How much will it hurt me if....

[Dr. Josh]

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I apply in early Sept? I'm trying to finish my pre-reqs, get my MCAT score and finish an important volunteering venture which I plan to write about in my PS.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

why do u wanna wait till sept.?

obviously from the pansying around the premed forums with your threads, u look/seem ready to apply ... apply ASAP when it comes out .. work on your PS NOW .. take the MCAT in march.. u got all the time in the world now that its not strictly 2 times a yr

 

[Dr. Josh]

why do u wanna wait till sept.?

obviously from the pansying around the premed forums with your threads, u look/seem ready to apply ... apply ASAP when it comes out .. work on your PS NOW .. take the MCAT in march.. u got all the time in the world now that its not strictly 2 times a yr

I'm far from ready. I won't have many of the courses by march: orgo, genetics, cell bio in March and therefore wont do well on the MCAT. Besides I've barely studied for it. Also as I said an important volunteer project (and some shadowing) that I plan to do can't be done until the end of the summer and I need to write about it in my PS. otherwise I have nothing to write about. I've been working on my app now and just started throwing around some ideas for my PS but I need more clinical experience to write about.

 

[DoctorMom78]

I'm far from ready. I won't have many of the courses by march: orgo, genetics, cell bio in March and therefore wont do well on the MCAT. Besides I've barely studied for it. Also as I said an important volunteer project (and some shadowing) that I plan to do can't be done until the end of the summer and I need to write about it in my PS. otherwise I have nothing to write about. I've been working on my app now and just started throwing around some ideas for my PS but I need more clinical experience to write about.

Ignore Dr. Inviz. He is cranky tonight.😀 If you are a strong applicant, then you can wait until early September. Just have everything ready to go so that you can just click submit on AMCAS or AACOMAS. I am glad you are rethinking the timing a little bit. I don't think you should apply before you are ready. You don't want to have to go through this process again. I hope you don't hate me for the "tough love" the other night. I am such a freakin' mom!!! I have felt really bad and thought that maybe I was too hard on you. I was even thinking about it when I was driving in my car today. 😳 I know, I'm nuts. But, I am a very compassionate, sensitive, and empathetic person and so I can't help it. I was even going to send you a PM. I think you were right though. You did need some tough love; a nice slap in the face. LOL! So, I gave it to you. Sometimes you need that though I think. I am so glad that you are thinking a bit more logically about things now. As always, I wish you the best of luck!

 

[jkhamlin]

I'm far from ready. I won't have many of the courses by march: orgo, genetics, cell bio in March and therefore wont do well on the MCAT. Besides I've barely studied for it. Also as I said an important volunteer project (and some shadowing) that I plan to do can't be done until the end of the summer and I need to write about it in my PS. otherwise I have nothing to write about. I've been working on my app now and just started throwing around some ideas for my PS but I need more clinical experience to write about.

Find something else to write about. Write about what you hope to do in the volunteer position. The app comes out around May 1. Fill it out, submit a PS with something else on it, and then update other stuff later. There will be essay questions on the secondaries that you can probably work in new experiences. Also, talk about it in interviews. The PS is a big deal, but it is only one part of the application process. Don't put all your effort into it. If you have nothing else to talk about in your PS, then you are not ready to apply. Wait until 2008 if that is the case, and reflect on your life and your reasons for wanting to go into medicine. You will bomb big time in an interview if you don't do this. Take it from me, I failed to do this correctly the first time around and it cost me two years.


And about the MCAT, you need to take practice tests to see how you might do. I wasn't completely finished with some of my prereqs and hadn't even taken one (physics II) and yet I still did well.

 

[Dr. Josh]

Find something else to write about. Write about what you hope to do in the volunteer position. The app comes out around May 1. Fill it out, submit a PS with something else on it, and then update other stuff later. There will be essay questions on the secondaries that you can probably work in new experiences. Also, talk about it in interviews. The PS is a big deal, but it is only one part of the application process. Don't put all your effort into it. If you have nothing else to talk about in your PS, then you are not ready to apply. Wait until 2008 if that is the case, and reflect on your life and your reasons for wanting to go into medicine. You will bomb big time in an interview if you don't do this. Take it from me, I failed to do this correctly the first time around and it cost me two years.


