June 21st MCAT

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I know there is an MCAT thread with the same title, but are there any pre-pods on here that are registered for that day?

I was, but then changed it to July 14th to allow more time for preparation (our last day of school is May 30)

Eww, so will your whole summer be shot studying for it then? I really wanted to take it on May 30th, but it isn't offered in the Midwest that day.....

I was registered for May 24th MCAT but I'm pushing it a month back to get more studying in. I haven't had enough time with school, unfortunately.

Originally Posted by MaxillofacialMN

Eww, so will your whole summer be shot studying for it then? I really wanted to take it on May 30th, but it isn't offered in the Midwest that day.....

Pretty much, that's the only date for me to be well prepared yet not late for the application cycle (I believe it opens in August?). I will be doing some volunteer summer research with the college professor for 4-6 hrs/day and get a course credit for it instead of getting paid. Otherwise I will have to work 8 hrs/day for 10 weeks.

Yeah, I did the 8 hours ten week thing. It was so much research! The last three weekends I had to come in on Sunday's and Saturday's to try and finish my project. It basically ruined my summer, haha that's why I want to get the MCAT out of the way ASAP so I can have one last summer of enjoyment - something I haven't had since 9th grade!!

True, I just felt bad for not doing anything besides studying for MCAT since everyone else in my major is doing research of some kind. I figured the volunteer research may work the best in this case. My high school years had been memories of SAT/AP prep classes, and college is that all over again. I can't wait for my senior year though, since I will be graduating a semester early. Time to enjoy life for a bit.

I considered graduating early - I'll have the credits. I think I might go to Washington DC next spring for an internship program my school has. The APMA has an office in Bethesda, which could potentially work out, but I kinda wanna do something fun while I'm there like work for a senator or lib of congress, etc. We'll see if I go at all though.

Hey guys, Im new to this side of the forums. Recently changed my career path to Podiatry. Wanted to be an Orthopedist for the longest, but found the lifestyle of a Podiatrist more appealing (time for family, but still exposed to many aspects of medicine including ortho ). With that said, I too will be taking the June 21st mcat! (took it previously, but didnt do so well :\) However, I have been finding it hard to find time to study, anyone else working full time, full time student, shadowing, research, and studying for mcat???? How long are you all devoting to study for the exams??!?!?! Im really excited! Also, what schools are you all considering?

I'm a full-time student but luckily the semester is ending soon. After that it's just MCAT studying all day, everyday.

Originally Posted by FutureDoc2

Hey guys, Im new to this side of the forums. Recently changed my career path to Podiatry. Wanted to be an Orthopedist for the longest, but found the lifestyle of a Podiatrist more appealing (time for family, but still exposed to many aspects of medicine including ortho ). With that said, I too will be taking the June 21st mcat! (took it previously, but didnt do so well :\) However, I have been finding it hard to find time to study, anyone else working full time, full time student, shadowing, research, and studying for mcat???? How long are you all devoting to study for the exams??!?!?! Im really excited! Also, what schools are you all considering?

I plan to study May 9th, M-Saturday for 4-5 hours a day. So that's about 135 hours. To get a good score, I should study way more than that, but I'll be happy with ~25 so I really don't plan on hitting the books all that hard.

Right now I'm thinking: DMU, AZPOD, NYCPM, OCPM, and Scholl. But, there's a few more months until the cycle opens so my list will probably evolve by then. You?

I will study MCAT for 5 hrs/day beginning June 1st, hopefully that's enough time for me to get prepared by July 14th. I feel like that I need some discipline, otherwise just reading the books is not sufficient. I will be applying to Western, DMU, AZPOD, Scholl and Temple. Western is my top choice for now since I live 15 minutes away from the campus. I will just go where's the cheapest for me and offering a good education as well. In that sense Western and DMU are my top choices.
Doing fulltime job/research and studying MCAT can be done, however you will get burned out pretty soon. I am just doing some volunteer research now so the hours are flexible. It all depends on how desperate you are for money and what priority you place first.

Originally Posted by MaxillofacialMN

I plan to study May 9th, M-Saturday for 4-5 hours a day. So that's about 135 hours. To get a good score, I should study way more than that, but I'll be happy with ~25 so I really don't plan on hitting the books all that hard.

