MCAT without Pre-reqs

[trivial529]

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Hi, I was wondering if it was possible to take the MCATs without having completed all the pre-reqs, specifically physics. I have taken and completed all the pre-reqs except physics and I had planned on taking the MCATs this summer, I was wondering what is your opinion on this matter and whether or not it could or should be done.

 

[aznb0y129]

It is possible, but not preferable. What is keeping you from taking physics between now and next summer?

 

[trivial529]

Well, I'm currently a junior and I had planned on taking the MCATs this summer but for various reasons I had to delay taking physics until my senior year and I don't want to have to take the MCATs after my senior year. I sort of want to get it out of the way and focus on other things, i.e. the application process.

 

[youngerthanthat]

I took the MCAT having taken only 1 semester of physics in college. I did take AP Physics in high school though...and studied the stuff from the semester of physics I didn't take. I did relatively well and didn't think it was a disadvantage (as long as you go through the material through test prep or something).

 

[theroadtomed]

I took it without having had physics. You can easily self-study the physics required given a few months (i.e., summer) to do so. I also scored 95% percentile in that section.

 

[BluePhoenix]

I think it's really going to depend on what version of the test you get. It's possible to get a test with very minimal physics that you might be able to do well on without much physics knowledge. My test was very heavily focused on physics in that section and I think without a good background it probably would have been pretty difficult to do. If you had a solid high school course that you did well in and you're willing to put in the time to make sure you understand all the physics concepts that might be presented, then you might be fine. But if you're the sort of people that needs a class to learn things, then it could be a big challenge to overcome.

 

[stooges287]

I think it's really going to depend on what version of the test you get. It's possible to get a test with very minimal physics that you might be able to do well on without much physics knowledge. My test was very heavily focused on physics in that section and I think without a good background it probably would have been pretty difficult to do. If you had a solid high school course that you did well in and you're willing to put in the time to make sure you understand all the physics concepts that might be presented, then you might be fine. But if you're the sort of people that needs a class to learn things, then it could be a big challenge to overcome.

I second that advice.

 

[phospho]

I second that advice.

same here...as long as the OP remembers that almost everyone that is taking the MCAT with him/her has most likely completed all those prereqs.

 

[neiborino]

I took it without having had physics. You can easily self-study the physics required given a few months (i.e., summer) to do so. I also scored 95% percentile in that section.

I did the same thing - I had only completed 1 semester of physics, 1 of chem, and hadn't taken physiology, and was able to do well. I had to work a bit harder and spend more time reviewing more "basic" concepts, but I ended up getting 97% percentile in the physical sciences. Go for it!!

 

[stixx]

1 semester of physics, no chemistry (well chemistry AP way back in high school) ended up with 11 in PS with about a month of studying. Not amazing, but I highly doubt taking freshman science prerequisites would have helped that score at all. There's only so much you need to know to solve a physics problem. The rest of it is your own intuition, mental calculation speed etc. I just happen to be mediocre at physics and chemistry (hence why I haven't taken the classes...)

 

[sunny1]

Heck, I took physics I and II prereqs and scored...let's say in a LOW...percentile on the actual MCAT physical sciences section. I knew physics (not gen chem) was my weakness. So maybe it's true - you're your own limiting factor. 😉

That said, you better be sure you are well prepared for it, because most everyone else will have had the extra benefit of taking the classes as well as studying on their own. I suppose you'll know if you're ready after studying and attempting a few practice tests to see if your scores are consistently in the range you want.

 

[kevinmw5]

I took the MCAT as a sophomore while I was enrolled in Physics 2 and Ochem 2... I think it's okay, you just have to put a bit more work into it than someone who has already taken the class...