How long should I wait this cycle before starting to study again?

[Uafl112]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So I have a 28 and a 3.65 GPA with a # of experiences. I only applied to 3 MD schools (USF, UCF, and FSU), but I only did because my parents and uncle pushed me to try even though I thought I should wait. Since I am not in a great spot but also not out of the game either, how long should I wait for an interview before I start studying for the MCAT again?

 

[Afford]

I looked at the MSAR and your MCAT is at or below the 10th percentile for two of your schools, but it's ok for FSU. It really depends on what you think your chances are for FSU based on the rest of your app.

 

[DokterMom]

Realistically, the odds are against you this year, having applied to only 3 schools at which your MCAT is <= the bottom 10% --
So start improving (think of it as 'finishing') your application now.

• If you're accepted this cycle, your continuing work will give you something positive to talk about in your interviews to show how dedicated and committed you are, since it's all post-application, and your extra studying will help you succeed in your future classes.

• If you're not accepted this cycle, you'll probably want to retake your MCAT, in which case, studying starting now allows you to take an earlier MCAT (or two...) and build your application far more convincingly than starting later.

So start now for whichever scenario resonates more --

 

[Holmwood]

You're going to have to boost your app significantly if you are going to be a reapplicant next cycle.
As @DokterMom stated, your MCAT will need serious improvement as a reapplicant.

I also propose more commitment to ECs. If you're engaged in research, publications.

And next time, don't listen to your parents and uncle! They've basically made it harder for you if you don't get accepted.

I wish you best of luck. : (

 

[deleted632431]

My MCAT score is similar to yours, and I am taking the MCAT again in about two months although I have already applied to about 5 schools. I'd rather not take the new MCAT so I'm just gonna get it over with right now.

So my advice... Don't wait for an interview. Just take the MCAT in the upcoming months.

 

[Jay11jayjay]

@Uafl112 I hope you are aware that the mcat format will completely change after January of 2015. Start studying for the early January Mcat NOW and if you do bad on that one you can retake again in late January. Otherwise, if you're not accepted this year and you don't study then you'll be stuck studying for a completely different exam

 

[kyamh]

Ouch, you probably should have posted on SDN before taking your family's advice. Unless someone in your family went through the US medical system in the last decade, they don't know what's what.

I would study now, even if your numbers were really great there is still a very high chance that you won't get in given how few schools you applied to. If I were you, I would also do my best to make an impact and start something/accomplish something at an organization you are a part of and find (legitimate) excuses to update the schools so you can reiterate your interest.