Is it too late?

[Belly Dancer]

Hi everyone!

I really would love to start pod school in the fall, however, I have not applied yet. I finish my BS in August 2011, and I was going to take a year off and apply to start in the Fall of 2012. I have decided that I would like to go straight through, so I don't get out of "school mode". I didn't make this decision until about two days ago (I know, horrible and stupid). I already filled out the AACPMAS, I requested the official transcripts from the schools I have attended today, I asked for the LOR's today (from a Podiatrist, Orthopedic Surgeon, and a science professor), and I am taking the MCAT April 9th.

Here are my stats:
MCAT- April 9th (I'm taking the Kaplan prep course and I am doing pretty good)
Overall GPA- 3.5
Science GPA- 3.1

EC's-
*President of the Biology Club (Junior year)
*Research Assistant for a Resident at Yale Medical School (this past semester)
*Volunteer at the Specialty Clinic at my local VA Hospital (one year)
*Volunteer Special Education Tutor (four years)
*Volunteer at an Adult Day Care (companionship for 4 years)
*Gemology degree from GIA (I worked as a Diamond Specialist for 6 years)
*Home Health Aide paid position (have been working with the elderly for 3 years)
*Shadowed 2 Podiatrists (a resident, and a Dr. who has been in private practice for 30 yrs)
*Shadowed Orthopedic Surgeon (resident)

Things I am worried about:
*It is LATE in the application process. The AACPM website says that for "priority consideration" the AACPMAS should be submitted by April 1st and that the deadline is June 30th, but that still seems awfully late to me, considering the vast amount of people that have already been admitted to all of the schools.
*I have not taken the MCAT yet.
*I have not taken Orgo II yet (I just registered to take it this summer from July 5th-August 5th.

Extras:
*This will be my second career. I left the Gemology and Diamond world to go back to school. I'm taking a HUGE pay cut and it is a big sacrifice but I know is well worth it. I want to be happy with my job and myself.

So, here are the questions...will it look horrible to the schools if I apply by April 1st? What are my chances of getting in somewhere? Will I be wasting my time and money if I apply? I know it's not that expensive to apply, but it's still close to $500 that I have to work hard to get and pay for myself. Does anyone know how many students each school takes? Will it be better if I DO push it all back a year?

Ugh...I'm sorry if this is too long and sorry about all the questions, I'm just in a tough spot. Thanks in advance to all who will respond. Any input is greatly appreciated.

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[Shireiqiang]

I am sure that there are plenty of schools still interviewing applicants. It's definately not too late to apply. Your grades look fine, just make sure you do well on the MCAT and you'll get in somewhere. I know AZPOD is still interviewing. Good Luck.

 

[TheFootDoc]

Apply asap. Do well on your MCAT (mid 20s at least).

If you feel overwhelmed then shoot for NYCPM's Jan '12 class.

Good luck

 

[darazon]

I took the MCAT during the middle of March and had no problems getting interviews everywhere once my scores came back. I applied to all the schools but Scholl.

As soon as you get your scores, the schools will offer you interviews (if they haven't already). Just book as soon as you can -some do fill up faster than others.

I would try hard to get in this cycle.

 

[Belly Dancer]

Thanks, guys!! Your positive and encouraging responses have alleviated my anxiety.

I just spent all day plugging in grades, numbers, and writing my personal statement, and I fully completed my AACPMAS!! Since I just requested the official transcripts today, they probably won't get sent out 'til the end of the week, meaning that they will not be received 'til sometime next week. Should I pay the fees right now and submit my application anyway?

 

[sorham]

If you're sure you want to start right away I say pay the money and get things rolling. I honestly think you will get in somewhere this year. Your options may be limited, some schools may be full, do you care where you go? also some schools start orientation near the beginning of August, be sure you will be done with undergrad before orientation begins. But I definitely think with a decent MCAT score you will still get in somewhere this year.

 

[adnguyen]

I applied to Scholl's and I am taking the MCAT on March 26th. I think they said that is the latest time you could take the test that they would accept. You can call and ask them if you would like. Otherwise save your money on that school.

 

[Belly Dancer]

If you're sure you want to start right away I say pay the money and get things rolling. I honestly think you will get in somewhere this year. Your options may be limited, some schools may be full, do you care where you go? also some schools start orientation near the beginning of August, be sure you will be done with undergrad before orientation begins. But I definitely think with a decent MCAT score you will still get in somewhere this year.

Hmm...I will be officially done with my undergrad and Orgo II on August 5th, 2011. That is cutting it super close. I guess I'd finish and then pack up and leave right after. I just paid and submitted the application!! I have a crazy feeling in my stomach that I know will not go away until I hear from at least one school. I really don't care where I go, as long as I go SOMEWHERE. You get what you put in, anyway, and I know that by working hard and applying myself, I can succeed anywhere I go.

 

[KaTrInAtF4]

a lot of programs start aug 1st. that could be a big problem for you.

 

[Belly Dancer]

- The mixed emotions that I'm feeling are overwhelming!!

Anyway, I had another question - AACPMAS said that as soon as one e-submits the application and pays for the fees the "processing" begins. I know that my application will not be mailed out to the schools until after they receive the official transcripts and verify my GPA, but since the application is being "processed", can it be seen online by the schools??

Thanks in advance for your responses

 

[adnguyen]

From what I remember, they had to receive all your transcripts before it was fully processed. So once this is done the schools will be able to see them. Don't worry though, this whole process is pretty fast. I'm sure either way you'll be fine. Just focus on that MCAT now and you'll be somewhere come fall. Good luck!