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Started by Studentoftheseven
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Take the MCAT either before or after the special Masters program. Do not, I repeat do not take it while you're in the program. I've seen too many of my own SMP students try to do that and all they do is crash and burn.

I think getting some more recent coursework in will be good to show that there has been no knowledge decay in your learning style.
 
Your practice MCAT is too low. Do not proceed with the real thing until you are scoring at least 510 on the practice tests. You are going to need to both content review the material and learn the "tricks" to the test. Furthermore, you need to build stamina to be able to focus for the hours the test takes and to calm your nerves by making it "just another Saturday" after mimicking test conditions during the practice tests (some people even go so far as to eat the same breakfast and bring the same snacks).
As @Goro says, take it before or after but not during the SMP. I'd suggest after if one of the things you need is content review.
 
LizzyM said:
Your practice MCAT is too low. Do not proceed with the real thing until you are scoring at least 510 on the practice tests. You are going to need to both content review the material and learn the "tricks" to the test. Furthermore, you need to build stamina to be able to focus for the hours the test takes and to calm your nerves by making it "just another Saturday" after mimicking test conditions during the practice tests (some people even go so far as to eat the same breakfast and bring the same snacks).
As @Goro says, take it before or after but not during the SMP. I'd suggest after if one of the things you need is content review.
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thank you very much
 
Studentoftheseven said:
Thank you I appreciate it! I took immuno in the winter and received an A with a letter but I understand more is needed. Do you think I should proceed with the SMP (i got accepted but it starts in a month and needs a 496 mcat) this year or should I give it a shot applying broadly? I was thinking of taking the MCAT either next month before smp or taking it september applying broadly DO. I also have a DO physician letter from underserved primary care clinic volunteering. I have never applied before: This is my full activities for context

  • Medical assistant in a specialty outpatient clinic
  • Dates: Dec 2020 – Sep 2025
  • Hours: 1,704
  • Responsibilities: Patient intake, vitals, diagnostic testing, procedure assistance, documentation, sterile preparation, training new staff.
COVID mobile unit Volunteer

  • Dates: Dec 2020 – Jan 2024
  • Hours: 405
  • Responsibilities: Assisted with health screenings, patient registration, vaccination/testing events, and connecting underserved individuals with covid vaccinations and testing
  • Primary care clinic Volunteer
  • Dates: Dec 2021 – Present
  • Hours: 164
  • Responsibilities: Recorded vitals and histories, performed point-of-care testing, assisted with documentation, and supported care for uninsured patients.
Hospital Elder Care Volunteer

  • Dates: Feb 2025 – Present
  • Hours: 102
  • Responsibilities: Supported hospitalized older adults through companionship, mobility assistance, orientation activities, and delirium-prevention interventions.
Youth Sports Mentor and Program Coordinator

  • Dates: Jan 2018 – Present
  • Hours: 1,128
  • Responsibilities: Coaching, tournament organization, transportation coordination, mentorship, and leadership development activities.
Crisis Counselor

  • Dates: Jan 2021 – Present
  • Hours: 231
  • Responsibilities: Crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, de-escalation, and referral to resources.
Academic Tutor for Underserved Youth

  • Dates: Feb 2019 – Jan 2023
  • Hours: 226
  • Responsibilities: One-on-one tutoring in multiple subjects and mentorship for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
undergrad Toxicology Research

  • Dates: Aug 2019 – Nov 2022
  • Hours: 417
  • Responsibilities: Laboratory research, tissue processing, microscopy, data collection, training new researchers, and literature review.
Physician Shadowing

  • Specialties observed: Family Medicine, Neurology, Cardiology, Plastic Surgery
  • Hours: (not specified)
  • Responsibilities: Observed patient care, diagnostic reasoning, procedures, and physician-patient interactions.
Neuroimaging Research Assistant

  • Dates: Jun 2018 – Aug 2021
  • Hours: 739
  • Responsibilities: MRI image analysis, neuroanatomical segmentation, epilepsy-related research, and collaboration with clinicians and researchers.
Pre-Health Student Organization Leadership

  • Dates: Aug 2019 – Jan 2021
  • Hours: 215
  • Responsibilities: Public relations, event planning, fundraising, social media management, and peer support.
Emergency Department Volunteer

  • Dates: Mar 2019 – Apr 2020
  • Hours: 112
  • Responsibilities: Patient navigation, visitor assistance, comfort measures, and support in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Research Publication

  • Co-author on a peer-reviewed publication related to environmental toxicology and DNA damage.
Research Award

  • Second-place undergraduate research award at a university research symposium.
National Research Presentation

  • Presented original research findings at a national scientific conference.
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I can't give you advice without an MCAT score on applying. Generally, we like to see recent coursework. In fact you'll probably need to retake the pre-reqs as some schools have expiration dates on them. You'll probably need them for MCAT anyway.

Also, do NOT hurry this process! You're in a marathon now, not a sprint, and med schools aren't going anywhere.
 
Goro said:
I can't give you advice without an MCAT score on applying. Generally, we like to see recent coursework. In fact you'll probably need to retake the pre-reqs as some schools have expiration dates on them. You'll probably need them for MCAT anyway.

Also, do NOT hurry this process! You're in a marathon now, not a sprint, and med schools aren't going anywhere.
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thank you very much
 
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Goro said:
I can't give you advice without an MCAT score on applying. Generally, we like to see recent coursework. In fact you'll probably need to retake the pre-reqs as some schools have expiration dates on them. You'll probably need them for MCAT anyway.

Also, do NOT hurry this process! You're in a marathon now, not a sprint, and med schools aren't going anywhere.
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thank you goro. I just thought if I was able to get a 500+ on my mcat by september and apply broadly id have a shot at a couple schools. what classes would you recommend me to take in fall while I apply? my oldest prereqs are in gen bio and gen chem from 2017. i took immuno this last winter, I was thinking of maybe gen bio and anatomy this fall?
 
Studentoftheseven said:
y

thank you goro. I just thought if I was able to get a 500+ on my mcat by september and apply broadly id have a shot at a couple schools. what classes would you recommend me to take in fall while I apply? my oldest prereqs are in gen bio and gen chem from 2017. i took immuno this last winter, I was thinking of maybe gen bio and anatomy this fall?
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Biochem is a good start. I also suggest whatever coursework that you feel the weakest in.

BTW, 500 is lethal for MD schools. OK for DO though.
 
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