Cram for MCAT or wait?

[footfan34]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm looking for suggestions because I have gotten every response in the book already...Should I try and cram for the latest MCAT date this year in September or wait until first thing January and AFTER I have completed the second half of O-CHEM and Physics? I have talked to a couple of different schools and they both gave me opposite answers. I have noticed that a lot of you are having interviews even until now in March. My problem is that I am fighting with the idea of applying right when the cycle opens up and cramming for the MCAT to get a score in or wait until I have taken those last two pre-req classes and submitting my MCAT scores some time in February...? Is it worth risking a lower score on the MCAT? Are you pretty safe when applying at the first of the year versus right at the beginning of the cycle? Anyone gone through a similar situation and have advice? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[MaxillofacialMN]

You don't need a very good MCAT score to be accepted to Pod school, so my advice would be to take May, June, and part of July and study as much as you can. I wouldn't use the word "cram" for a test that doesn't happen for another 5 months. I would take the test in July and start applying once the cycle opens in August. Not having Orgo2 and physics2 probably isn't a big deal as long as you study the MCAT material before the test. Again, you need like a 23 to be competitive, don't bother waiting until September or January.

Probably better advice: take a practice exam through Kaplan or AAMC this weekend. If you get less than, oh I don't know.... 17, then you should probably take orgo2 and physics2 before the exam. If you get above 17, just study for a few months this summer. Check out the MCAT section here on SDN for a time-proven MCAT studying schedule.

 

[SuperFeisty]

I took the MCAT 4 years removed from any of the material. However, I did manage to take the Kaplan course while working a full time job. I didn't find it to be very useful. I strongly believe that the MCAT tests less of the "content" and more of your ability to apply basic science and what's given quickly and correctly. You can know all the material and do horribly, or you can remember very little and reason through many of the questions. I agree with Max's advice of taking a practice test just to see where you lie. In fact, take 5-6, just to build your endurance for that test.

 

[unitix]

Take it september

 

[ravin66]

Just take the mcat and if you score low, tell the schools you were missing 2 core classes prior to taking the mcat

 

[frankcfromny]

I would say it depends on what your GPA is. If your science and cumulative GPA are >3.0 then I would just take the MCAT. If they're any lower, then I would personally wait and study for the MCAT.

 

[freckles1109]

I would say it depends on what your GPA is. If your science and cumulative GPA are >3.0 then I would just take the MCAT. If they're any lower, then I would personally wait and study for the MCAT.

I definitely agree. If your GPA is great you can deal with a lower MCAT score. However, I think physics (especially) and Orgo2 are crucial. The MCAT questions I remember having when they did involve organic chemistry they revolved around the reactions you learn in the 2nd part of the sequence.

You could always apply for the early date and if you're not ready change it, it'll be worth the possible fee. Good luck!