Preparing for Prereqs

[RNtoMD87]

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I am currently finishing up my BSN while preparing for Chem 1+2, Organic Chem 1+2, Physics 1+2, and Biochem on the side. Any recommendations for preparing for these courses? I want to go into them with a strong understanding so I can load up on courses.

So far I have utilized
-Kaplan MCAT Chemistry book
-Khan Academy
-Professor Dave Explains
-AK Lectures

I didn't know where the best place to put this thread would be.

 

[curbsideconsult]

I prefer Khan Academy. I did the first semester orgo stuff a few weeks before class started and it really helped me through the first couple of weeks of class. I didn't realize AK lectures had undergrad stuff.

Are you preparing to take the prereqs starting this summer or fall? Do you already have bio?

 

[RNtoMD87]

I prefer Khan Academy. I did the first semester orgo stuff a few weeks before class started and it really helped me through the first couple of weeks of class. I didn't realize AK lectures had undergrad stuff.

Are you preparing to take the prereqs starting this summer or fall? Do you already have bio?

I actually wont be taking it until next august, so I have PLENTY of time to prepare. I have bio.

 

[curbsideconsult]

That's great you have so much time.

In terms of prep for the MCAT, how's your reading comprehension? I ask only because I know historically it's the part that most pre-meds struggle with the most.

 

[RNtoMD87]

That's great you have so much time.

In terms of prep for the MCAT, how's your reading comprehension? I ask only because I know historically it's the part that most pre-meds struggle with the most.

Very good. My favorite reads are nietzsche, the prince, and the art of war. Reading comp is the area I usually score highest in. My weakness has always been math but as I got older, I just "got it".

 

[sunshine859]

How much of these topics have you had as part of your nursing degree? The Kaplan MCAT books are an excellent resource for prep because you'll then only be focusing on the components of the course that also come up on the MCAT. That being said, I was feeling pretty lost going into Chem 1 and spent the summer reading through a Kaplan AP Chemistry book, and it saved me! I would really recommend any Kaplan book as long as you feel comfortable with teaching yourself the material. If you're more of a video learner, do Khan Academy as recommended above.

 

[RNtoMD87]

How much of these topics have you had as part of your nursing degree? The Kaplan MCAT books are an excellent resource for prep because you'll then only be focusing on the components of the course that also come up on the MCAT. That being said, I was feeling pretty lost going into Chem 1 and spent the summer reading through a Kaplan AP Chemistry book, and it saved me! I would really recommend any Kaplan book as long as you feel comfortable with teaching yourself the material. If you're more of a video learner, do Khan Academy as recommended above.

Very basic Chem, no physics, very basic biology. But I'm well knowledged in the fundamentals of biology. I feel physics is my biggest weakness, I feel like I'm really catching on to chemistry quickly. I just want to hear it explained in as many ways by as many good educators as possible.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Kaplan is good for biochem as well as chem. It’s garbage for physics. Are you taking algebra or calc based? If algebra based, Khan is good enough (you can use hyperphysics if you need some additional explanation on things). If you’re doing calc based, Paul’s Online Math Notes are great for calc. And actually, if you’re not great with the trig in an algebra based class, it can help there too.

 

[RNtoMD87]

Kaplan is good for biochem as well as chem. It’s garbage for physics. Are you taking algebra or calc based? If algebra based, Khan is good enough (you can use hyperphysics if you need some additional explanation on things). If you’re doing calc based, Paul’s Online Math Notes are great for calc. And actually, if you’re not great with the trig in an algebra based class, it can help there too.

I'm honestly not sure. I haven't really learned much classic physics in my life. Like simple machines and the math involved etc. it's been mostly scalars and vectors, stuff like that.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I'm honestly not sure. I haven't really learned much classic physics in my life. Like simple machines and the math involved etc. it's been mostly scalars and vectors, stuff like that.

You don’t need calc based physics for the MCAT or med school, so if you’re not already great with calc, I’d stick to the algebra based physics and just brush up on your algebra and trig.

 

[aldol16]

Are you preparing for your courses or for the MCAT? If for the former, I would not use MCAT prep books for review. They are intended to refresh your memory only and you need a strong foundation in these sciences to do well on the MCAT. I would pay attention in class and seek help when needed. No need to pre-read for a course.

For organic chemistry, it would be helpful to get Klein's Organic Chemistry as a Second Language series and follow along with your organic chemistry course. It's very concise and offers a clear picture of the reactions/mechanisms you should know.

 

[RNtoMD87]

Are you preparing for your courses or for the MCAT? If for the former, I would not use MCAT prep books for review. They are intended to refresh your memory only and you need a strong foundation in these sciences to do well on the MCAT. I would pay attention in class and seek help when needed. No need to pre-read for a course.

For organic chemistry, it would be helpful to get Klein's Organic Chemistry as a Second Language series and follow along with your organic chemistry course. It's very concise and offers a clear picture of the reactions/mechanisms you should know.

I have a Kaplan Chem review book, and I find it was helpful but quickly outpaced my knowledge. I want to focus on my prereqs first, and if I feel like I'm really getting ahead, I can start looking at MCAT level stuff.

My main concern at this point is physics. I am not sure what to study. There's classical physics, modern physics, it's so diverse. Chem is more obvious as far as to what you need to know.

 

[aldol16]

I have a Kaplan Chem review book, and I find it was helpful but quickly outpaced my knowledge. I want to focus on my prereqs first, and if I feel like I'm really getting ahead, I can start looking at MCAT level stuff.

My main concern at this point is physics. I am not sure what to study. There's classical physics, modern physics, it's so diverse. Chem is more obvious as far as to what you need to know.

I believe that you should focus on your pre-req courses - use the material that you have for the courses and just make sure that you understand all of the concepts very well. That's the key to scoring well on the MCAT. People on here will try to tell you that you need to memorize a lot of things for the MCAT, that you have to follow these strict study schedules, but it's all a bunch of bull**** if you have a good foundation. A solid foundation is key to doing well on the MCAT.

For physics, you should focus on understanding where all the equations come from. Don't try to memorize everything. Look at the derivations in your book and see if you can derive it yourself afterwards. That will help you remember the equations and what the variables all mean. I see a lot of preventable mistakes on here where people use the wrong value for a variable because they don't understand where that variable comes from (e.g. which angle is used in formulas for movement on inclined planes).

 

[aldol16]

I wrote this awhile ago for MCAT prep specifically but perhaps it can be helpful to you in focusing on what kinds of skills you should be learning from class: Aldol16's Guide to 520+ on the MCAT

 

[RNtoMD87]

Thank you!

I wrote this awhile ago for MCAT prep specifically but perhaps it can be helpful to you in focusing on what kinds of skills you should be learning from class: Aldol16's Guide to 520+ on the MCAT

 

[Blanky]

Khan obviously, but i enjoy “The Organic chemistry tutors” youtube for some physics and orgo practice.