undergrad pre-req. schedule (does this look fine?)

[TheLeadSeed]

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First off, I apologize ahead of time if this is posted in the wrong forum. Delete if any errors made.

Hey guys! I've spent the past few days planning and fixing my future schedule for just my biology major/med. school pre-req courses. This fall, I will be a traditional sophomore. I had a bad semester this past fall (failed chem II lab, withdrew 2 pre-reqs), but that's past me. This is my plan:

Sophomore Fall 2013:
-Gen. Chem II + lab
-Anatomy I + lab
-Honors Sociology

Sophomore Spring 2014:
-Anatomy II + lab
-Orgo. I
-Statistics

Junior Fall 2014:
-Orgo. II
-Physics I (alg. based)
-Bio. II

Junior Spring 2015:
-Physics II
-Genetics
-Psychology

Senior Fall 2015:
-Advanced Physiology
-Cell Biology

Senior Spring 2016:
-Biochemistry
-Virology

How does this plan look? Is there anything I should swap, change or switch up? I will also be taking gen. eds and honors courses/seminars. I'm really hoping to boost the GPA and not overwhelp myself.

I'm also debating whether to take the MCAT Jan. 2015 (avoid new MCAT) and matricualate right after undergrad., or just take the new MCAT Spring 2016 and take a gap year? All these MCAT 2015 threads scare me 🙁

Current stats:
-bio major, 3.61 cumulative, honors college at state school (Towson University)
-I am invovled in respectable leadership extracurriculars and will begin clinical experience this fall.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Chillbo Baggins]

You're planning on taking Physics II and Genetics after your MCAT?

I'd advise against that. Physics II is essential, and Genetics will help you a lot on the BS section.

 

[TheLeadSeed]

Would there be any way at all then for me to avoid the new 2015 MCAT and also matriculate right after undergrad. It looks like my options are

-Take the 2015 MCAT spring of senior year and take a gap year
-Take the 2015 MCAT spring of junior year and matriculate right after undergrad
-Take summer classes after sophomore year (physics I and Bio II) so I can take Physics II and Genetics fall of junior year and matriculate right after undergrad

 

[487806]

You're planning on taking Physics II and Genetics after your MCAT?

I'd advise against that. Physics II is essential, and Genetics will help you a lot on the BS section.

On the contrary. OP can handle the current schedule as is and self-study for the MCAT. None of the prereqs are essential for MCAT study. Prereqs aren't geared in helping you for the MCAT. you do that by yourself.

 

[TheLeadSeed]

On the contrary. OP can handle the current schedule as is and self-study for the MCAT. None of the prereqs are essential for MCAT study. Prereqs aren't geared in helping you for the MCAT. you do that by yourself.

So taking all these classes exactly as presented and the class combination both look fine?

I think I'm coming to terms with just facing the new 2015 MCAT. Also, I'm leaning towards taking a gap year, so I'm thinking about taking the MCAT Spring of senior year, 2016.

I want to give myself time to enjoy undergrad and not overwhelm myself. I feel like I can do some good GPA boosting over the next 3 years. Also, I just want to apply once with all I got. The gap year would also give me time to relax, work, and volunteer before medical school.

How does this plan sound?

 

[Aerus]

So taking all these classes exactly as presented and the class combination both look fine?

I think I'm coming to terms with just facing the new 2015 MCAT. Also, I'm leaning towards taking a gap year, so I'm thinking about taking the MCAT Spring of senior year, 2016.

I want to give myself time to enjoy undergrad and not overwhelm myself. I feel like I can do some good GPA boosting over the next 3 years. Also, I just want to apply once with all I got. The gap year would also give me time to relax, work, and volunteer before medical school.

How does this plan sound?

It seems that less and less people are matriculating right after undergrad. Most people (successful applicants, at least) are taking gap years. Only people who have no other option whatsoever or people who are overall outstanding applicants try to matriculate straight into Med School after undergrad. If you have a choice, take a gap year.

 

[TheLeadSeed]

Thanks for the input Aerus! I'm definitely looking at taking a gap year.

 

[Chillbo Baggins]

On the contrary. OP can handle the current schedule as is and self-study for the MCAT. None of the prereqs are essential for MCAT study. Prereqs aren't geared in helping you for the MCAT. you do that by yourself.

Based on my experience with classes and the MCAT, I'd disagree. For me, at least, having already taken those classes made it waaaay easier to review and study that material. But, to each their own!

 

[Flashfan]

Why not take Cell and Biochemistry before Anatomy? It is a big part of the MCAT? I will admit that I am taking biochem and Physics II while studying for the MCAT but I am prepared to take a gap year if I am not hitting my targets for a May test. That way I can have all the prereqs in and study all summer if necessary. The way you have your schedule you will be studying for the MCAT after you graduate and taking two gap years. I know that anatomy is helpful but it is not a true requirement for the MCAT.

Course I am a sophomore too so my opinion may be worthless but others on here have said anatomy is less important to success on MCAT.