Applying Late in the Cycle ~ August MCAT

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mak297

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I really want to apply to medical school this cycle. I know that taking the MCAT late means that I will start at a disadvantage as my scores will be out in September. I am submitting my application with one burn school to get verified, holding my applications to my other schools depending on the result of my MCAT. I will pre-write the majority of my secondaries while awaiting my score.

I am planning on applying to schools that historically take applicants with a slightly lower GPA and MCAT to increase my chances. My dream school (my state school) does not send out interview invites until September. My advisor told me not to even think about applying this cycle because I most likely will not get in. But I really do not want to take a gap year unless I absolutely have to.

Can it be done? Does anyone have any success stories?
 
You should not base yourself off of success stories. They are the exception, not the rule itself. (Ex. More than 50% of startups fail in the first 2 years, but most don't see/consider that graveyard of broken dreams.) If you're applying with a weaker application, be aware you will fall behind literally thousands of other applicants for a few 100 seats. And the people that typically get in while submitting at such a late time have great applications to begin with.

Getting back to your basic question, it has been done. Search the forums. You just lose out a lot on other potential acceptances. With 60% of applicants not matriculating, is it wise to put yourself at such a significant disadvantage? Also remember, you will be classified as a reapplicant at each of those schools you apply to, should you not get in.

I don't think it's a good idea. I'd recommend posting a more complete picture to get a better idea. If you're a not the best applicant I would highly recommend against it and instead say you should wait a year.

Edit: I hope my post doesn't come across as aggressive or condescending. That's not the intention, I'm just as honest as possible. I've had friends throw away thousands of dollars applying because they received unrealistic advice. Not to say you can't get in. It's just a huge, and (frankly) unneeded gamble that's worth thousands of dollars, many hours of your time, and plenty of stress. Best of luck to you, really.
 
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It can be done although it is not recommended. If you're going to do it, applying to a throwaway school early to be verified and pre-writing your secondaries is the way to do it. You could still be complete at all your schools in Sept. I've read that those that are usually successful with a late app are vets, high stats, URM, etc.

Be patient if you can.
 
if it were me, I would not apply now due to less chances to get in and a waste of money if you have to reapply. we are all taking a gamble when applying but I would want my best possible chance.
 
I really want to apply to medical school this cycle. I know that taking the MCAT late means that I will start at a disadvantage as my scores will be out in September. I am submitting my application with one burn school to get verified, holding my applications to my other schools depending on the result of my MCAT. I will pre-write the majority of my secondaries while awaiting my score.

I am planning on applying to schools that historically take applicants with a slightly lower GPA and MCAT to increase my chances. My dream school (my state school) does not send out interview invites until September. My advisor told me not to even think about applying this cycle because I most likely will not get in. But I really do not want to take a gap year unless I absolutely have to.
This is a classic example of self-sabotaging behavior.

You apply to medical school when you have the best possible app, even if it means missing a cycle.
 
I see that OP is new on this site. OP, please read the reapplicant forum. Although there are plenty of success stories, reapplicants have a harder time just for being reapplicants.

Also, a gap year is good for (almost) everyone. That way, you can concentrate on completing your senior year, doing well in your courses and your research/EC's etc, without being distracted by the craziness of the application process. You can even earn decent money in a gap year or two and that money might come in handy when you apply. If you take 2 gap years, your letter writers might know you in a way that few faculty members can get to know undergrads. And you gain real life experiences that will make you a better doctor (and will make you a more interesting interviewee!).
What is the rush????
 
A shot from half court to win the game can be done. Or you can take the shot closer at about the free throw. Both can be done but one is better.
 
Just to add to the arguments. Consider that if you are not accepted you will then likely need to take 2 gap years, as reapplying the subsequent cycle is usually a bad idea!
 
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