<p>Since I won't be doing prep class, how would ppl advise me to approach the MCATs? I already know that I'm weak in verbal a little because my english analyzation skills are a wee bit off. If you can help me in providing a layout of how I should begin my studying and how to approach each section, that would be awesome. I plan to take MCAT at completion of sophmore year or early junior year. I've heard that taking it more than 1 time is looked down upon. But that hardly makes any sense as the limit should be 2. For my own good, should I just study really hard and give it my best for the first time and not look forward to a second time? Also, do you think that 2 bio courses will be enough for the MCATs? Or do u believe that I should take more of these courses? If that is the case, then, I may need to delay plans upto Junior year cause I really would not prefer taking more than 1 bio course in one semester.</p>
<p>Class of 2015?</p>
<p>Don’t worry about it until 2013 or 2014.</p>
<p>Why no prep class? I think most here will tell you they can really help. The MCAT isn’t the SAT.</p>
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<p>Why is 2 a better limit than 1? And it’s not a true limit - you can take it as many times as you want, but as you noted, it’s best to only take it once and do well.</p>
<p>Just wait til you get to the medical licensing exams - they have a true limit of one, unless you fail. If you get 188 (which is the passing score), you’re SOL - can’t take it again to get a better score.</p>
<p>As for studying, I agree that the prep classes are a complete waste of money - at least, they were for me. But if that’s how you learn best, then do it. No one can tell you how to study. You’ve probably figured out what works for you in undergrad. Keep doing that. But the key is doing practice questions and practice tests. The MCAT is not a test of knowledge recall, but rather applying very basic knowledge to more complex problems - dont’ waste time trying to memorize every detail - learn how the test asks questions.</p>
<p>According to my D. th4e most useful Bio for MCAT were genetics and physiology, for Med. School - Anatomy. I am not sure what do you mean by 2 Bio classes.</p>
<p>@phonyreal: I can see why ppl would be pessimistic abt hearing me asking for tips for the MCAT when I am just beginning classes. But I like to begin early since I have discovered from previous experiences that I really don’t have much time for prep and I like to take my time to absorb my materials and thoroughly practice on them with a longer time scale. I guess what I’m trying to ask on this forum is basically what type of classes I should take in college to actually do well on the MCATs without needed huge brush up on major areas. I guess now it would make sense for why I’m asking my question as I would like to plan my years carefully.
@eadad: prep classes take money and I don’t have that sort of cash on me. I’m not making an analogy btw SAT and MCAT here by not taking a private system. It’s just that if I could study w/o putting any burden on myself money-wise I would be more than happy to accept the offer.
@Icarus: Thanks for the advise and the future advice. Doctors have it out for themselves.
@MiamiDAP: I’m planning on taking the genetics and physiology ones. Would anatomy fit into a physiology class or would I have to take one that is generalized around anatomy alone? Would I be more than prepared if I just take like 3 Bio courses that cover human biology in a comprehensive way?</p>