Taking Biochem

[deleted388502]

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Hi,

I was wondering how important it was to take biochem - I've read multiple threads on the subject and I se that it is important, but in my case, I could take an easier science major class in place of it and boost my GPA with an A in my major class instead, as biochem is notoriously hard and most people get B's or B+'s, and it would probably drop or keep my GPA stagnant instead of raising it, as I'm also taking a crazy course load with major classes my senior year to fit everything in.

Opinions are appreciated! Thanks

 

[darklabel]

Are you looking to got into a top school?

If so, I would take it an try to excel, if you're ok with low-mid tier then ignore it. I got an A in it but I took it over the summer (which is usually easier in my school) so maybe take it over the summer?

 

[QuantumJ]

So two of the six schools I interviewed at require biochem so I'm taking it cover my bases. You might want to see what schools require it. Also it might have been beneficial for the mcat but it's hard to say.

 

[justAstudent]

Like others before me have said, it depends entirely on which schools you plan to apply to. Some schools require it, some recommend it, whereas some don't list it at all. I would look into the schools you are interested in and make a decision that way.

 

[deleted388502]

For schools that require it, would it hurt me in the interview/app process? Cause I just assumed I could take it if accepted the summer before?

 

[medmedman]

Hi,

I was wondering how important it was to take biochem - I've read multiple threads on the subject and I se that it is important, but in my case, I could take an easier science major class in place of it and boost my GPA with an A in my major class instead, as biochem is notoriously hard and most people get B's or B+'s, and it would probably drop or keep my GPA stagnant instead of raising it, as I'm also taking a crazy course load with major classes my senior year to fit everything in.

Opinions are appreciated! Thanks

1) Biochem isn't that hard. You can get the A if you work hard
2) Lots of schools i applied to require biochem as a prereq (I even applied to one where inorganic was)
3) It won't help you on the MCATs in any significant way. The MCAT as it is doesn't have too much orgo on it and the only thing in biochem that might help is the amino acid stuff but even then, not so much.

 

[Ace-Co-A]

Biochemistry I is often recommended or required by medical schools, but not always. Some sources for this assertion:

Swarthmore Advising (2011-2012)

Hopkins Advising (2007-2008)

Dartmouth Advising (2013): "Biochemistry: Currently, ~25 medical schools (and counting) REQUIRE a course in biochemistry, and an additional 90 schools recommend it."

MSAR

Old SDN Thread (2010)

A starting point might be to look over some of these lists (in particular the more recent one from Swarthmore), and find the medical schools in which you're interested -- if many of them require/recommend Biochemistry I, then it might be necessary for you.

 

[QuantumJ]

For schools that require it, would it hurt me in the interview/app process? Cause I just assumed I could take it if accepted the summer before?

I hadn't taken biochem when I applied and I got interviews at 2/3 schools that require it. Remember it's a senior level class and most apply the summer between junior and senior year so a lot of other applicants don't have it yet.

 

[deleted407021]

If you plan on taking the 2015 MCAT, you should have biochem as an entire section now tests that information. Otherwise, see the above advice.

 

[V]

I would take BioChem if you are planning on taking the MCAT in 2015. And even if you aren't I would still take it because some schools have it as a requirement for admissions. Check the school websites of places you are interested in to see if they require it.

 

[BlueLabel]

If you plan on taking the 2015 MCAT, you should have biochem as an entire section now tests that information. Otherwise, see the above advice.

While were on the subject, I have a related question. Is brains.... Cool?

 

[deleted407021]

While were on the subject, I have a related question. Is brains.... Cool?

They is. Oh. They is.

 

[knv2u]

Are you looking to got into a top school?

If so, I would take it an try to excel, if you're ok with low-mid tier then ignore it. I got an A in it but I took it over the summer (which is usually easier in my school) so maybe take it over the summer?

I think taking it over the summer is a great idea for the OP. OP: I wouldn't want medical school to be the first time that I saw biochemistry if I were you.