Right now I'm thinking: DMU, AZPOD, NYCPM, OCPM, and Scholl. But, there's a few more months until the cycle opens so my list will probably evolve by then. You?

I totally agree! I am just ready to get the mcat out of the way, so I can have my summer to do whatever! I too am applying to OCPM, Scholl, and DMU. I am also looking at CSPM, Western, and TUSPM. But likewise, my list is likely to change! What are you all using as mcat prep? I have TPR, TBR, and EK, but Im thinking about just using EK since its shorter!

Originally Posted by msion

I will study MCAT for 5 hrs/day beginning June 1st, hopefully that's enough time for me to get prepared by July 14th. I feel like that I need some discipline, otherwise just reading the books is not sufficient. I will be applying to Western, DMU, AZPOD, Scholl and Temple. Western is my top choice for now since I live 15 minutes away from the campus. I will just go where's the cheapest for me and offering a good education as well. In that sense Western and DMU are my top choices.
Doing fulltime job/research and studying MCAT can be done, however you will get burned out pretty soon. I am just doing some volunteer research now so the hours are flexible. It all depends on how desperate you are for money and what priority you place first.

I definitely agree with you. I just have to follow a set schedule and I think Ill be fine. Im also applying to Western. It seems like a great program-even tho I hear the curriculum is ridiculously hard- and its in a great location However, CA is out of state for me, so Ill probably going to be paying a pretty penny. I am looking to do the HPSP scholarship, so if accepted that'll be one less thing to worry about!

I know there's some wisdom in visiting a variety of places and getting the vibes, but I would strongly discourage anyone with reasonable stats who applies early from applying to a ton of places just to be sure they "get an interview somewhere" or "get in somewhere". I would advise only applying to schools you would actually want to attend or cities you would actually want to live in. Unless there's a grievous red flag you will get interviews everywhere you apply and more than likely acceptances there if you put on a tie and a smile and can answer "why do you want to be a podiatrist".

Anyway - just wanted to butt in and toss that out there. Perhaps ya'll are legitimately interested in finding out about all those schools, but interviewing is expensive and if you can save yourself some money in the application process not applying at places you don't want to attend then I would advise it.

Originally Posted by FutureDoc2

I definitely agree with you. I just have to follow a set schedule and I think Ill be fine. Im also applying to Western. It seems like a great program-even tho I hear the curriculum is ridiculously hard- and its in a great location However, CA is out of state for me, so Ill probably going to be paying a pretty penny. I am looking to do the HPSP scholarship, so if accepted that'll be one less thing to worry about!

In-state and out-state tuitions are the same at pod schools, so that won't matter (except for travel and moving expenses I suppose)

And... NOOOOOOO!!!! Don't apply for HPSP!! I am applying for that and I hear there are only 2-3 openings for 4-year podiatry students! I don't want the competition!! Hahaha

Originally Posted by heybrother

I know there's some wisdom in visiting a variety of places and getting the vibes, but I would strongly discourage anyone with reasonable stats who applies early from applying to a ton of places just to be sure they "get an interview somewhere" or "get in somewhere". I would advise only applying to schools you would actually want to attend or cities you would actually want to live in. Unless there's a grievous red flag you will get interviews everywhere you apply and more than likely acceptances there if you put on a tie and a smile and can answer "why do you want to be a podiatrist".

Anyway - just wanted to butt in and toss that out there. Perhaps ya'll are legitimately interested in finding out about all those schools, but interviewing is expensive and if you can save yourself some money in the application process not applying at places you don't want to attend then I would advise it.

Ah I know, I anticipate getting interviews at all the places I apply, but I really want to find the program that's "right" for me, ya know? I know that plane tickets and everything else for applying to 5 schools will probably run me between $2-3k, but in the long term, isn't finding the right school worth it?

Originally Posted by FutureDoc2

I definitely agree with you. I just have to follow a set schedule and I think Ill be fine. Im also applying to Western. It seems like a great program-even tho I hear the curriculum is ridiculously hard- and its in a great location However, CA is out of state for me, so Ill probably going to be paying a pretty penny. I am looking to do the HPSP scholarship, so if accepted that'll be one less thing to worry about!

