Taking the MCAT w/o having Organic Chem 1 and 2?

[ILuvScience]

Hi Everyone,
I have heard conflicting information regarding this topic and I would like to receive honest opinions. Does the MCAT have a substantial amount of Orgo on it??? Can one do well without have taken it? Thanks!

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[DAPI]

Yeah, it has lots of orgo. Do not take it without taking orgo 1 & 2.

Now stop making new threads and search, or post them in the right forum at least.

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile.

 

[sliceofbread136]

Yeah, it has lots of orgo. Do not take it without taking orgo 1 & 2.

Now stop making new threads and search, or post them in the right forum at least.

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile.

Disagree.

There isn't much orgo on the MCAT. I would probably take atleast orgo 1 first but you could definitely get by with neither.

 

[hiaips]

Hi Everyone,
I have heard conflicting information regarding this topic and I would like to receive honest opinions. Does the MCAT have a substantial amount of Orgo on it??? Can one do well without have taken it? Thanks!

 

[Doctor Strange]

Disagree.

There isn't much orgo on the MCAT. I would probably take atleast orgo 1 first but you could definitely get by with neither.

You and I remember the MCAT very differently. I had two passages on orgo and a couple of discrete questions on my test day.

 

[DAPI]

Disagree.

There isn't much orgo on the MCAT. I would probably take atleast orgo 1 first but you could definitely get by with neither.

And there you have it. Two people with two different opinions on it - Just like you had read previously 🙄

If you look through the MCAT date specific threads you will see some tests have 1 orgo passage (probably like sliceofbread136) and others have 3. Mine had 3 and without having been an orgo TA this past year I feel like I would have done much worse than I did.

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best, but in the end its up to you.

 

[sliceofbread136]

You and I remember the MCAT very differently. I had two passages on orgo and a couple of discrete questions on my test day.

Ya but there's like what, 10 different easy reactions? And some simple concepts? OP could easily get all the info he needs from a baron or princeton review book. If I was going to have to learn a subject for the first time for the MCAT, it would be orgo or maybe physics.

 

[Luvahgilahsa]

I would say take it.
Although MCAT only has around 2-3 passages in Orgo, the topics vary though the many topics covered in your orgo 1&2 classes. You never know what topic you're going to get, and without a solid background in orgo, I think it would be very difficult to grasp all the concepts.
Also, 2-3 passages is a lot considering there's only 7 in total. If you don't get these 2-3 passages, even with perfect biology passages, I don't think you can score higher than a 7, which is pretty bad. Why not rack up the easy scores?
Also, don't most medical schools require organic chemistry as an admission requirement anyways? Why not take the class and then take MCAT after you're done so it's fresh in your head?

 

[sliceofbread136]

And there you have it. Two people with two different opinions on it - Just like you had read previously 🙄

If you look through the MCAT date specific threads you will see some tests have 1 orgo passage (probably like sliceofbread136) and others have 3. Mine had 3 and without having been an orgo TA this past year I feel like I would have done much worse than I did.

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best, but in the end its up to you.

It's not the number of passages, it's how much content you have to learn. There really isn't much orgo. OP could probably learn it all in two weeks easy.

 

[DAPI]

I would say take it.
Although MCAT only has around 2-3 passages in Orgo, the topics vary though the many topics covered in your orgo 1&2 classes. You never know what topic you're going to get, and without a solid background in orgo, I think it would be very difficult to grasp all the concepts.
Also, 2-3 passages is a lot considering there's only 7 in total. If you don't get these 2-3 passages, even with perfect biology passages, I don't think you can score higher than a 7, which is pretty bad. Why not rack up the easy scores?
Also, don't most medical schools require organic chemistry as an admission requirement anyways? Why not take the class and then take MCAT after you're done so it's fresh in your head?

Some schools will let you substitute Biochem for orgo 2, but still I would not recommend. I personally would say to take both orgo 1 &2 AND biochem before them MCAT, buts that just me.

