Hey folks,
I have a few questions regarding the direction I should take for my premed.
Background: I am 29 and have spent the last 6 years as a nuclear medicine tech working in a cardiology office. I have an AS in nuclear medicine technology and just finished a BA in business admin.(cGPA 3.5) I plan on applying to DO schools.
My first question is about how I should arrange my class schedule? This is what I have roughly mapped out:
Fall of 2013 (enrolled)
Col Chem I
Microbiology (online)
Spring 2014
Col Chem II
Physics I
Summer 2014
Organic I
Physics II
Fall 2014
Organic II
Biochemistry (Online through UNE?)
Jan. 2015 - MCAT
Most of these credits will be from a community college (as I work 40 hr/wk), and some online. I do already have Bio I and A&P under my belt… Now this would put me on pace to matriculate in 2016. My second question is about the MCAT. Should I wait until I have finished my prereq courses and take in Jan 2015? Or, is it possible, with taking a Kaplan prep course in Spring 2014, to move my application cycle up a year?
Do you guys think I am rushing things by taking the MCAT in early 2015? Should I put it off until April '15 and take the new version?
Thanks for your feedback!
We roughly have the same gameplan. Personally, I wouldn’t take the MCAT before finishing Organic Chem.
From my perspective, I would take the current version MCAT in Jan of 2015 and put yourself to matriculate in Fall of 2016, so you won’t have to worry about the new changes.
I have heard mixed reviews about prerequisite courses taken from a CC, although several have gotten in going this route.
With that being said, I would try to take the biochem in a classroom, not online. Most schools don’t require but “strongly suggest”. Taking will enhance your app.
Also, I read that taking orgo and physics together in summer can be a killer. I suggest you consult an advisor.
Good luck on your progress!
I’d suggest only doing orgo I during the summer. Move the physics to the next semester. Move the biochem till after MCAT (can be in progress while you are applying.
Orgo and Orgo LAB are both pretty intensive.
Kate
In thinking about it, those January dates are going to go ridiculously fast. If you are shooting for Jan 2015, you need to register day 1 to secure a spot. On a related note, Are you building in enough time for MCAT prep? In my mind, that’s at least 150-200 hours.
Ahh, I didn’t think about those Jan. MCAT days being a hot commodity. Good call!
So I have revamped my schedule a bit…
Fall of 2013 (now)
Chem I
Physics I
Microbiology
Spring of 2014
Chem II
Physics II
Summer of 2014
Organic Chem I
Study for MCAT
Fall 2014
Study for MCAT and take in Sept
Jan of 2015
Retake MCAT if needed
Biochem and Organic II after the MCAT.
This gives me a little more wiggle room and study time. This semester may be a bit tough with three science courses… but if I can’t handle three lower level sciences and a job then I can’t handle med school. Will keep you updated on how it progresses!