And about the MCAT, you need to take practice tests to see how you might do. I wasn't completely finished with some of my prereqs and hadn't even taken one (physics II) and yet I still did well.

I know I'll have more clinical experiences by the time I interview (assuming I manage to get invites ). I am concerned that I have nothing to write about that will make me stand out. I did not go into this because I was in a terrible accident or suffered a terrible disease and almost died; I'm fortunate not to know anyone who suffered years thru medical interventions; I have no dynamic clinical experience that i can write about (just some research and standard volunteering)....everything is just so run of the mill....this will not make me stand out. I have some great plans but i can't get it all done so soon. I switched into this rather late and am playing catch up now.

I keep getting different opinions about when to apply. Maybe if you don't know my saga I should tell you something (I tried to refrain from it in this thread because people told me to stop whining and posting about it). I'm retaking orgo 1 in the summer because i got a D the first time around. People told me to wait until i get my grade in that which won't be until mid July. Do you still think I should apply in May or June?

 

[DoctorMom78]

I know I'll have more clinical experiences by the time I interview (assuming I manage to get invites ). I am concerned that I have nothing to write about that will make me stand out. I did not go into this because I was in a terrible accident or suffered a terrible disease and almost died; I'm fortunate not to know anyone who suffered years thru medical interventions; I have no dynamic clinical experience that i can write about (just some research and standard volunteering)....everything is just so run of the mill....this will not make me stand out. I have some great plans but i can't get it all done so soon. I switched into this rather late and am playing catch up now.

I keep getting different opinions about when to apply. Maybe if you don't know my saga I should tell you something (I tried to refrain from it in this thread because people told me to stop whining and posting about it). I'm retaking orgo 1 in the summer because i got a D the first time around. People told me to wait until i get my grade in that which won't be until mid July. Do you still think I should apply in May or June?

NOOO!!!! I am sure the admissions committees are going to look at your previous organic chemistry grade and need to see proof that you are able to retake the class and do well. I don't think anyone will give you a chance without that proof. You are better off waiting until you are more prepared so that you won't have to apply again or hurt your chances at a school you would prefer. At this point, I would advise you to talk to an admissions advisor if you can find one who is actually decent and caring. You are just going to keep getting conflicting opinions on here. Good luck!

 

[Dr. Josh]

Ignore Dr. Inviz. He is cranky tonight.😀 If you are a strong applicant, then you can wait until early September. Just have everything ready to go so that you can just click submit on AMCAS or AACOMAS. I am glad you are rethinking the timing a little bit. I don't think you should apply before you are ready. You don't want to have to go through this process again. I hope you don't hate me for the "tough love" the other night. I am such a freakin' mom!!! I have felt really bad and thought that maybe I was too hard on you. I was even thinking about it when I was driving in my car today. 😳 I know, I'm nuts. But, I am a very compassionate, sensitive, and empathetic person and so I can't help it. I was even going to send you a PM. I think you were right though. You did need some tough love; a nice slap in the face. LOL! So, I gave it to you. Sometimes you need that though I think. I am so glad that you are thinking a bit more logically about things now. As always, I wish you the best of luck!

I don't know how I missed this post last night or this AM. I'm not mad at you; you're right I needed that to sort of straighten my focus. i can handle it, so thanks. I know you're compassionate most of the time, so I can handle your honesty too. And what i do need is honest answers and direction because i feel like I'm all over the place. i know exactly what I want to do and now realize I don't have the proper time (yes it's due to having to repeat that class, so now it's a matter of restructuring and that's where I'm having difficulty).

 

[Dr. Josh]

NOOO!!!! I am sure the admissions committees are going to look at your previous organic chemistry grade and need to see proof that you are able to retake the class and do well. I don't think anyone will give you a chance without that proof. You are better off waiting until you are more prepared so that you won't have to apply again or hurt your chances at a school you would prefer. At this point, I would advise you to talk to an admissions advisor if you can find one who is actually decent and caring. You are just going to keep getting conflicting opinions on here. Good luck!

so then you agree, i really can't apply until early sept or very late august? Then I'll also have my orgo 2 and MCAT grade and also get the volunteering I want to do. If I just get my orgo 1 grade, then it will be early July but I won't have the other three above mentioned things.