 

[DAPI]

It's not the number of passages, it's how much content you have to learn. There really isn't much orgo. OP could probably learn it all in two weeks easy.

🤣

Umm, yeah, maybe looking back learning the majority of the orgo that's on the test may seem easy, but orgo is one of those make or break classes it seems. Lots of kids struggle with it so there is no way I would tell the OP to try and learn what he/she needs to learn in two weeks. I mean, maybe if that's ALL you were doing and had someone to help you through all of it maybe, be even then I would go

Take the class. Its a pre-req for med school so why are we even talking about this?

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

This would be a good summation of your experience.

 

[UrshumMurshum]

...
I would say maybe you could take the MCAT if you only took Ochem I but that you had a solid understanding of it.

Typically you're going to get anywhere from 10-20 Ochem questions on the MCAT. They test your intuition which you can really only build from having solved many Ochem problems. So you're going to miss the majority of those questions which would put you at a 9 max.

I mean you need to take Ochem just to be able to read what the question is even asking you.

 

[sliceofbread136]

🤣

Umm, yeah, maybe looking back learning the majority of the orgo that's on the test may seem easy, but orgo is one of those make or break classes it seems. Lots of kids struggle with it so there is no way I would tell the OP to try and learn what he/she needs to learn in two weeks. I mean, maybe if that's ALL you were doing and had someone to help you through all of it maybe, be even then I would go

Take the class. Its a pre-req for med school so why are we even talking about this?

The princeton review book has like less than 80 pages of actual content, 2 weeks is being generous IMO.

For some people their scheduling only works out if they take the MCAT before a certain subject. OP could even take the princeton review class, where he/she would be taught it by an instructor. That would make learning the orgo needed for the MCAT very very doable.

 

[DAPI]

The princeton review book has like less than 80 pages of actual content, 2 weeks is being generous IMO.

For some people their scheduling only works out if they take the MCAT before a certain subject. OP could even take the princeton review class, where he/she would be taught it by an instructor. That would make learning the orgo needed for the MCAT very very doable.

Looking at the OP's other post I disagree. Maybe if someone was pulling A's in all the pre-reqs because they really just understood it and were dedicated to understanding it maybe - and much more doable with at least taking orgo 1.

I mean,

Hi All! So I have decided to pursue my initial dream after realizing the other career paths will not satisfy me as well as medicine will. I LOVE Science! Just the mere fact that one can gain the knowledge of the human body as well as actually practice it is just so intriguing to me. And, I love helping people, ESPECIALLY the elderly. I was able to meet so many fascinating people when I was working at Walgreen's Pharmacy. Anyways, Here's my situation. I have a B.S. in Psychology with a cum 3.19 gpa. My Science courses are as follows; Gen Chem1- "C" and Lab is a "A-", Bio 1 is a "C". Genetics is a "C", Supervised Research Biology "A", Physics 1 "A", Lab "B+", Physics 2 "A" have not taken the lab yet b/c the school I graduated from has the lab and lecture graded separately. Also, I have an "A" in psychology Statistics and the med schools I'm interested in will accept that. I I received those grades in undergrad and was HEAVILY involved in 3 organizations, I did so much volunteering it's crazy. I also did research with a professor in Pharmacology, presented our poster at a conference, and I am a co-author of the article. I was also working part time as well. So I have taken a year off from undergrad, working full time, to pay off bills. Now I am starting to tackle the rest of the pre-reqs. My question is; should I bother re-taking Chem 1 first or just study the concepts of it on my own until the semester starts for Gen Chem 2 in August? Also, should I bother retaking Bio 1 and Genetics. Also, I have not taking Bio 2 yet. And I will be taking Anatomy and Physiology because the class itself interest me. What is your advice??? Thanks! : )

 

[SpacemanSpifff]

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best, but in the end its up to you.

I think this is your best option. Obviously each exam is different, but undoubtedly there will be at least some organic on the MCAT. So, unless you're shooting for something less than a perfect score you should be taking o chem first. You have to take it anyways, so why put it off? Plus, it's an AWESOME time!

