3 answers
Sienna
Student
Selkirk, New York
1
Question
Updated
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When should I take the MCAT, also would it be good to do a grad year before applying to med-school??
I am a current freshman at the University of Connecticut and I am majoring in molecular and cell biology but am contemplating if I should switch majors to health sciences or get a minor. I also do not have a concrete timeline of when I want to take the MCAT as well as when to apply to med schools.
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3 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1091
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Sienna,
You can major in whatever you enjoy for your undergrad. It can be Molecular and Cell Biology, it can be Health Sciences or anything else. So, the only reason to switch or to add a minor would be that you don't enjoy it. Remember, this is your first degree. You will always be able to fall back on it if you change your mind about med school or if you don't get in.
You have to take the MCAT before you apply to med school. Some people take it right after they complete undergraduate or even before. Some take a gap year to study or to intern or volunteer. You can also repeat the MCAT if you don't like your score. Consider the pros and cons of taking a gap year.
I would look up now what the MCAT is and what the structure and the kind of questions are.
There are 4 sections:
(1) Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (59 questions, 95 minutes)
(2) Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (59 questions, 95 minutes)
(3) Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior (59 questions, 95 minutes)
(4) Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) (53 questions, 90 minutes)
It's a tough exam, and you want to have maybe at least 6 months to study for it. Your pre-requisites should give you the foundation to some sections. Take notes which parts of a lecture correspond to which section on the MCAT. For other sections you may have to study independently or take another class. Consider what your weakest areas are and start on that early. Talk to people who have taken the MCAT recently. You'll also find plenty of practice questions online.
You find the official MCAT information and how to prepare here:
https://students-residents.aamc.org/media/9261/download
https://students-residents.aamc.org/prepare-mcat-exam/prepare-mcat-exam
There are many courses available to study for the MCAT. Some cost serious money.
The one on Khan Academy is free: https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat
I hope this helps for now! All the best to you! You got this!
KP
You can major in whatever you enjoy for your undergrad. It can be Molecular and Cell Biology, it can be Health Sciences or anything else. So, the only reason to switch or to add a minor would be that you don't enjoy it. Remember, this is your first degree. You will always be able to fall back on it if you change your mind about med school or if you don't get in.
You have to take the MCAT before you apply to med school. Some people take it right after they complete undergraduate or even before. Some take a gap year to study or to intern or volunteer. You can also repeat the MCAT if you don't like your score. Consider the pros and cons of taking a gap year.
I would look up now what the MCAT is and what the structure and the kind of questions are.
There are 4 sections:
(1) Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (59 questions, 95 minutes)
(2) Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (59 questions, 95 minutes)
(3) Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior (59 questions, 95 minutes)
(4) Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) (53 questions, 90 minutes)
It's a tough exam, and you want to have maybe at least 6 months to study for it. Your pre-requisites should give you the foundation to some sections. Take notes which parts of a lecture correspond to which section on the MCAT. For other sections you may have to study independently or take another class. Consider what your weakest areas are and start on that early. Talk to people who have taken the MCAT recently. You'll also find plenty of practice questions online.
You find the official MCAT information and how to prepare here:
https://students-residents.aamc.org/media/9261/download
https://students-residents.aamc.org/prepare-mcat-exam/prepare-mcat-exam
There are many courses available to study for the MCAT. Some cost serious money.
The one on Khan Academy is free: https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat
I hope this helps for now! All the best to you! You got this!
KP
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
194
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hey Sienna! It’s totally okay not to have everything figured out as a freshman, especially with something as big as medical school. Most students take the MCAT after completing key prerequisites like biology, chemistry, physics, and biochemistry, usually around the end of junior year or beginning of senior year. Taking a gap or grad year before applying can actually be a great move if you need time to boost your GPA, gain clinical or research experience, or just feel more prepared. Switching to health sciences or adding a minor depends on what you enjoy and where you feel you’ll perform best academically. The most important thing is to build a strong foundation now and give yourself space to grow and make decisions with clarity and confidence. Good luck!
