Retaking MCAT in Aug, Apply 2012? HELP!

[playaodamonth]

Hey everyone, I desperately need some advice!

I applied last cycle (2011-2012) to DO schools, which is my preferred medical program. I applied with the following stats:

3.45cu/3.20sci undergrad
26Q MCAT
Research (>200 hours) + EMT (>1500 hours) + Hospital Volunteer (40 hours) + Red Cross Volunteer (50 hours)

When I took the MCAT, I was naive and arrogant. I barely studied for it. I felt confident that I knew the material well enough to not have to study much. I took about 6 practice exams on the AAMC website and averaged a 29, but that was pretty much my only review of the material. I applied to 5 schools (UMDNJ-SOM, LECOM, PCOM, NYCOM, and Touro-NY). I got an interview at Touro-NY and LECOM, but rejected from the rest. I recently got rejected from the waitlist at Touro-NY, but am still on the waitlist at LECOM.

Because I fear the possibility of not getting into LECOM, I plan on retaking the MCAT in late August. However, this time I am studying for it, hardcore. I am 2 weeks into the SN2ed study guide and do believe I will get a better score on the MCAT. I also got accepted to a 1-year Masters of Biomedical Sciences program at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and am debating whether or not to attend.

I would like to apply again for DO schools this cycle (2012-2013) but I have no idea whether I should apply June 1st with my previous MCAT score and just send them the updated one in September? or should I hold off the primary application until I receive my score in September, then send it out?

I know a September application is very late and will hurt my chances, but I've heard from some people sending an application with a lower MCAT score may be just as detrimental.... Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Please help Thank you!

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[UrshumMurshum]

If I were you, and mind you I haven't applied yet, I would apply to mid-lower tier DO schools in June-July with the previous MCAT score since the 26 is around their averages.

For the upper DO schools I would hold off, but probably you're going to need to push your MCAT date earlier and apply and be complete to them by the end of August.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

apply june 1st. when did you apply? if you applied early last time you should have gotten more interviews. and apply to more than 5.

 

[playaodamonth]

apply june 1st. when did you apply? if you applied early last time you should have gotten more interviews. and apply to more than 5.

Thank you! I applied sometime in late June and sent out my secondaries in mid-late september. I'll definitely apply to way more than 5 this time.

 

[Silverfalcon]

Maybe I'm missing something but you are still WL-ed at one school. Shouldn't you contact that school first and ask when you could expect a decision? I hate to break it to you, but with 1-year master's offer already, you can probably talk to the school (don't mention them about re-taking MCAT or re-applying just yet) and ask about the likelihood of your admission.

 

[playaodamonth]

Maybe I'm missing something but you are still WL-ed at one school. Shouldn't you contact that school first and ask when you could expect a decision? I hate to break it to you, but with 1-year master's offer already, you can probably talk to the school (don't mention them about re-taking MCAT or re-applying just yet) and ask about the likelihood of your admission.

Hey, yeah I am still waitlisted at LECOM-ERIE. I sent them a Letter of Intent along with an updated transcript. I called them and asked when to expect a decision and they said anytime between now an July 20th...