PA wanting to be MD or DO ..How to take MCAT?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

MOPAC

New Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jun 9, 2013
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
PA wanting to sit for MCAT
Hey all! I have been really considering medical school for the past 2 years. My background is that I have a BS in bio, BS in Physician Assistant Studies and Masters of Medical Science. I graduated PA school in August 2006. I went directly into PA school from undergrad. I completed all my premed requirements for PA school by 2003. I do want to take the MCAT but am afraid I would do poorly on it. I know I do not remember organic chemistry very well. I did well in Physics but after not doing them in 10 years its hard to say what I do and do not remember. I took the PA certification in 2006 and then recert in 2011 and did well each time.

What would the recommendations on MCAT materials be? I looked at the sticky on the 3 month study guide and it seemed pretty detailed on how to study for it. I do work full-time but I do have a light schedule most days as where I would have 2-3 hours during my work day to study plus time at home. Will the recommended study materials sum up the basic information required for the MCAT (other than just giving questions)? I reallly only have one chance to take the MCAT as I am already in my 30's and if I do poorly on it then my door would be closed. I would be content staying a PA but there is this inner feeling inside me that I need to advance my career and this is the only way to do so. So, it is more of a personal thing for me as I know many would say why not just be a PA? I don't want to be a sidekick any longer! I'm not opposed to going to MD or DO schools. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 
I too am a PA and now MS3 in the first class of LECOM's Accelerated Physician Assistant Pathway (google that). I will graduate next June, 14 yr after I graduated my PA program.
Took the MCAT in 2007, almost a decade after all of my sciences. I halfheartedly reviewed a Kaplan MCAT book and took a couple practice tests online then I just went for it. Not the best plan and my score suffered for it. Ultimately it didn't matter because I got into my program the summer of 2010, the last year my scores were valid, but I was wait listed everywhere 2 yr prior. In fact several programs told me to take a review course, get a better MCAT score then reapply.
My best advice to you: take a practice test just to see where you're at. You will find out your weaknesses very quickly. If your practice scores are below the mid-20s, you probably should take a review course. I believe you can do these online now. Good luck--it's just a hurdle but it is one you must leap!
 
People in these forums seem to have a high opinion of Examkrackers.



PA wanting to sit for MCAT
Hey all! I have been really considering medical school for the past 2 years. My background is that I have a BS in bio, BS in Physician Assistant Studies and Masters of Medical Science. I graduated PA school in August 2006. I went directly into PA school from undergrad. I completed all my premed requirements for PA school by 2003. I do want to take the MCAT but am afraid I would do poorly on it. I know I do not remember organic chemistry very well. I did well in Physics but after not doing them in 10 years its hard to say what I do and do not remember. I took the PA certification in 2006 and then recert in 2011 and did well each time.

What would the recommendations on MCAT materials be? I looked at the sticky on the 3 month study guide and it seemed pretty detailed on how to study for it. I do work full-time but I do have a light schedule most days as where I would have 2-3 hours during my work day to study plus time at home. Will the recommended study materials sum up the basic information required for the MCAT (other than just giving questions)? I reallly only have one chance to take the MCAT as I am already in my 30's and if I do poorly on it then my door would be closed. I would be content staying a PA but there is this inner feeling inside me that I need to advance my career and this is the only way to do so. So, it is more of a personal thing for me as I know many would say why not just be a PA? I don't want to be a sidekick any longer! I'm not opposed to going to MD or DO schools. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 
You're going to have to take time to study for it appropriately. There are numerous accounts of how to study for the MCAT on here. I would prepare just live everyone else, you may just need to attribute a bit more time for extra review but I think you will be surprised how quickly it comes back to you.

Good luck in your endeavors.

Survivor DO
 
Thanks all! I think what I will do is prepare to take the MCAT in Jan 2014...I will look over the detailed guide posted and purchase the recommended materials. And start reviewing in July and plan to take a practice test in early October. I will see if there is a pretest I can take that can lead me to where to focus. I feel like I need to re-learn everything but I'm sure it will come back to me! Whats funny is I used the USMLE1 guide to study for my PANCE and PANRE exams and passes with great scores (it was my main book I used). ... Too bad schools won't let me waive the MCAT in place of those (which I know are two totally different exams but they still are standardized examinations and I've proven I can do well on them). Here's to a new journey!
 
My advice would be to go for LECOM's 3 yr program as long as you're not dead set on a super competitive surgical sub-specialty or an academic research career (In that case I'd recommend going for MD just to keep as many doors open as possible).

If you have 3hrs per day to study, 3 months should be enough depending on your practice test scores. As already mentioned, take an AAMC practice test first to see where you stand and then focus on your weaknesses.

You can do a review course, but its a lot cheaper and more convenient to just buy the review books and go through the material yourself.

Examkrackers, Berkeley Review, and Princeton Review Hyper-Learning workbooks are 3 of the most highly regarded prep programs on SDN. Many people recommend doing a combination of 2 of the above (EK plus #2 or #3).

Do as many practice passages as you can before taking the real thing.

Good Luck!
 
I did look in to LECOM'S program and would love to do it. Thanks for the advice. I guess I will go for the AAMC practice test first to see where I stand. I don't think I will be ready by september I guess maybe so thats why I am thinking Jan. Okay, time to go book hunting!
 
Okay! I will keep you in mind 🙂 Thank you!
 
Top