2nd Year Postbacc- When to take the MCAT?

[krefetz1]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey guys-
I've been on this site a few times and appreciate the advice everyone gives to each other. I'm currently in the 2nd year of a post-bacc program (1st year was Bio 1+2 and Gen Chem 1+2). This semester I will be taking Orgo and Physics 1, then taking Orgo and Physics 2 in the Spring.

My program ends mid-May and I am planning on using SN2ed's MCAT study schedule right after my program ends in May. Since the schedule plans for 3 months of studying, that will put me on track to take a Mid-July MCAT. I was wondering if this is a relatively late time to take it and put me behind in the application process. I know that means I would get my score in August but am not sure if that's too late. Thanks for your time everyone!

 

[krefetz1]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it

 

[redrosesfi]

Are you working full time along with your post bacc, or is your post bacc full time? (Just curious). I'm debating doing a full time post bacc or do one while working (which would take longer).

 

[krefetz1]

Are you working full time along with your post bacc, or is your post bacc full time? (Just curious). I'm debating doing a full time post bacc or do one while working (which would take longer).

I'm not working but I'm doing research/volunteering for a children's cancer foundation that totals 5-7 hrs/ week. My advice to you is to keep your schedule pretty open; these courses are pretty demanding that I studied a lot for. My mindset was that I didn't want to have any regrets after I finished that I didn't study enough so I put in a lot of hard work.

Thank you MFMaspirant for your advice, I'll definitely do that. I wanted to start doing some basic review now but looking on SDN I read a lot of people thought it could cause burnout and it would be pointless because the information would be forgotten and need to be reviewed before the MCAT anyway. Did you follow SN2ed's schedule? If so what were your thoughts on it. Thanks again

 

[krefetz1]

Hey guys-
Sorry to bother you again but I was thinking and realized, once my classes are over in May that won't give me sufficient time to start and complete SN2ed's 3 month MCAT study schedule in time for a July test date.

I will be taking Physics II and Orgo II in the Spring and will end mid-May, do you think it's doable to start studying in April while taking these classes/studying for finals to put me on track for a mid July MCAT? I don't want to push the MCAT back to August since I won't receive my scores until September and that will put me behind in the application cycle. Thanks!

 

[thlaxer]

Hey guys-
Sorry to bother you again but I was thinking and realized, once my classes are over in May that won't give me sufficient time to start and complete SN2ed's 3 month MCAT study schedule in time for a July test date.

I will be taking Physics II and Orgo II in the Spring and will end mid-May, do you think it's doable to start studying in April while taking these classes/studying for finals to put me on track for a mid July MCAT? I don't want to push the MCAT back to August since I won't receive my scores until September and that will put me behind in the application cycle. Thanks!

I didn't follow the SN2ed schedule, but did a similarly intensive one from TPRH (with EK mixed in). I started studying in January and took the exam in May. During this time I was doing part-time research (~20 hrs/wk) while taking Orgo II + Lab. Time-wise I think this is about the same as your 2 classes + 5-7hrs/wk of volunteering/research. It was a lot of work and really didn't leave much time for anything else--but it is possible to study for the MCAT while taking classes if this is the route you really want to take. Good luck!