Umm...I will give a second thought on the HPSP thing. Assume you did really go to Western, or any school in the country where you will work hard and excel, I don't think it's worth it to save the money in the short term and give up your long term career. Keep in mind that podiatry is a career that involves various aspects of medicine, and being in the military and stuck with their residency will take some fun out of that, meaning you won't be able to expose to the many areas of podiatry that you otherwise would if doing a civilian residency. I am not so sure if the military has their own residency though, perhaps you can do a civilian residency? But either way the point is made: your choices will be limited if you decide to enter the military route.

The army has one pod residency at Ft Braggs, but the HPSP podiatry is only available through the Navy. So, realistically you can do a civilian residency if you choose to.

Originally Posted by MaxillofacialMN

The army has one pod residency at Ft Braggs, but the HPSP podiatry is only available through the Navy. So, realistically you can do a civilian residency if you choose to.

Hey actually the HPSP is offered through the Army and the Air Force! I spoke to a recruiter the other day! And you never know, we both could be part of the 3

Originally Posted by msion

Umm...I will give a second thought on the HPSP thing. Assume you did really go to Western, or any school in the country where you will work hard and excel, I don't think it's worth it to save the money in the short term and give up your long term career. Keep in mind that podiatry is a career that involves various aspects of medicine, and being in the military and stuck with their residency will take some fun out of that, meaning you won't be able to expose to the many areas of podiatry that you otherwise would if doing a civilian residency. I am not so sure if the military has their own residency though, perhaps you can do a civilian residency? But either way the point is made: your choices will be limited if you decide to enter the military route.

Yea I definitely see what your saying. I've been doing a lot of research/thinking and my biggest problem is the pay. In the military, Pods only make 70k-I can make so much more after residency and gaining a position in the civilian sector! However, I'm thinking, wouldnt I break even eventually? Say for instance I graduate from Podiatry school with ~$160,000 (possibly more) worth of loans, gain a position making ~$120,000 (possibly more or even less) right out of residency, after taxes I'd bring home ~$100,000/yr, then have to pay back loans, living expenses, insurance, car note, etc.wouldnt I making $70,000 anyway? Military covers everything else-tuition, housing, insurance, etc. I could do a civilian residency and then pay back my time to the military (~4 years) or do a military residency (without reaping their benefits) and time would be paid. One thing I do like about the military is the diversity-cases, ppl, etc. Im still thinking tho....Does this make sense? Could you elaborate a little more on how the cases would be limited???

Not for podiatry... You obviously didn't talk to a medical recruiter...

Originally Posted by FutureDoc2

Yea I definitely see what your saying. I've been doing a lot of research/thinking and my biggest problem is the pay. In the military, Pods only make 70k-I can make so much more after residency and gaining a position in the civilian sector! However, I'm thinking, wouldnt I break even eventually? Say for instance I graduate from Podiatry school with ~$160,000 (possibly more) worth of loans, gain a position making ~$120,000 (possibly more or even less) right out of residency, after taxes I'd bring home ~$100,000/yr, then have to pay back loans, living expenses, insurance, car note, etc.wouldnt I making $70,000 anyway? Military covers everything else-tuition, housing, insurance, etc. I could do a civilian residency and then pay back my time to the military (~4 years) or do a military residency (without reaping their benefits) and time would be paid. One thing I do like about the military is the diversity-cases, ppl, etc. Im still thinking tho....Does this make sense? Could you elaborate a little more on how the cases would be limited???

There has been a post on this forum regarding the HPSP, I think the point OP tried to make in that post was if you are not too desperate for money in the short term, then don't do it. The same is said for the other military scholarship programs offered to MD/DO. Of course I am not even close to doing residency, therefore I can't tell you the exact experience. However, I believe that more opportunities will be offered in the civilian sector. If you are someone into foot reconstruction or other surgical procedures, the military won't be able to offer you much cases. You will do a certain number of wound care. The worst part for me is probably to relocate to somewhere completely new. Yes after 4 years you can do whatever you wish, however it also breaks even for those who earned their living in the civilian sector, if not more. I also thought about doing the military route once, however I told myself that everything comes with a price. The HPSP will give you a sense of stability, that you have little to worry about during your school and your residency years. However in the long term you will be making less. Those 4 years can be 4 years of medical experience and many things can happen in 4 years. To me, I believe if I keep working hard and maintain a positive attitude, I will be successful in the career and don't have to worry about the money issue. That being said, if you are passionate about serving this country and providing the medical care to those who protect our nation, then go for it. If this is truly a money issue, then stay out of it and work hard to get a reputable residency.

