Opinions appreciated re: class selection

[sunny1]

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By the end of this semester, I’ll be done with basic prerequisites.

I’m taking a September MCAT to give me the summer to review and prepare for the test. I took biology very long ago, so I was hoping to take an additional biology class during the first summer session as a means of forcing me to review some relevant material.

What is offered is a one-semester sequence biochemistry course for non-majors (Fundamentals of biochemistry, including proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates and lipids and their metabolic relationships). I have heard this is a challenging class at my university despite the fact that it is for non-majors. In reality, it’s a condensed version of the two-semester sequence of biochemistry for majors.

However, my professor suggested that perhaps I should take the two-semester sequence instead since it might give me a better grounding for med school. It certainly sounds like a good idea as I am the kind of person that likes to see things a few times before they sink in (except that it sounds much more difficult).

I mostly wanted to take the non-major course because 1) it is the only biology-ish class offered over the summer that might help me prepare for the MCAT and 2) the schools I am considering strongly recommend biochemistry.

So what would be my best course of action for the summer – spend the entire summer reviewing for MCAT and then take the 2-semester sequence of biochemistry in fall and spring OR take the biochem for non-majors class first summer session and spend the second half of the summer studying for MCAT?

Basically I'm trying to balance how much of a foundation in biochemistry would be useful for me in med school vs. how much would be helpful for MCAT and a little bit in med school. Thank you!

 

[y0ter]

I really don't think the class is going to help you for the MCAT. You're better off getting a review book and mastering the applicable material. Practice taking MCAT style questions.

 

[J ROD]

Just buy TBR and have MCAT style passages.

It covers alot of detailed Biochem. At least what may show up...

The class will not help and much as getting a book and just putting in the work.

 

[Seneca20]

I agree. Take the time and study for your MCAT. Take a review course, it will make a difference. At PR we joked with students that there is Bio and then there's MCAT Bio, OChem and MCAT OChem, etc. So much of what you need to know for the MCAT in the sciences is truncated from that which is covered in class. For example, a college biochem prof will teach you everything you need (and never wanted) to know about the Kreb's cycle, the MCAT will only test on a very small portion. The same is true with Bio, all your Chem's, Physics, etc. I'd say let someone show you what you need to learn and what you don't, so you don't waste time studying things that won't come up.

Just a though.....

 

[gman33]

When are you applying? Sept MCAT is pretty late if applying that same year.

Give ample time for coursework and MCAT prep. If you are taking MCAT is Sept, I wouldn't take any courses in the summer and spend all the time prepping. The course will not help nearly as much as focused MCAT prep materials.

 

[sunny1]

Helpful advice, thanks everyone!

gman, I know it's very late. I'm gonna just give it a shot at my state school (non-rolling admissions and only in-state students eligible) anyway. Then, if it doesn't pan out, I'll apply "for real" summer 2009 to that school again plus all the other schools I'd be interested in. Also, based on everyone's advice, if I won't be taking the summer class, I will likely reschedule the MCAT for August.