Matriculation Date & Application

[wasvsdal]

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If I wanted to start medical school in Fall 2012, then can I send in my primaries in February 2012 when the application cycle opens? Im taking my mcats in September, then I wanted to retake about 4 classes to get my gpa's above 3.0. What is the earliest I can apply? This life as a non-traditional student sucks! All you pre-med kids study hard so u are not in this position.

 

[Raisenbran]

To my knowledge, the application cycle for Fall 2012 actually just opened this month, with most deadlines being around or before Feb 2012. So I would take the MCAT and submit your primaries as soon as you can. You can still retake classes while you apply and then send the schools updated transcripts once the grades come in. Unfortunately the application process can last upwards of a year, or longer if you need to reapply

 

[wasvsdal]

My gpa currently is 2.85/2.05. After retaking four classes, itll be 3.1/3.1 (if i get A's in all of them). A lot is also banking on the Sept MCAT's. I dont know if its a smart decision to apply now purely based on the speculation involved, but even if I was to roll the dice, does it even make sense to apply?

 

[vandyam]

My gpa currently is 2.85/2.05. After retaking four classes, itll be 3.1/3.1 (if i get A's in all of them). A lot is also banking on the Sept MCAT's. I dont know if its a smart decision to apply now purely based on the speculation involved, but even if I was to roll the dice, does it even make sense to apply?

I hate to do this to you, because obviously you want to start medical school as soon as possible, but you should definitely wait until next year to apply. Application for medical school start a full year before you plan to attend - on June 1st every year. So for example, for those wanting to matriculate in Fall 2012 had their applications just opened a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, without an MCAT score until October (you aren't taking until September at MCAT scores do not come back until 30 days after you take the test) you are taking the last possible MCAT day to be considered for this application cycle....and unless you make a 35+, with you GPA I do not see it happening (and really, even then...2.05 just won't be considered by anyone. With a 3.1 your chances are much better. I would study very hard, take the MCAT when you feel ready (anytime before next June would be *ideal*) and in the mean time work on getting your GPA up by retaking classes. Then apply June 1st next June so you can start medical school in the Fall of 2013. In my opinion, applying now would be a huge waste of your time and resources.

I understand your frustrations with classes and this whole process in general, but it is part of it and if you keep your head down you can do it. Good luck!! Pm me if you have any questions.

 

[flatearth22]

I hate to do this to you, because obviously you want to start medical school as soon as possible, but you should definitely wait until next year to apply. Application for medical school start a full year before you plan to attend - on June 1st every year. So for example, for those wanting to matriculate in Fall 2012 had their applications just opened a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, without an MCAT score until October (you aren't taking until September at MCAT scores do not come back until 30 days after you take the test) you are taking the last possible MCAT day to be considered for this application cycle....and unless you make a 35+, with you GPA I do not see it happening (and really, even then...2.05 just won't be considered by anyone. With a 3.1 your chances are much better. I would study very hard, take the MCAT when you feel ready (anytime before next June would be *ideal*) and in the mean time work on getting your GPA up by retaking classes. Then apply June 1st next June so you can start medical school in the Fall of 2013. In my opinion, applying now would be a huge waste of your time and resources.

I understand your frustrations with classes and this whole process in general, but it is part of it and if you keep your head down you can do it. Good luck!! Pm me if you have any questions.

+1

By applying for 2013 you also have more time to prepare for the MCAT and take it in spring 2012 as well as beef up on more EC's/clinical/etc.

Study hard, eat healthy, lift heavy, and take a multi every day. You'll be fine.

 

[wasvsdal]

Yeah you guys are probably right. I hope 3.1/3.1 is enough because I would hate to be in a position to have to do a postbac. Most of them are another 40-50k, plus 300k of med school debt. Its not even about passion at that point anymore.

 

[seap3]

I thought you already took the MCAT (no s) and got a 32.

Overall & science: 3.1
MCAT: 32

I have a letter from DO and a Professor, and have some hours shadowing at a hospital as well. I also have a CPA.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[Vishna]

If you don't have an MCAT score yet, save yourself the application money and like flatearth22 said boost your app with other things during this year. You will not be giving yourself many choices if you try to crunch everything in this year especially considering your late MCAT.

A year is not that long in the grand scheme of things and you'll be glad you did it in the end. Also it seems like you could probably do a bit more research on the entire application process. It is pretty involved. Spend some more time on the forums, researching schools, etc. You'll be glad you did. Good luck regardless 👍

 

[VeeTeeHokies]

I hate to do this to you, because obviously you want to start medical school as soon as possible, but you should definitely wait until next year to apply. Application for medical school start a full year before you plan to attend - on June 1st every year. So for example, for those wanting to matriculate in Fall 2012 had their applications just opened a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, without an MCAT score until October (you aren't taking until September at MCAT scores do not come back until 30 days after you take the test) you are taking the last possible MCAT day to be considered for this application cycle....and unless you make a 35+, with you GPA I do not see it happening (and really, even then...2.05 just won't be considered by anyone. With a 3.1 your chances are much better. I would study very hard, take the MCAT when you feel ready (anytime before next June would be *ideal*) and in the mean time work on getting your GPA up by retaking classes. Then apply June 1st next June so you can start medical school in the Fall of 2013. In my opinion, applying now would be a huge waste of your time and resources.

I understand your frustrations with classes and this whole process in general, but it is part of it and if you keep your head down you can do it. Good luck!! Pm me if you have any questions.

+1. This is the only advice you need from this thread. It sucks to have to wait another year and apply for matriculation in 2013, especially with the whole impending apocalypse thing in 2012, but it's your best shot. Also, even with a 3.1/3.1 you're going to want to score 30+. 28+ might get you a shot though. If you have the time to retake any other classes that you got a C, C+, or even a B- in I would consider it as well (remember, now you have 2 years instead of 1). Every little GPA boost helps. Don't neglect your EC's in the coming year also, and try to keep up the good work into the cycle so that you can update schools. Good luck!