Taking biochemistry prior to matriculation

[IvyHopeful20]

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Hey guys,

I am applying to many schools and one of my top choices has a biochem requirement that I don't have. Of course, a safer choice would be to take the acceptance elsewhere and not worry about having to take biochem, but I am wondering if anyone knows of any schools in the Philly area that offer spring or summer biochem if I am interested? It's a risk because if something happens, my acceptance would be in jeopardy...but hey, what's life without a bit of a risk?

 

[Helen Wheels]

What do mean "if something happens"? Do you mean you are worried you might fail the class? Why would you get a bad grade in biochem when you have a 4.0 science GPA? I am assuming you have made it through all the other science pre-reqs with As and you are worried you would simply fail biochem? 😕

 

[jellybean13]

What do mean "if something happens"? Do you mean you are worried you might fail the class? Why would you get a bad grade in biochem when you have a 4.0 science GPA? I am assuming you have made it through all the other science pre-reqs with As and you are worried you would simply fail biochem? 😕

Ditto. Why on earth would you be concerned about not being able to attain a B or better in Biochem with a 39 MCAT and a 4.0 sGPA?

Am I missing something?

 

[MossPoh]

Just schedule the class for spring. If you get accepted somewhere that doesn't need it then drop it. You aren't going to fail biochem and even if you got a B after being conditionally accepted, big deal... You would still be going to that school.

 

[Swagster]

What about biochem lab? Is it helpful for the MCAT or medical school? I can take biochem without the lab and still meet the admissions requirements for the schools I'm interested in, and I hear that class is a bear.

If you take it senior year, after you're accepted, do you only need a C to honor your admissions?

 

[itellitlikeitis]

I would highly recommend taking a biochem class even if you get into a school without it as a requirement. The majority of medical students will have taken the course and its a requirement for a lot of medical schools for a reason. It'll make your life much easier early on

I guess biochem lab would be helpful in the sense that you get to actually do the hands on experiment that you read about? But the intro biochem lab will be so basic that just reading about those things would probably suffice. I would skip on the lab but not on the lecture course

 

[IvyHopeful20]

What do mean "if something happens"? Do you mean you are worried you might fail the class? Why would you get a bad grade in biochem when you have a 4.0 science GPA? I am assuming you have made it through all the other science pre-reqs with As and you are worried you would simply fail biochem? 😕

Well, I wasn't thinking about failing...

That would be...odd to say the least especially as I have a bit of an inferiority complex in terms of not knowing enough and so I'm neurotic about studying. I was thinking something happens like I get hit by a car and I'd have to withdraw and thus I'd be **** out of luck. ....

 

[IvyHopeful20]

But I guess if I hurry up and schedule it for the spring somewhere, I can hold on to multiple acceptances until I'm sure and then I can just take a W and it wouldn't be as big of a deal if something unforseen happens....

I already have a acceptance to a school that doesn't require it, so I can keep that just in case?

 

[gravitywave]

take it in the spring regardless. it blows but you'll be glad you did. nothing will "happen."

What about biochem lab? Is it helpful for the MCAT or medical school? I can take biochem without the lab and still meet the admissions requirements for the schools I'm interested in, and I hear that class is a bear.

If you take it senior year, after you're accepted, do you only need a C to honor your admissions?

don't take the lab if you can help it. don't make C's, but if you make one, it'll be fine. just don't make all C's.

 

[DucoNonducor]

I agree. I'd still go ahead and take Biochem regardless. You'll be glad you did.