<p>Hi, I am an incoming freshman and I know I have some time before I really need to start worrying about the MCAT, but I just wanted to get a few questions answered to help myself get a better plan of when I need to start focusing on things.
1. When exactly should I take the MCAT if I want to go to medical school right out of college?
2. When should I start studying for the MCAT?
3. What classes should I have finished before I start to study and what classes should I have finished before I actually take the MCAT?
Also, answers with semi specific times (months/years) would be appreciated. I am a person who just needs to be able to plan things out pretty specifically in order to help myself accomplish my goals. Oh and I am going to be taking the new MCAT. </p>
<p>You will be taking the new MCAT so it is best to have the following courses: 1 year Biology, 1 year Chemistry, 1 year Organic Chemistry, 1 year Physics, 1 semester Biochemisty, 1 semester Intro to Psychology, 1 semester Intro to Sociology. It is best to have the classes completed by end of junior year, but before spring semester would be even better as students typically take the MCAT in the spring before they apply. As for when to begin studying, many feel that more than 4-5 months of content review is not helpful since you will have forgotten the things you studied early on. some people take prep classes for the MCAT, so that can affect your schedule.
Calculus, genetics, physiology, cell biology are all also helpful but not required for the MCAT. Do to the timing of classes and prerequisites, it is best to start with gen chemistry your freshman year so that you can get O-chem done as a sophomore and biochem as a junior. </p>