Work, School, & MCAT?

[piernas]

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I was wondering if you all would offer some advice about my situation...I am a non-trad student planning to apply for 2009. I currently work full-time in clinical research and while finishing up some pre-reqs. After this term, I will need:

- Organic 2 (with a full-year of labs)
- Writing
- Calculus
- Biochem (optional)

I am going to have to start the Organic Chem sequence over, since I have a semester w/o lab, and the schools around me are on quarters with lab included in the class. I was planning on starting Organic I in Winter Term, then take Organic 2 and 3 Spring and Summer Terms. I still need to take the MCAT in the Spring...So with MCAT prep, full-time work, and Organic, I am wondering if I will be overloading myself.

Would it be horrible if I kept the Organic for my application year? MCAT-wise or application-wise?

Thanks!

P

 

[thoffen]

Your mileage may vary, but I did not see very much orgo on the MCAT at all. Reports on this site are that the MCAT is stressing it less than it used to. Personally, I worked full time, prepped for the MCAT, and took Organic II all at the same time. I took my MCAT 1 week before my Organic II final. Part of me wishes I had more time to prep for the MCAT without having other responsibilities in the way, but most of me is glad that it's over.

For the MCAT, I recommend being able to recognize all the types of organic molecules and their functional groups. I would also know how to interpret IR and NMR spectra. I wouldn't waste a lot of time trying to memorize a bunch of mechanisms.

 

[montessori2md]

Agree with above poster. It's a shame, I liked organic, but had no reason to care about it for MCAT. If you ask me, the BS is difficult to study for as a nonbio major, because they ask you little pieces of everything (cell bio, physio, genetics, organic, ...) and so you're really better off using review books for MCAT than relying on prereqs to help you.

Couldn't you take organic in the summer? Or do your local schools not offer the accelerated version?

 

[piernas]

Thanks for the replys...I have been pondering for the last couple of days, and I think I might save the Organic 2 for next year. In theory, I could take the last 2 terms with lab (the lab is only Winter and Spring terms) at my state school starting this Winter, but it is at 9am in the morning. That isn't going to work with my current job...Looks like I have to do the night class...and do the sequence over. I think I might take some of the lighter classes the next couple of terms and prep for the MCAT...

Montessori, I could take accelerated Organic in the summer, but I think it is 8am-2pm everday. I would have to quit my job (which I would love to do!).

P