 

[hiaips]

The princeton review book has like less than 80 pages of actual content, 2 weeks is being generous IMO.

For some people their scheduling only works out if they take the MCAT before a certain subject. OP could even take the princeton review class, where he/she would be taught it by an instructor. That would make learning the orgo needed for the MCAT very very doable.

If OP follows this advice, are we allowed to say, "I told you so" when he posts his bio section score of 8 in a "What are my chances?" thread next spring and wonders whether med schools will screen him out?

In all seriousness, if you look through recent MCAT threads, you will discover that several recent MCATs have contained three organic chemistry passages. That's at least 16-17 organic chemistry questions on a 52-question section. Even in the best case scenario, it seems that a given bio section will contain 8-10 orgo questions. Why would you leave your bio section to chance, especially given that you will have to take organic chemistry anyway for admission to medical school? Proceeding in this manner simply makes no sense.

The other point to mention is that learning all of the organic chemistry necessary for the MCAT in two weeks is not realistic. Review books are intended to augment existing knowledge or to fill in minor gaps. If you're using them to learn large amounts of material for the first time, you're doing it wrong. Further, consider that OP would need to assimilate at least the following topics:

Isomers
Stereochemistry (which is typically difficult for students the first time that they see it)
SN1/SN2/E1/E2 (again, a topic that typically takes some time to grasp)
NMR
IR
Chemistry of aldehydes and ketones
Chemistry of carboxylic acids and their derivatives
Laboratory techniques

All of that in two weeks, from scratch? I don't think so.

 

[sliceofbread136]

Looking at the OP's other post I disagree. Maybe if someone was pulling A's in all the pre-reqs because they really just understood it and were dedicated to understanding it maybe - and much more doable with at least taking orgo 1.

I mean,

Honestly, I think OP could do it if he took a prep class. Alot of people in my prep class were able to do it.

If OP follows this advice, are we allowed to say, "I told you so" when he posts his bio section score of 8 in a "What are my chances?" thread next spring and wonders whether med schools will screen him out?

In all seriousness, if you look through recent MCAT threads, you will discover that several recent MCATs have contained three organic chemistry passages. That's at least 16-17 organic chemistry questions on a 52-question section. Even in the best case scenario, it seems that a given bio section will contain 8-10 orgo questions. Why would you leave your bio section to chance, especially given that you will have to take organic chemistry anyway for admission to medical school? Proceeding in this manner simply makes no sense.

The other point to mention is that learning all of the organic chemistry necessary for the MCAT in two weeks is not realistic. Review books are intended to augment existing knowledge or to fill in minor gaps. If you're using them to learn large amounts of material for the first time, you're doing it wrong. Further, consider that OP would need to assimilate at least the following topics:

Isomers
Stereochemistry (which is typically difficult for students the first time that they see it)
SN1/SN2/E1/E2 (again, a topic that typically takes some time to grasp)
NMR
IR
Chemistry of aldehydes and ketones
Chemistry of carboxylic acids and their derivatives
Laboratory techniques

All of that in two weeks, from scratch? I don't think so.

Looking at that list I'd say that could be done in 1 week lol. I learned all of bio minus genetics in less than 2 weeks and was pulling straight 14s on my AAMCs. If you pull yourself up by your boot straps and do what needs to be done you'll be surprised what you can accomplish.

OP, it comes down to what you are comfortable with. O chem will be one of the easier sciences to learn from a prep book, especially if you take a prep class. However, if you're really uncomfortable with science material then it would probably be better to atleast take ochem 1.

 

[ILuvScience]

Thank you SliceofBread136! You understand what I am saying and what I'm facing here. I understand that Orgo 1 and 2 are pre reqs but I also would like to apply next year instead of waiting another year. I have everything SOLID as far as volunteering, shadowing, research, etc. The only thing I have left is 3 pre-reqs and the MCAT. I've completed both physics and stats. I don't see why I couldn't use the Princeton Review to study for the MCAT and take it in June of next year that way I can apply early. I was going to take Orgo 1 in the summer but then I would be applying late. I have learned that applying early gives you an advantage, so those are the blocks I'm facing at this point.

