suggestions

[Violet]

Hi Everybody,

I am looking for advice. I already have a bachelor's degree and currently I am taking my pre-reqs for med school (as post-bac at a university). I need help in picking out elective science courses which will benefit my "profile" or even help me out on the MCAT.
I already finished - physics 1, general chemistry 1&2 and starting organic in the fall.
Is Calc. beneficial?
If you have any suggestions please let me know. Thanks

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[Pilot]

i don't know if Calculus is "beneficial", but it is required at many schools. You will need to check with the schools you are interested in to determine if it is a pre-req. Incidentally, if you have to take it, do not take business calc, calc for non-science majors, et.al. Take the regular calculus (5 hours) course so that there is never a question as to whether your calculus fulfils the pre-req. Some schools do not accept the "lesser' calcs, so be forewarned. I have a friend in Texas who was told by a Texas Tech medical admissions advisor last week that he needs to retake calculus, because the 3 hour calculus course does not fulfil the requirements for the Texas medical schools. Good Luck.

 

[Methuselah]

Calculus does not appear on the MCATs. Unless you're math-minded, I wouldn't risk your GPA, because the vast majority of med. schools do not require calculus. Buy or borrow a copy of the Med School Admission Requirements (MSAR) to see the requirements for entrance for the individual schools. This may give you ideas for your electives.

 

[Mango]

Biochemistry is always a good idea. You will see it IN DEPTH in med school, so your performance in it will show med schools a lot about your ability to handle tough courses. But beware, it is a very intense course, and if you do take it make sure that you can dedicate yourself to it and get a good grade (A or B). Good Luck, Mango

 

[Sheon]

Biochem is a major bonus. Today was the first day, and it was almost all biochem with staunch promises of more to come.

The MCAT I took had about 2 passages that were PURE biochem, and 2 others that biochem would've been useful. I'd definatly get the biochem in if I had it to do all over again.

SERIOUSLY!!!

Sheon

 

[bullyman]

Biochem is a big plus, but Genetics is a must. Cell biology was also useful. I would say take Physics II before you take the MCAT. Most of the physics that was on the MCAT I took was taught during the second year.

 

[Violet]

You guys are wonderful! Thank you for all your input. I am taking the MCAT in April and I can't take biochem prior to that (I will be in Organic 2 at that time). However, I will definitly take it prior to finishing my undergraduate work.
Thank You again.

 

[fiatslug]

Hey Violet-- you might want to think about sitting in on a biochem lecture while taking orgo 2. Biochem makes most of the second term orgo reactions make sudden and glorious sense; it also shows up on the MCAT to a much greater degree than typically covered in a year long bio sequence. Really, you'd only need to listen in on the first 2 months or so of lecture, and I promise it will help you in orgo. Plus, biochem kicks a**!

Sheon, as always, is right about biochem on the MCAT: I swear I had passages lifted right out of my Stryer on that exam.

[This message has been edited by fiatslug (edited 08-22-2000).]