Late application vs year off

[eldoctor]

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I have an intensive schedule next semester with 3 upper level science courses that I need to take to graduate on time, so I can't see myself studying for the MCAT and getting the grades I want. I plan to start studying the first week of June and taking the MCAT at the end of August, which is pretty late. I am a California resident and would like to stay in California. Question: Apply to all the UCs and hope I get in, or wait a year and apply early to more schools. GPA is 3.7

Thnx

 

[BBender716]

Study end o' May until July test date, then you can be complete in August = not bad enough to put it off a year.

 

[lstone13]

Study end o' May until July test date, then you can be complete in August = not bad enough to put it off a year.

I agree with this! July MCAT will be better than the August one. Also, go ahead and get your application materials worked on throughout the semester so that you are ready to submit as soon as you take the MCAT or after your receive the scores.

 

[BBender716]

I agree with this! July MCAT will be better than the August one. Also, go ahead and get your application materials worked on throughout the semester so that you are ready to submit as soon as you take the MCAT or after your receive the scores.

Exactly! Get literally everything done and submitted before or during that month when you are waiting for your scores. Then as soon as your scores are released in early August, you = complete 😀

 

[rafeblank]

I would take the year off. You'll have more time to study for the August MCAT, plus you'll have more time the summer after you graduate to focus on your app. Not to mention the added bonus of doing interesting activities in your off year that you may enjoy and could help your app. I talked a lot about the things I did in my year off during interviews, and I think it helped my application significantly.

 

[JJMrK]

I would take a year off if you want the best shot possible at a CA school.