upper bio for MCAT vs Med school "req"

[paul2752]

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Let's consider some upper bio classes:
Virology
Microbiology
Genetics
Physiology

Which of them is actually useful, or NECESSARY for the new MCAT? And do med schools have preference on any upper level bio classes? I want to take virology because it simply sounds so intersting but my pre-health advisor is like "microbio and genetics!" which will be taught by notoriously hard professors that will definitely make it harder to keep my grade. My GPA is a measly 3.46 and I don't want to take more bio classes than necessary.

 

[TXMED_1695]

The only course I did not take from that list is Virology. My Microbiology and Physiology courses were taught by "hard" professors, but I sure do remember the material now. I had to put in a lot of extra study time in genetics for the MCAT, because the course was ridiculously easy. Most medical schools have this on their website:

• Recommended upper division courses (3000 or 4000 level courses) include: Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Immunology, Parasitology and Anatomy & Physiology

Ultimately, it's up to you.

Let's consider some upper bio classes:
Virology
Microbiology
Genetics
Physiology

Which of them is actually useful for the new MCAT? And do med schools have preference on any upper level bio classes? I want to take virology because it simply sounds so intersting but my pre-health advisor is like "microbio and genetics!" which will be taught by notoriously hard professors that will definitely make it harder to keep my grade.

 

[doctorleospaceman]

If say virology and microbiology are fairly low yield MCAT wise. The other two can be helpful but kind of depend on the luck of the draw, as in what topic(s) you get on the MCAT.

My intro bio course did bare minimum anatomy/physiology so I found taking that class beneficial for me. I took genetics as well, but alternately felt like the big picture stuff was covered sufficiently enough in intro to bio so it wasnt really necessary. Still was a fascinating class though.

So I'd take whichever of those two you feel weaker in.

 

[Welshman]

idk how helpful microbio would be if you've taken something like cell bio previously but, out of that list, genetics and physiology would be the two to take. They're huge on the MCAT and just plain good to know.

 

[Aerus]

Genetics and Physiology is so helpful for the MCAT.