2018 or 2019 application cycle?

[raewants2beadoc]

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Hi everyone, I mostly lurk.... and never post, but I figured I would ask for some opinions.

I'm a 36 yr old non-trad. I've been a paramedic for 15 yrs and a ER RN for 9 yrs. I'm married and have 3 kids (5, 10, 18- she's a sophomore at wcu). I work full-time at night in the ER, and have class at William Carey 5 days a week.

My college career has been very spread out. I began at LSU 17 yrs old when my oldest child was 3 mths old.... so I had a rough start.

I will finally graduate with a bachelors degree (BS in health related professions) in may 2017.

When I graduate I will have 213 credit hrs.

cGPA- 3.46
sGPA- 3.67

For the last 60 credit hrs my GPA is 3.9 (this includes, organic 1&2, physics 1, cell physiology, diagnostic bacteriology). I'm currently in biochemistry 1 and physics 2 (I have A's in both).

My plan was to wait to take the MCAT in Sept 2017. This would give me time to focus on studying for that after graduation. It's my understanding that taking the MCAT so late would mean having to wait another year to apply and hopefully get in for 2019 (please correct me if this is wrong).

My question is... does this sound like a safe/solid plan Or am I unnecessarily wasting an application cycle?

The other factor playing into my timeline is that my husband (a paramedic) begins an accelerated RN program this Jan, and he will graduate may 2018.

I'm certainly not getting any younger... and I'm starting to feel impatient. Sometimes I feel that I should just take the MCAT earlier so that I can apply this summer.

Thanks in advance!

R



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[gamieg]

congratulations on your degree! that's awesome.

there are schools that would accept a september mcat, but you are right that it would be really late in the cycle and would most likely not be in your best interest, good score or not. applying early is the best route, and for a successful first application cycle, I recommend you take the best timeline possible. it's much better to apply when you have everything in order versus having to apply a second time.

your timeline sounds very reasonable, and I would even caution to see how well you do on the mcat before definitively setting down your date as september. if your practice tests don't seem as high as you want them to be, you could even take a few more months to study, as long as you give yourself enough time to get your personal statement and other documentation in order before the application opens in may/june.

I'd also recommend both MD and DO programs. good luck!

 

[raewants2beadoc]

Gamieg thanks for the reply! I'm hoping to start slowly prepping for the MCAT during my spring trimester... depending on how bogged down I am with school. I'll be taking immunology, bioethics and a couple hrs of research.

I have been focusing on applying to DO schools. I figured my chances of getting into an MD program aren't great because I'm original bio 1&2, inorganic 1&2 are all 18 yrs old... I have taken plenty of upper level courses over the last couple years. But, figured I'd get screened out because my other classes are so old.

I have 3 great LOR... but I have no idea where to start on a PS. Any tips are greatly appreciated! Ha

I would be thrilled to get in anywhere.... MD or DO doesn't make a difference to me. I just want to be a doctor.

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[Dr.Tao]

Congrats on your successes with a family, definitely take your time preparing for the MCAT!

BTW, I'm applying for the class entering in 2019 as well!