When to take MCAT , please help!

[Elan12]

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Hello all, I am currently a sophomore at University of Illinois. I'm facing a dilemma currently as to when to make the MCAT, any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm torn between finishing physics 2 and psych in the upcoming semester, and studying heavily all summer for the Mcat along with taking sociology at my local community college. I would then take the test at the end of August. My second option is to take Orgo 2 next semester with my group of friends/study group (Have been performing well collectively) to get it out of the way, and finish physics 2 this summer along with psychology. I would then take Biochem as well as Anatomy and Physiology Lab 1st semester my junior year along with other advanced MCB classes, and study second semester for the mcat alongside classes to take it at the beginning of the summer.
My classes taken pertaining to the MCAT are as follows:

Freshman year: Chem 102/104(Gen Chem 1 and 2 with labs), MCB150 (Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life), IB150(Evolutionary and Organismal Biology)
Summer: Physics 101 (Mechanics and Kinematics with lab)
Sophomore year: (Current) Chem 232 (Orgo 1 with lab), MCB250 (Molecular genetics with lab),
Planned: MCB252 (Cells, tissues, and development), Chem 332 (orgo 2) OR Phys 102 (Electricity and Magnetism)

Will taking Biochem before the mcat benefit me?
What is of greater benefit, having more free time during the summer to study, or having more science knowledge that may help me on the test?

I appreciate any advice

-Elan

 

[raiderette]

Biochem is now a large part of the new MCAT. Take it before you take the test.

 

[Glandzburg]

The new MCAT will contain a substantial amount of biochem, as well as psych/soc. Get these prereqs in before sitting for the exam. Perhaps take a light course load during 2nd semester of junior year and take the test late spring or early summer to get your application in early (assuming you are not taking a gap year); this worked quite well for me. But most importantly, do not rush to take the test before you are very well prepared.

 

[Elan12]

I will stick to my current plan of taking Orgo 2 then, thanks for the advice I appreciate it.

 

[optimistic3]

I definitely am a huge advocate of taking the summer off, using it to study for the MCAT and then taking it in August. Having said that, you should also have all the prereqs taken before that (so that means you need orgo 2 and physics 2 plus biochem, pysch, and soc). So I guess it's a toss up. If you do study for the MCAT during the semester, take a lighter semester.

 

[Doug Underhill]

Most premeds take it during the summer, or so it seems. Personally, I took it in October, but I'm a non-trad who's done with classes.

 

[baxt1412]

take it when you have enough time to prep so that you will be *averaging* a score which you deem acceptable for your application on full length AAMC tests. preferably the higher numbered tests. even if that means taking a gap year.