Should I take a writing class to prepare for MCAT writing??

[libraryismyhome]

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I am currently registered for a writing class and this one is required for my graduation. I haven't had a writing class for 2 years and feel like I should polish my writing skill. SDN has repeatedly said that MCAT writing section is trivial. This class is titled as "Argument and Exposition," and it is a 100 level class.

However, I am planning to take the MCAT on late August, so very soon I should be spending a great deal of time everyday. Do you think I should take the writing class?

 

[jvesco22]

I am currently registered for a writing class and this one is required for my graduation. I haven't had a writing class for 2 years and feel like I should polish my writing skill. SDN has repeatedly said that MCAT writing section is trivial. This class is titled as "Argument and Exposition," and it is a 100 level class.

However, I am planning to take the MCAT on late August, so very soon I should be spending a great deal of time everyday. Do you think I should take the writing class?

I don't even...

 

[libraryismyhome]

There is no point of graduating on time. I need to wait for the permanent residency to apply. So the applying process is going to be during the next year cycle.

 

[SirGecko]

Are you really asking if you should take a class that you need to graduate? Of course you should take it! Will it have any effect on your mcat writing score? Probably not but who knows. Will you mcat writing score have any effect on admissions? No.

I think you may be asking if you should take this class now during summer school. No you don't need to do that.

 

[libraryismyhome]

I will take it but I am debating whether I should take it now or during Fall. I am registered for this course during both terms.
Are you sure that mcat writing score has absolutely no impact on admission? Is that for all 150 schools?

 

[sedaniel]

I'm kind of confused as to what you're asking here.

1. If the class is required... duh, take it.
2. If you're really just considering taking it to improve on your MCAT writing section, don't. The WS is the easiest section to improve at, so just buy a prep book if you aren't already taking a prep class like Princeton Review.

 

[SirGecko]

I will take it but I am debating whether I should take it now or during Fall. I am registered for this course during both terms.

The fall. Study for the MCAT now.

 

[libraryismyhome]

2. If you're really just considering taking it to improve on your MCAT writing section, don't. The WS is the easiest section to improve at, so just buy a prep book if you aren't already taking a prep class like Princeton Review.

The fall. Study for the MCAT now.

Thank you. sorry for the confusion. 🙂

 

[NickNaylor]

No. The writing section simply isn't that difficult. It's extremely formulaic. It really is equivalent to those Mad Libs from our younger days.

 

[Seven of Nine]

Yeah, focus on the MCAT. As for the writing section, just practice writing essays under a time limit. Find prompts and follow recommendations from test prep companies. For me, I had a health related class spring quarter that required >2pg essays every other week. I used this as my practice and wrote them under pressure and a time limit. I ended up doing quite well on the writing section 😎

Just practice writing, so you can a) avoid writers' block/freeze when you read the prompt and b) efficiently organize and convey your thoughts. You can follow MCAT form once you are comfortable writing.

Do this on your own time. Don't sacrifice time by having to sit in a classroom doing other things.

 

[UofM527]

Seven of Nine has it right...I think he really has spot on advice!! And as others have alluded to, I can confirm that as a member of an adcom, the WS plays an extremely small role...this is not to say writing ability is unimportant - we look to the school specific essays and personal statement to get a sense of this rather than the very formulaic time constrained MCAT writing prompt grade. Best of luck!!

 

[Mute98]

I did 0 preparation for the WS and scored an "S".. If I can do it, you can too

all you need is an O or something don't you?

 

[girlofgrace7]

As others have said, writing scores don't count for much (provided you aren't a REALLY poor writer).

You may want to check into requirements for medical schools though. Some medical schools require two semesters of "English" or "writing-intensive courses." Usually the writing composition and basic English lit classes that count toward your G.E. requirements will count, but if you got out of those somehow (for instance I took AP classes in high school), you may need to take another class.

On another note, English classes may help with your personal statement, which very well COULD help or hurt your application.