Here is my situation:
I graduated last May with a 3.17 s-GPA and a 3.19 cum GPA. Slight upward trend but not streaks of A's. Because I got a 23 on my MCAT, I withdrew my medschool app last June.
I am currently applying to SMP's for Fall 2012.
I am retaking my MCAT on Jan. 27th 2012; so far practice tests are showing 28 to 30, but my goal is to get a 35.
I am also submitting my medschool app on June 1st 2012. As such, I will matriculate into SMP's during my "glide year". My rationale here is that SMP will act as a slight booster (I can update my medschool app with my progress), and also as a safety net if I don't matriculate into medical school in Fall 2013.
I am thinking about taking two quarters (around 4-6 classes) of upper division science classes at UCLA (competing with normal UCLA students) starting on Jan. 9th to June. My rationale here, is to pad my June medschool application with a streak of 4 or so A's.
Here is my dilemma: the MCAT is on Jan 27th, and my UCLA classes start on Jan. 9th. Therefore, there is about a 3 week overlap. Is it a no-brainer to trash the UCLA class idea, and apply bare with just an improved MCAT score and an intention of SMP?
The other option is to do classes at a cal-state that start on Jan. 23rd, which reduces the overlap, but the competitive aspect of the classes are significantly diminished compared to the UCLA classes which are harder.
Any advice is much appreciated.
I graduated last May with a 3.17 s-GPA and a 3.19 cum GPA. Slight upward trend but not streaks of A's. Because I got a 23 on my MCAT, I withdrew my medschool app last June.
I am currently applying to SMP's for Fall 2012.
I am retaking my MCAT on Jan. 27th 2012; so far practice tests are showing 28 to 30, but my goal is to get a 35.
I am also submitting my medschool app on June 1st 2012. As such, I will matriculate into SMP's during my "glide year". My rationale here is that SMP will act as a slight booster (I can update my medschool app with my progress), and also as a safety net if I don't matriculate into medical school in Fall 2013.
I am thinking about taking two quarters (around 4-6 classes) of upper division science classes at UCLA (competing with normal UCLA students) starting on Jan. 9th to June. My rationale here, is to pad my June medschool application with a streak of 4 or so A's.
Here is my dilemma: the MCAT is on Jan 27th, and my UCLA classes start on Jan. 9th. Therefore, there is about a 3 week overlap. Is it a no-brainer to trash the UCLA class idea, and apply bare with just an improved MCAT score and an intention of SMP?
The other option is to do classes at a cal-state that start on Jan. 23rd, which reduces the overlap, but the competitive aspect of the classes are significantly diminished compared to the UCLA classes which are harder.
Any advice is much appreciated.