While I agree that financial reasons should not dictate your choice for HPSP, I think you discount it's ability to be lucrative too quickly. Essentially, HPSP will give you free tuition (30k x 4) and 2k a month (2k x 12 x 4), this number is about 200k (that's a conservative estimate, as tuition prices increase, so will the stipend, and active duty pays more, and they cover books and fees, and insurance, etc etc).

You'll make about 60k after taxes for 4 years (pay is something like 50k, then all the other "bonuses" and "allowances" will add an additional 20-30k for a podiatrist) = 240k in those four years. So, after

As a civilian pod, you'll be in debt about 150k after school (I believe that is average...). Then four years after residency, let's say you "take home" 120k a year, or 480k total (I'm just saying you'll make more than double as a civilian, which might even be a little generous as a new pod...).

So, four years out of residency, the HPSP pod has 240k earned, and the civilian pod has 330k earned (480 earned less 150k loans). So initially, you think: "HEY! Four years out of residency I'll have earned about 100k more than my buddy in the military!" NOT SO FAST!

Debt.

Debt. debt. debt. debt. debt. and interest rates. and debt. In your first four years out of residency you will not have paid off your 150k in debt, and not only will you not have paid off that 150k in debt, but your debt will have. According to aamc, your unsubsidized student loans will have a 6.8 percent, BUT you can only borrow 32k unsubsidized and 8k subsidized per year. So, assuming you don't go over the 40k per year you are entitled to (most pod schools assume about 50k comprehensive a year, so I hope you've got a spouse working or Daddy Warbucks waiting around for you). Anyways, if you borrow 150k at the 6.8 interest rate, and pay it back for 20 years, it will end up costing you about 124k in interest alone, so you'll actually be 24k behind your militant counterparts. And this is all assuming you DIDN'T defer during residency!

There are other points to be made such as, during that 4 year period you make more money you could invest it and therefore "ease" your interest rates in this fashion, and you could make more connections in the private sector, and inflation will make your payments in the future mean less to you, etc etc.

Anyways, there was a post earlier showing that civilians made WAY MORE MONEY than HPSP folk, and I just wanted to show you that it isn't all that true - especially in areas of medicine that don't pay very well (eg podiatry). If you were contemplating HPSP and you were on track for plastic, ortho, or derm, I would call you crazy. But family med and pod make way more sense.

Okay, we can continue to talk about the MCAT now.

So how's everyone's studying going?

Mine is.... subpar.

Took mine September of last year.

Best of luck!

I take my MCAT in two days, lol

Originally Posted by Pktgresch

I take my MCAT in two days, lol

I would advise you to stop studying at this point, relax, and let your brain unwind a little. Relative benefits of a good night's sleep outweighs sponging in last minute info. Good luck!

Changed to July, studying all day everyday right now. It sucks.

Originally Posted by Pktgresch

I take my MCAT in two days, lol

Good luck!!

Originally Posted by Dr MnM

Changed to July, studying all day everyday right now. It sucks.

You shooting for a forty?!? Lol.

But seriously, I never know if i should really hardcore study, or it's not a big deal... Every practice test I've taken it's been a few points above pod school acceptance avg, so I don't know if I should try really hard and try to get in the thirties to "see how well I can do" or if I should just be cool with a 26 that will get me in and not stress about it....

Anyone's thoughts?

Originally Posted by MaxillofacialMN

You shooting for a forty?!? Lol.

But seriously, I never know if i should really hardcore study, or it's not a big deal... Every practice test I've taken it's been a few points above pod school acceptance avg, so I don't know if I should try really hard and try to get in the thirties to "see how well I can do" or if I should just be cool with a 26 that will get me in and not stress about it....

Anyone's thoughts?

Well, we all have to admit that podiatry's somewhat lower admission standards do not impose a great amount of stress as compared to MD/DO. However, there are top students at every school and I will guarantee you that it won't be rare to find student with 3.7+/30+ at any of the podiatry schools. For me personally, I will study hard for it no matter what. Maybe I can walk in and leave with a 25, however MCAT is still part of the process and I do want to show my full potential. That being said, I just don't want to slack off.