 

[DoctorMom78]

so then you agree, i really can't apply until early sept or very late august? Then I'll also have my orgo 2 and MCAT grade and also get the volunteering I want to do. If I just get my orgo 1 grade, then it will be early July but I won't have the other three above mentioned things.

Yes, I agree. I think it is better to wait until you are ready. If I recall, you have a strong GPA too. I am glad that you are not mad at me.😀 😍 That makes me feel better because I honestly was feeling guilty about my post even though you requested some tough love.😉 They won't even look at your application without your MCAT score, so you might as well wait. I know you are feeling very overwhelmed and scattered by this whole process. We all go through similar emotions on the road to medical school. I have confidence that you will be fine and get into medical school if you can focus, relax, and apply when you are ready.😀

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Yes, I agree. I think it is better to wait until you are ready. If I recall, you have a strong GPA too. I am glad that you are not mad at me.😀 😍 That makes me feel better because I honestly was feeling guilty about my post even though you requested some tough love.😉 They won't even look at your application without your MCAT score, so you might as well wait. I know you are feeling very overwhelmed and scattered by this whole process. We all go through similar emotions on the road to medical school. I have confidence that you will be fine and get into medical school if you can focus, relax, and apply when you are ready.😀

wow, i guess we must baby around other potential pre-meds.

 

[anb111]

dr. josh, i'm in the same boat as you. although my pre-reqs are done, i plan on retaking a few classes so i can show adcoms that i can in fact do well in those classes. i'm taking my mcat in may (or june, we'll see), and i plan on doing more volunteer work and/or research this summer. i plan on applying later on because adcoms doesn't want to see that you half-assed your application. it almost guarantees a reapp the next cycle.

 

[DoctorMom78]

dr. josh, i'm in the same boat as you. although my pre-reqs are done, i plan on retaking a few classes so i can show adcoms that i can in fact do well in those classes. i'm taking my mcat in may (or june, we'll see), and i plan on doing more volunteer work and/or research this summer. i plan on applying later on because adcoms doesn't want to see that you half-assed your application. it almost guarantees a reapp the next cycle.

I definitely agree with this. You want to be as prepared as you possibly can be so that you don't have to reapply. It is better to wait until you are ready and not waste to time and money. Also, applying to schools in really emotional and stressful. Trust me, you don't want to have to go through it again. Good luck to both of you!😀

 

[Dr. Josh]

Yes, I agree. I think it is better to wait until you are ready. If I recall, you have a strong GPA too. I am glad that you are not mad at me.😀 😍 That makes me feel better because I honestly was feeling guilty about my post even though you requested some tough love.😉 They won't even look at your application without your MCAT score, so you might as well wait. I know you are feeling very overwhelmed and scattered by this whole process. We all go through similar emotions on the road to medical school. I have confidence that you will be fine and get into medical school if you can focus, relax, and apply when you are ready.😀

My GPA is not that strong, maybe a 3.6 overall, haven't broken it down again.

Don't feel guilty about an honest post; you were helpful and that's what I needed at the time.😍 Hugs are nice too but I need honesty and direction.

 

[DoctorMom78]

My GPA is not that strong, maybe a 3.6 overall, haven't broken it down again.

Don't feel guilty about an honest post; you were helpful and that's what I needed at the time.😍 Hugs are nice too but I need honesty and direction.

I appreciate your comments. You have a great GPA, so I wouldn't worry about that. Just work on the rest of your application until you are ready to apply and you will be fine. 🙂

 

[Rumplestilskin]

Well, if you HAVE to wait, here is a story. I have about a 3.6, EMT, research, great LOR etc.... took the August MCAT, sent in my secondary in November, got my interview in December and got accepted to the school in December. Anything is possible. AND to think, my pre-medical advisor told me not to apply this cycle because no one would accept me...😍

 

[Dr. Josh]

Well, if you HAVE to wait, here is a story. I have about a 3.6, EMT, research, great LOR etc.... took the August MCAT, sent in my secondary in November, got my interview in December and got accepted to the school in December. Anything is possible. AND to think, my pre-medical advisor told me not to apply this cycle because no one would accept me...😍

absolutely awesome!!! can you tell me (PM me, if you don't want to post it) your stats and also what school?

