Spring 2013 concerns

[El Nino]

---

Members do not see this ad.

In the next few days I'll be entering the spring semester of my junior year, and I'm trying to figure out my schedule.

Biochemistry 2 (Metabolism)
Physical Chemistry w/lab
(Genetics or Microbiology) w/lab
Social Science

This load is only 14 hours, but I am also taking MCAT review courses during the weekend. I also have other commitments during the week such as tutoring and research. I was wondering should I take these science courses and labs with a serious commitment such as the MCAT? My biggest concern is will I be able to study the MCAT during the week. I plan to take the april MCAT and apply for the 2013 cycle.

Suggestions?

 

[Josh7]

In the next few days I'll be entering the spring semester of my junior year, and I'm trying to figure out my schedule.

Biochemistry 2 (Metabolism)
Physical Chemistry w/lab
(Genetics or Microbiology) w/lab
Social Science

This load is only 14 hours, but I am also taking MCAT review courses during the weekend. I also have other commitments during the week such as tutoring and research. I was wondering should I take these science courses and labs with a serious commitment such as the MCAT? My biggest concern is will I be able to study the MCAT during the week. I plan to take the april MCAT and apply for the 2013 cycle.

Suggestions?

I don't understand why you're asking us, we don't know you or your study strategies/time management skills.

 

[Si Se Puede]

It all depends on you but P-chem and Biochem II are pretty time-consuming, would be somewhat stressful on top of MCAT.

Actually, if you have the MCAT content knowledge down, you should have no trouble!

 

[GoSpursGo]

That's going to be tough. When I was MCAT studying, I had 2 science lecture classes and one lab, and the rest was relatively easier to get up to 12-14 hours; you have to treat the MCAT review course as an extra 3-4 hours of science credit when balancing your schedule.

If it is possible to graduate on time and push one of the science couses with the lab off for another semester, I'd try and do that. It sucks, but you've got to think about this in the big picture; the worst thing that could happen is either leaving a few points on the table on your MCAT or having a GPA stumble right before your apply.

 

[487806]

That's going to be tough. When I was MCAT studying, I had 2 science lecture classes and one lab, and the rest was relatively easier to get up to 12-14 hours; you have to treat the MCAT review course as an extra 3-4 hours of science credit when balancing your schedule.

If it is possible to graduate on time and push one of the science couses with the lab off for another semester, I'd try and do that. It sucks, but you've got to think about this in the big picture; the worst thing that could happen is either leaving a few points on the table on your MCAT or having a GPA stumble right before your apply.

👍 This pretty much sums it up, and it's a pretty good description on how to treat the MCAT class = science course. OP, your courseload isn't easy, since you're combining PChem/lab with biochem and genetics... all along with research and tutoring. While it seems "a light courseload", you'll probably be spending a lot of time on your coursework and other priorities, and it's difficult to handle all that with the MCAT practice (along with the risk of burning out) I wouldn't risk it, so lighten your coursework up a bit.

 

[El Nino]

That's going to be tough. When I was MCAT studying, I had 2 science lecture classes and one lab, and the rest was relatively easier to get up to 12-14 hours; you have to treat the MCAT review course as an extra 3-4 hours of science credit when balancing your schedule.

If it is possible to graduate on time and push one of the science couses with the lab off for another semester, I'd try and do that. It sucks, but you've got to think about this in the big picture; the worst thing that could happen is either leaving a few points on the table on your MCAT or having a GPA stumble right before your apply.

It all depends on you but P-chem and Biochem II are pretty time-consuming, would be somewhat stressful on top of MCAT.

Actually, if you have the MCAT content knowledge down, you should have no trouble!

👍 This pretty much sums it up, and it's a pretty good description on how to treat the MCAT class = science course. OP, your courseload isn't easy, since you're combining PChem/lab with biochem and genetics... all along with research and tutoring. While it seems "a light courseload", you'll probably be spending a lot of time on your coursework and other priorities, and it's difficult to handle all that with the MCAT practice (along with the risk of burning out) I wouldn't risk it, so lighten your coursework up a bit.

Yeah, I think I'm going to take pchem w/ lab senior year, and take only genetics/lab with metabolism in the spring. I think that should be a little more manageable. For those who took the MCAT, doesn't a course in genetics supplement the bio section well?

Thanks

 

[t5Nitro]

I was told genetics can be helpful.

For what it's worth, I am in a similar situation. I am taking genetics/mic/biochem all with lab in the spring and will be preparing for the MCAT throughout the semester.

I am going to make it a plan to go to bed earlier, get up around 5:45 and study MCAT material before I go to lecture for the day. I would like to get a good amount of my review done before my day even starts, so to speak. This is my plan, but maybe it gives you an idea to adjust for your own work ethic.