Hey OPM! First year of my post-Bacc finishes in a few weeks and I can’t wait for summer break.
I am working with my advisor to construct my schedule and I wanted some feedback from the forum.
Fall 2012
Physics I (+ lab)
OChem I (+ lab)
Cell Bio (+ lab)
Spring 2013
Physics II (+ lab)
OChem II (+ lab)
MCAT Prep Class (Jan-April)
Other notes:
-semester ends the first week of May
-I only work max. 6 hours a week in a paid position; 4 hours a week volunteering at the hospital.
-MCAT= April or May 2013
Thanks again for the extra pair of “eyes”
Talk with you all soon!
Yeah, I think this is totally doable. I loved Cell bio!! Cell bio and Immunology were my absolute favorite classes!
It is so fascinating to get a peek into what is actually happening at the cellular level of our bodies.
Some will probably claim that 3 science + labs is a bit much. You will likely find Physics and Orgo to be more time consuming. Cell bio is a good one to pair with these two “challenging” courses.
I concur with radardenny; with only 6 hours of paid and 4 hours of volunteer time, even though you have 2 lab courses (and Ochem lab can be very time consuming), it is quite doable. I would suggest that for purposes of planning, assume MCAT prep is equal to a really heavy course or 2 (6 credits is my rule of thumb).
The other suggestion I often give to students is avoid the MCAT in the rush to finals for your regular courses, though your classes over lap nicely in content. It may be good momentum to go from finals and then a week to MCAT.
Can I ask what you took during your first year?
This looks more than reasonable to me. Congrats on taking another step in the journey–and good luck!
Hey Indie!
This was my schedule:
Fall 2011
Gen Bio I (+lab)
Gen Chem I (+lab)
Pre-Calc
Spring 2012
Gen Bio II (+lab)
Gen Chem II (+lab)
Calc I
Carrie:
Thank you for the vote of confidence!
Good luck on your MCAT (you are taking it the day before my bday, so I will send you good vibes!)
TJJ
TJJ: You are my west coast doppelganger. I have nearly the same schedule planned as you. I also work a max of 8 hours a week off campus and I volunteer 4 hours a week! I am currently in Calculus, Gen Chem II and Genetics. Over summer, I’m taking Physics I w/ lab. In Fall, it will be Gen Bio II, Cell Bio, and Organic I (no lab w/ Orgo I). Spring 2013 is Physics II w/ lab and Organic II w/ Lab and MCAT prep. I want to take the MCAT in June 2013. I guess, that is my biggest concern. I actually do not plan to be working by that time, but I will still be volunteering, factor in real life demands, and I think I can do it, but clearly I cannot take any other classes. As Gonnif always says, treat the MCAT prep as at least another course. I plan to take a bonafide prep course during that semester. I just worry that because I’m just finishing up the last of my prereqs that semester that it will hinder me in my prep, but then again, it may also make the Physics and Organic stuff that much fresher. So, it could be overwhelming or it could be advantageous. Hard to say until we get there!
At any rate, I see you intend on taking the MCAT in April or May 2013. As I said, I am planning on a June MCAT. I want to apply after taking the MCAT so I really don’t think taking it any later than June would be advisable especially because I have a school in mind I want to apply early decision. What made you decide to take it in April or May vs. say, June?
Shannon:
I guess we are going along this fight together now aren’t we?
In answer to your question about the date selection for the MCAT, it has really been an amalgamation of reading about the process of applying to medical school, talking with current, former, recent medical graduates about the timing.
In order to have my application ready AND complete for a June 1st submission of my AMCAS, I thought it would be best to take the MCAT in April or May. Although I recognize that the schedule could potentially be hectic, I have also started to develop an MCAT binder with material from my current courses. Also, during the school year, my university offers an MCAT prep course that will at least get me in the mindset of the test AND TBR in the Spring.
I know this is a “long answer to a short question”, but this has been my logic in the planning process for applications; methodical and steady wins the race!
Cheers 
Interesting. I wonder if it might behoove me to take the MCAT in April or May also. I was concerned about taking it around finals time, but really if I wait until June I may just be nervous I am taking it “too late”. However, I do understand it is okay to submit the application with MCAT scores still pending. However, I don’t know much about this. I have focused more on planning the prep for the MCAT rather than on the timing of taking it. Classes are over by usually the second week of May so perhaps, because I’m planning on taking my MCAT prep course over the same semester, I may be ok. to take the MCAT just after or before finals. With the Spring MCAT seemingly being preferred this must not be an unusual situation. I guess I should post a question on the MCAT board or do some more searching around there to see what others have to say about this.
Thanks for your input, TJJ! I, too, give long answers to short questions…
You are absolutely correct that you can “submit” the AMCAS without your MCAT; however, doing so could make you a late applicant. I will explain:
June 1st - This is the 1st day on which you can submit your AMCAS. It takes 14-30 days to certify this document (that is, ensure that all of your materials are complete, including the MCAT). If the MCAT is missing, schools WILL NOT review the AMCAS. This in turn halts a school from sending out secondaries for you to complete.
April MCAT=May score
May MCAT=June score
(I think you see the picture)
Anything after July MCAT=August score and this WILL make you a late applicant.
So…
Having the MCAT AND the AMCAS complete by June 1 is optimal.
MY HUGE DISCLAIMER: I am in no means saying this will work for all applicants. But, it is a good schedule for which to shoot.
Remember, you want to be the best “first time” applicant!
My suggestions to students who are taking the MCAT while taking several heavy courses, including prereqs are the following:
- avoid taking them in the middle of finals week… seems obvious but some students figure that they are at the top of their game at that moment.
- The MCAT mindset is different than a regular school exam, so give yourself at least a week or two solely to get your head in the game.
- Rule of thumb for readiness should be doing consistently well on 4 to 6 practice exams taken under realistic conditions.
- Taking the MCAT thru say mid june will have little impact on reviewing your application.
So much to think about now! I had my heart set on a June MCAT test date because I will be out of school and will have had a good 2-3 weeks to “get my head in the MCAT game” as gonnif puts it. I realize how different the MCAT is from my other tests so I think it will be important for me to being able to prepare for the necessary switching of gears. Not that I haven’t had enough prep w/switching gears already, but this is the MCAT here. This is a very big deal as we all know.
gonnif, in light of TJJ’s comments regarding how a June test could potentially make me a “late applicant” but that you feel it will have little impact, I would like some elaboration on your thoughts, please. I have a school in mind to apply early decision, and I understand the ramifications of doing that but am 99% sure this is what I want to do, so do you still think it’d be okay to take an MCAT in June? I don’t know that it matters much, but I could probably handle a late May test date also but at the least will try for the earliest June date I can get. Thoughts are much appreciated as always!