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Well, if you HAVE to wait, here is a story. I have about a 3.6, EMT, research, great LOR etc.... took the August MCAT, sent in my secondary in November, got my interview in December and got accepted to the school in December. Anything is possible. AND to think, my pre-medical advisor told me not to apply this cycle because no one would accept me...😍

they may have meant a state school. thats what my premed advisor told me.

At the library .. no AIM :cry:

 

[DoctorMom78]

they may have meant a state school. thats what my premed advisor told me.

At the library .. no AIM :cry:

LOL! I just saw this post and I thought you were online. But, you weren't there.🙁 Oh well, talk to you soon enough. Good luck on your interview if I don't talk to you before then.😍 😀

Rumplestilskin: THANK YOU for your post. I know that you just made Dr. Josh feel a whole lot better.👍

 

[Dr. Josh]

LOL! I just saw this post and I thought you were online. But, you weren't there.🙁 Oh well, talk to you soon enough. Good luck on your interview if I don't talk to you before then.😍 😀

Rumplestilskin: THANK YOU for your post. I know that you just made Dr. Josh feel a whole lot better.👍

Yes he (or she) did; and thanks for your concern.😍

 

[mshheaddoc]

I'm far from ready. I won't have many of the courses by march: orgo, genetics, cell bio in March and therefore wont do well on the MCAT. Besides I've barely studied for it. Also as I said an important volunteer project (and some shadowing) that I plan to do can't be done until the end of the summer and I need to write about it in my PS. otherwise I have nothing to write about. I've been working on my app now and just started throwing around some ideas for my PS but I need more clinical experience to write about.

I know I'll have more clinical experiences by the time I interview (assuming I manage to get invites ). I am concerned that I have nothing to write about that will make me stand out. I did not go into this because I was in a terrible accident or suffered a terrible disease and almost died; I'm fortunate not to know anyone who suffered years thru medical interventions; I have no dynamic clinical experience that i can write about (just some research and standard volunteering)....everything is just so run of the mill....this will not make me stand out. I have some great plans but i can't get it all done so soon. I switched into this rather late and am playing catch up now.

I keep getting different opinions about when to apply. Maybe if you don't know my saga I should tell you something (I tried to refrain from it in this thread because people told me to stop whining and posting about it). I'm retaking orgo 1 in the summer because i got a D the first time around. People told me to wait until i get my grade in that which won't be until mid July. Do you still think I should apply in May or June?

My honest opinion, do not wait any longer than you have to. I would have everything read to submit by the time your grades are posted in mid-july. I would not apply any later than August/September just because your chances go down after that time period. You might get lucky but for all the others who have submitted before you won't spend as much time in the application pool as the others. Is applying this late going to hurt you? Yes it might overall but as stated most med admissions is a crap shoot anyway. Applying with that D WILL hurt you so you need that grade there. You're going to get different opinions and some people saying, just apply when you are ready, but honestly, the sooner you apply the better. You don't really seem prepared to apply this year if you are already saying that you aren't ready for the MCAT (I'd put it off until may or june if you aren't ready now!) and are scrambling to get your application together (clinical experiences, volunteering,etc). Sometimes its better not to rush and spend all the money on wasted applications. I only say this so you will consider and not take your situation lightly over the next year.

Take a deep breath and do what you need to do and good luck!

 

[jkhamlin]

I know I'll have more clinical experiences by the time I interview (assuming I manage to get invites ). I am concerned that I have nothing to write about that will make me stand out. I did not go into this because I was in a terrible accident or suffered a terrible disease and almost died; I'm fortunate not to know anyone who suffered years thru medical interventions; I have no dynamic clinical experience that i can write about (just some research and standard volunteering)....everything is just so run of the mill....this will not make me stand out. I have some great plans but i can't get it all done so soon. I switched into this rather late and am playing catch up now.

