<p>I’m one of those super-paranoid/ambitious graduated HSchooler looking to get into a top med school. Doing ChemE major (probably biology emphasis) in the fall at a competitive uni. Just took a practice exam for the MCAT (Princeton Review’s website one) and got a 8 BS / 7 PS / 7 VS. So here are my questions:</p>
<li>I have zero physics experience. Would being an engineering major be helpful for MCAT prep or more like academic suicide? Should I consider going into MolBio or Chemistry for an alternative major?</li>
<li>How much improvement in scores do students get from Kaplan/PR courses?</li>
<li>Would taking the bio/phys/chem courses adequately prepare a student for the MCAT test? How much out-of-class time would you recommend setting aside to study?</li>
<li>Looking to maybe do MD/PhD. What are the comparative stats of med school students vs. their MD/PhD counterparts (MCAT/GPA/research v. clinical volunteering-wise)?</li>
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<p>Thanks to anyone who can help answer my questions!</p>
<p>wait u JUST had ur first day in college or so and u taking "MCAT"?! huh.
u dont need to major in engineering to do well in MCAT. it's almost like taking Graph Theory or Multivariable Calculus for SAT I math. major in engineering if that's what interests u. u r asking very broad questions...so please review the sticky threads first...</p>
<p>1) Engineering major isn't going to be especially helpful for the MCAT. It might be academic suicide, but that depends on you. No one here is going to be able to tell you how you are going to do as an engineering major, a biology major, or chemistry major. Engineering as a major is traditionally considered to be more difficult than majoring in the pure sciences.</p>
<p>2) It depends on how much effort you put and how seriously you take their advice.</p>
<p>3) Yes, in terms of material. No, in terms of testing techniques - this is where you get value from Kaplan/PR courses. In terms of study time, people recommend a relatively short period of time - some say 4-6 weeks, I say no more than one semester.</p>
<p>4) I don't know. You could check the MSAR, but I'm not sure the information is there.</p>
<p>So, where's my cookie? :O</p>