take biochem before applying or while applying?

[rkmauria]

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Ok i was searching through threads that went over this but they didn't answer my specific question. If you find one that did, im sorry.

Ok, im a junior and im going to apply this summer. I was thinking about taking biochem the first semester of senior year while applying, but i saw some schools required it (like Umich). Does that mean you need to take the course by the time you apply, or does it mean you can take it while applying?

Also, how does it look to adcoms when you have taken biochem, will they favor your app?

Thanks guys

 

[Ismet]

Biochem is a pretty standard course for science majors/pre-meds, so I highly doubt that someone will be favored due to taking biochem.

For the most part, you have to take required courses by matriculation, so you can take biochem while applying or even the summer between senior year and med school. There are a couple schools, however, that want you to have the pre-reqs done by January of the year you matriculate (so you can't take it in the spring).

 

[ComfortCreature]

Personally, biochem was a time consuming, but manageable class. I'd recommend taking it when you know you'll have the time for it (ask students you know that have done well in biochem at your school to know what it's like there since every school is different).

As long as you indicate that you're planning on taking it and passing before matriculation (something that you will put on your AMCAS), most schools I've applied to don't mind if you apply before taking it.


EDIT: An adcom member told me that they (this school specifically) look at biochem classes as an indicator of potential success in medical school, but they aren't going to be mad if you haven't taken it yet. macho07's post below has some good info on why to take it asap.

 

[Sophocles]

I'm sure everyone will have their opinions but this is mine:

I have found Biochem to be extremely helpful and I wish I would have taken this class before taking the MCAT. Not that it's essential or really all that beneficial for some, but for me it really solidified some of the main concepts regarding proteins, enzyme kinetics, metabolism, etc. But my Kaplan instructor didn't even take Gen Physics and came out with a 38, so take it for what it's worth. Just my two cents.