I keep getting different opinions about when to apply. Maybe if you don't know my saga I should tell you something (I tried to refrain from it in this thread because people told me to stop whining and posting about it). I'm retaking orgo 1 in the summer because i got a D the first time around. People told me to wait until i get my grade in that which won't be until mid July. Do you still think I should apply in May or June?

I know your story from the threads you started before. It's a typical undergrad situation. I found myself in many harrowing situations that later on, looking back, I realize they weren't that big of a deal. I am telling you to submit your app as soon after it becomes available because it is a very long and tedious process. It won't look like you "half assed it." Most schools don't even look at it until later. It is important to get as much as you can verified as early as you can because they take their time doing it. Get this done and UPDATE later. Also, if you get a fee waiver you have to apply early. As for your personal statement, the way you are talking makes it seem like you have been reading books on the subject. I read some of those books, too. They are mostly good as a primer, but not as a guide. Take them with a grain of salt. You don't have to have near death experiences, or volunteer for Greenpeace or something to "stand out." I certainly did neither. You will stand out if you look like a good applicant. This isn't something easy to quantify. You have to be you in the application. You cannot make these things happen, you have to find a way to communicate them in an application.

And most important:

1. Stop panicking.
2. Like DoctorMom78 said, if you are not ready yet, don't apply yet. Don't rush into it. You can always apply next year, and spend this year getting ready for next. It isn't now or never with this process.

 

[DoctorMom78]

I know your story from the threads you started before. It's a typical undergrad situation. I found myself in many harrowing situations that later on, looking back, I realize they weren't that big of a deal. I am telling you to submit your app as soon after it becomes available because it is a very long and tedious process. It won't look like you "half assed it." Most schools don't even look at it until later. It is important to get as much as you can verified as early as you can because they take their time doing it. Get this done and UPDATE later. Also, if you get a fee waiver you have to apply early. As for your personal statement, the way you are talking makes it seem like you have been reading books on the subject. I read some of those books, too. They are mostly good as a primer, but not as a guide. Take them with a grain of salt. You don't have to have near death experiences, or volunteer for Greenpeace or something to "stand out." I certainly did neither. You will stand out if you look like a good applicant. This isn't something easy to quantify. You have to be you in the application. You cannot make these things happen, you have to find a way to communicate them in an application.

And most important:

1. Stop panicking.
2. Like DoctorMom78 said, if you are not ready yet, don't apply yet. Don't rush into it. You can always apply next year, and spend this year getting ready for next. It isn't now or never with this process.

👍 👍 😀

 

[Dr. Josh]

My honest opinion, do not wait any longer than you have to. I would have everything read to submit by the time your grades are posted in mid-july. I would not apply any later than August/September just because your chances go down after that time period. You might get lucky but for all the others who have submitted before you won't spend as much time in the application pool as the others. Is applying this late going to hurt you? Yes it might overall but as stated most med admissions is a crap shoot anyway. Applying with that D WILL hurt you so you need that grade there. You're going to get different opinions and some people saying, just apply when you are ready, but honestly, the sooner you apply the better. You don't really seem prepared to apply this year if you are already saying that you aren't ready for the MCAT (I'd put it off until may or june if you aren't ready now!) and are scrambling to get your application together (clinical experiences, volunteering,etc). Sometimes its better not to rush and spend all the money on wasted applications. I only say this so you will consider and not take your situation lightly over the next year.

Take a deep breath and do what you need to do and good luck!

I know your story from the threads you started before. It's a typical undergrad situation. I found myself in many harrowing situations that later on, looking back, I realize they weren't that big of a deal. I am telling you to submit your app as soon after it becomes available because it is a very long and tedious process. It won't look like you "half assed it." Most schools don't even look at it until later. It is important to get as much as you can verified as early as you can because they take their time doing it. Get this done and UPDATE later. Also, if you get a fee waiver you have to apply early. As for your personal statement, the way you are talking makes it seem like you have been reading books on the subject. I read some of those books, too. They are mostly good as a primer, but not as a guide. Take them with a grain of salt. You don't have to have near death experiences, or volunteer for Greenpeace or something to "stand out." I certainly did neither. You will stand out if you look like a good applicant. This isn't something easy to quantify. You have to be you in the application. You cannot make these things happen, you have to find a way to communicate them in an application.

