should I take the old or the new mcat?

[katherinelexic]

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should I take the old or the new mcat?

I am currently at a community college and planning to transfer to a 4-year college. Aiming barnard college/ cornell / vassar / nyu / suny/ cuny.

At LaGuardia CC:
These are the premed prerequisites that I've taken :
Freshman : Spring 2012 - Biology I
Fall 2012 - Biology II, Chem I, Chem II

These are what I plan to take at my community college:
Sophomore : Spring 2013 - Organic Chem I, Calculus I, (cultural anthropology/ intro to
sociology, haven't decided yet)
Summer : I am applying to the science summer prog at barnard college
Fall 2013 - Organic Chem II (physiology)

At the 4-year college that I will transfer to:
Junior : Spring 2014 - Physics I, upper level biology class
Fall 2014 - Physics II, review for mcat

I know I will finish all the prerequisites at the end of 2014. What other classes should I take?
Should I take the old mcat ? or the new one which requires me to take sociology and psychology as well?

Please give me some advice!

 

[487806]

should I take the old or the new mcat?

I am currently at a community college and planning to transfer to a 4-year college. Aiming barnard college/ cornell / vassar / nyu / suny/ cuny.

At LaGuardia CC:
These are the premed prerequisites that I've taken :
Freshman : Spring 2012 - Biology I
Fall 2012 - Biology II, Chem I, Chem II

These are what I plan to take at my community college:
Sophomore : Spring 2013 - Organic Chem I, Calculus I, (cultural anthropology/ intro to
sociology, haven't decided yet)
Summer : I am applying to the science summer prog at barnard college
Fall 2013 - Organic Chem II (physiology)

At the 4-year college that I will transfer to:
Junior : Spring 2014 - Physics I, upper level biology class
Fall 2014 - Physics II, review for mcat

I know I will finish all the prerequisites at the end of 2014. What other classes should I take?
Should I take the old mcat ? or the new one which requires me to take sociology and psychology as well?

Please give me some advice!

Taking prereqs in community college isn't the best idea as some med schools won't accept them. In your situation, it's a bit difficult to cram the MCAT just before the 2014 MCAT is over (which the last date I believe is in september). The AAMC states that the last date for 2013 MCAT is in September 12, so for 2014, it'll be similar. So, you probably would have to take the new MCAT. It's not worth to risk damaging your GPA and MCAT.

 

[CaliGirl14]

Taking prereqs in community college isn't the best idea as some med schools won't accept them. In your situation, it's a bit difficult to cram the MCAT just before the 2014 MCAT is over (which the last date I believe is in september). The AAMC states that the last date for 2013 MCAT is in September 12, so for 2014, it'll be similar. So, you probably would have to take the new MCAT. It's not worth to risk damaging your GPA and MCAT.

That's a lie. Med school accept prereqs at community college as long as you transfer to a 4 year.

 

[487806]

That's a lie. Med school accept prereqs at community college as long as you transfer to a 4 year.

You can see for yourself in the MSAR. I didn't say all schools don't like them, some don't. 😉

 

[CaliGirl14]

You can see for yourself in the MSAR. I didn't say all schools don't like them, some don't. 😉

No, you said they don't accept them..

Whatever, OP, the point is you're fine with your pre-reqs at your CC. I've had more many who went from CC --> 4 year --> med school with no problem. A couple of them even went to a top 5.

 

[487806]

No, you said they don't accept them..

Whatever, OP, the point is you're fine with your pre-reqs at your CC. I've had more many who went from CC --> 4 year --> med school with no problem. A couple of them even went to a top 5.

😕 I wish I knew which schools accept them, but for the most part many state that they look at it "case-by-case basis". MSAR is there, so consult there. But this isn't the main point.

EDIT: A bit outdated, but it's actually a few schools that don't accept it (so I apologize for my confusion of few with some 🙄)

Now, let's end the . OP doesn't care about CC classes right now, but on the MCAT. So let's focus on that. 👍

 

[ajleyva]

Taking prereqs in community college isn't the best idea as some med schools won't accept it. In your situation, it's a bit difficult to cram the MCAT just before the 2014 MCAT is over (which the last date I believe is in september). The AAMC states that the last date for 2013 MCAT is in September 12, so for 2014, it'll be similar. So, you probably would have to take the new MCAT. It's not worth to risk damaging your GPA and MCAT.

