MCAT

[sairules]

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Hello all --

One question about the MCAT ---

I want to take the MCAT next April. I would have taken all the pre-reqs fully EXCEPT for Organic Chemistry 2. I will be enrolled in it that same semester (SPRING '03) but I will not have completed the course. I also won't have taken any 'extras', such as Microbiology, Biochem, Genetics, or any others that lots of you guys recommend to take before taking the MCAT. How advisable is it for me to still go ahead and take the MCAT in April '03? I am doing this because I definitely want to apply next year in June so that I can hopefully matriculate in 2004. About all the other pre-reqs, (i.e. Physics, Gen Chem, Bio, and one organic chem), I expect a science GPA of around 3.7-3.8ish (so I am relatively strong in all the main pre-reqs). I also plan on enrolling in a KAPLAN course for the MCAT. So what do you guys think? I hope to get at least a 30... but how realistic is this without those 'extra' classes (since I'm not a traditional science major). Thanks for all your inputs ahead of time!!!

 

[JennaB4MD]

Sairules-

I don't think that having 2 weeks left of O-Chem 2 before you take the MCAT is going to hurt you, and having it all fresh in your mind is a definite bonus. I took the Kaplan class, and i thought that it really helped to organize my studying, but I don't think it really TAUGHT me material that I had not previously learned. There really is no substitute for taking lots of science classes. I found it really helpful to have had a full semester of biochem before taking the MCAT. How much extra bio have you had...just the basics, or have you take physiology and/or anatomy too? You can always plan to take it and then change your mind if during your studying (ie doing practice tests) you find out that you just haven't had enough preparation yet.

 

[monchi]

You sound like you're on track to me. Kaplan is definately a good idea. I took it, and I felt that the topics were covered thoroughly but also concisely.
As for the o-chem course, don't worry about it. The o-chem on the MCAT doesn't get too advanced, and by that time you'll have covered just about everything in your classes. And like JennaB4MD said, it'll be fresh in your mind, just keep up!
As for the peripheral bio & science courses, they are helpful, but I wouldn't worry. I know a few non-science majors who took the MCAT with similar preparation to yours, and they did great. The added knowledge & exposure is helpful, but really everything you need to know on the MCAT is covered in basic 100-level science courses.
Also, my non-science major friends kicked ass on the verbal protion of the exam, which is the most difficult portion of the exam to improve your score on (meaning that straight fact knowledge is not the key to that portion).
I'm inferring from your science GPA and your well-written post that you're an intelligent person who has a knack for science. That's a formula that does well on the MCAT. April is almost a year away, so you'll have lots of opportunities to practice, especially if you take Kaplan.
In a nutshell, take it in April and you'll do great!