Slacked as a Freshman: What to do for MCAT?

[Virgil]

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I didn't take any of my introductory Biology or Chemistry classes seriously as a freshman. As such, I have a very weak background in General Biology (overall) and General Chemistry (especially General Chemistry II with all the equilibrium stuff). Although I got A's and B's in these classes, I learned absolutely nothing. Should I retake these classes (concurrently raising my GPA) before preparing for the MCAT or should I just learn what's in the test prep books (Kaplan, Princeton Review or ExamKrackers)? I seriously need around a 35 on the MCAT.

 

[Tensyle]

Okay, so if ur a freshman now, you can still get an awesome GPA and have a decent mcat. everyone "needs" a 35, lol. ANyway, just use the reviewbooks from kaplan or princeton or EK. Those will help you more than retaking your courses, i guarantee you. Study them hard. Taking the college courses again is a waste of your time... just study like hell 🙂

 

[Virgil]

Okay, so if ur a freshman now, you can still get an awesome GPA and have a decent mcat. everyone "needs" a 35, lol. ANyway, just use the reviewbooks from kaplan or princeton or EK. Those will help you more than retaking your courses, i guarantee you. Study them hard. Taking the college courses again is a waste of your time... just study like hell 🙂

No, actually I'm a junior with a pretty low GPA due to C's in science courses. I "need" a high MCAT to prove that I am proficient in the sciences despite my low GPA. But the rest of your advice is spot on--thank you.

 

[PreMD86]

Dude, you absolutely don't need to retake those classes.

While the MCAT is based on those courses, it only tests specific concepts.
From genchem for ex, some important ones are solubility, atomic structure, bonding, etc...
Review those concepts enough and you'll be OK.