Making an Application strategy

[NBG]

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So , after a full year of reading the "whats my chances" section (during which i took my MCAT and got some advice regarding my chances) it is time to start planing my application !

A small problem came up though, but before i tell you what it is , let me explain what i planed to do:

The application starts in June , and my spring semester ends in late may. This means that there is no way i can get my transcript in on time, which means that i will not be able to have the ideal early application. So , the plan initially was to apply using the grades upto the fall 09 semester.
And here comes the problem: this hasnt been a smooth semester, mainly because i was burned out due to taking the MCAT right before the semester started. And now here is where is stand:

Cumulative GPA : 3.388
fall 09 GPA : 3.18 ( and to compare with spring 09 GPA : 3.43)
MCAT : 38

see the problem i am talking about ?
It is a slight dip , aka the dreaded downward trend.

I know both the GPAs are completely rubbish , but i go to Berkeley and its pretty darn hard.

i already know i have a ok chance of getting in with my numbers, but i am not sure what is the best way to present them. Should i apply early with the GPA dip ? or wait for the transcripts from spring 2010 and apply a month or more late ? ( that is assuming i get better grades)

Thanks in advance for all your help : )

 

[H2O2]

So , after a full year of reading the "whats my chances" section (during which i took my MCAT and got some advice regarding my chances) it is time to start planing my application !

A small problem came up though, but before i tell you what it is , let me explain what i planed to do:

The application starts in June , and my spring semester ends in late may. This means that there is no way i can get my transcript in on time, which means that i will not be able to have the ideal early application. So , the plan initially was to apply using the grades upto the fall 09 semester.
And here comes the problem: this hasnt been a smooth semester, mainly because i was burned out due to taking the MCAT right before the semester started. And now here is where is stand:

Cumulative GPA : 3.388
fall 09 GPA : 3.18 ( and to compare with spring 09 GPA : 3.43)
MCAT : 38

see the problem i am talking about ?
It is a slight dip , aka the dreaded downward trend.

I know both the GPAs are completely rubbish , but i go to Berkeley and its pretty darn hard.

i already know i have a ok chance of getting in with my numbers, but i am not sure what is the best way to present them. Should i apply early with the GPA dip ? or wait for the transcripts from spring 2010 and apply a month or more late ? ( that is assuming i get better grades)

Thanks in advance for all your help : )

Just wait for it. Assuming it takes 2 weeks after the semester to get transcripts, you'll still be submitted by mid June. You can't even submit until June anyway. Anytime before late July is considered "early" in my opinion.

 

[Cleveland]

Get everything in order now. Finish your personal statement and write all the descriptions for all your ECs (which will have to assist your app...some schools may be a bit heartless and drop you due to your GPA.) Your MCAT score undoubtedly helps, and if you apply early, you may be able to land interviews at some schools that would cut you out early. Another option could be a masters program to up the GPA, which would definitely help, imho. MCAT scores are good for like 3 years, so the masters to boost the GPA should definitely be considered. Good luck in the process...unless you think your GPA this spring semester will pull you over 3.4, you should just submit early.

 

[casillas]

If you are sure your spring grades will help increase your GPA then wait for them. you will not be late if you submit in June. But if things are not going well as the semester is coming to an end then submit as fast as you can before those grades go on it.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

Honestly, after a year of reading WAMC, shouldn't you know by now that this thread should be posted there? 😉

I think you are better off just waiting a couple of weeks to get your final grades in.