Will introductory classes be enough to prepare me for the MCAT?

[coolcucumber91]

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Like if I take introductory physics for example, will that cover all the physics I have to know/ work with in the MCAT? If I take introductory biology, will it cover/ provide a strong foundation of the physiology, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology in the MCAT?

 

[SusGob711]

While I don't think you have to have a bachelor's in biology and chemistry to do well I definately think that the more classes you have taken the better. Introductory courses are supposed to be sufficient but you will find that not even level 100 class will cover EXACTLY what pre-meds would need covered. My suggestion would be to start doing practice questions and you will get a feel for whether you'll be prepared. You'll also quickly discover where you need to brush up and/or fill in the gaps. Best of luck to you. I'm wishing you a 45 😉

 

[rbnsafsadgf]

Yes, all you need are the intro classes (plus some o-chem). There is nothing on the test which you can't figure-out with Intro class level knowledge and from what's in the passage.

The MCAT is a test of BASIC scientific knowledge and REASONING.

 

[JJMrK]

Moving to hSDN.

 

[GoodmanBrown]

Yes, all you need are the intro classes (plus some o-chem). There is nothing on the test which you can't figure-out with Intro class level knowledge and from what's in the passage.

The MCAT is a test of BASIC scientific knowledge and REASONING.

+1

The concepts in the MCAT are not hard. Repeat, not hard. It's all about throwing a bunch of them at you and giving you 45 minutes to do it in. Extra classes won't help. Practice tests will.

 

[NickNaylor]

+1

The concepts in the MCAT are not hard. Repeat, not hard. It's all about throwing a bunch of them at you and giving you 45 minutes to do it in. Extra classes won't help. Practice tests will.

This is absolutely true. The MCAT isn't hard because of the content. The MCAT is hard because the questions are tricky, the test is long, and the mind tends to lose focus quickly.

More advanced courses will probably help you, but the level of knowledge necessary to understand MCAT material isn't that great.

 

[SlaskWroclaw18]

I am just going to recycle this thread. When should physics be taken if you want to matriculate into med school following graduation from undergrad? I want to take an mcat prep course but will taking physics junior year as opposed to sophomore year get in the way of that?

 

[MilkmanAl]

As long as you take it - "it" meaning both intro physics courses - before you take the MCAT, you're good.

 

[Flaxmoore]

I am just going to recycle this thread. When should physics be taken if you want to matriculate into med school following graduation from undergrad? I want to take an mcat prep course but will taking physics junior year as opposed to sophomore year get in the way of that?

Not a problem. I didn't take Physics until junior year before the MCAT, and I slapped that section silly- 12.

 

[absolutdokta]

More classes is not necessary. As someone said, its not really that hard its the large amount of information and small amount of time you have. The 101 and 102 of gen chem and physics is really all the science you need, along with a little ochem. I only had 2-3 ochem questions when I took it. So yes, the introductory classes are enough.

 

[BeastfromthEast]

Not a problem. I didn't take Physics until junior year before the MCAT, and I slapped that section silly- 12.

hey so when did you take the mcat? if i take physics junior year, wouldnt i have to wait til june to take the mcat?

 

[DrYoda]

hey so when did you take the mcat? if i take physics junior year, wouldnt i have to wait til june to take the mcat?

I took the MCAT while I was taking physics II (had about 1.5 months left in the class). Since a lot of the stuff in physics II isn't helpful for the MCAT anyways I don't think it hurt me not having completed the class.

 

[Flaxmoore]

hey so when did you take the mcat? if i take physics junior year, wouldnt i have to wait til june to take the mcat?

Hmmm... Sometime in March, if I remember right. I wasn't done with Physics, but pretty close.

 

[HouseMD30]

I was wondering about this too... good to know it only requires the basics. 🙂

 

[GoronMD]

yea. the upper level classes only add to the "BASIC" portion of it.

For example, if you learn the basics of transcription, translation, etc in your introductory science classes but learn how each one works in genetics, it will only solidify your knowledge of the subject.

It's not a hard test, it just requires you to be able to read and figure out what the hell they are talking about in the passages.