<p>Answers to questions:</p>
<p>-do you think that chem 3b and bio 1b would be too much work? I also plan on adding one more course like a breadth. do you think that this would be an overload?</p>
<p>I did chem 3b/l, bio 1a/l, and 2 other classes and it went well, so as long as you don’t go in with the mindset that it is impossible, you’ll be able to handle 2-3 lower divs a semester plus w/e breadths or research you want to take on. </p>
<p>I was a ugsi for bio 1b in fall and spring this year, and spring is definitely easier than fall because the professors are better quality. I suggest you take physics 8a with deweese (easy professor) and chem 3b this fall; save bio for spring. Regardless, the difference isn’t enough to lose sleep over… so don’t worry if you can’t get into physics this semester.</p>
<p>-I also plan on waiting a year an applying. But, I want to be ready to take the MCAT next year by this time. now, I see some of my peers not taking Bio1b and directly doing chem 3b and physics 8a. Would this make them more prepared for the MCAT? or is it because bio is easier in the spring?</p>
<p>Bio is easier in the spring. The professors are a lot better at writing tests and staying organized, and this makes the course run smoothly for faculty and students. I took it in Spring 08 and it was great. Honestly, this scheduling has little effect on how you will prepare for the mcat because if you plan to take a prep course with Kaplan or Princeton Review, you should take it during junior summer when classes, research, etc are at a minimum. That way, you can cover physics 8a and 8b during your junior year and still have it fresh in your mind. I took physics 8a my freshman spring and if I had to do it again, I would have held it off until junior year because it just makes more sense. If you are antsy to do anything ahead of time, I suggest taking a physiology course (mcb 136 or the ib version) and mcb 100a/102 because these courses, while not required for the mcat, are said to be helpful for the test.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>