Help: To write the MCAT or visit my family?

[Lunasly]

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Hello everyone,

I know it seems rather odd that I am posting this question in the allopathic forum, but I am specifically looking for advice from those who are currently in medical school or are about to finish medical school.

I feel rather embarrassed posting this. In fact, I think I already know the answer, but I want to see other opinions. Also, if you all don't mind. Please don't judge me. I know this topic may seem ridiculous, but it is serious and I hope you can all help.

Right now I am just about to enter my third year. I was planning to write the MCAT this summer (of which is now about to end), however, I had not completed any physics or organic chemistry, so I thought I would delay it until next summer (summer 2013).

I do have a big issue, however. My grandparents are getting very old and they live on the other side of the world. While this may not be the best type of thinking, I want to visit them before they die. I didn't have a chance as a child to get to know them very well (only had the chance to spend 2 summers with them) because it's so expensive to travel. The issue, however, is that I can't write the MCAT in the summer of 2013 and I have to delay it to the summer of 2014. This means that if I do poorly, then 2015 hits and I am stuck writing the new MCAT.

I know this seems like I should go see my grandparents. My mom is upset and depressed because she hasn't seen her parents in years and she knows that any day now they are going to go.

Do I stick around and write the 2013 MCAT or do I go and visit my grandparents. What's holding me back is that I don't want to look back 20 or 30 years from now and think, "damn, I decided to write a stupid test rather then see my own grandparents".

I am obviously leaning towards delaying the MCAT to 2014, however, do any of you object?

Thank you,
Lunasly.

 

[diamethuel]

I'd say go see your grandparents. Is a non-summer MCAT date an option?

 

[Lunasly]

I've never actually thought about a non-summer MCAT date. I don't know if it would go well if I have to take a full course load. Schools are very strict here in Canada in regards to the number of credits you take each year (not including summers); that is, they want you, for the most part, to take 30 credits a year. Since summers don't count, that is when most people write their MCAT.

Another issue is that my MCAT materials won't be worth as much (or so I assume) if I write in 2014 since they're changing the test in 2015. Do you think this will be the case?

 

[Bangersandmash]

Is it common in Canada to say I'm going to "write a test?"

See your grandparents. You can always take the MCAT. You can't always see your grandparents. And if you have to study for the new one or retake the old one? You can still take it. You can't always see your grandparents.

 

[Mass Effect]

Honestly, I don't understand your dilemma. Dying grandparents >>>> MCAT, which can be taken at any other time. Check out the dates it's available and book a non-summer date if it's an issue. Or just study for the new MCAT if they change it before you have a chance to take it. Nothing takes the place of spending time with family who may soon be gone.

 

[da8s0859q]

Is it common in Canada to say I'm going to "write a test?"

Yes.

OP, I think you already know what you're going to do. Most of SDN will agree with you on it. 👍

 

[VivaLaVida]

I took the MCAT in january while juggling a full course load and 25+ hours a week of an intense extra-curricular along with research, etc. You can do it. The difference is that I started studying six months in advance and did a more spread out schedule of studying rather than an intense 3 months of studying. I studied a different subject each night for an hour or so and then spent a lot of Saturdays in the library. I got a 33 which is better than I thought I would do. Nothing wrong with taking a non-summer MCAT. Then you can enjoy the nice weather while your friends are stuck inside studying! Taking it in january also allowed me to study during my 3 weeks of winter break.

 

[link2swim06]

Don't write the MCAT, take the MCAT...that will be more successful.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Moving to pre-allo.

FWIW, I took the MCAT in May after studying for it concurrently with my regular classes. I just took a light (12 hour) semester and considered my Kaplan review class an extra class where studying was non-negotiable. Maybe if you take the test in May you'd still be able to go for the rest of the summer?

 

[Mosa]

I've never actually thought about a non-summer MCAT date. I don't know if it would go well if I have to take a full course load. Schools are very strict here in Canada in regards to the number of credits you take each year (not including summers); that is, they want you, for the most part, to take 30 credits a year. Since summers don't count, that is when most people write their MCAT.

Another issue is that my MCAT materials won't be worth as much (or so I assume) if I write in 2014 since they're changing the test in 2015. Do you think this will be the case?

Personally, I'm not a naturally crazy smart person...I have to work very hard for any decent grade or score I receive, and I prepped for MCAT and scored decently taking it last April with18 credits in the fall and 15 credits in the spring. It is definitely possible to prep very well for the MCAT and complete it with a full course load as I know many others who have done the same. Think about it. You'll be studying full speed for your university courses many of which will likely help you on the MCAT and you can use this momentum to simultaneously prep and write the mcat

 

[armybound]

I'd definitely find a different time to take the exam. Study now and take it in November, January, April... anything.

When would you go visit your grandparents and how long would you stay? You're making it sound like you're leaving tomorrow and staying a year. Your life doesn't have to go on hold for a whole year because of this. You can study while you're traveling and visiting your family as well.

 

[Lunasly]

Thank you for the advice everyone. I think I have a clear idea of how to win in both cases.

Thanks you. I truly appreciate it.