When to take Biochem

[sunstandstill]

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I have the option of taking biochem junior fall or senior fall. Taking it junior fall would also mean changing my schedule around a lot for other classes. One admissions officer said that an A in biochem can make up for low grades in organic.

Does it make sense to take biochem junior year for that?

 

[sh0rtstop34]

I have the option of taking biochem junior fall or senior fall. Taking it junior fall would also mean changing my schedule around a lot for other classes. One admissions officer said that an A in biochem can make up for low grades in organic.

Does it make sense to take biochem junior year for that?

I took it junior fall and could not be happier. I also found it to be the most beneficial class I took in regards to the MCAT, even though you do not officially need it for the test.

 

[487806]

I have the option of taking biochem junior fall or senior fall. Taking it junior fall would also mean changing my schedule around a lot for other classes. One admissions officer said that an A in biochem can make up for low grades in organic.

Does it make sense to take biochem junior year for that?

I took biochem in my sophomore year so I'm out. 🙁

Assuming you're not taking a gap year, take biochem in your junior year.

 

[confidenceiskey]

I agree that biochem is useful junior year for the MCAT even though it is not required. How did you do in orgo, and are you confident that you would do well enough to get an A in Biochem to "make up for" orgo?

 

[sunstandstill]

I'm actually not sure that I'll definitely get an A but I'm going focus on Biochem. Does biochem help with BS or PS on the MCAT?

 

[Will Parry]

I'm actually not sure that I'll definitely get an A but I'm going focus on Biochem. Does biochem help with BS or PS on the MCAT?

Biochem helped me immensely with BS. I definitely recommend taking it before you take the MCAT.

 

[theseeker4]

How so?

Speaking generally, getting As in upper level science courses can indicate that a lower grade in a pre req is not indicative of an inability to perform in the sciences. In this way, the best way to make up for less stellar grades in pre reqs is to take upper level classes instead of retaking the pre req, unless you are taking advantage of DO grade replacement, of course. It is more impressive to get an A on the first attempt of an upper level class than it is to get an A in a pre req on the second try.

 

[Lamel]

Which Biochem are you guys talking about that you think is very useful for the MCAT? There are 2 offered at my school, don't know which to take...

The one concerning DNA/RNA/Replication/Mol bio?

Or the one concerning proteins/metabolism/synthesis/catalysis/enzymes?

I have already taken cell bio, so a lot of the DNA/RNA stuff was in that.

 

[Roshan]

Which Biochem are you guys talking about that you think is very useful for the MCAT? There are 2 offered at my school, don't know which to take...

The one concerning DNA/RNA/Replication/Mol bio?

Or the one concerning proteins/metabolism/synthesis/catalysis/enzymes?

I have already taken cell bio, so a lot of the DNA/RNA stuff was in that.

From what I remember from the MCAT there were more passages in the BS concerning "proteins/metabolism/synthesis/catalysis/enzymes." I think that would probably be more beneficial.