Hey guys, I'm in a very big dilemma on what to do and wanted your inputs. I'm unfortunately, i have to take the mcat for the third time and was planning on taking it this aprli. but for some reason, i'm not motivated at all and am not getting as much studying done as i had hoped (im so sick of this test). so i was thinking about postponing it and taking the mcat in august instead (that way i wont have classes to interfere with my studying as i do right now). but how much do my chances decrease of getting interviews if i take the mcat that late and also apply to med schools that year? on another note, i dont have any research experience either. so if i do postpone my mcat till august, i have the chance of trying to find some type of research with a professor this semester and extend it through the summer. I was also thinking about doing the global medical training program and if i do postpone my mcat till august, i'll be able to do that during spring break. so what do you all think i should do?
Confused - Someone please help
- Thread starter umes
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To the OP: I think that you should study for April. If you get to April and still aren't scoring well on the exam (>30) then I would not take it and hold off until at least August. Here's why: Your gpa is fine, but nothing stellar, and if you apply with a mediocre gpa and a weak mcat, you're setting yourself up for failure unless you're a URM. Secondly, you mentioned that this will be your third time taking this test. Based on the fact that you're a senior and by your post, I'd say that you're taking it yet again due to the fact that you did not do well on it the first time and second time. You cannot afford to fail a third time. I don't mean to put you down here, but however you're preparing for the mcat is probably not worth repeating. I'd seriously step back and reconsider my test taking strategy.
Try really really really hard to shoot for the April exam since your application is a little weak. Never underestimate the power of an early application. Good luck, and start studying!!
Try really really really hard to shoot for the April exam since your application is a little weak. Never underestimate the power of an early application. Good luck, and start studying!!
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If you are not motivated to take the MCAT, it will kill you and your chances of doing well in your last semester.
However, it does seem as though the curve in April is more generous than in August. Most people I know who took the August MCAT did better after retaking it in April, but it could just be that they had more practice.
Another consideration is that having taken the MCAT 3 times is not good, and taking it in August will postpone your app and make you less appealing to interview. Plus remember, you'll be swamped with secondaries as you study for the most crucial test of your life- you don't want that. I took it in April with a full course load, friggin' had neuro/cell bio lab/pharm... and I still got that sh itty test done.
Get it together and take it in April. Buy a case of Redbull/Rockstar and get to studying. At this point you are familiar with the test and know what to do.
Also, getting AMCAS in and complete in June will totally boost you for interviews. Your goal is to get through June with the MCAT done and the AMCAS submitted- then you could really enjoy the summer (except for the overwhelming number of essays you need to do for secondaries).
If your stats MCAT/GPA are not hella strong, apply to a lot of schools (40+) thats what I did.
However, it does seem as though the curve in April is more generous than in August. Most people I know who took the August MCAT did better after retaking it in April, but it could just be that they had more practice.
Another consideration is that having taken the MCAT 3 times is not good, and taking it in August will postpone your app and make you less appealing to interview. Plus remember, you'll be swamped with secondaries as you study for the most crucial test of your life- you don't want that. I took it in April with a full course load, friggin' had neuro/cell bio lab/pharm... and I still got that sh itty test done.
Get it together and take it in April. Buy a case of Redbull/Rockstar and get to studying. At this point you are familiar with the test and know what to do.
Also, getting AMCAS in and complete in June will totally boost you for interviews. Your goal is to get through June with the MCAT done and the AMCAS submitted- then you could really enjoy the summer (except for the overwhelming number of essays you need to do for secondaries).
If your stats MCAT/GPA are not hella strong, apply to a lot of schools (40+) thats what I did.
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Realistically, here's what I'd do.
Take a prep course for April. Go hard, find motivation. Yes, postponing will hurt you. (is a reaplicant that lost interviews b/c he was an August MCAT)
This is your 3rd MCAT, if you can't motivate yourself, you need to gut-check. A prep class will help a lot, you'll be around a lot of motivated people and a teacher that will make you study. A study group wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Seriously, I don't think your stats could survive an August MCAT.
Take a prep course for April. Go hard, find motivation. Yes, postponing will hurt you. (is a reaplicant that lost interviews b/c he was an August MCAT)
This is your 3rd MCAT, if you can't motivate yourself, you need to gut-check. A prep class will help a lot, you'll be around a lot of motivated people and a teacher that will make you study. A study group wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Seriously, I don't think your stats could survive an August MCAT.
