applying before finishing prerequisites

[smc927]

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If I were to take the MCAT (and do well enough on it) this August after cramming in organic chem over the summer, but without having taken my second physics course, would I still be okay beginning the application process?<br>
I'm wondering if schools will even look at my application if I am not taking the second physics course until this coming fall (04), just after I take the August MCAT. <br>
I'm a little fuzzy on the application timeline, so any direction would be appreciated. <br>
I figured I'd post this here (and in the premed forums as well) and glean from the "been-there-done-that" crowd.
<br>

 

[Med Seeker]

SMC927,
Surely this would depend on the school, but at msucom they said that students were required to complete the pre's by the time school started-not before applying. If you can pull off good scores on the MCAT without these classes, don't waste your time becoming a doctor, call NASA for a job!

 

[mamitch4]

Most people take the MCAT the spring of their jr year or august of their sr year. Taking it in april of your jr year allows you to apply earlier (application services usually start accepting applications in June) and gives you time to retake in Aug if needed. I have friends who took the MCAT w/o prereqs like physics... it just means that you have to cover the material some other way, for instance MCAT prep-class or review books. If you plan on going straight from college to med school, whatever acceptances you would receive would be contingent on your sr year grades and, in your case, completing prereqs.

 

[drlexygoat]

Most schools, from my experience, just want you to complete your pre-reqs before matriculating. It's up to you if you want to apply/MCAT before they're completed. I have heard from one school that it is "strongly discouraged" to apply if you are missing more than one pre-req. All in all, though, it's up to you!

Good luck!!!