I have to disagree regarding medical schools not accepting prerequisites from community college. Per the Dean of Admissions at UMDNJ, it is best to take prerequisites at university, but if this isn't possible, then the student can 'validate' his or her (good) performance by doing very well on the MCAT. He says that, "Many medical schools look at the MCAT as a validation, in order demonstrate that the applicant has mastered all material and has strong test taking skills." He goes on to say (which my mentor emphasizes), "However, decisions are only partially made based on academics. Excellence in academics is critical but usually not sufficient for acceptance into medical school. You will also need to demonstrate your commitment and passion for medicine as a career." Meaning you should also focus on research and volunteering such as at a hospital or clinic. Medical schools also smile upon consistency; start early--it will give you the advantage over the applicant who has started his third or fourth year of undergrad.

 

[CaliGirl14]

😕 I wish I knew which schools accept them, but for the most part many state that they look at it "case-by-case basis". MSAR is there, so consult there. But this isn't the main point.

Now, let's end the . OP doesn't care about CC classes right now, but on the MCAT. So let's focus on that. 👍

I'm sorry, I just tend to baby my CC fellow pre-meds; I hate someone telling them they can't, when we can. 😛

But yeah, in regards to your application, I think it's better if you took the new MCAT, because cramming in all your classes isn't a good idea, and you don't want to risk a low MCAT score. Slow and steady 🙂

 

[487806]

I have to disagree regarding medical schools not accepting prerequisites from community college. Per the Dean of Admissions at UMDNJ, it is best to take prerequisites at university, but if this isn't possible, then the student can 'validate' his or her (good) performance by doing very well on the MCAT. He says that, "Many medical schools look at the MCAT as a validation, in order demonstrate that the applicant has mastered all material and has strong test taking skills." He goes on to say (which my mentor emphasizes), "However, decisions are only partially made based on academics. Excellence in academics is critical but usually not sufficient for acceptance into medical school. You will also need to demonstrate your commitment and passion for medicine as a career." Meaning you should also focus on research and volunteering such as at a hospital or clinic. Medical schools also smile upon consistency; start early--it will give you the advantage over the applicant who has started his third or fourth year of undergrad.

See the above link. Now please. Let's try to end the hijack. We aren't answering OP's question regarding the MCAT so let's focus on that. We will discuss the CC's at a later time.

I'm sorry, I just tend to baby my CC fellow pre-meds; I hate someone telling them they can't, when we can. 😛

But yeah, in regards to your application, I think it's better if you took the new MCAT, because cramming in all your classes isn't a good idea, and you don't want to risk a low MCAT score. Slow and steady 🙂

Yeah, sorry for that. 😳 I just searched and realized that most schools are okay with it. But it's always a good idea for OP to have the MSAR and consult the schools whenever necessary.

 

[ajleyva]

I'm sorry, I just tend to baby my CC fellow pre-meds; I hate someone telling them they can't, when we can. 😛

But yeah, in regards to your application, I think it's better if you took the new MCAT, because cramming in all your classes isn't a good idea, and you don't want to risk a low MCAT score. Slow and steady 🙂

Here, here, my friend. I also agree with the sentiment to take your time with your classes, OP; I always approach it as if there's no room for mistakes and no time for do-overs. In my mind, there isn't. Godspeed!

 

[487806]

Here, here, my friend. I also agree with the sentiment to take your time with your classes, OP; I always approach it as if there's no room for mistakes and no time for do-overs. In my mind, there isn't. Godspeed!

Best statement I read. 👍

 

[katherinelexic]

Thank you! So, I need to focus on the new mcat syllabus and take mcat in 2015 then 🙁. Regarding the difficulty of classes, I would say not all the material on my textbook are taught. And my exams are usually MC for most of my science classes. But, I don't have a choice now. So, I am planning to take upper level classes at a university to demonstrate my ability. I had better to get a good mcat score.

 

[katherinelexic]

My school doesn't have a premed adviser or a premed program. I am one of the very few students doing premed at my school. That's really encouraging to know some successful stories from cc students getting into med sch.

 

[Flash7]

Taking upper level chemistry courses isn't necessary for the MCAT, unless it's Biochem I or Organic Chem I & II. Take those courses. You don't want to learn too many unnecessary things for the MCAT. Buy a good prep book and aides i.e Kaplan & Examcrackers. The 2015 MCAT will include Biochem, Sociology, and Psychology as you know. Make sure you take those three introductory classes. Otherwise you can still start prepping for the 2015 MCAT by using the old MCAT books because essentially most of the questions will be staying the same.

 

[487806]

Thank you! So, I need to focus on the new mcat syllabus and take mcat in 2015 then 🙁. Regarding the difficulty of classes, I would say not all the material on my textbook are taught. And my exams are usually MC for most of my science classes. But, I don't have a choice now. So, I am planning to take upper level classes at a university to demonstrate my ability. I had better to get a good mcat score.