And most important:

1. Stop panicking.
2. Like DoctorMom78 said, if you are not ready yet, don't apply yet. Don't rush into it. You can always apply next year, and spend this year getting ready for next. It isn't now or never with this process.

Thanks a lot all. My problem is I had a plan and it got thrown off by my orgo grade; now I have to restrategize and I'm floundering due to time constraints. I guess I will start working on MCAT prep and se ehow that goes. Anyone know the best place to get the best (and cost effective) study materials? I actually had my app mostly done except my PS (on the current app since the new one isn't actually out yet). I will work on my PS and see how that goes. Getting that done will be a huge relief. Since I'll already be taking one year off I'm hoping to not take another year off. How bad or non important is it to mention ECs that you will be doing but haven't started or completed by the time the app gets sent in?

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Thanks a lot all. My problem is I had a plan and it got thrown off by my orgo grade; now I have to restrategize and I'm floundering due to time constraints. I guess I will start working on MCAT prep and se ehow that goes. Anyone know the best place to get the best (and cost effective) study materials? I actually had my app mostly done except my PS (on the current app since the new one isn't actually out yet). I will work on my PS and see how that goes. Getting that done will be a huge relief. Since I'll already be taking one year off I'm hoping to not take another year off. How bad or non important is it to mention ECs that you will be doing but haven't started or completed by the time the app gets sent in?

dont have to be completed, but please do start on it .. atleast a month prior to your interview so that if they ask you about it, you can tell them something bout it .. than just .. "umm, i think i'll be doing ..."

 

[jkhamlin]

Thanks a lot all. My problem is I had a plan and it got thrown off by my orgo grade; now I have to restrategize and I'm floundering due to time constraints. I guess I will start working on MCAT prep and se ehow that goes. Anyone know the best place to get the best (and cost effective) study materials? I actually had my app mostly done except my PS (on the current app since the new one isn't actually out yet). I will work on my PS and see how that goes. Getting that done will be a huge relief. Since I'll already be taking one year off I'm hoping to not take another year off. How bad or non important is it to mention ECs that you will be doing but haven't started or completed by the time the app gets sent in?

If you are waiting a year, wait on doing your PS. It will be old enough when you get interviews, and the interviewers just might know it better than you do. It is normal that your plan was thrown off by something. It is kind of abnormal that it has only been thrown off by one thing. I think the only part of the plan that I began seven years ago is the fact that I got into medical school. Everything else changed either as I learned more, or as things happened to me by chance such as class closings, grades that I didn't expect, etc. To study for the MCAT, you will get all kinds of different advice. Really, anything you do is what you make of it. I was limited by budget, so I didn't do any of the exhorbitantly priced courses. I bought the Kaplan exam prep for as cheap as I could find it (at the time it was cheapest on Amazon), and then I did a cursory review of everything. Next I did the practice exam. Then I purchased the online AMCAS exam prep with practice tests. I printed out the practice tests and did as many practice tests as I had time for over the two weeks before the test. That is all and I got a good score. I can't attribute it to this, nor say this had no effect. Take it for what it is. I will say that I think doing practice exams seems to have helped the most. I was ready for everything in a technical sense, while my friends that didn't practice didn't complete their sections and scored lower than I did.

 

[mshheaddoc]

are you a re-applicant?

