Apply next cycle?

[arc5005]

Interested in some guidance for a friend who is interested in applying next cycle, or if he should wait. I've been helping him gather information.

Is this plan too rushed over the next 10 months (End of August 2017)?

Background:
3.49 Cum GPA, science GPA similar if not higher.
Currently works full-time ~40 hrs/week.

Needs to take:
Organic Chem I & II, Physics I & II, and possibly Biochemistry
(Can you get by with just self-studying MCAT biochemistry through MCAT review books for the MCAT)

Shadowing:
Shadowing 3 physicians, 2 MD specialists and 1 DO primary care
~100 hours by end of summer.

Timeline:
-Take Physics I & Lab online at UNE starting late this month. try and finish by January.
-If schedule permits, take Physics II in class at CC or state school this spring
-Take Organic Chem I & II at UNE this spring/summer.
-Would need to study for the MCAT over the summer.
-Take MCAT late summer.
-Apply late summer/early fall. Is this too late in the cycle to be competitive?

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[Wiggly Tuff Da Ruff]

I got stressed out looking at his planned Timeline. With the new MCAT having a good background in biochem is very beneficial from what I have heard. To do well and understand biochem I think one has to understand Ochem. It's going to be super stressful with work + Ochem 2 + studying for MCAT + possible biochem. That's my 2 cents. Good luck to him, #NoShame in waiting 1 more year to apply!

 

[ERinspired]

Wait another year is what I'd say. Both Ochems and studying for the MCAT sounds absolutely horrific.


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[angeloflogic]

I also agree with taking the extra year. I tried to work a full time job and study for the MCAT at the same time, and it was brutal. On top of that you're friend is taking classes. That sounds like too many moving parts. I'd recommend he or she try to spread out a little more, like take orgo over the spring/summer, then take biochem in the fall, and then take the MCAT something like January or in the Spring, then apply the following cycle. That's just one suggested study plan.

edit: changed July to January

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

The way I see it is, why risk having to take that monster of an exam again? Take your time, this isn't a sprint, it's a marathon (cheesy, but true.)

Definitely take biochem (IMO). Biochem knowledge is scattered throughout the physical foundations section and the bio/biochem section (obviously.) The more you know, the better you will do in both sections (which are debatably the more important sections.. because medical school is kind of science-dense... you know.)

IMO don't risk it. Spread your timeline out so you can ace your classes, ace the MCAT, and have plenty of time to write a stellar personal statement/experiences for your primary application.

EDIT: not to say you can't do it your way (the time you want to apply should be fine if you pre-write your secondary essays), but like others have said, that sounds incredibly stressful and you can't afford to mess up if it ends up being too much work (with your full time job and such.)

 

[arc5005]

The way I see it is, why risk having to take that monster of an exam again? Take your time, this isn't a sprint, it's a marathon (cheesy, but true.)

Definitely take biochem (IMO). Biochem knowledge is scattered throughout the physical foundations section and the bio/biochem section (obviously.) The more you know, the better you will do in both sections (which are debatably the more important sections.. because medical school is kind of science-dense... you know.)

IMO don't risk it. Spread your timeline out so you can ace your classes, ace the MCAT, and have plenty of time to write a stellar personal statement/experiences for your primary application.

EDIT: not to say you can't do it your way (the time you want to apply should be fine if you pre-write your secondary essays), but like others have said, that sounds incredibly stressful and you can't afford to mess up if it ends up being too much work (with your full time job and such.)

I guess, is it really that dangerous for someone to apply later in the cycle, like in September or October?

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

I guess, is it really that dangerous for someone to apply later in the cycle, like in September or October?

The consensus on this site is, that is still "on time" for DO schools (late summer/early fall.) If you keep your gpa where it is, or above, and score solid on the MCAT (shoot for 505+) then I think you'll be okay. But, the earlier you apply, the better chances you have.

 

[arc5005]

The consensus on this site is, that is still "on time" for DO schools (late summer/early fall.) If you keep your gpa where it is, or above, and score solid on the MCAT (shoot for 505+) then I think you'll be okay. But, the earlier you apply, the better chances you have.

Thanks. This is actually for someone else. I plan on applying early June.

 

[ERinspired]

I guess, is it really that dangerous for someone to apply later in the cycle, like in September or October?

The issue isn't the timeline of when to apply, it's how many difficult things are packed into the short period of time before putting in the application for the 2017 cycle. In my opinion, it seems like packing far too much in. By trying to do all that at once, none of it will be done the best it can be.


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[arc5005]

The issue isn't the timeline of when to apply, it's how many difficult things are packed into the short period of time before putting in the application for the 2017 cycle. In my opinion, it seems like packing far too much in. By trying to do all that at once, none of it will be done the best it can be.


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yeah, i completely understand. I think what we are going to do is just get-started, and see how it goes. If the timeline needs to be extended, then so be it. I agree that it is more important to study well vs. rushing it. Our only concern is that we are a couple and would like to apply same cycle and to same schools to see where we might both possibly get accepted. thanks for the input all! I feel like that would be better than one person trying to get into one particular school a year afterwards (although that might be cheaper)