This Aug or next Aug

[streetlight]

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Hey all,

I'm a freshman at MIT and will have most of the courses needed for the MCAT done in the Spring. I was wondering if it is worth it to take the test this august for the last paper/pencil MCAT or wait a year (summer after sophomore year) where most students here take it for the computer based MCAT.

Pros for taking it this August:
-test prep companies (kaplan, pr) will know how to teach the test -- i'll be a test rat for them if i wait a year for the CBT since they won't know exactly what will be thrown at us
-the computer based test will be a lot shorter so it may be harder to compensate
-physics I and II, orgo I, chemistry, and biology will all be fresh in my head for the test

Cons for taking it this August:
-i haven't taken some courses such as biochem and genetics which may help me become more comfortable with the material
-only valid if i apply for admission right out of undergrad
-will need to study my butt off this summer to pull it off...

I was wondering if any of you could add to either the pro or con side to help me make a decision as I'd need to register for prep courses really soon.

Thanks

 

[notdeadyet]

I'd consider taking it this August, just because the core information will be fresher and if you're taking a prep course, they'll be more experienced in prepping you.

But (a big BUT) [no jokes, please] is that many scores will not accept MCATs after a certain length of time. If you decide to graduate and work for a year or two, your MCATs this August will no longer be valid.

 

[streetlight]

Thanks. Any other input? I need to decide soon...

 

[HunterGatherer]

-physics I and II, orgo I, chemistry, and biology will all be fresh in my head for the test

Take it this year. no sense in trying to plan for not graduating on time at the rate you're going!

If you want to take a year off you can apply and get deferments after getting your acceptance(s). This probably only works if you want the year off after graduating.

 

[gujuDoc]

Take it this year. no sense in trying to plan for not graduating on time at the rate you're going!

If you want to take a year off you can apply and get deferments after getting your acceptance(s). This probably only works if you want the year off after graduating.

👍 👍 ^^

I agree with the above advice. Just make sure you are scoring well on practice tests regardless of whether you decide to take a course or not.

 

[streetlight]

do you think biochem or physiology are classes i should take here before the mcats? or would i be able to master that over the summer well?

 

[HunterGatherer]

-at best your biochem will just rehash some biology topics that are on the MCAT. maybe you'll learn enzyme kinetics very well which is usually covered in no more than 3 pages in most review books.

-physiology is helpful but MCAT physiology can be learned from review books rather easily. You could review all of MCAT physiology in 1-2 weeks, do questions, and repeat. Many people have taught themselves physiology because it was not in their bio101-102 and made it into the 30+ MCAT thread.

I don't recommend taking science classes beyond the premed prereqs unless it is required for your major, minor, can't think of a better elective or is a class of personal interests.