 

[Dr. Josh]

If you are waiting a year, wait on doing your PS. It will be old enough when you get interviews, and the interviewers just might know it better than you do. It is normal that your plan was thrown off by something. It is kind of abnormal that it has only been thrown off by one thing. I think the only part of the plan that I began seven years ago is the fact that I got into medical school. Everything else changed either as I learned more, or as things happened to me by chance such as class closings, grades that I didn't expect, etc. To study for the MCAT, you will get all kinds of different advice. Really, anything you do is what you make of it. I was limited by budget, so I didn't do any of the exhorbitantly priced courses. I bought the Kaplan exam prep for as cheap as I could find it (at the time it was cheapest on Amazon), and then I did a cursory review of everything. Next I did the practice exam. Then I purchased the online AMCAS exam prep with practice tests. I printed out the practice tests and did as many practice tests as I had time for over the two weeks before the test. That is all and I got a good score. I can't attribute it to this, nor say this had no effect. Take it for what it is. I will say that I think doing practice exams seems to have helped the most. I was ready for everything in a technical sense, while my friends that didn't practice didn't complete their sections and scored lower than I did.

eh, I'm not waiting a year to apply; I'm taking a year off from school. I plan on applying the next application cycle. I plan on taking the MCAY any time from June thru August depending on how prepared I feel i am. How many hours a day/week did you study/prepare?

 

[jkhamlin]

eh, I'm not waiting a year to apply; I'm taking a year off from school. I plan on applying the next application cycle. I plan on taking the MCAY any time from June thru August depending on how prepared I feel i am. How many hours a day/week did you study/prepare?

Not as much as I should have. Probably about four hours a week for about a month at the most. I spent the most time taking practice tests.

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

I'm far from ready. I won't have many of the courses by march: orgo, genetics, cell bio in March and therefore wont do well on the MCAT. Besides I've barely studied for it. Also as I said an important volunteer project (and some shadowing) that I plan to do can't be done until the end of the summer and I need to write about it in my PS. otherwise I have nothing to write about. I've been working on my app now and just started throwing around some ideas for my PS but I need more clinical experience to write about.

I agree with most of advice presented already.

If you haven't started studying yet for the MCAT, I don't suggest that you take it in March. Genetics isn't needed for the MCAT, but it does help since it is a bigger portion of it in the years passed. Honestly, it all depends how you feel about the test and how much studying you have done before it.

Let me try to list the things that you're planning to do in the upcoming months:
1) Take Cell Bio, Genetics during the spring
2) Retake Orgo I during the summer
3) Fill out the AACOMAS/AMCAS
4) Study for the MCAT

That is a bit of undertaking, but definitely doable. If you find yourself not prepared for the MCAT by August, don't take it and apply for the next cycle. Applying any later will put yourself at a disadvantage. I applied early this cycle and felt that it helped me tremendously. Take everything in stride and best of luck!

 

[Dr. Josh]

I agree with most of advice presented already.

If you haven't started studying yet for the MCAT, I don't suggest that you take it in March. Genetics isn't needed for the MCAT, but it does help since it is a bigger portion of it in the years passed. Honestly, it all depends how you feel about the test and how much studying you have done before it.

Let me try to list the things that you're planning to do in the upcoming months:
1) Take Cell Bio, Genetics during the spring
2) Retake Orgo I during the summer
3) Fill out the AACOMAS/AMCAS
4) Study for the MCAT

That is a bit of undertaking, but definitely doable. If you find yourself not prepared for the MCAT by August, don't take it and apply for the next cycle. Applying any later will put yourself at a disadvantage. I applied early this cycle and felt that it helped me tremendously. Take everything in stride and best of luck!

Yes, that's right, plus take orgo 2 (for the first time) over the summer; shadow a couple docs; do some clinical volunteer work and write most (barely started) writing a simplistic pediatric oncology guide book, all over the summer. In addition to what you mentioned I'm also doing a research project and have to write an honors thesis during spring semester.

The absolute earliest I'd consider taking the MCAT is May, but more likely July or August. Any suggestions as far as study guides would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DoctorMom78]

Yes, that's right, plus take orgo 2 (for the first time) over the summer; shadow a couple docs; do some clinical volunteer work and write most (barely started) writing a simplistic pediatric oncology guide book, all over the summer. In addition to what you mentioned I'm also doing a research project and have to write an honors thesis during spring semester.

The absolute earliest I'd consider taking the MCAT is May, but more likely July or August. Any suggestions as far as study guides would be greatly appreciated.

