So beginning in the fall, I be leaving my 2 year state college with an AA degree and starting at the 4 year university to complete my pre-reqs and my degree.
By the end of the summer I will have completed Bio I and II, A&P I & II, and Microbiology.
I’ll need Chem, Orgo, Physics, and some extra sciences.
First, are Chem I and Physics I complimentary? Meaning it is helpful/undesirable to take them together or does it even make a difference? Or is taking them together just a bad idea altogether?
Second, any recommendations for extra sciences that will:
- be a good primer for tough med school classes and
- look good to Adcoms
I understand that most current med students say that the undergrad material will be useful for about the first week of med school classes, but I figure it can’t hurt unless it’s a GPA buster.
I’ve heard biochem is good and I was thinking that, as much as I hate it, genetics might be helpful as a primer so as not have to start from scratch if/when I get to med school. Other suggestions?
Thanks!
I’m taking biochem now. It’s not the easiest class, but it’s not bad either. And while it’s not required for the MCAT, it’s great review and synthesis for many of the concepts that ARE tested on the MCAT. Plus, many med schools recommend (and I think a couple require) this course.
I took genetics last semester, and that’s another good course to take, as I’ve heard. Again, good review of bio concepts as well, and recommended by many med schools.
Other possibilities include cell bio and immuno. I don’t have time to take these, but I’ve heard they are good prep, and also look good.
Hope that helps! 
I took gen chem II and physics I together and it was tough, but certainly possible. I just remembered thinking, “my entire day consist of math.” I probably would have chosen to break it up with something non-math, but that’s just how my schedule fell. Although, the next semester with physics II and orgo I wasn’t any easier, it seemed a little less monotonous. Pick your poison, I suppose.
As far as great classes to take that would, in my opinion, be helpful not only to med school but also solidify your understanding for the MCAT:
genetics
histology
cell bio
bio chem
I really wish I had gotten to take some of those, but working full time and going to a fairly expensive private school, it just wasn’t in the cards. Nice to have if you can swing it.
On a side note, I read earlier that you’re an Lt. at a fire dept. in Florida. It’s fantastic that you’ll get your retirement before you go to med school. I’m an engineer at a fire dept. in Atlanta. Long ways from retirement, though unfortunately.
Welcome to OPM!
Wow, Lorien, I must have hit “add post” at the same time you did. We pretty much just to Captain Obvious the same thing.
You just bumped my thread down with all your OPM clout, didn’t you? 