Apply 2019 or 2020

[foreverlearner02]

So Im in a bit of a pickle. I feel as though I can rush and apply this cycle or I can wait 2 years to begin med school..assuming I get in lol (trying to be confident here!)

I will be taking the MCAT in May/June - havent finalized a date
I will have taken 16 post bac credits by May.. I am looking to add atleast 8 over the summer (by September)
I am working on a case study that we hope to get published in 2019..probably closer to October-December
and since I will be taking a light load over the summer, I hope to go from part time MA-ing to potentially full time research or even MA-ing, or doing Americorps.

I could apply this cycle but I'd definitely have to update schools after the summer with more post bac credits and again near December if the case study gets published. Not sure if its wise for me to apply this cycle as I feel like im still putting pieces and enhancing my app..kind of feel like its a work in progress and will be more competitive by 2020. My counter arguement is that I should shoot my shot with the momentum I have right now and can always update schools? Idk whats a good decision here.

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[deleted953743]

Medical schools will always be here. Finish what you need to do. Though if you have really good stats, you'd be okay to apply this year even after November.

 

[PapaGuava]

Like OldAcid said, it will depend on your stats at the end because if they are average or below average, I wouldn’t suggest applying later in the cycle. If it won’t hurt to wait until the fresh cycle then I’d say go ahead and do that, but first see how the MCAT turns out. You certainly don’t want to waste money because the cycle can get expensive depending how many applications you send out. Good luck with everything moving forward these next few months. @foreverlearner02

 

[foreverlearner02]

Medical schools will always be here. Finish what you need to do. Though if you have really good stats, you'd be okay to apply this year even after November.

I have far from really good stats. Definitely an underdawg. Id start my app in May (when it opens) and have everthing but my MCAT and a few extra classes I'm taking. Since they begin processing mid June, I'm not sure if its a problem that I'm updating it as I go? Like does that hurt me or set me back as opposed to having all my info in by June?

 

[foreverlearner02]

Like OldAcid said, it will depend on your stats at the end because if they are average or below average, I wouldn’t suggest applying later in the cycle. If it won’t hurt to wait until the fresh cycle then I’d say go ahead and do that, but first see how the MCAT turns out. You certainly don’t want to waste money because the cycle can get expensive depending how many applications you send out. Good luck with everything moving forward these next few months. @foreverlearner02

Thank you!! I appreciate your advice! I am definitely an underdawg and have far from the ideal stats. I guess I'm confused about where you mentioned not applying later in the cycle. I'm not entirely confident of my understanding of the application timeline so correct me where Im wrong, but my plan was to get all my information in when the app opens in May. Since reviews begin mid june, I'd have my MCAT in by the end of june/early july at the latest. By the end of august, I'd have any additional post-bac classes in that I've taken- this would be done by updating schools. Wouldn't my application still be considered early? Also, all this is dependent on the fact that I do well on the MCAT. If I don't I will definitely wait until the 2020 cycle

 

[FutureDPM123]

If you do have good stats and score around 504 on the MCAT, you could definitely get in during the 2019 cycle.

 

[PapaGuava]

Thank you!! I appreciate your advice! I am definitely an underdawg and have far from the ideal stats. I guess I'm confused about where you mentioned not applying later in the cycle. I'm not entirely confident of my understanding of the application timeline so correct me where Im wrong, but my plan was to get all my information in when the app opens in May. Since reviews begin mid june, I'd have my MCAT in by the end of june/early july at the latest. By the end of august, I'd have any additional post-bac classes in that I've taken- this would be done by updating schools. Wouldn't my application still be considered early? Also, all this is dependent on the fact that I do well on the MCAT. If I don't I will definitely wait until the 2020 cycle

Yes that would still be considered early, so if all works out then that would be a fine plan to me!

 

[Goro]

So Im in a bit of a pickle. I feel as though I can rush and apply this cycle or I can wait 2 years to begin med school..assuming I get in lol (trying to be confident here!)

I will be taking the MCAT in May/June - havent finalized a date
I will have taken 16 post bac credits by May.. I am looking to add atleast 8 over the summer (by September)
I am working on a case study that we hope to get published in 2019..probably closer to October-December
and since I will be taking a light load over the summer, I hope to go from part time MA-ing to potentially full time research or even MA-ing, or doing Americorps.

I could apply this cycle but I'd definitely have to update schools after the summer with more post bac credits and again near December if the case study gets published. Not sure if its wise for me to apply this cycle as I feel like im still putting pieces and enhancing my app..kind of feel like its a work in progress and will be more competitive by 2020. My counter arguement is that I should shoot my shot with the momentum I have right now and can always update schools? Idk whats a good decision here.

I believe in applying when you have the best possible app, but your timeline looks good enough to apply this yeat.

Your case report won't really add anything, so don't fuss about it

 

[foreverlearner02]

I believe in applying when you have the best possible app, but your timeline looks good enough to apply this yeat.

Your case report won't really add anything, so don't fuss about it

Research that could result in a publication or poster presentation wont add anything?

 

[FutureDPM123]

Research that could result in a publication or poster presentation wont add anything?

You are already working on the research, that's good enough. You don't need to get published or do a presentation. Just be prepared to talk about in your application and interview.

 

[Goro]

Research that could result in a publication or poster presentation wont add anything?

Pre-meds have a vastly exaggerated view of the value of pubs. A pub in Cell won't salvage a 502 MCAT either.

 

[foreverlearner02]

Pre-meds have a vastly exaggerated view of the value of pubs. A pub in Cell won't salvage a 502 MCAT either.

Dang, good to know. Thanks Goro!!

 

[foreverlearner02]

You are already working on the research, that's good enough. You don't need to get published or do a presentation. Just be prepared to talk about in your application and interview.

Got it. Even the doctors, I'm working with are pushing for me to do it and telling me itll set me apart. Maybe the value has changed since when they were in school. Thank you!!