 

[plasmodium]

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[ILuvScience]

Here's the other scenario. Ive already take gen chem 1 and pulled a C with an "A- in lab". I was thinking should I get a chemistry book and learn the basics for chem 1 and do LOTS of practice problems for 5 weeks before I take gen chem 2 this upcoming semester. I will aim for an "A" in chem 2 which is doable because I will only be taking 2 classes. So then take Orgo 1 in the Spring and take the MCAT in May. It's just I'm nervous about med school scrutinizing me about the "C" in gen chem 1, eventho if I retake it, it won't count towards my gpa cuz I didn't get a "C-" BLAH!

 

[ILuvScience]

I see what you're saying. I think I'm just going to review chem 1 right now, take gen chem 2 in the fall, orgo 1 in the spring, so I will have the Orgo knowledge for the MCAT in May. Hopefully they'll forgive me for getting that "C" in gen chem 1 if I promise to retake it on my app : )

 

[Praefectus]

You and I remember the MCAT very differently. I had two passages on orgo and a couple of discrete questions on my test day.

Did you take the 4/13 test? That section of the MCAT was hell.

 

[DAPI]

Here's the other scenario. Ive already take gen chem 1 and pulled a C with an "A- in lab". I was thinking should I get a chemistry book and learn the basics for chem 1 and do LOTS of practice problems for 5 weeks before I take gen chem 2 this upcoming semester. I will aim for an "A" in chem 2 which is doable because I will only be taking 2 classes. So then take Orgo 1 in the Spring and take the MCAT in May. It's just I'm nervous about med school scrutinizing me about the "C" in gen chem 1, eventho if I retake it, it won't count towards my gpa cuz I didn't get a "C-" BLAH!

I see what you're saying. I think I'm just going to review chem 1 right now, take gen chem 2 in the fall, orgo 1 in the spring, so I will have the Orgo knowledge for the MCAT in May. Hopefully they'll forgive me for getting that "C" in gen chem 1 if I promise to retake it on my app : )

lolz wut? Why do you think that plan will work when you got a C the first time around when you had an instructor? Also, no one is going to "forgive" a C if you promise to retake it. DO will forgive if you have retaken it. A C- would look even worse than the C. MD med schools count every class even if you retake it, not what your institution says your GPA is. DO does grade replacement regardless of the first grade (I think) so that C can be replaced with an A.

At this point I think the OP is a troll or is just so naive about the process he/she just does not grasp everything that goes into it.

That being said, I seriously cannot believe the advice being given on this thread given the OP's other posts.

If you want a shot at DO schools, cause at this point MD is a reach with a 3.19 cGPA from your BS degree, you should retake chem 1, Bio 1, and genetics. C's in these courses indicate you will struggle with the MCAT and med school in general.

I would recommend the following over the next two years:

Semester 1:
Gen Chem 1
Bio 1
Semester 2:
Gen Chem 2
Bio 2
Semester 3:
Orgo 1
Genetics (basically just for the sake of retake and to bring that DO GPA up)
Semester 4:
Orgo 2
Study for the MCAT

This is fairly light that you could work part time to pay for school or take whatever other courses you wanted to.

 

[Parklife]

Are you serious?

lol you won't become a doctor. At least, I hope not.

 

[DrMario13]

Why risk it, last I heard a class generally doesn't remove knowledge about a subject matter...

 

[fudGez14]

i have a similar question. is it possible to do well in the PS section without having taken physics yet? as in can i learn all the physics i would need to know for the MCAT through MCAT courses/prep books? or is there absolutely no substitute for taking the class?

