Pre-Med Confusion

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

So my situation is a little complicated…

This is only my second semester of college (freshman year), but I came in with 27 dual credit hours, so I am “technically” almost a junior. I’m Pre-Med, and I’m oh so confused.

When I signed up for classes last semester, no one told me to take Gen Chem. I guess I should’ve known, but nevertheless, it didn’t happen. I go to a small school where most sequenced classes are only offered once a year (Gen Chem I in the fall, Gen Chem II in the spring, etc.) so I missed my opportunity for the year, and will be starting the sequence this fall.

Now I feel like I’m behind. I know there is absolutely no way for me to graduate “on time” as my advisor says (in 2 more years.) I’m not upset by that, it’s just unfortunate. I came in ahead, and now I’m behind. Even if I choose to graduate with my class in 2018, I’m still not going to be prepared for the MCAT due to this chemistry problem.

I’m not exactly sure what I’m asking here, it’s more of a rant, I know. I’m just frustrated and confused. Below is my general course plan for the next few semesters. Do you think I will be ready for the MCAT on time? Are there any revisions you would make? Classes to add or drop? Thanks so much!!

Fall 2015
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Gen Chem I

Spring 2016
Gen Chem II
Physics I
Cell Bio

Fall 2016
Organic Chem I
Physics II
Genetics

MCAT

Spring 2017
Organic Chem II
Human Physiology

2

“On time” is an artificial notion. There is no set-in-stone timetable for when you can apply to med school. You do NOT have to apply to med school after your junior year of college.

Looking at your situation, the worst will be you graduate in the typical 4 years and apply to med school after graduation. This is far from unusual. (The median age of incoming med students is closer to 24 than 21. See: https://www.aamc.org/download/321468/data/factstable6.pdf)

Looking at your schedule, you should NOT take the MCAT in Dec 2016/Jan 2017. Why? Because you’re missing 2 key pre-reqs: OChem 2 and Biochem. Content from these courses comprise 1/3 of the Biological Sciences section of the MCAT. You will NOT do well on the MCAT without preparation in these areas.

Also, will you have taken a intro level psych and sociology course before you tentative MCAT date? If not, add those to your schedule. The MCAT has a Human Behavior section as of this year that requires coursework in those disciplines.

My advice: take a deep breath and step back for a moment. The journey to med school is a marathon, not a sprint. You need to look at the big picture and not sabotage your long-term goals just because you’re in a hurry and have some fixed (and false) idea of a timetable a pre-med is supposed to follow.