I would study. 3 pod schools told me that they base their scholarships almost directly off MCAT scores. The reason for this is that there are so many students with similar, impressive GPAs and the MCAT is really what differentiates them.

I'm kind of hoping it's my MCAT that lands me interviews since it is well-above average and my GPA is pretty sub-par.

Originally Posted by MaxillofacialMN

You shooting for a forty?!? Lol.

But seriously, I never know if i should really hardcore study, or it's not a big deal... Every practice test I've taken it's been a few points above pod school acceptance avg, so I don't know if I should try really hard and try to get in the thirties to "see how well I can do" or if I should just be cool with a 26 that will get me in and not stress about it....

Anyone's thoughts?

I was scoring 26-27 on aamcs (26 on aamc 11) and after how hard the test actually was, I am not confident I scored that high on the real deal. I almost wish I'd of studied harder, but then again I havent seen my score yet (June 18th release). I'd say start scoring 28s to be guaranteed a 26 on the real deal because in my experience the real test is tougher.

AAMC Practice #7: 29! (10,9,10)! Woo!

This is potentially terrible news as my super motivation to study is probably gone.....

Am I the only pre-pod on here that is taking it tomorrow?

I feel like June 21st is an optimal date for our application cycle....?

good luck you will do fine, I'm glad I don't ever have to take that test again *shiver*

Sent from my SPH-D600 using SDN Mobile

I don't know why I said to tomorrow, I meant next week. But thanks!!

my score is released this monday, was successful in keeping the MCAT out of my thoughts but it has a way of subliminally haunting you while waiting for a score. Go all out on that thing so you can have peace of mind! And if youre the praying type, pray for me please!

A little late for praying, your score is already calculated, not even the divine can alter that!! Try to be busy tomorrow and don't check your mcat account every 5 minutes like I did...

Originally Posted by RockFoot

A little late for praying, your score is already calculated, not even the divine can alter that!! Try to be busy tomorrow and don't check your mcat account every 5 minutes like I did...

See, you underestimate what the divine actually is. If for lack of a better word, it wanted, it could change my score at any time even after it was graded. It just needs enough persuasion. Thats where you all come in!
Oh, yea about refreshing my page every 5 minutes. I am going to do it. lol

Originally Posted by Pktgresch

Go all out on that thing so you can have peace of mind!

Haha thanks, but I think that ship has already sailed for me....

Originally Posted by Pktgresch

See, you underestimate what the divine actually is. If for lack of a better word, it wanted, it could change my score at any time even after it was graded. It just needs enough persuasion. Thats where you all come in!
Oh, yea about refreshing my page every 5 minutes. I am going to do it. lol

LOL agreed 100%, but you should check it every 90 seconds you will burn out quicker and find something better to do.

Originally Posted by Pktgresch

See, you underestimate what the divine actually is. If for lack of a better word, it wanted, it could change my score at any time even after it was graded. It just needs enough persuasion. Thats where you all come in!
Oh, yea about refreshing my page every 5 minutes. I am going to do it. lol

Your scores are released today, no? Let us know how you do! Good luck!

Originally Posted by MaxillofacialMN

Your scores are released today, no? Let us know how you do! Good luck!

Yes they are released today, probably around 3:30 pm EST. I am in the lab trying to do an experiment but with gel pre-runs, incubations, thawing of expensive reagents, there is just too much down time for me to be on here looking at the 5/19 mcat thread. Oh well, hopefully it will all be over today for me so I can work on my PS and app for pod school. Good luck to all you 6-21ers. Ill let the pod people know how I do.

Originally Posted by Pktgresch

Good luck to all you 6-21ers. Ill let the pod people know how I do.

crossin my fingers for you bro, not to jinx you but what score are you shootin for and what do you feel like you got(I understand if you dont want to answer this lol).

Originally Posted by Cozell

crossin my fingers for you bro, not to jinx you but what score are you shootin for and what do you feel like you got(I understand if you dont want to answer this lol).

Shooting for 28 feeling < 26. The test was hard no if ands or buts about it. I do feel that if I score at least a 25 I should be good. If not then I will retake it!