Honestly, I think there will be some leeway in sociology/psychology section since it's being indirectly tested for the first time in the 2013-2014 MCATs. Formally, I wouldn't assume that sociology/psychology section would be too hard, but I would definitely take the courses in psychology/sociology (and biochemistry) to be prepared. Good luck

 

[katherinelexic]

Thanks! Are you also in a cc? I just started doing cancer research with my professor at MSKCC 4 months ago. I enjoying doing research but I haven't got any project to do on my own since I could just go there once a week in last semester. I want to shadow a doctor and volunteer in a hospital because doing research after all doesn't allow me to engage with the patients.

 

[Flash7]

me?

 

[katherinelexic]

Thank you ! I didn't know about the biochem session. Will the biochem in the bio session on mcat?! I have a whole set of kalpan old mcat prep-test books -O- . I am taking Chemistry II in winter now. I got an awesome, difficult but helpful professor 😛. I am glad that this professor is serious to teaching. 😱 but I am going to take organic chem I ,II at my cc in the following year.

 

[katherinelexic]

me?

yeah, sorry it is my very first post. I didn't quote.

 

[487806]

Thank you ! I didn't know about the biochem session. Will the biochem in the bio session on mcat?! I have a whole set of kalpan old mcat prep-test books -O- . I am taking Chemistry II in winter now. I got an awesome, difficult but helpful professor 😛. I am glad that this professor is serious to teaching. 😱 but I am going to take organic chem I ,II at my cc in the following year.

See here. Apparently, biochemistry is in the biology section of the MCAT.

 

[Flash7]

Looks good. Yeah you definitely don't need upper level science courses other than biochem, orgos, and maybe genetics to do really well on the MCAT. I've actually read before that knowing too "much" could actually be detrimental to your score because you might start fighting and negotiating questions on the test. Don't use your textbooks on the MCAT <---- too much info. Stick with the prep books. Also AAMC released some of the specific topics that will be tested on their website on the new 2015 MCAT. Here's the website: https://www.aamc.org/students/download/266006/data/2015previewguide.pdf It's a couple of pages later.

 

[MedPR]

No, you said they don't accept them..

Whatever, OP, the point is you're fine with your pre-reqs at your CC. I've had more many who went from CC --> 4 year --> med school with no problem. A couple of them even went to a top 5.

No, he said

some med schools

. Which is true. Hopkins comes to mind.

Anyway, my vote is for the old MCAT. Will the new MCAT be harder? Who knows. There is less uncertainty with the content of the old MCAT though.

 

[Flash7]

I didn't go to a cc. Nice job w/ the research position.

 

[Pattycake25]

should I take the old or the new mcat?

I am currently at a community college and planning to transfer to a 4-year college. Aiming barnard college/ cornell / vassar / nyu / suny/ cuny.

At LaGuardia CC:
These are the premed prerequisites that I've taken :
Freshman : Spring 2012 - Biology I
Fall 2012 - Biology II, Chem I, Chem II

These are what I plan to take at my community college:
Sophomore : Spring 2013 - Organic Chem I, Calculus I, (cultural anthropology/ intro to
sociology, haven't decided yet)
Summer : I am applying to the science summer prog at barnard college
Fall 2013 - Organic Chem II (physiology)

At the 4-year college that I will transfer to:
Junior : Spring 2014 - Physics I, upper level biology class
Fall 2014 - Physics II, review for mcat

I know I will finish all the prerequisites at the end of 2014. What other classes should I take?
Should I take the old mcat ? or the new one which requires me to take sociology and psychology as well?

Please give me some advice!

It actually doesn't seem like you're cramming your prereqs in at all. If you could take Physics II over 2014 summer, maybe it would be worth a single shot at the old MCAT on its last date. Other than that, you seem quite reasonably paced.

 

[acslater99]

OP, You can take you're prereqs at a CC just make sure to take a upper level science course (Biochem,genetics, etc)

Also It does depend on what the school is some do and some don't, I know for a fact that mostly all the schools in Florida accept them.

 

[gogreenx123]

Taking prereqs in community college isn't the best idea as some med schools won't accept them. In your situation, it's a bit difficult to cram the MCAT just before the 2014 MCAT is over (which the last date I believe is in september). The AAMC states that the last date for 2013 MCAT is in September 12, so for 2014, it'll be similar. So, you probably would have to take the new MCAT. It's not worth to risk damaging your GPA and MCAT.

The last time to take the MCAT is January 2015

https://www.aamc.org/students/download/262752/data/mcat2015timeline.pdf

 

[Belle Melodie]

I would rather take the old mcat-- the essays will be removed and the new one will take longer.

 

[487806]

The last time to take the MCAT is January 2015

https://www.aamc.org/students/download/262752/data/mcat2015timeline.pdf

Good catch. 2015 starts in Spring. I changed my mind. OP, go for the old MCAT and try to take that in January 2015. It's better 👍