Ask a second semester Freshman anything!

Shah95
Fri, 13 Feb 2015 15:52:23 +0000

Well, taking the new MCAT into account, required pre-med courses during the Freshman year can include Gen Chem w/Lab, Physics w/Lab, Biology w/Lab, Intro to Psych, and some other humanity courses.

These classes require a lot of time commitment beyond just studying. Labs take up to 3 hours and are attributed an entirely separate grade. Courses like Gen chem will include additional lecture hours for Lab and a group subsection. The tests for Chem and Bio are based on a pre-set curve. So for example, if you receive a a 75 for example, and the cutoff for an A is a 75, you will get an A instead of a C. This is nice because you won’t be competing with the rest of the class, which means not only 20% will get an A and only 20% get a B etc.

They are hard, which isn’t surprising for an institution like Wash U. They are seen as “weed-out classes.” Getting a solid grade is possible in all these classes if you put in the work for it. I say a good 2 hours of studying for every hour of lecture is going to definitely put you above a lot of the students here.

I will say that first semester Chem is brutal and many pre-meds drop out, but the second semester follows more of the AP Chem material, so it becomes incredibly easier.

Tips: Take Physics 197/198. Although they require higher level math such as Calculus 2, they are much easier than the counterpart 117/118. Trust me… A LOT EASIER. Intro Psych is very nit picky and incredibly hard at Wash U. If you end up taking it, follow the readings and look at past quizlets or make your own. It’s all about application of your knowledge, not regurgitate some obscure definition.

Hope this helps!

Edit: I mention “can include” because I’m taking a very unorthodox approach to fulfilling pre med reqs. I’m actually doing Chem over the summer, which is actually going to be slightly easier as I’m only focusing on one class rather than say 4 others. Also do note, Gen chem does cover many physics topics and I did not have a strong physics background at all.

Edit 2: I should have said this, but I am an Undeclared pre med as it stands!