taking MCAT without taking physics course?

[Californian]

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hi! i took gen.chem,gen.bio,o-chem so far.... but i know that physics is in the MCAT... what should I do? should i just take physics for a year and apply next year? but i want to apply this year.... has anyone done this? besides physics is there any other courses i have to take? do you think i have a chance without taking physics for MCAT by just studying MCAT prep book?

 

[justdoit31]

I am taking my MCAT in 2 weeks and haven't had Physics 2- it has been pretty tough to figure out some of the electricity and optics stuff... and you are lready late in the game for this year with applying (to be processed and have time to study for MCAT) so I am not sure how to advise you.

 

[FlowLimited]

I would not take the MCAT without AT LEAST the first semester of physics. You're really doing yourself a disservice though, unless you've taken the full sequence. Unless you have a real knack for it, physics is something you have to put a lot of time into and it'll put a lot of undue stress on you as you study for the MCAT.

My advice is to put off applying for a year and take physics. The last thing you want to do is bomb the physical sciences section and have to retake. Just like applying, taking the MCAT is something you want to do once and do well.

Good luck.

 

[Keona]

you need at least physics 1, I took it without Physics 2, and I'm a chem major, luckily my test wasn't heavy on physics. One of my friends had one with hardly any chem on it, and did poorly. Physics is very difficult to teach yourself, if you decide to take the MCAT without it, make friends with a physics professor who can explain anything you don't understand.

 

[theroadtomed]

I took it without physics, and it was fine. I studied the physics for about 8 weeks, and the actual physics necessary for the mcat is well below the level of material that you will cover in a year-long physics course. It seems closer to high school physics. Best thing you can do is order Nova's MCAT Physics book. A lot of non-traditionals who haven't had classes for years use solely that and get by fine on the mcat. Hope this helps! 🙂

 

[gasdf1234567]

The only prereqs I would have regretted not taking before the MCAT are physics 1 and 2. I found my chem classes and especially bio classes to be worthless when compared to a couple weeks studying of the subject.

 

[Chicagochew]

I would not recommend it. It is better to take physics and know the material thereby doing well on the MCAT rather than taking the exam without it. I know you want to apply this year but it is late and you are better off taking the course, doing well on the test, and then applying. It is better to get in to med school on the first try if you can rather than invest time, money, and heart in to a process where you may not be at your best.

 

[dienekes88]

Don't rush it. Did you take AP Physics in high school and seriously pwn it?

If you take the MCAT in the next couple weeks, your score won't be in until early September. That's getting to be a little late in the game.

Being a little late with apps while gambling on getting a solid Physical Sciences Section with weak preparation is not exactly a good idea...

 

[Mandarin142]

You are too rushing things too much in my opinion. You plan to take the MCAT, apply, and get out secondaries while doing your regular coursework is asking for trouble. I hope a few people who have done it (or attempted it) will back me up on this one.

Take your time, finish Physics 1 and 2 and take the MCAT next spring and don't rush things.

 

[TheRealMD]

Physics for most people is just too weird a subject to not have taken a class in it before doing MCAT prep. And while most people hear might agree that MCAT Physics pales in comparison to college physics, you really don't see that many people doing that well in either if MCAT Physics was so "easy".

That being said, it is better to apply once the right way than to apply many times the wrong way. You only get one "first impression" to a medical school, and you want to be on your best footing when you do so.

 

[Californian]

thanks for ur opinion!!!! i guess im i have to take physics... damn