What would you do?

[anmarab]

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[de Ribas]

Graduated in 2012 with an Exercise Science degree with the plan of pursuing Physical Therapy. I worked as an aide for about 3 years and decided that I wanted to go to medical school instead. I have taken most pre-reqs required except for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. I also have not taken Genetics or Cell Biology, though not required, I have heard is helpful on the MCAT. 3.47 cGPA, 3.32 sGPA. No research. What, in your opinion, is the best option to place myself on the path to medical school? I have startedschool again taking Chemistry in order to take Organic Chemistry. Should I retake all my pre-reqs along withOchem and Biochem, take the MCAT, and take my chances on applying straight into medical school? Duringthe course of retaking, I would be looking for shadowing and research opportunities as well. Or only takeochem and biochem, take the MCAT, and apply to a post-bacc program? I do not feel as prepared if I only takeochem and biochem before taking the MCAT since it would be 8-10 yearssince I have taken those prereqs, so a part of me wants to retake at leastphysics. Not sure how heavily tested physics is on the MCAT. What are your thoughts?

If you took 1 year of Physics before and got at least a C, I wouldn't retake. You can audit the course or it can be self-taught to refresh.

Biochemistry and Ochem are a must for med school and MCAT.

Cell Bio is good course if you have money and time.

Genetics is least tested subject on MCAT in my opinion. Basics can be self-taught.

 

[Magus5454]

Genetics is a pre req at some schools though

 

[de Ribas]

Genetics is a pre req at some schools though

Some DO schools?

 

[Magus5454]

Some DO schools?

I don't remember offhand, I know some recommended it and it is definitely a pre req at my state MD

 

[Mr. Babe]

Auditing classes would be a good idea, but if you've learned all of this material already in the past, you could just relearn it on your own. MCAT studying is a lot of on-your-own studying anyway. Your grades aren't amazing, but they're not bad either so you're not in a bad spot. O-Chem is not as big on the MCAT, but Biochem is a beast so make sure you learn that well. Also make sure you have all the needed Extra Curriculars and letter of recs. Good luck!

 

[workaholic181]

I took it without physics 2 and did well but it was difficult teaching myself that whole semesters material.

Another thing I’d suggest you consider is the importance of having your pre reqs done by the time you apply. I had one pre req left to do and was placed on hold by a few schools until I submitted it; after submitting I either got in to them or IIs. You’ll be saving yourself a lot of headache come application time if all your ducks are in a row, in addition to the benefit of seeing this material on the MCAT.

While not all schools require biochem, is highly suggest it for MCAT as well as being a med student in general as you will be taking biochem as a MS1. Good luck OP! Remember this is a marathon, not a sprint.