A few questions about application timing

[Jay Smith]

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I have recently re-found my passion for medicine, and am interested in applying to some post-bacc programs, but have a few questions that are (somewhat) specific to my situation.

Questions

1) My current commitment in Peru runs until August, so I am unable to start in May/June 2014, when it seems most 1-year programs start. Would it be better to do a two-year program starting Fall 2014, or a 1-year program starting May/June 2015 (with both ending around May 2016)?

2) I probably will not be able to be ready to submit applications until January at the earliest. Should I apply this cycle, or wait until the next?

3) Here are the programs I could find that people say have A) strong advising; B) a fairly relaxed atmosphere; and C) at least a 90% acceptance rate to med school: Goucher, Scripps, UVA, UVM, Bennington and Bryn Mawr. Are there any others I am missing (or should not be on that list)? Is Johns Hopkins as cutthroat as people make it seem?

Thanks!

 

[PrinceR]

As far as number 2 is concerned, I am in the same boat. It's taking FOREVER to get my shadowing lined up, currently studying for the GRE (hoping to take it in 2 weeks, but I'm not where I need to be right now), and working on LORs. I would like to get some information about if it's still worth it to apply, or to wait until next cycle.

 

[SeverusSnape]

I would say that if you are not planning on finishing until May 2016 anyway, one of the strong 1-year programs with a proven history of success is your best bet. Another year of schooling means another year of tuition, another year of studying, another year of stress. If these things don't matter to you, then a "more relaxed" slower paced 2 year program may be your best bet.

Ultimately, I think it boils down to whatever you think you can be most successful doing. If you would rather spread the classes out of 2 years, choose that option. If you would prefer to get all of your requirements done ASAP and want a more "well known" program, choose that option. No wrong choice I guess, just whatever is right for you. Unless of course you want to try and link, then you definitely definitely want one of the programs with a strong history of getting applicants to med school through the linkage process.