<p>Hello! I was hoping some of you could critique my current schedule and could point me in the right direction.</p>
<p>As of right now, here is the math/science classes I have planned over the next four semesters:</p>
<p>Fall 2008:</p>
<p>General Chemistry
Honors General Bio
Honors Vector Calculus</p>
<p>Spring 2009:</p>
<p>General Chemistry II
Honors General Bio II
Honors Physics (Mechanics)
Differential Equations</p>
<p>Fall 2009:</p>
<p>Honors Organic Chemistry
Honors Physics (Electricity and Magnetism)
Honors Physics (Thermodynamics and Optics)
Biochemistry
Genetics</p>
<p>Spring 2010:</p>
<p>Honors Organic Chemistry II
Honors Physics (Relativity and Quantum Physics)
Biochemistry II
Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids</p>
<p>I really don't have my next year planned out, but it will include Molecular Bio, Cellular Bio, Neurobiology, and Physical Chemistry.</p>
<p>In my plans, as of right now, I have planned graduating after my third year and entering into a grad program. In my fourth year, I would carry those credits over and start med school on an MD/PhD track. </p>
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<p>Considering all of this background information, I have a few questions:</p>
<p>1) According to my schedule, when should I take the MCATs?
2) I understand the MCATs include a lot of Molecular Biology, but because of my desire to take the MCATs right after my second year, the only place I would be able to fit it in would be Summer '10. Taking a med school perspective, would it be worth sacrificing the full-time summer research for taking the class?
3) Due to my AP Tests, I tested out of Chemistry and Biology. I am in no rush to get to med school, so would you guys recommend I retake these classes in college to shore up my foundations as well as boost my gpa, or should I skip ahead to more difficult classes?
4) Under my current plan, I'm starting off with 19 units in my first semester. I understand that it is a very heavy course load, so I would like some perspective of what you guys, specifically people who take science-intensive schedule, think.
5) I've already secured myself into some leadership and community service clubs. However, everything I have committed to is focused on personal development rather than medicine. What kind of medical ECs should I pursue? Specifically, I am looking for unique ECs, meaning not the basic hospital volunteering or shadowing doctors, that some of you have done.
6) What kind of research should I be looking for? Should I go for something that is more interdisciplinary or should I focus on research for the graduate field I intend to pursue in my fourth year?
7) In my schedule, are there any extraneous classes I'm taking that is not necessary for the MCATs?
8) Any missing classes I should try to add in?
9) I really don't want to fall behind the game already, like I did in the BA/MD programs, and end up nowhere. Is there anything else I should do in order to get the best out of college while preparing for medical school? I know I've got research, volunteering, being well-rounded, getting good grades, and securing a solid relationship with a faculty member down, but it really feels like I am skipping something.
10) Last question :). Could you guys give me some insight on the MCAT Verbal Section? I've always been a solid writer and have had pretty good math and science skills, but my reading comprehension has always killed me. Are the questions on the MCATs solely based on scientific reading/research rather than asking for a theme of a short story? Or is there more to it than that? Also, considering I have some time to improve my skills, what kind of books or passages should I read?</p>
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<p>Sorry for the long post and the multiple questions. I really appreciate your help!</p>