What electives to take to help with MCAT?

[ButAtYourBest]

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In addition to the pre-req's, what are the standard electives that people take that will help with the MCAT?

Genetics?
Biochemistry?
Cell Biology?
Microbiology?

 

[JokerMD]

none really. I felt that everything I needed to know for the bio section was in the prep-books (Princeton) which I studied with. If you absolutely want to take one, take the one that interests you. From my experience, genetics and cell bio were heavily tested

 

[YouToo]

I think biochem would be useful because it incorporates genetics, molecular biology, and organic chemistry

 

[tjquinn]

Philosophy, ethics, history, and sociology were invaluable to me when preparing for the verbal section.

 

[DrYoda]

Science electives go waaaay beyond what is on the MCAT, using them as a study tool is about the most low yield thing you can do. Just read review books and do practice problems to cover your weak areas.

 

[RomanCandle]

the prep books work just fine

 

[shiftingmirage]

I think it really depends on the school. I found cell bio extremely useful, but genetics was useless. I'm sure others would say the opposite.

 

[njbmd]

In addition to the pre-req's, what are the standard electives that people take that will help with the MCAT?

Genetics?
Biochemistry?
Cell Biology?
Microbiology?

None of the above. Try learning critical reading, evaluation and problem-solving.

 

[Mattabet]

A class that tests your abilities with multiple choice questions that require critical thinking. A test prep book is going to give you all the background you need, so don't waste time on low-yield subjects for the MCAT's sake.

 

[armybound]

Critical thinking is most important, yes, but I doubt you'll find a course on critical thinking.

I think genetics would be a good one to have.

 

[ButAtYourBest]

oh ok.


I know a lot of pre-meds who are taking a lot of electives like these. I assumed it was to help with MCATS, but I guess not?

Does it look good to take a bunch of electives like these (for your application/transcript)? Or do you think it is better to focus on getting more work or volunteer experience? I am in a post bac program, so taking electives are "really extra", since these people already have their bachelor's degrees.

I suppose another possibility is to boost your science GPA. perhaps people are trying to do that.

 

[AlXguy]

What kind of a course involves the most critical thinking?

 

[CoolWhipp]

For the MCAT, you have to retrain yourself on how to take the test. You don't need to know the material as much as you need to know how to take the test. In undergrad its the battle of who is willing to sit down with flashcards longer, but now you gotta think.

But to answer your question, genetics and physio are probably the two that get brought up a lot in terms of helping on the MCAT.

 

[TexasPrincess]

I just skimmed the responses. Did someone say Anatomy and Physiology? That is a MUST!

Go to the MCAT website and print off the list of topics that are the MCAT can cover. THOSE are the topics you need to know. Most of the bio topics are covered in Anatomy and Physiology. I had many prep books, but I prefered my A and P textbook for studying.

Nutrition might be useful, too. I haven't taken it yet so I dunno.

Good luck!

ps. my orgo 2 class covered all the biochemistry we needed.

 

[Pills Of Soap]

physiology would be the best asset towards the mcat

 

[wanderer]

Anatomy is useless. Physiology is useful if you didn't learn physio in gen bio (and you're too lazy to learn it on your own.) Cell and Molecular Bio is pretty useful, especially if it covers molecular genetics (it should). Biochem is probably useful but it's a bit much, especially if you've already taken molecular bio. Microbio is pretty useless, theres about 2 weeks worth of microbio on the mcat.
A research course would probably be useful for the current MCAT, but I've never taken one of those.

 

[ButAtYourBest]

so what's the verdict on anatomy?

b/c that happens to be one of the elections I can actually fit into my schedule this fall...

I haven't taken Bio yet. I know it varies from place to place, but do you think Bio is a must for anatomy?

It is a pre-req at my school, but they accept non-majors bio, so...