Advice on Application Process

[Mina247]

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I am planning on taking the August MCAT and I keep hearing that it is a very big disadvantage when it comes to being accepted to take it then instead of in April. Do you guys agree?

Also, I am taking summer classes right now and I would like for them to be counted in the gpa I send out to the schools...However, my last class wont be over until the second week in August. Should I wait until then to send out my AMCAS, seeing as how my apps wont be reviewed until they get my mcat scores, or should I just do it now? Is there any way to send updated grades to the med schools I'm applying to, or is this generally not done?

There is also some concern over my organic grades. I made a D in orgo 1 due to personal problems and a B in orgo 2.. However I am retaking orgo 1 right now and I will def be getting an A in the class. How much do you guys think that will hurt me?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!




[This message has been edited by Mina247 (edited 06-21-2000).]

 

[Sheiila]

Can your school write include information about why you got the bad grade? Put a spin on it, you know, you had so many trying life experiences that you will be a better physician??

 

[tristate]

It's better to take the April MCAT for application reasons, but taking the August MCAT won't hurt. Send in the application now rather than waiting. By the time you receive your August scores, the adcomms will be reviewing many secondary applications plus already starting interviews. It will be difficult to start a new file during this period, but they'll do it anyway. You can send in the application so they can start preliminary reviews, and your review of your application won't so late. You can always update your file by sending in new transcripts (which you can do) and your MCAT scores.

About your O chem grade.
The important thing is: you retook it and did better. It will still be factored into your GPA for medical school, but the new grade will give it a little boost.



[This message has been edited by tristate (edited 06-21-2000).]

 

[nicolette]

Hi Mina,
Taking the August mcat is DEFINITELY a disadvantage. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. I'm not saying that getting in with Aug scores is not possible. But, the people that do get in with late applications are applicants with very excellent applications. I think you should not wait until your grades come out. Even though schools will not review your application until they get your scores, most schools will send you secondaries. Get working on those during the summer and make your mcat score the last thing to complete your application. As the other poster said, if you wait until August to mail your amcas, you will not be getting secondaries possibly until the end of the year when some schools are well into their interviews with half their classes filled. You can mail transcripts of new grades to update your file (although I don't know how much schools look at updated info), but I think it's much better to mail your application in early, unless you're confident that your application is solid in all areas.

Best of luck.

 

[raindodger]

There are several schools which dont run rolling admissions, therefore you're not at a complete disadvantage.

Some schools may even send you an interview offer, even before they've received your August scores (this has happened before).

So rather than fostering an ulcer about all this, which is what i'm doing too, you should get started studying like crazy.

heh, i should take my own advice too.

Be optimistic, life is random.

-raindodger

 

[kmmath]

He is screwed? Give me a break! A good friend of mine got into a good med school despite the fact that he actually flunked out of college the first time around. He went back a couple of years later and pulled things around and now he is chief resident in the ED...finishes up this year.

 

[Rock]

If everything else like good MCAt scores, excellent extra-curric are there, then your orgo marks shouldn't be a concern at all.