apply this year--good plan?

[Mistress S]

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Hello all, some of you know my situation but for those who don't, I was debating about whether or not to apply this year mainly because of my MCAT score. I have a strong GPA (~3.75 cum, 3.5 sci), good LORs (the ones I've seen, anyway) and 6+ years of clinical experience (paid), as well as a few various other ECs (summer of research at NIH, etc). I took the Aug 2003 MCAT and scored a 29 (10 BS, 12 VR, 7 PS), which is not such a bad score overall but I think the 7 in PS will definitely hurt me.

Because I will have to retake the MCAT and the timing issues that go along with that, I was thinking about delaying my app until next June to allow more time to retake the test and graduate (I will be done with all classes in June, but need to write a thesis to get my BA). Lately, however, I've been thnking about it and I really feel ready to apply this year, things aren't perfect but I doubt they ever will be. I am excited about moving on to the next stage in my life and really don't want to wait two more years to do so.

So, my current plan is to submit my app in June and re-take the Aug MCAT (I'm taking a Kaplan course this time to prepare, last time I did self-study). I'll start working full-time after I finish classes in June, and I'll just have to do my thesis and officially graduate in the fall after I take the MCAT (I figure as long as I get it done before I matriculate it's not a big deal). I'll probably apply to 15-20 schools; I think that some would give me an interview based on my current qualifications, and I'm hoping the others will hold onto my app until my Aug scores arrive and, assuming I can bring up my PS score a couple of points, I may be competitive at additional schools at that point and hopefully will get more interviews.

Will schools that initially don't want to interview me because of that 7 in PS keep my app if I mark that I am re-taking and review it when my new scores arrive? Will the wait put me at a disadvantage? Does this sound like a good plan to you--i.e., if I at least raise my PS score to a 9 in Aug and don't do worse in the other sections, do you think I have a strong chance of acceptance, or would it be better to wait another year? I just don't want to put all the time and money into applying and then end up on a bunch of waitlists. All opinions are welcome.

 

[Mistress S]

Okay, I know this was kind of a long thread, but I would really appreciate hearing what other people think about this. Thanks...

 

[UseUrHeadFred]

Apply now. You may get in anyway, OR get a waitlist, which is as good as gold in your case. I know people that have had this happen to them. Do the August MCAT, when updated scores arrive they will be sent to the schools - if you've been wait listed, the new scores may bump you into acceptance territory.

People do this all the time. There are still people on this forum being interviewed for entrance this year!

 

[jlee9531]

well if you did mark that you took the august mcat...then i believe that your application or secondary will not be reviewed until they get your august score.
15-20 schools doesnt sound like a lot (but then again I am a cali applicant hehe), but then again if you have a good mix of schools in that list of yours...then id take the chance and apply.

 

[terpgirl]

I agree. Apply. You're more than just a bunch of numbere, I mean you have more substance to your application (research).

Do some searched on mdapplicants.com and there are people with lower MCAT scores and GPAs who are able to get into a good school.

Good luck.

-Liz

 

[indo]

Do it! Do it do it do it do it! You're so money and you don't even know it.
Apply now with your 29 and take the august mcat to update your application.

-indo, your absentee biochem classmate