writing MCAT without a science background

[teacherlady]

Hello all!

 

I'm a non-traditional applicant, dreaming of medical school after 6 years of teaching. I did my 4-year undergrad in anthropology and psychology (graduated in 2000). The last time I took a science class was in 1995/96, when I took OAC biology and physics! I never took chemistry at all. I'm smart and I'm a fast learner. I'm also very comfortable with self-teaching, but obviously I'll need some time and some good resources. I'm currently signed up for biology 1 through Athabasca University, but haven't received my materials yet.

 

When I first started seriously thinking about this a few weeks ago, my first thought was: hey, no problem! I'll get some good books and write the MCAT in August. Errrr...yeah. Probably not a good idea. (Unless, of course, someone out there wants to tell me differently!) So instead, I'll just apply to Mac and Ottawa this year. If I don't get in, then I'll prepare for the MCAT and write it in Summer 2009.

 

So here's my question after that lengthy intro: which courses should take precendence over the next year? HOW should I prepare for the MCAT, taking into consideration the fact that I work full-time (which, for a teacher, tends to be all-encompassing between September and June)? I won't be able to dedicate 8 hours a day to studying, but I'll definitely be able to finish a 3-credit Athabasca course in 3 months during the school year. I'll finish bio 1 and 2 before the end of the summer, so what should come next? Physics? Chemistry? Which books/practice tests are best and when should I start working through them? I'm not as concerned about VR or WS, because I read and write non-stop in my profession.

 

I have read through most of this board and done countless searches about the best way to prepare, but I haven't found much about someone in my situation (with zero science background), so I'd love to hear some more advice.

 

Thanks!

[Tan008]

This question has been addressed in this forum several times. Try the search option to pull up some of the threads. Here is the most recent one

 

http://www.premed101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24881

[teacherlady]

Thanks! I've already read that thread, and the other ones on this board, but it didn't really answer my questions.

 

I guess I'm wondering:

 

In the experience of people who've already taken it which courses are MOST important for doing well on the MCAT? I'm going to do as many as I can, but I'm not sure how many courses I'll be able to get through over the next year. As I said, I've already enrolled in biology 1 (3 credits) through Athabasca U. Should I take biology 2 next? Or would I be best to take all of the 3 credit "part 1"s first (chem, physics, bio)?

 

How much time do I have to set aside for studying solely for the MCAT, with a non-science background? I've seen the words "more than if you have a science degree", but what does that mean? More than what? How much time does someone from a science background usually put into studying? I realize that every person is different and that I certainly can't expect specifics, but if anyone else has been in the same position as me, I would really love to hear about it.

 

Thanks!

[hkmedbound]

although i think if you have a science background it helps, it's not essential. i did not have any physics background whatsoever and i did not find the material all that difficult (and scored decently on the physical sci section).

 

don't be discouraged, get a hold of some kaplan books (or somthing similar) and just work your way through the chapters... i spent anywhere from 30min to a day on each chapter...

 

cheers