undergrad classes to take for mcats?

[x juju's boi x]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hey, my name is Eric and I'm currently a freshman. Right now I am trying to figure out a course plan for the next 3 years and I wanted to be sure that I take classes that will help me out for the MCATS when it is time for me to take them. What classes has everyone taken that's helped them with the MCATS? I thought I should take my sophomore year Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, General Physiology, and Organic Chemistry, and junior year I will take Histology, Physics, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology. Does this plan sound good? Thanks so much

 

[filmdoc26]

geesh lil buddy...slow down now.

Just kidding...I know that it's good to organize your science classes several years in advance, but remember to be flexible so as to leave room for non-science classes. Remember, med schools LIKE (if not PREFER) well rounded students. I don't mean to be assuming too much from your post, but I'm just giving you a little reminder.

Regarding science classes for the MCAT, you should aim for the main pre-reqs (e.g.- Gen. Chem, Orgo, Intro Bio, Physics). I've taken the MCATs and currently teach them, and I'm sure that you can rock the MCATs with just those classes. The only courses you might want to supplement those requirements with (though not necessary), are other bio courses. Physio really really helps. Genetics and Biochem might help a little, but definitely not as much as physio. Other than that...you should be set.

Hope this helps! Best of luck to you!

 

[gwyn779]

Are you serious? Honestly, calm down. All you NEED are the basic reqs for med school and then a review book or 2 or a class if you can afford it. Other than that, take stuff you're truly interested in and definitely take more non-science classes than you absolutely have to.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

take biochemistry I and II....both vitally important, no matter what AAMC says 😀

 

[x juju's boi x]

well, im a bio major with minors in english and philosophy. i just get worried i mite take the wrong classes that won't help me out much for the mcats. ill be taking pre cal, calculus, and other GE classes over the summer.

The bio classes being offered this semester are comparative vertebrate anatomy, gen. physiology, microbiology, and cellular biology. so far im trying to choose between comparative and physiology.

 

[gwyn779]

take physiology. it will be much more useful both for the MCAT and in med school.

 

[LoneCoyote]

I agree about the physiology. I took vertebrate physiology and it has by far been the most useful class in terms of my MCAT prep this spring. I also agree that Biochemistry was very helpful. I think Genetics or Molecular Biology can also be good. I foind it gave me familiarity with the lab techniques they sometimes discuss in the Bio passages, but I think the physiology and biochem are more important if you don't have time for all of that. Good luck.

 

[jmed]

human physiology is invaluable, and so is biochemistry if you have taken the pre-req's. The genetics on the MCAT is relatively easy material to learn in a prep class; a seperate class would be excessive if it was taken merely as MCAT prep in my opinion. I have taught MCAT 3 cycles, taken the test twice (34, 36), and never wished I had taken histology or anatomy during either of the tests. The MCAT is first and foremost a reading comprehension test- practice reading dense material (science textbooks, philosophy works, etc) FAST for the main points, have an easy semester (or the summer) to take a good MCAT prep class and the test itself. If you really need to have awesome scores, allow yourself an opportunity to re-take the exam before you apply to med school if you didn't get the score you want the first time around- I don't think this seriously handicaps you in the eyes of any admissions committee.

 

[ErinT]

Honestly, the most improtant classes in my opinion were Biochem, Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry. I would also suggest you focus a little on the philosophy aspect of your education; it will definitely help you plough through all the passages on the MCAT, where you're looking for the main idea. If you have any science backround at all, you should be able to figure out most of what you need from the passages if you're a good reader, so focus on classes that will make you read and go from there, your science pre-requisites will be enough to let you get a good score.