I need help deciding.

[medknight]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi!
So I'm not sure if I should try to apply for this cycle(edit: upcoming cycle) or wait an extra year. I've been reading through many of the threads and still can't quite make a decision.
Long story short:
The only pre-reqs I won't have for the next cycle are Org. Chem I and II and Physics I and II. I haven't taken the MCAT yet but I have taken a couple of FL and my scores have been from 488-501.
My cGPA is 3.178
My sGPA is 3.429
My bachelors degree will be in Psychology.
I was thinking about applying in August, I guess I am just worried because I haven't completed all my pre-reqs. and I tend to overthink things.

Any input would be great.

 

[OrdinaryDO]

How is your MCAT 488-501? Did you mean 498-501? What is your actual MCAT score?

 

[mathnerd88]

How is your MCAT 488-501? Did you mean 498-501? What is your actual MCAT score?

He just means he is scoring between those ranges on his practice MCAT exams.

In any case OP, take all your prerequisites before you take the MCAT. Don't apply the upcoming cycle if you don't have any of the prerequisites completed.

 

[OrdinaryDO]

He just means he is scoring between those ranges on his practice MCAT exams.

In any case OP, take all your prerequisites before you take the MCAT. Don't apply the upcoming cycle if you don't have any of the prerequisites completed.

Oh goodness. OP, make sure your practice scores are hitting around 500+. I say this because I scored a 502 and my practice scores were 495 or lower. I am not sure if they improved the practice tests and scoring system, but they may have.

 

[medknight]

I was planning on taking the MCAT in June and then waiting to apply until my score was posted.

The only pre-reqs I won't have done are organic chemistry I and II and physics I and II. which I will take in the fall and spring.

But if it is better to wait until I finish those before taking the MCAT and applying then I will slow down, wait and save my money.

**on phone, auto correct is the worst.

 

[0dee]

This new MCAT is biochem heavy and they decreased the amount of ochem in it, but I believe it would be better for you to finish your pre-reqs before taking the MCAT. Unless you're really good at self study and you can teach yourself the materials needed.

 

[Dr Tony T. Chopper]

Major focus is finishing with a high gpa and getting your letters in asap. Also, evaluate yourself in where you stand for shadowing hours, and clinical hours. Work on more FLs and raise your score to around a 506-509.

 

[Goro]

You should apply when you have the best possible app, even if it means skipping a cycle.

Hi!
So I'm not sure if I should try to apply for this cycle(edit: upcoming cycle) or wait an extra year. I've been reading through many of the threads and still can't quite make a decision.
Long story short:
The only pre-reqs I won't have for the next cycle are Org. Chem I and II and Physics I and II. I haven't taken the MCAT yet but I have taken a couple of FL and my scores have been from 488-501.
My cGPA is 3.178
My sGPA is 3.429
My bachelors degree will be in Psychology.
I was thinking about applying in August, I guess I am just worried because I haven't completed all my pre-reqs. and I tend to overthink things.

Any input would be great.

 

[New_Slang]

I was planning on taking the MCAT in June and then waiting to apply until my score was posted.

The only pre-reqs I won't have done are organic chemistry I and II and physics I and II. which I will take in the fall and spring.

But if it is better to wait until I finish those before taking the MCAT and applying then I will slow down, wait and save my money.

**on phone, auto correct is the worst.

Most schools require Ochem I and II to take Biochem (at least Ochem II concurrently) and the MCAT has Biochem. Therefore, don't even think of taking the MCAT until you're at least close to Biochem. You don't have a lot of hope of teaching yourself Biochem enough for the MCAT if you don't have Ochem to help you through it.

Also, there is still physics on the MCAT, even if it isn't a lot. Skip a cycle and be a stronger candidate.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Most schools require Ochem I and II to take Biochem (at least Ochem II concurrently) and the MCAT has Biochem. Therefore, don't even think of taking the MCAT until you're at least close to Biochem. You don't have a lot of hope of teaching yourself Biochem enough for the MCAT if you don't have Ochem to help you through it.

Also, there is still physics on the MCAT, even if it isn't a lot. Skip a cycle and be a stronger candidate.

Eh I can see how it is nice to have taken BioChem before the MCAT but I have numerous friends who took the test way before taking BioChem and all of them have scored 510+. It can help but I wouldn't say that you for sure shouldn't take it without taking the class.

 

[KO_TV]

Eh I can see how it is nice to have taken BioChem before the MCAT but I have numerous friends who took the test way before taking BioChem and all of them have scored 510+. It can help but I wouldn't say that you for sure shouldn't take it without taking the class.

Your friends were probably scoring higher than 488-501 on the practice exams...

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Your friends were probably scoring higher than 488-501 on the practice exams...

Between all of them none of them broke 503 on a practice test and the lowest actual score was a 510. Admittedly this was before the new test had started and all the practice tests were probably over estimating the difficulty. But I do agree I wouldn't take the real thing with a number of scores above 500 on practice tests. That is just playing roulette with your score

 

[premed_mommy]

IMO you definitely need O Chem and Physics prior to taking the MCAT.

 

[New_Slang]

Eh I can see how it is nice to have taken BioChem before the MCAT but I have numerous friends who took the test way before taking BioChem and all of them have scored 510+. It can help but I wouldn't say that you for sure shouldn't take it without taking the class.

I didn't take BioChem before the MCAT and am in the same situation as your friends. However, for someone who seems to be struggling and somewhat confused with the pre-reqs/timeline of courses and the requirements for the MCAT, OP might need to take BioChem to help her practice tests. I also took the "old batch" of MCAT 2015 tests that came out first, apparently they've gotten a good deal better in the past few months.