Lost in life right now... could use some advice

[CalBear456]

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Hello Everyone,

I am a little lost in my life right now and could use some advice. So, I am just about to finish up my senior year in college from a large public institution and will likely have an overall gpa of 3.814 and a science gpa of 3.73. Throughout undergrad I did my best to obtain significant community service, clinical experience, shadowing hours.

As far as research, I took part in a paid summer fellowship on public health where I gave a talk at the closing to the whole faculty. Also, I was involved in a clinical research project for almost 2 years and I have presented a poster with this and am a coauthor in a publication that is inches away from being completed.

Anyways, I think my extracurriculars are good to go and my academics seem to be fine. However, the dang MCAT has been my bane. I tried studying last summer ( end of junior year) however I messed up and wasn’t able to get it done. I tried to pick up studying throughout senior year however, it just didn’t work out.

I am now at a point where I can try to take the MCAT at the end of June. But I’m worried about how I can possibly do the personal statement and amcas in this short period while studying. I do have a great background from all of my failed studying attempts. Another major issue is that, I totally lost my motivation to study for this exam.. when I open a book I feel very lethargic and uninterested, which is horrible. Any advice?

It’s either this or take 2 gap years. I just worry about taking a whole another year because besides the MCAT I feel that my application is ready, but I just screwed up :/. I was definitely going to try to do research and work as am EMT in my gap years. Anyone been in the same position as me... please chip in!

Thanks

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

Have you tried taking a full practice test and figure out how much studying you need to do? That's a very good GPA from UCB!

 

[Dr. Basketball]

I rushed the MCAT and regret it. I think you will hear about people studying for not very long and killing the MCAT, but I don´t know how much of those stories I believe. Although I am sure it happens at times.

If I were you I would take the time off, study, get experience, and find some time for fun as well. Med school isn't going anywhere and I don't think you want to risk it by potentially blowing the MCAT, applying, and possibly becoming a re-applicant unnecessarily. Good luck to you!!

 

[Peter Pan.]

Been there. I took a gap year and it was the best decision I’ve made. I studied a little over a year for the MCAT but only took it once. I voided one time. Took it in January. Got a 511. I thought about applying last cycle but knew I wasn’t ready and didn’t want to study for MCAT while doing the primary and secondaries.

I suggest applying next cycle and taking your time on the MCAT. Continue some extracurriculars as well. You need to take the MCAT when you are ready and apply with your best application possible.

 

[Osminog]

The MCAT isn't the sort of thing that should be rushed. Only take it when you're ready.

Also, reflect on why your past MCAT study attempts failed. Were you burnt out? (If so, are you still burnt out?) Were you feeling hesitant about applying to medical school? (If so, are you still feeling hesitant?) Were you distracted by other interests or pursuits? (If so, are you still distracted by them?) Hopefully a brief period of introspection will guide you in the right direction when it comes time to prepare for the MCAT again.

 

[CalBear456]

Thanks Everyone for your suggestions, I appreciate all of them. I made peace that 2 gap years is the right choice for me.

I have another issue that I could use your help with.... I

One major asterisk on my gpa is that I did my first 2 years of undergrad at a community college and got a 3.8 overall gpa. For my final two years, I transferred to UC Berkeley and got an overall gpa of 3.83 and a science gpa of 3.74. My cumulative with both institutions is a 3.81 overall and a 3.73 science gpa. @Goro

I know medical schools look down on community college, but considering I will be taking 2 gap years how can I prove to schools without a shadow of doubt? Apart from doing very well on the MCAT, is there anything else I can do? @Catalystik

I feel my extracurricular are very strong and I will also have 1, possibly 2 publications prior to applying. I want to ensure that I get in during that try because my worst nightmare would be if I have to take another year after that. @gonnif

During my gap year, I want to get into research to hopefully obtain another publication.

 

[Goro]

The bias against CC is rather overrated. Don't sweat it.

 

[Catalystik]

One major asterisk on my gpa is that I did my first 2 years of undergrad at a community college and got a 3.8 overall gpa. For my final two years, I transferred to UC Berkeley and got an overall gpa of 3.83 and a science gpa of 3.74. My cumulative with both institutions is a 3.81 overall and a 3.73 science gpa.

I know medical schools look down on community college, but considering I will be taking 2 gap years how can I prove to schools without a shadow of doubt? Apart from doing very well on the MCAT, is there anything else I can do? @Catalystik

You don't need to prove anything else. Your GPAs are terrific and you kept them high even after transferring to a 4-year university.

 

[LizzyM]

The real bias against community college is when someone is at a top school and then takes o-chem (or physics) over the summer at a community college as a way of avoiding the GPA-busting course at their own school. The person who took everything at the top school and got the same GPA as the person who ran away to the CC is going to look stronger.

You're fine. I'm glad you made peace with the 2 gap year process. Doing it once and only when you are ready is the best policy for taking the MCAT and for applying to medical schools.