I took the Kaplan online class and it was awful! Don't waste your money on that. I wanted to do the classroom one, but I couldn't because of my class and mommy schedule. 🙄 There are a number of good guides. I have heard that ExamKrackers is good. One of the best things that you can do is to take LOTS of practice exams and go over them to see what you missed. AAMC has a number you can purchase and if you take a Kaplan or other class, they will have a bunch too. Good luck!

 

[Rumplestilskin]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rumplestilskin
Well, if you HAVE to wait, here is a story. I have about a 3.6, EMT, research, great LOR etc.... took the August MCAT, sent in my secondary in November, got my interview in December and got accepted to the school in December. Anything is possible. AND to think, my pre-medical advisor told me not to apply this cycle because no one would accept me...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. Josh
absolutely awesome!!! can you tell me (PM me, if you don't want to post it) your stats and also what school?



Sorry I am late responding Dr. Josh. Working over 40 hours a week with two jobs and going to school full time really makes me tired!! But anyway, I have a 3.6/3.4 GPA, Mid-20s MCAT score, great LOR, I am an EMT-B, lots of leadership activities, shadowing experiences. I applied DO and MD (Both late as heck in November) and I have gotten interviews from DO= WVSOM-declined interview, and PCOM-GA-accepted. I only applied to 2. MD=Uniformed services..-declined interview, Vermont-declined interview. Waiting to hear from 3 other medical schools. Should be hearing from them this month, since it usually takes about 2 months for MD schools (so I have noticed.)

 

[Yes_I_DO]

I definitely second some of the above opinions and say PLEASE dont apply until you're ready! It makes all the difference in the world as to how your PS turns out. Your confidence and sincerity will shine through (believe me, AdComs can smell BS a mile away...) and will help your app stand out. Then once you get to interviews, it will help you convey yourself and your passion and stand out from any ho-hummers in your interview group. If you have all your ducks in a row, applying in Sept wont be THAT horrible.

As for MCAT study...I also only purchased the Kaplan Comprehensive Review book (for about $16 on Amazon!) and a set of review cards (not Kaplan, but it wound up working really well with the book). I bought my book one year old (I bought 2005 in 2006) which saved a heck of a lot of dough (the 2006 book was about $60!) and honestly, the material doesn't change enough from one year to the next to make a big difference.

I had some weak areas so I really wanted to comb through the material in the book. I studied about 4 hrs/day for about 2 months and took LOTS of practice tests. I would space them out and only take one per week if you have the time. Simulate the testing day (i.e. time your sections and breaks and minimize all distractions) as closely as possible. Like someone above said, mastering the mechanics of the test will GREATLY improve your chances of getting a good score.

I have also heard really great things about ExamKrackers especially if you need more in depth coverage of the material (the Comp. Kaplan book isnt exhaustively detailed). But its more expensive so it just depends on what you think you need and how much time and $$ you want to put into it.

Best of luck👍

 

[Dr.Inviz]

I definitely second some of the above opinions and say PLEASE dont apply until you're ready! It makes all the difference in the world as to how your PS turns out. Your confidence and sincerity will shine through (believe me, AdComs can smell BS a mile away...) and will help your app stand out. Then once you get to interviews, it will help you convey yourself and your passion and stand out from any ho-hummers in your interview group. If you have all your ducks in a row, applying in Sept wont be THAT horrible.

As for MCAT study...I also only purchased the Kaplan Comprehensive Review book (for about $16 on Amazon!) and a set of review cards (not Kaplan, but it wound up working really well with the book). I bought my book one year old (I bought 2005 in 2006) which saved a heck of a lot of dough (the 2006 book was about $60!) and honestly, the material doesn't change enough from one year to the next to make a big difference.

I had some weak areas so I really wanted to comb through the material in the book. I studied about 4 hrs/day for about 2 months and took LOTS of practice tests. I would space them out and only take one per week if you have the time. Simulate the testing day (i.e. time your sections and breaks and minimize all distractions) as closely as possible. Like someone above said, mastering the mechanics of the test will GREATLY improve your chances of getting a good score.

I have also heard really great things about ExamKrackers especially if you need more in depth coverage of the material (the Comp. Kaplan book isnt exhaustively detailed). But its more expensive so it just depends on what you think you need and how much time and $$ you want to put into it.

Best of luck👍

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