shareesh said:
i haven't taken my mcats yet, but plan to in jan (one of the first computer based tests). However, i'm a bit scared because i was talking to a good friend who told me that it is nearly impossible. these graduate classes are so rigorous and time consuming, especially if your goals are high. Are some of you in the same boat? how are you factor in mcat studying in your schedule that includes studying/class/research/clinical volunteer? Past students--how did you do it? do you recommend becoming part-time, talking less classes, etc. or waiting till summer to take the mcats?
Just FYI, its the MCAT not MCATs. Common mistake
. Anyway, are you a masters or PhD student? If you are PhD, then take it after your qualifying exam since you aren't required to take classes anymore. First off, classes are as rigorous and difficult as YOU make them. I've gone through our med schools systemic pathology course, and it was indeed rigorous, but I still had time to do research and many other things including studying for other classes. Regardless though, its all about time management, and being efficient with what you do, and thats something you have to gauge on your own.
I just finished my first year as a PhD student, and have already completed my required and elective courses. Therefore by the end of this year I will take my qualifying exam, which will free up study time to take the MCAT next year (I'm thinking May). Of course, I will be working on my PhD thesis, and taking additional classes to improve my application. In terms of clinical volunteering, thats easy. The ED is open 24/7, get some random shift thats once a week from 12am-4am or something to give you time during the day to do research, and what not. Or just do it on weekends if that time doesn't sit well with you.
I would not recommend going part-time, and I'm not even sure grad schools allow part-time status for long periods. Being part-time will show up on your AMCAS app, and med schools will wonder why you reduced your graded courseload, and the reason of "studying for the MCAT" is not really acceptable. If you don't feel you are ready then yes take it over the summer.
For me, I'm just taking 1-2 classes throughout next year (+research units to be full-time), and these will be 8 or 9am classes. This allows me to work on my PhD thesis, study for class, and study for the MCAT from 10am-11pm. Allowing me to go to bed by midnight, sleep for 7-8 hours and do it again the next day. Combine that with weekends, its PLENTY of time. I have asked our director of admissions about how they look at having 6-8 units of classes and then 8 units of research. He said they don't care considering I'm doing a PhD..given that people sometimes finish in 4-5 years!
Its entirely possible to do well in all of these aspects. Being first year PhD student, I had 3-4 classes per quarter plus seminars, and then did research in the afternoon to evening while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Since my required classes are done, I will just reduce the course load and replace it with MCAT studying time. Nothing big about that. Ultimately, it will come down to how efficient you are at studying, and how effective you are at time management when all things are considered. One thing is for certain, I have become 10x more efficient since undergrad. Good luck!