take the MCAT just yet. For a cramming type of learner, taking the MCAT early isnt an issue. Just depends on you. Also personal note, I took the MCAT the summer right after completing the pre-reqs, which helped to optimize my score and I am a good crammer.

Think about you own abilities and if you feel confident.
Also, keep in mind when you will be applying and if you have time, just wait.

 

[punkindrublic]

I'm not really sure about your situation, are you thinking about studying for the MCAT before the prereqs or taking it without them? My only advice is that it's possible to get a criminal record expunged and bankruptcy goes away after 7 years. The MCAT, like a diamond, is forever, although nowhere near as pleasant. This isn't something to rush.

As for studying without prereqs, I would say that it will largely be a waste of time. The MCAT is largely about understanding and applying concepts, and in my experience, you only get that from taking the class and slogging through countless problems.

My advice is just to take your time (within reason, of course) and really learn the material inside and out. If you mess up as a postbacc, it's over.

 

[christigmc]

Yes you can take the MCAT without completing science courses. All the answers are in the passages but it takes a lot of critical thinking to figure them out.
On average, English and psychology majors tend to score several points higher than science majors.

 

[zeff]

I took the MCAT in April 06, after completing Gen Chem I/II in summer 05 and Bio I, Orgo I, and Physics I in fall 05 and being midway through part II of those courses in spring 06. Bio II was largely unnecessary for the MCAT, as I recall, while Physics II was important--wish I had had that entire course before the exam. Gen Chem and Orgo II were probably somewhere in between (although Orgo overall is pretty easy for MCAT purposes, at least compared to the actual course).

Overall, I would recommend taking as much of this coursework as is possible before taking the exam, but no, it is not strictly necessary to have completed them prior to test day. I did well enough to get in to my first choice med school, although at the time I wished I had gotten my physical sciences score up another point.

 

[kah145]

Hello all,

Thanks for all your responses. I asked the question because I will be taking the pre-req courses AND at the same time, study for MCAT. I thought that is how things are done at most formalized postbac premedical programs. If you're applying through linkage program, don't you have to take the MCAT sometime before/during that summer?