school courses + MCAT course?

[MichiganEMTInt]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I'm registered for an MCAT in August 2008. I have to take two courses (physics 2 and biochem) this summer no matter what...the physics because I have no exposure to optics/E&M and I want to have that for MCAT and biochem because its a prereq for a many courses I'm taking next semester. I'm also planning on taking the Kaplan online course this summer.

Has anyone ever done this or something similar...how did you budget your study time? I also plan on working for a private ambulance company doing 911 response...not full time of course...this is gonna be a rough summer. Any advice?

 

[MossPoh]

It'll be a lot of work. I actually hated the kaplan online stuff but if you choose to do every single thing then it'll take a while. The kaplan will teach you everything you need to know about physics 2, and generally speaking the stuff on practice mcats I've been taking has not been that tough with regards to physics 2. The standard kaplan course expects you to study 10+ hours a week on top of the 6 hours you spend in the classroom. I think 10 hours a week, particularly by the last month may be on the low end for some people....other people can get by with 5 hours a week, so it is up to you to decide.

I can't testify about your biochem course, but the one intended for premeds where I am is known to be the closest thing to hell. Physics 2 isn't hard, but you'll do lots of problems probably. It is doable, but your plate will be full. This will be especially true when you need to block of 3-4 hours straight for practice exams.

 

[bravesfan113]

i wouldn't take physics 2. you don't really need it for the MCAT. just pick up a good book and drill that stuff. it's not hard, it just takes time and effort. biochem will already be cutting into your MCAT study time. just my two cents - i would only take the one class

 

[RSAgator]

dude you'll be fine...

There's never gonna be a good time to take the MCAT, just decide to do it, dedicate yourself to doing it, and get it done with regardless of what else you have going on. Budget your time and use it well, and you'll have no problems. If you take physics 2 you'll just know it better for the test so just take it. You obviously have to take biochem already so there's no real arguing there. Sure you can get by with the physics 2 stuff on the MCAT without taking the course, but the course definitely helps so if you can just do both.