Applying early vs. raising GPA

[NurWollen]

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I'm taking the MCAT in the spring and originally planned on applying as early as possible early. My science GPA is hovering around a 3.0, my overall is about 3.4. I was going to spend a few weeks studying for the MCAT after this semester, without school or work to take my time. However, I was wondering if it might be better to take biochem and maybe one other biology class this summer term and then take the MCAT in August-ish and apply in September with a stronger science background. I had a few bad semesters in chem and bio but am working on bringing it up. I am currently rocking O Chem II.


If I go ahead and take the MCAT in the spring I don't want to be in classes at that time b/c I need some time dedicated to MCAT studying.

Do you guys think it would be better to apply early with a bit lower sGPA or applying in September-ish with a higher sGPA?

 

[Sinfest]

IMO you should take the MCAT after this semester (if you believe you have enough time to study and do well) and submit your primary in June. Then take a couple classes during summer and update the schools after you finish.

 

[Goro]

Definitely take the courses before the MCAT! What;'s your hurry?

I'm taking the MCAT in the spring and originally planned on applying as early as possible early. My science GPA is hovering around a 3.0, my overall is about 3.4. I was going to spend a few weeks studying for the MCAT after this semester, without school or work to take my time. However, I was wondering if it might be better to take biochem and maybe one other biology class this summer term and then take the MCAT in August-ish and apply in September with a stronger science background. I had a few bad semesters in chem and bio but am working on bringing it up. I am currently rocking O Chem II.


If I go ahead and take the MCAT in the spring I don't want to be in classes at that time b/c I need some time dedicated to MCAT studying.

Do you guys think it would be better to apply early with a bit lower sGPA or applying in September-ish with a higher sGPA?

 

[Sinfest]

Definitely take the courses before the MCAT! What;'s your hurry?

Horrible advice. If he applies in September he will not be verified until October. That's a bit late in the cycle, especially for someone that is going to have a below average sGPA.

 

[SLC]

Horrible advice. If he applies in September he will not be verified until October. That's a bit late in the cycle, especially for someone that is going to have a below average sGPA.

I can't really argue, the logic is very sound. But anecdotally: I wasn't verified till Feb at my school, I had slightly lesser stats, and I was accepted. There really isn't a 1 size fits all reccomendation.

 

[Sinfest]

I can't really argue, the logic is very sound. But anecdotally: I wasn't verified till Feb at my school, I had slightly lesser stats, and I was accepted. There really isn't a 1 size fits all reccomendation.

I agree, but in my opinion the best general recommendation one can give is to apply early.

 

[TornadoChaser]

Yeah, I don't have experience with this yet, but my plan is to apply as early as possible. One or two more classes isn't going to make enough of a difference in your gpa to be worth it, plus what if you don't get A's? Then it was a complete waste, plus you're late in the cycle, so you've only hurt your chances.