Doubt making the MCAT score for this application cycle

[jissho]

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I am currently scheduled to take the MCAT on Saturday May 7. However, my VR practice subscores are well below my goal. Right now, it looks like I will have to reschedule my MCAT to a much later date. This was not my plan at all...

Given the fact that I need to finish my Ph.D. by no later than the end of this year, my plan was to focus on finishing the last of my experiments and writing my thesis. Studying for the MCAT while doing the aforementioned seems unreasonable... It looks like I may have to hold off this application cycle.

🙁

 

[Law2Doc]

I am currently scheduled to take the MCAT on Saturday May 7. However, my VR practice subscores are well below my goal. Right now, it looks like I will have to reschedule my MCAT to a much later date. This was not my plan at all...

Given the fact that I need to finish my Ph.D. by no later than the end of this year, my plan was to focus on finishing the last of my experiments and writing my thesis. Studying for the MCAT while doing the aforementioned seems unreasonable... It looks like I may have to hold off this application cycle.

🙁

It's not a race. You are not on a fixed schedule. If it takes you another year to do it right, so be it.

 

[Torr]

It's not a race. You are not on a fixed schedule. If it takes you another year to do it right, so be it.

+1

I've seen way too many people damage their chances with a subpar application because they felt like they couldn't wait any longer. You lose nothing by waiting.

 

[QofQuimica]

Waiting an extra year to apply so that I didn't have that situation of maybe not doing a good job with my PhD *and* screwing up my MCAT/app was one of the best career decisions I've made. Don't be so rigid with your plans that you lose sight of (and ability to reach) your goals. When it's time to work on your PhD, work on your PhD, and do it right. Then move on to preparing for your med school app. The MCAT and AMCAS aren't going anywhere between now and the end of this year. 🙂

 

[malpractician]

I may wait a year as well despite being on the brink of application season. I simply have a lot left to do with undergrad before i'm done.

Showing maturity in decision making can be a great trait, and something to mention in a future personal statement. It would definitely get noticed, and may even separate you from the rushed and barely good enough applicants.

Also, think of what doing 1 MCAT passage a night for the next year would do for you.

 

[jissho]

Thanks for your inspiring comments.

Law2Doc, you couldn't be any more right.

Torr, I really don't want to cheat myself out of putting forward the best application possible. Ideally, I wanted to start in 2012 but I think the layover between medical school and graduate school will give me an oppurunity to contribute something excellent to the world.

QofQuimica, I'm glad to hear your take on the situtation. You are truely an inspiration.

malpractician, it was a bitter sweet moment when I made the decision. I plan to work on my verbal reasoning until I master it. One MCAT passage a day sounds like a great idea. Additionally, I plan to start reading humanities journals on a regular basis.