When to double up on science prereqs?

[Queef Debris]

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Hi, I will be a sophomore this fall and have yet to any of the main science prerequisites (gen chem, bio, orgo, physics). I plan to spread them out over 3 years. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on what order i should take them in and when to double up. Is it wise to pair up gen chem and bio for my first year of science? or should i take bio with orgo instead? Also, which classes are most important for the MCAT? (i will be taking it after the last semester) My reason for 3 years is to get the best grade possible and not to get burned out from studying. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[unhappytnt]

Take Gen Chem and Bio next year. You can take OChem and Physics in your junior year.

As for the most important subject for MCAT, they are all equally important. I would however maybe give slightly less emphasis on OChem, as it has the least amount of questions on the MCAT.

 

[unhappytnt]

Also, you didn't mention Calculus in the pre-reqs. Some schools require you to take Calc. You should research the schools you are planning applying to, and see if you will need to take it.

 

[Queef Debris]

I'm hoping to avoid calculus or atleast take it after the mcat, I took an elementary stats class freshman year with an A- and have to take an upper division stats class for my psychology major so maybe I won't need it if the schools im applying to will take stats for the math requirement.

I was also thinking of taking physics and biochemistry (1 semester) my junior year with ochem for senior year, then take the mcat and apply, then have a 5th year to finish my major classes and take a break, are there any negatives to this plan besides "wasting" a year?

 

[Total180]

I think most schools require that you take organic before you take biochemistry (at least mine does) because there is a fair amount of organic in biochem and you would be completely lost if you didn't even know how to name organic molecules. That would be the biggest negative I could see from that plan. There is nothing wrong with taking a year off to work/volunteer/do something cool before you commit to medical school. Most people I have talked to have been very happy they got that time.

 

[unhappytnt]

I would recommend that you take Biochem after Organic. Your plan of taking the 5th year "off" to finish your major is great because I am planning to do the same. 😀 Don't worry, it won't look bad.

 

[JoshuaGuit]

I'm taking physics 1, ochem 1, diff eq, matsci for engineers, and a c programming class in the fall, you'll be fine.