Advice Please :)

[drplz]

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I will be applying for the MD and DO 2012 admissions cycle. So, I got accepted into a summer research program at University of Wisconsin-Madison. However, I still need to take the MCAT, aiming for >35, which I plan to take in August (yes, I know its late but I need time to study). The research would be 40 hours per week which leaves a limited amount of time for MCAT prep. I also I have pretty low gpa 3.28, which I need to raise, maybe by taking summer classes if I didn't go to Wisconsin. So pretty much should I study for the MCAT or do the summer program??

Here's a little more about me...
Rising senior, biology major, minority, 1.5 years of research, 1 part-time job, no summer programs, shadowed a couple drs, worked in dr's office 3 past summers, collegiate athletics

Thanks for your advice in advance!! 🙂

 

[just one]

You admit that the program would leave little study time. You have a low gpa and need a good MCAT. Keep your eye on the prize, you can get into medical school without the summer program. You can't without a decent MCAT.
If you are really stubborn and don't want to see the obvious, take a practice MCAT. If you score 30+ already then sure take the program.

 

[Hoya2009]

You have a low-ish GPA for MD schools, so that MCAT score is going to be important.
Sounds like you need to do well on the MCAT to lock up a successful app. Bombing it would be really bad, especially if you have no BL score right now and haven't really started prep yet.

You have research already, so it's not like you need research above all else. I'd focus on the MCAT, maybe do a part-time, less-intensive summer job that contributes to your app.