Getting back to premed

[Teppil]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So I've taken a semester off of my science classes in order to pursue some other interests, and to give myself a break after a rough year. Basically I'm looking for some timeline advice with my current situation.

I'm in my junior year, current GPA is around a 3.55. I've taken everything but orgo, which I'm thinking I will do in the summer, or start next semester even.

I'm not against DO, prefer MD, or early admission, and I don't really care where I go. NJ resident.

other credentials that matter:

Army vet with Iraq deployment
RA for 2 years, maybe going to be 3rd
Volunteering
No real research, but I could start this next semester/summer/next year

So, should I take the MCAT for this cycle and finish up my prereqs and apply somewhat late (if I'm going to finish orgo before I apply). Or should I just wait for senior year grades to boost my gpa a bit, take my time with MCAT prep, and building my resume a bit. I could work during the year and pay down some of my loans as well. The only issue is I'm already almost 24 and taking another year is another year of waiting to start med school.

Anyone have any thoughts on what my timeline should look like?

 

[angemon89]

The only feasible way I can see you being able to apply next cycle is if you:

-take Ochem 1 next semester
-start asking for letters (pretty much now)
-apply for medical school in June with pending MCAT
-study over summer and take the MCAT early August-ish

You wont have Ochem 2 finished, and you wont be verified early, so it's not ideal (but possible).

I also suggest you start doing research or clinical volunteering ASAP.

 

[blub1212]

I would probably wait. I know it sucks to wait a whole year, but if you apply late and end up not getting in, you might face an uphill battle the second time around. In my opinion, it would be better to wait, so you can apply with a better GPA and resume, and give yourself time to prepare for the MCAT appropriately.

 

[BKN89]

Wait, take your time, do it in 1 shot and make it count.

Letters of rec take a while to build up. The MCAT is also worth doing right and doing only once if you can help it.

If you take time off, build your resume, get orgo done, and get a better foundation for the MCAT (orgo helps a little), you'll be able to be a stronger applicant. It does suck to wait a year...but it's better to wait a year and have a shot at a better school than to do it now and perhaps get into a so-so school.

The app cycle REALLY sucks and it's grueling. You don't want to do it twice if you can help it.