3rd year preparation?

[turnip]

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Hi, I've just finished 2nd year at Rutgers, so kinda was wondering what to do this summer? Is it good if I start studying for the MCAT or do volunteer work? I'm hoping to get into medical school right after I graduate.

 

[HessExpress]

Wow dude...

No offense, but do whatever the hell you want - it's your summer. Anything that is remotely productive/ non-destructive to others is permissible.

 

[turnip]

I know I shouldn't start worrying, but if I'll take it at the end of my junior year, maybe I should start studying now? I haven't taken any advanced bio courses yet. Thought there might be successful junior MCAT takers around who did the same thing in summer.

 

[turnip]

Noone has any advice or has been in a similar situation?

 

[mikeyboy]

I took the MCAT after my sophomore year because I was prepared for it and wanted to get it over with. One thing to note is that it will only be good for 3 years, so if you're like me and not sure if you'll get in anywhere, it might cause a problem (I have to immediately reapply or else re-take the MCAT). Personally, if I could do it over again, I would look for a job or volunteer work and take the MCAT after my junior year. I also took summer school that summer, Biochem.

 

[MoosePilot]

Ok, sure I've got some advice if you really want it...

Depending on how much time you have (do you have to earn money to support yourself), there's several useful things you can do.

Volunteer in a health related field. Shadow a doctor. In either of these things, try to develop some deep and lasting relationships so you can ask doctors you've worked with for letters of recommendation later.

Study for the MCAT. Get the books people are talking about in the MCAT forum. Take some practice tests, study what you don't know, rinse & repeat. Don't burn out, because you'll want to do your crazy mad studying in about the three months leading up to the test, but building a more solid foundation now can't hurt.

Only you know you. Have some fun, if you're not careful you'll wake up at 40 as a high powered surgeon, but not really know how you got there...

 

[rtmcad2319]

turnip,
I just finished my soph. year and started Biomedical antibiotic research which I really enjoy. I also started to review for next years April MCAT. A few friends and I have started to go through the MCAT outline, assigning a certain topic and presenting it for the rest of the group every Friday. Good luck and remember to have some fun this summer (cross country road trip here I come).

 

[fullefect1]

So are you saying that you haven't started volunteering yet? Defentely don't start this early studying for the MCAT. You will burn your self out (this is what many say, not me because I am not there yet). 3 months should be adequate study for the spring test. But if you haven't started to get any clinical volunteering in, I would sugest starting and continuing during your next year in school.