Glide Year- any way to skip it in this situation?

[paperaeroplane]

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I am currently in a post-bac, just started, actually. After this semester I will have taken bio II and gen chem I with labs. Next semester I am planning to take Gen Chem II, A and P I, Statistics, and maybe Physics I (my university doesn't offer it in the spring, so if I took it it would have to be at a community college). During the summer I will take Orgo I with lab, Physics I or II with lab (depending on whether or not I take physics I in the spring) and Bio 1 with lab. And for the fall I will take Biochem, Orgo II, and Physics II.....Is there any way I would be able to apply to medical school next fall assuming this schedule, or would I have to wait another year?

 

[deleted248403]

Well you won't have taken the MCAT before September of the year you are applying in right? Most schools won't accept MCATs after the Sept of the yr you are applying in.

Also, I take it you aren't in a formalized program? Therefore, you won't have any linkage options open to you.

Essentially, no you'll have to take a glide ur seen as you won't have done the MCAT in time

 

[NewmansOwn]

You could take the MCAT without having taken Orgo II and be alright. There is sparse orgo on the MCAT and what's there is relateively easy -- a review book could probably bring you up to speed.

You cannot, however, take the MCAT without having taken Physics II -- that would put a serious dent in your score. So, the only way you'd even have a glimmer of a chance is to, indeed, take Physics I at the community college in the spring and then Physics II over the summer.

However, keep in mind you'd be studying full-time for the MCAT while taking at least two MCAT-necessary courses in a condensed summer session. That leaves not only less time for MCAT study, but also means your MCAT studying will have to be ahead of where you are in class.

It's potentially doable, I suppose, but it is not the recipe for a high MCAT score.

 

[paperaeroplane]

Ok thanks for the input, I don't think I will try to do the MCAT until after next summer, because I am not the best at standardized tests and will really need to devote so much of my time to do well on the MCAT. Add in volunteering hours and I will basically not have too much time to be focused on the MCAT. I guess I would rather have a glide year than try to cram in too much and not be able to do well on the MCAT or my classes.

 

[paperaeroplane]

Yup, I am not in a formal premed program (no linkages, just a certificate and a guaranteed interview with a state med school if you get above a 3.3 science gpa), although now I am starting to understand the real benefit of formal programs with linkages.