 

[DAPI]

i have a similar question. is it possible to do well in the PS section without having taken physics yet? as in can i learn all the physics i would need to know for the MCAT through MCAT courses/prep books? or is there absolutely no substitute for taking the class?

Just take the class or at least a summer class on it.

Prep-books are not meant to replace a class and you will need to by the time you matriculate anyways. As you can see with orgo, you will get mixed reactions, but seriously, just take the class.

 

[ILuvScience]

Lol DAPI, are you on an admissions committee???? I know ppl who got accepted into med school with a "c". Stop being so narrow-minded. Obviously if i score well on the MCAT and get As' in chem 2, orgo, etc I'll have a chance. Med schools like to see someone improve their grades. They want a well rounded individual in spite of adversity : )

 

[BigBlueBear]

Did you take the 4/13 test? That section of the MCAT was hell.

DEAR GOD. I took that one--the Ochem was ridiculous. I got 2 A+'s in Ochem1 and Ochem 2, pretty much had all of Chad's videos memorized, and still had to guess on all of them. Ridiculous.

 

[Luvahgilahsa]

i have a similar question. is it possible to do well in the PS section without having taken physics yet? as in can i learn all the physics i would need to know for the MCAT through MCAT courses/prep books? or is there absolutely no substitute for taking the class?

that is not possible.
physics on the MCAT is the hardest section. I even find some questions to be quite difficult after taking AP physics as well as Physics in college.
I would never ever suggest anyone try MCAT without the course.

 

[Luvahgilahsa]

Lol DAPI, are you on an admissions committee???? I know ppl who got accepted into med school with a "c". Stop being so narrow-minded. Obviously if i score well on the MCAT and get As' in chem 2, orgo, etc I'll have a chance. Med schools like to see someone improve their grades. They want a well rounded individual in spite of adversity : )

that is true, but it'll be very hard unless you can wow the admission committee with your MCAT score (which requires you to answer all the questions correctly, which means you gotta take orgo).
Why are you rushing it? If you're applying right afte you take your MCAT, you know that you need to fill out your secondary application saying which of the prerequisite classes you have taken right? If you haven't taken orgo before MCAT, you can't apply right away anyways.

 

[DAPI]

Lol DAPI, are you on an admissions committee???? I know ppl who got accepted into med school with a "c". Stop being so narrow-minded. Obviously if i score well on the MCAT and get As' in chem 2, orgo, etc I'll have a chance. Med schools like to see someone improve their grades. They want a well rounded individual in spite of adversity : )

Not an adcom lol.

Yeah, I get that people get into med school with C's, but you already have three (maybe more based on the 3.19) and they are in pre-reqs. Just based on your posts it does not seem you are taking this very seriously as one second you say you will retake gen chem 1 (in one thread), and the next say you are just going to study on your own (in another thread).

You need to understand that a C understanding of the material is not going to go over too well when you take the MCAT and a 3.19 cGPA, an even lower science GPA, and a poor MCAT score will sink you, regardless of EC's.

I think most people, well most reasonable people, would say to retake the classes and apply DO. Unless there was some unusual circumstances during undergrad that got you those C's, there is not reason to suspect you would do a whole lot better in gen chem 2 or bio 2 as your foundation is already shaky.

 

[DAPI]

that is true, but it'll be very hard unless you can wow the admission committee with your MCAT score (which requires you to answer all the questions correctly, which means you gotta take orgo).
Why are you rushing it? If you're applying right afte you take your MCAT, you know that you need to fill out your secondary application saying which of the prerequisite classes you have taken right? If you haven't taken orgo before MCAT, you can't apply right away anyways.

Yeah you can, you can say you will take it during the summer or next year. It does not have to be complete by the time you apply; just matriculate.

 

[Kaputt]

Honestly, I think OP could do it if he took a prep class. Alot of people in my prep class were able to do it.

I taught a test prep class, and I can't see how anyone could possibly learn enough Organic to do well on the MCAT in a prep class without having any prior knowledge. Prep class teachers don't teach you the material, they review it and try to illuminate what the MCAT is looking for with a given concept.