Frank Chen
Doctor
3
Answers
Orange, Texas
Updated
Frank’s Answer
You have some great advices already. First of all, make sure that you are committed to pursuing a career in medicine, because it’s a long difficult journey for some and if you’re not absolutely sure, make sure!
MCAT can be taken as early as you are comfortable, but no later than June of the year of your application. Most take it after prerequisites are completed and you have studied adequately.
Find passion in your major. It does not have to be in science. My son majored in Finance and is now a third year psychiatry resident. My daughter majored in biochemistry, minored in genetics and is now a first year resident in Ob-Gyn. Find your passion.
I obviously don’t know your strengths or talents, but you should already know or find out.
Do you need to have a firm foundation in the science? Depends on how quickly you learn or grasp concepts. If it’s easy for you, then I would not sweat it, and major in anything that you love, and kick B on the MACT.
Grad year is not necessary unless you have an interest in a specific field or if you are not accepted to medical school on your first attempt. If you want a post grad degree, then applying to a MD/Phd, or MD/MBA program would be ideal and can possibly improve your chances of acceptance.
A gap year to volunteer or travel or do something totally out of your comfort zone, or study (yuk) might be necessary. When you apply and you will have stories to tell and your CV will reflect your passion and ability.
There are so many different reasons some are accepted and some are not, but if you are absolutely sure that being a doctor is what you want, Go for it and live a life that reflects that passion for others.
On the other hand, if you’re pursuing an MD for the prestige or money, look elsewhere. You’ll make a decent living, but you might be miserable. Don’t fall into that category of burned out doctors who keep doing what they’re doing because they have a ton of debts.
Good luck in whatever you end up doing. Asking these questions as a freshman in college?! Really. I applaud you. Don’t forget to have a good time and make memories while you’re in college, but do keep pushing yourself to be better. You will make mistakes, but that’s ok. Grow and learn. Fall and get back up. Cheers!!
Have courage and ask for help.
You will have ups and downs in your journey. Many interns cry and feel alone, but they are not.
Hope I’m not a Debbie Downer.
MCAT can be taken as early as you are comfortable, but no later than June of the year of your application. Most take it after prerequisites are completed and you have studied adequately.
Find passion in your major. It does not have to be in science. My son majored in Finance and is now a third year psychiatry resident. My daughter majored in biochemistry, minored in genetics and is now a first year resident in Ob-Gyn. Find your passion.
I obviously don’t know your strengths or talents, but you should already know or find out.
Do you need to have a firm foundation in the science? Depends on how quickly you learn or grasp concepts. If it’s easy for you, then I would not sweat it, and major in anything that you love, and kick B on the MACT.
Grad year is not necessary unless you have an interest in a specific field or if you are not accepted to medical school on your first attempt. If you want a post grad degree, then applying to a MD/Phd, or MD/MBA program would be ideal and can possibly improve your chances of acceptance.
A gap year to volunteer or travel or do something totally out of your comfort zone, or study (yuk) might be necessary. When you apply and you will have stories to tell and your CV will reflect your passion and ability.
There are so many different reasons some are accepted and some are not, but if you are absolutely sure that being a doctor is what you want, Go for it and live a life that reflects that passion for others.
On the other hand, if you’re pursuing an MD for the prestige or money, look elsewhere. You’ll make a decent living, but you might be miserable. Don’t fall into that category of burned out doctors who keep doing what they’re doing because they have a ton of debts.
Good luck in whatever you end up doing. Asking these questions as a freshman in college?! Really. I applaud you. Don’t forget to have a good time and make memories while you’re in college, but do keep pushing yourself to be better. You will make mistakes, but that’s ok. Grow and learn. Fall and get back up. Cheers!!
Have courage and ask for help.
You will have ups and downs in your journey. Many interns cry and feel alone, but they are not.
Hope I’m not a Debbie Downer.