some questions....

[dietitiantodoc]

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This is for MD and DO btw.

The only prereqs that I am missing are Org Chem 2 Lab (didn't have a spot during undergrad for me, and I was taking the class as an elective anyway, so never did the lab cause wasn't needed for my degree -- In Org Chem 2 class, got a C) and Physics 1 and 2. I have everything else including a semester of BioChem.

So when I go back to school either this fall or spring, should I focus on just retaking the prereqs that I am missing? I can't imagine just taking the Org Chem 2 Lab without the Org Chem 2, but I can't imagine taking that without retaking Org Chem 1 and the intro chems.

OR

should I focus on going back and doing everything over again?
(got a C+ in Chem 101, A in Chem 102, A- in Orgo 1 and C in orgo 2. My school didn't have Orgo Lab, instead we had Analytical Chem with lab which counted as an Orgo Lab - I got an A in these).

Also, when should I take the MCAT? I would like to be able to finish all my prereqs and have an application complete ready to go in about 3-4 years, which is when my kids will be going off to kindergarten.

 

[AquiVoy13]

I'm a new member, but perhaps I can provide some insight. I am applying this upcoming cycle.

You'll definitely have to take the classes you're still missing: organic chem 2 lab and physics 1 & 2 +labs. So that should be your main focus in terms of classes. Also, I know at my school you couldn't retake a class unless you got a C- or lower, so depending on your school's policies, you may or may not be able to retake chem 101 and organic chem 2. If you are allowed to retake those, you'll have to consider whether it would be better to retake these intro classes or to take new upper level classes (and do well in them). I guess it all depends on your overall gpa and science gpa after taking the three classes you still need to take. I wouldn't recommend retaking classes you've received an A or A- in.

As for the mcat, you can take it after you've finished all the prerequisites, so definitely wait until you've taken physics 1 and 2. There's no need to retake intro chem, etc. for the mcat, it would be much better to study using review books such as princeton review, kaplan, exam krackers.

I hope this helps a little.

 

[mspeedwagon]

I didn't take o-chem 2 lab nor do I plan to at this point. You are correct showing up to o-chem 2 lab out of the blue would probably be a disaster. Additionally, more and more schools are dropping their second semester of o-chem requirement to comply with the 2015 MCAT (SUNY Upstate is a school that immediately comes to mind).

The vast majority of schools I've looked at currently require 8 semester hrs of o-chem lab (not sure how the credits work at your school, but at mine they were 3 credits for each of two semesters and 2 for each lab).

I don't think anyone can tell you how long before to start studying for the MCAT since you'll be taking the new and improved one. I started about 3 months and will be studying very intensely in the 30 days leading up to the test... I'd recommend 6 months for non-trads given my experience (3 is great if all things go perfectly, but non-trad life is far from perfect).