Though it looks like you think of yourself as an academic big-shot, let me inform you that normal human beings can't just pick up a random review book and suddenly become a God of Organic Chemistry in 2 weeks.

Looking at that list I'd say that could be done in 1 week lol. I learned all of bio minus genetics in less than 2 weeks and was pulling straight 14s on my AAMCs. If you pull yourself up by your boot straps and do what needs to be done you'll be surprised what you can accomplish.

OP, it comes down to what you are comfortable with. O chem will be one of the easier sciences to learn from a prep book, especially if you take a prep class. However, if you're really uncomfortable with science material then it would probably be better to atleast take ochem 1.

This is terrible advice. OP, take the class. Don't take chances with the MCAT. Doing so always results in disappointment.

 

[Kaputt]

Lol DAPI, are you on an admissions committee???? I know ppl who got accepted into med school with a "c". Stop being so narrow-minded. Obviously if i score well on the MCAT and get As' in chem 2, orgo, etc I'll have a chance. Med schools like to see someone improve their grades. They want a well rounded individual in spite of adversity : )

You know who med schools like more than someone who improved their grades? Someone who always got good grades. 9 times out of 10, admissions committees will choose someone with a proven track-record of academic success. It's the honest truth.

And schools are more understanding for students who faced adversity. I don't know if you are one of those people. If you are, godspeed to you. If you are not, you have a long road of GPA-repair ahead of you.

 

[ILuvScience]

Yes I have faced adversity and still facing adversity. I had to work my ENTIRE undergrad career to help my mom, who is a single parent, with bills. I am also underrepresented in medicine, as I am African-American. I may have three "Cs" in those science courses but I tried my best while working, volunteering, shadowing, doing research and attending conferences. Looking back, I'm surprised I didn't fail the classes. The medical field is for me, and I want to be a doctor as much as the next person if not more. My grandparents BOTH died from heart disease and there is so much passion for this, it's just sad people can judge me here based on my grades and say I don't love science. I see why so many pre-med students give up.

 

[Kaputt]

Yes I have faced adversity and still facing adversity. I had to work my ENTIRE undergrad career to help my mom, who is a single parent, with bills. I am also underrepresented in medicine, as I am African-American. I may have three "Cs" in those science courses but I tried my best while working, volunteering, shadowing, doing research and attending conferences. Looking back, I'm surprised I didn't fail the classes. The medical field is for me, and I want to be a doctor as much as the next person if not more. My grandparents BOTH died from heart disease and there is so much passion for this, it's just sad people can judge me here based on my grades and say I don't love science. I see why so many pre-med students give up.

I wish you well on your journey. Lots of premeds come in here complaining about their GPAs being on the lower end -- adcoms will take your history very seriously, so I'd advise you to obviously do as well as you can from here on out. But that includes the MCAT. Take it after OChem. You want as strong a score as possible, and neglecting 1/4 of the pre-reqs before taking it isn't going to end well.

 

[ILuvScience]

I plan to. I will get an "A" in gen chem 2 this upcoming semester. I had a "B" in gen chem 1 up until the last test and the final. I'm extremely capable of reviewing the topics before gen chem 2 starts. Thanks for your advice : )

 

[KnuxNole]

I taught a test prep class, and I can't see how anyone could possibly learn enough Organic to do well on the MCAT in a prep class without having any prior knowledge. Prep class teachers don't teach you the material, they review it and try to illuminate what the MCAT is looking for with a given concept.

Though it looks like you think of yourself as an academic big-shot, let me inform you that normal human beings can't just pick up a random review book and suddenly become a God of Organic Chemistry in 2 weeks.



This is terrible advice. OP, take the class. Don't take chances with the MCAT. Doing so always results in disappointment.

This is true. Very few people can do that. Organic is a tough subject, and not everyone is even close to genius IQs lol

 

[kami333]

Why the rush? I'd wait until you've taken the class.

