I will just begin my post-bac classes this fall and I am starting to stress already that I will not be prepared enough before 2015 for the MCAT. I work full time and no matter how I play with my schedule I see no way to have all the sciences in by '15. Should I bite the bullet and just take the test before I am done with organic or wait and take the new test? Help!
You do realize that 2015 is three years away, right?
If you live the kind of life that allows you to plan and actually keep those plans that far ahead, I envy you.
Chances are, however, that you are just burning energy on problems that are far beyond your current control.
Relax, take a deep breath, and remember the OPM mantra: this is a marathon, not a sprint.
James,
I can definitely relate, I’m currently trying to plan out when I’m going to do all of this as well. But like artman says, try not to plan too far ahead. My advice would be talk to an adviser. They can give you an idea of what your timeline might look like. Then you can kind of plan from there. I think that many can agree with me on this board that it is better to do something slow and do it well than to rush and do less than stellar. Sit down and write a timeline, but the thing is, until you start classes and what not, I don’t think it’s a good idea to plan too far ahead. You definitely don’t want to overwhelm yourself.
And when in doubt, talk to people in the program/students doing something similar at your school and see what they are saying about their own timelines. And like I said, an adviser can definitely give you a better idea of when you need to take classes and what not.
Hope that helps!
Rob
This is so important to me so it’s hard not to get overwhelmed but I am trying! I just like to be organized and have a precise plan, and that is tricky at this point in my life.
- James Thomas Said:
I will just begin my post-bac classes this fall and I am starting to stress already that I will not be prepared enough before 2015 for the MCAT. I work full time and no matter how I play with my schedule I see no way to have all the sciences in by '15. Should I bite the bullet and just take the test before I am done with organic or wait and take the new test? Help!
Rule 1: Take a Breath
Rule 10: Beware of FUD -- Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt.
1) You haven't even started the post-bacc and already you are letting FUD get a hold. This entire marathon becoming a doctor will have many moments of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. It is as much a marathon of attitude and stress than anything else. Worry about MCAT 3 years from now is an unneeded burden at this point. Stop it!
2) The though of taking the MCAT before you take a required class like Ochem is foolhardy and is just a symptom of FUD. Stop it!
3) Surveys show that GPA and MCAT are considered the first and second factors when applicants are considered by adcoms by 75% of schools. Do you really want to rush an exam that is considered by many adcoms to to be the best predictor of nontraditional success in medical school. Stop it!
4) The MCAT is a much different exam than anything that most people experience. Many students to give the proper amount of prep time beyond content that is necessary to master the exam. Indeed, having the contented mastered is the starting point. You need to have the attitude, the mindset, the focus all prepped to master the exam. Trying to squeeze that it in amongst a heavy course load is foolhardy. Stop it!
I think I have made my point so I will stop it!
- In reply to:
The though of taking the MCAT before you take a required class like Ochem is foolhardy and is just a symptom of FUD.
It also would be trying be learn Calculus without knowing the great contributions from Rene Descartes. Soooooo, you would not be putting Descartes before the course. (lol)
I know, this is the second time for this joke. I just couldn't resist!
Hello!
I was very mildly concerned for about 5 minutes about the same thing. I work 40+ hours a week and can’t cut back to study for MCAT. However, I did create a study plan that is helping me get ramped up for it. I got ExamKrackers Audio Osmosis and the related books to study with. The website offers a study plan and overall, the investment is about $300 give or take. I had to modify the plan somewhat (its 5-6 days a week of 2-3hr/day of studying) but the studying with EK should be completed in less than 4 months for me. I have decided to include more AAMC MCAT exams ($35 a pop) for some of the days. The Audio Osmosis is great for me because I have a lengthy commute to work. I would like to take the Kaplan course as well if money and life permit this summer. They offer online type classes too.
I am shooting for a MCAT test date in early 2013. Which, hopefully, would permit a 2nd test taking if/when I bomb it. Then, fingers crossed, application for 2014-2015 year.
I think we can do this by 2015! BTW, I was a Bio major then went to pharmacy school. Honestly, the EK Audio Osmosis stuff is a nice overall review that helps see the big picture on topics like cellular respiration…might also help with current studies for you.
Anyway, hope my two cents helps! And if anyone reading this finds a flaw in my plan, please advise!
Good luck to you! 
Steph
RxQueen-- Ok, now… if you have the EK audio osmosis, surely you’ve heard their commentary on the Verbal Section, right? What do they always say? The mental game is half the battle… you have to go in there believing you are going to do well.
So no more “if/when I bomb the thing” language shall pour forth from your mouth!! 
In the words of someone very wise (my mom, of course), “STOP IT!” (Her advice when I start to panic or feel overwhelmed. 
)
I like that advice; I need to use that as well. I often stress prematurely so it looks like “Stop it!” will be my mantra for this journey. Please tell you Mom I said TY!
Is the concern because the test is changing in 2015 or merely because that is the deadline you’ve set for yourself?
The changing of the test has me concerned.