don't know if i should take a year off!! HELP!!

[twixotic04]

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Hi everyone! I am so desperate for advice on what to do.

I am a junior in college and I really don't want to take a gap year. I have a 3.7/3.8 GPA and really good extra currics. It's just my mcats that are really killing me. I was planning on taking it on July 14th. I've been studying for awhile now, very all over the place, but I've been reviewing content intensely from end of May. I just took my first practice test AAMC 4 the other day, I got a 27.

Now I'd get my scores mid-Aug, and I would apply same day (I'd get my app ready for the month while I wait).

But I have no idea how my chances are going to be. Firstly, I have two weeks to get like a 36 on the test. And secondly, if I get a good score, can I still get into medical schools if I apply mid August?? How long would it take to get my secondaries and everything??
Or should I take in August and just throw a hail marry and submit everything in September??

I'm very very lost. I'd really appreciate some guidance!!

 

[1289]

well if you don't plan on submitting your primary app until you get your score, it will already be mid august. after that it could potentially take 4-6 weeks to get verified. now it's the mid-end of September. THEN you get secondaries, now you're getting late. work on your app/submit it shortly after you take the mcat.

 

[2050vlsb]

Since the admissions process is rolling, I think you'd put yourself at a much larger disadvantage by waiting until Aug to take the MCAT and applying in September. A lot of schools will have started to interview, and maybe even hand out acceptances, by the time you're getting secondaries.

I'd recommend studying as hard as you can for the next two weeks and keeping your July test date. Practice test scores can fluctuate and may not always be representative, so don't let one lower score shake you. At this point, I would start taking as many practice exams as you can, and figuring out where you're struggling. You're past the point of book studying .. at this point, just isolate your weaknesses and focus on that.

Also, just a plug for a gap year (I took one) ... I know it may seem like the end of the world, but a gap year can really a blessing in disguise. It can give you a chance to strengthen you're overall app and make sure more competitive, relax for a bit, do research or volunteer. med school hits you like a brick from day one, and if you've had a chance to recuperate from four years of undergrad, the whole experience will be that much easier.