Value of the MCAT?

[Lizette]

This is perhaps an odd question, but due to the program I'm in (BA/MD program at NYU), I'm going to attend NYU for undergrad and then go to NYU Med (I've already been accepted through this program), without ever having to take the MCAT.
I know this is a "good" thing, but I wonder if I'm missing something. By studying for the MCAT, one puts alot of effort into studying/reviewing rather important things, that one might not be as familiar with otherwise. If I don't have to take it, I feel like I'm missing out on that. I wonder if there would be a point in "reviewing" for the MCAT despite not actually taking it. (Or actually taking it anyway, just for the experience?)
(I know I'm worrying too much and way too early... but that's just the way I am.. :wink: ).

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[jot]

no. take your good fortune/work and do something useful.
-jot

 

[coolwaters]

Think about it for a moment - review it is, but one year later someone who's taken the MCAT will have once again forgotten some of the less important details of organic chemistry, and likely be on equall footing with you. STudying for the MCAT primes you for one day - the actual test day - however by the time you enter medical school, the test and the material studied seems far off in the distance. In the long run I don't think someone who's studies for the MCAT will know the basic sciences much better than someone who hasn't. Plus, as you go through med school, if there's some basic science that seems integral to what you're studying and you need to review - then go back to your old text books and do just that. But don't waste your time now. Really.

 

[coolwaters]

One more thing - what the MCAT will do is give you preparation for studying for and taking the boards - you learn what works for you as far as studying goes, and how to handle test day anxiety. That is probably the only significant benefit you'd be losing out on. That said, it still is not worth it to worry about it. You likely have the potential to do just fine on the boards without ever having cracked an MCAT review manual.

 

[relatively prime]

One year after? I've forgotten it already! j/k

OP: If you want the experience of taking it, take it... but I don't think it will hold you back in anyway if you don't

 

[Zoobaby]

Take a practice MCAT for fun after a couple of beers. That should scratch it for you.

If you've taken the classes you know the material.

Be glad my friend. Be very glad.

 

[Toejam]

I'd sooner hit myself in the head with a frying pan than take the MCAT for review.

 

[bubs2004]

I understand how you feel. I went through a guaranteed med program too, and often wondered if I should have taken the MCAT. I'm a third year medical student at MCV/VCU right now, and I can say that I have no regrets about not taking the test. I just finished my boards, and though it took a long time to prepare for, I don't think I missed out on anything by not subjecting myself to a rigorous MCAT studying schedule while I was in college. You only take it if you're seriously considering leaving NYU.

The MCAT covers basic sciences (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, & physics) right? None of that information has been helpful in medical school. The undergraduate classes that have helped me the most in med school are anatomy, biochemistry, histology, embryology, and physiology.

Have fun, relax, and enjoy one of the perks about being in a guaranteed medicine program. You'll be the envy of all of your friends while they're studying for the MCAT <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

 

[lady bug]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Toejam:
•I'd sooner hit myself in the head with a frying pan than take the MCAT for review.•••••My thoughts exactly! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

 

[Perseverant 1]

OP, as many of our co-SDNer's will agree, i would rather set myself on fire (literally) then go through the HELL of taking the MCAT again. Take your good fortune and don't look back.....only forward!

 

[Flack Pinku]

Lizette--you're one lucky person. Don't study for the MCAT--have a LOT of fun!

Can you give me more info on the NYU BA/MD program? How to apply, requirements, etc? My sister is a High School Senior to-be. She seems to be very interested in this sort of programs.

SAT's, SAT II's, GPA, Class Rank, Extracurriculars, Essays, State-residency requirements, etc.

Thanks for your help, and if I were you, I'd do the absolute minimum to keep my GPA above the "cut-off" with the easiest courses I can take. But I am that sort of person (given that situtation as yours).

 

[Perseverant 1]

Don't get me wrong, there is meaning in the MCAT score. I just can't figure out why that # has to mean EVERYTHING!

 

[southerndoc]

People forgetting their organic chem? I can't remember anytime in medical school where I actually needed in-depth knowledge of organic chem! Seriously, nearly all the chemistry stuff you need to know in medical school doesn't require a great deal of understanding in chemistry. The exception is biochemistry.