“Q:A” Does it make sense to take the MCAT before I’ve taken physics?

Shrike: Actually, it’s not a terrible idea if you’re getting professional test prep instruction. Many of my students have not had, or are currently taking, second-semester physics, and this works fine. A few haven’t taken any college-level physics, and they have a lot of catching up to do but most manage if the instruction is competent. If you’re not taking a prep course, it’s going to be difficult, and I don’t personally recommend it, but obviously I haven’t seen such students. I don’t believe there’s a consensus among other experienced posters on this issue.

QofQuimica: My feeling is that students should not even be taking the test prep course unless they are at the very least currently enrolled in Physics II. I try to dissuade students from taking the MCAT if they haven’t completed Physics I and nearly completed Physics II before test day, because while a few may be able to do it, it will be ridiculously difficult for most students. It’s challenging enough to learn physics over the course of two semesters, and you have to take both physics classes anyway to get into medical school. So I would encourage you to postpone taking the MCAT for a year so that you can take both semesters of physics before beginning your test prep. This will allow you to prepare for the test properly.