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[wysdoc]

Hi,

I recently have just started an SMP program, and hope to finish by this time next year or by May 2024. However, I am still need to re-take the MCAT as my first attempt was poor for MD programs. In general, I am following Goro's advice on how to re-invent myself by not studying during the program, but I want to ask about what timing works best for doing well on my 2nd MCAT attempt. While it is probably best to wait until I finish my program and to then devote time to prepare for it, I will not be able to apply until 2 cycles from now in that case which is an issue concerning money and time. I have been told by the Dean of my program to wait until this summer to prepare then take it and apply around mid-August, but my question is will taking the MCAT around mid-July hurt my chances as I am not applying early?

Sometimes an SMP program will include MCAT prep teaching time. Does yours? If so, follow their advice.
Another thing that will help you more is waiting until you have completed 1 year of the SMP.
Why? You can fully focus on the academics, which is why you joined it, and you will not detract from your study time by spending time on your application and essays.

 

[LizzyM]

Like marriage, it is best to do it right the first time and do it once. There are times when a second or third attempt are necessary but going in the first time, your goal should be to wait until you are ready.

Yes, you may need to get a job and pay your bills after you complete the SMP and before you matriculate to medical school.

You should plan to take about 200-300 hours to prepare for the MCAT. This includes spending 7 hours to take each practice test and another 7 hours to review the test including what you got wrong but also what you got right (was it a lucky guess or did you really know the answer).

Writing your personal statement and descriptions of each of your Work & Activity entries takes time and needs to be good enough to impress adcoms who are reading thousands of applicants. You are going to need to break through and grab the attention of readers who need to say, "Interesting! Let's bring this one in for an interview."

 

[Mr.Smile12]

As the OP points out:

While it is probably best to wait until I finish my program and to then devote time to prepare for it, I will not be able to apply until 2 cycles from now in that case which is an issue concerning money and time.

What is the issue with money and time? If you know that it is better to wait, then why do you want to override this and possibly waste more money and energy/time? Why the urgency?

Not knowing where you are taking your SMP, it is interesting that your program director advised you. What was the explanation? I suspect I know (excel in your SMP, include the grades on your application, focus MCAT studying after spring term to show your best profile).

 

[wysdoc]

I have parental pressure since they are the ones funding my education. The idea of me taking another year off just waiting for the cycle and maybe not getting in is kinda nerve-wracking. I understand that this isn't a reality show, but when someone else is funding my education and I have not yielded results, it can be disheartening to have to hear the advice of people who know what they're talking about saying "Take more time away from your goal"

But see, I don't perceive my advice as taking more time away from your goal.
You joined an SMP for some reason: usually that reason is to prove that you are capable of grasping higher level science classes related to medicine.
Completing the program with very good grades is the outcome you would like med schools to see.
If you apply when you have no grades yet to show the medical schools, and are taking time away from your classwork at the SMP to take the MCAT, fill out important applications, etc., then you are not getting the full benefit of the SMP.
The year following your SMP and your submission of the application could be spent working, saving $$ for med school or building on your health related experiences.
Many parents don't understand the timeline and the reasons for it, and so the unrelenting parental pressure is, I'm sure, adding to your stress.

 

[LunaOri]

Applying and not being accepted, and having to re-apply wastes a lot more time and money than waiting another year and applying only once.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

We post articles and have forum posts from nontraditional applicants who make it. Even the professional societies champion "mature" applicants.

 

[LizzyM]

I am currently taking courses that are beneficial to the MCAT (Physiology and Cell Biology), so if you want to count that was MCAT prep time, I suppose the material taught will appear on the standardized exam.

While it is helpful to have had the coursework, the MCAT poses questions in a specific style that one should become familiar with through the use of practice questions. Do not mistake coursework and exams in school as equivalent to MCAT prep.

No no, I understand why the timeline works. I am only 21 too, so it makes sense to wait. However, my parents think that you have to be young to get into a good specialty because no one wants an old man to work with. I understand and wish I could just show them this post and everything click. For now, I think I will just focus on completing my SMP to the best of ability and go from there. Thanks

Your parents are misguided. Do not let them dictate your timeline. Tell them that worse than being over 24 is being over 24 and having applied twice already and been unsuccessful in gaining admission. That shows hubris and/or lack of preparation. Neither is attractive in a pre-med.

 

[candbgirl]

I have parental pressure since they are the ones funding my education. The idea of me taking another year off just waiting for the cycle and maybe not getting in is kinda nerve-wracking. I understand that this isn't a reality show, but when someone else is funding my education and I have not yielded results, it can be disheartening to have to hear the advice of people who know what they're talking about saying "Take more time away from your goal"

If you looked at it as “taking more time to achieve your goal” you might understand what everyone is saying. Get a job in the gap year. Save your money so you aren’t completely dependent on your parents.
Are you aware that less than 40% of all applicants are accepted to a med school. And maybe half of those accepted are accepted to one school. This includes applicants with stellar applications You really only want to apply one time with the best application possible. You want your application to scream interview me. Apply when you are ready.