Application...This year or next year?

[lrs07g]

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Ok, I am trying to decide if I should apply this year or next year. I am going into my senior year (2010/'11)......my GPA is a 3.71.

I take my MCAT in August. I got a 24 on my diagnostic, so I am expecting to get in the low to mid 30's by august.

If I did send in my application this year, the earliest it would be in would be July 1st. Is this a bad idea? I know that the earlier you apply, the better your chances, and I wouldn't want to settle for one of my back up schools because I turned in my application too late.

Knowing that my chances are better if I apply really early, next year....I am considering that (and the one year break wouldn't hurt either). But do med schools look down upon that one year break??

I don't know what to do, and I need some good advice. Please help! This year or next year?

 

[JJMrK]

If you are taking your MCAT in August, the earliest schools are going to look at your AMCAS is September. I would wait until next year.

 

[CougarMD]

Also, you get to take an additional 8 months to make your application better. Line up a job or a research position or go to another country and do some cool work.

An additional year can only help you. I have seen LizzyM say several times "Do it once and do it right" Seems like a good plan.

 

[bravofleet4]

wait another year i think. you can also use the time to improve your EC's.

 

[JJMrK]

I disagree with the people saying that you need to wait a year. If your scores are high, you are going to stand a chance at least at your state schools. I know people who applied as late if not later and may have gotten interviews late but got in and are in med school while I know people who applied early with no acceptances.

Also some schools are nonrolling. So I would go ahead and apply and will say you are ok.

However this is provided that your ECs and other aspects of your app are good. And make sure you get it verified even if you are waiting for scores well before you get your scores i.e. now.

Sure, it's possible. But it would not be applying under the best possible conditions.

 

[JJMrK]

I think it will depend on the following:

The rest of his application. If his ECs or letters or essays are weak too then yes you are right using a year will allow for him or her to strengthen their application.

However, if those are strong and they get a strong MCAT score they will not be screwed if they submit their AMCAS now and get all else verified so that all else is in place. I can say this cuz I have had plenty of friends who got into schools who were in this situation and plenty more friends who were early applicants with no success.

The reason is because a stronger applicant will still be taken over a weaker earlier applicant. And if they are really strong people will still give them a spring interview and spring interview does not necessarily mean fighting for waitlist spots as many schools initially overaccept beyond their number of seats. I'm just talking from what I witnessed first hand with many people in my home state and elsewhere.

This is pretty obvious. I think you misunderstood my original sentiment. I agree that the OP could possibly get into medical school applying late. However, to maximize his/her success, he/she should be a very strong applicant and apply early.