That being said, it was 5 years between orgo and the MCAT (took the 4/28 test) for me and I found that most of the knowledge I needed (and remembered) came from the EK book.

 

[ILuvScience]

I'm taking Orgo 1 in the Spring of next year, and will take the MCAT probably 2 weeks after I complete the class. so probably beginning of June. They probably won't get scores until July. Is that still considered early admission.

 

[sliceofbread136]

I taught a test prep class, and I can't see how anyone could possibly learn enough Organic to do well on the MCAT in a prep class without having any prior knowledge. Prep class teachers don't teach you the material, they review it and try to illuminate what the MCAT is looking for with a given concept.

Though it looks like you think of yourself as an academic big-shot, let me inform you that normal human beings can't just pick up a random review book and suddenly become a God of Organic Chemistry in 2 weeks.



This is terrible advice. OP, take the class. Don't take chances with the MCAT. Doing so always results in disappointment.

I don't know why people have to make things personal is they disagree with your opinion. Do you really think that is necessary?

I'm guessing you taught for Kaplan. Princeton review teaches you everything you need to know for the test, and many people in my class got high 30s and even 40s without taking physics or orgo. It obviously takes more work but it is very doable.

 

[sliceofbread136]

that is not possible.
physics on the MCAT is the hardest section. I even find some questions to be quite difficult after taking AP physics as well as Physics in college.
I would never ever suggest anyone try MCAT without the course.

Wrong. I've seen it done many times.

Are you serious?

lol you won't become a doctor. At least, I hope not.

Why would you say this to anyone? Grow up.

 

[ILuvScience]

It's hilarious b/c when I was in undergrad and pre-med, students would act snobby like that. it's just sad, but whatever floats your boat. Doctors are supposed to be compassionate and pre med students that aren't compassionate is an oxymoron : /

 

[slwnstdy]

ILuvScience:

First off good luck with your upcoming courses and the application process. It sounds like you have a very genuine interest/passion for the profession, which is awesome!
I would highly recommend waiting to take the MCAT until your pre-reqs are completed.
I am re-taking (there are several contributing reasons) but partly is that I hadn't completed the physics pre-reqs. There are many posters on here saying that mastering the concepts for o-chem would be easy. O-chem on the MCAT is only easy for those of us who have taken a full year of o-chem.

You want to avoid having to retake/rush the MCAT at all costs!

 

[ILuvScience]

Thanks for the advice : )! I think I'm going to start studying for the MCAT now

 

[Kaputt]

I don't know why people have to make things personal is they disagree with your opinion. Do you really think that is necessary?

I'm guessing you taught for Kaplan. Princeton review teaches you everything you need to know for the test, and many people in my class got high 30s and even 40s without taking physics or orgo. It obviously takes more work but it is very doable.

Not making it personal. Just stating that your advice is not generalizable in the least. These high 30s/40s superstars you're talking about are the extreme exception.

I taught for Princeton Review. And yeah, we do teach on all the topics you need to know for the test, but we don't have time to teach you Organic Chemistry.

I tell you what, pal -- why don't you just pick up your copy of First Aid and get crackin' on Step 1. Who needs school when you have review books?

 

[Kaputt]

Why would you say this to anyone? Grow up.

Probably because you're a troll.

 

[rockjb]

Noticed some posts about the test having "lots of orgo" this is false. As the MCAT has evolved over the years the organic chemistry section has become less and less prevalent. Currently you can expect about 25% (or possibly less) of the biological sciences section to be organic chemistry. Further the testable knowledge (see the preparing for the MCAT pdfs on AAMC.org) show that the only hydrocarbons tested are now alkanes (no alkenes no alkynes no aromatics) so pretty much Sn1 and Sn2 and then a good bit about oxygen containing compounds and nucleophilic carbonyl addition. Orgo 1 would be a good investment prior to the test and would certainly help improve your score. Orgo 2 is less helpful though still required for medical school admission. Check out this link to aamc https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing/ there are some PDFs you should look through.