MCAT/ Application Preparation/ Transfer Student

[AlteredScale]

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Just looking for some advice.
I will be taking the MCAT this September. I will be using the entire summer to prepare, but I will not be taking any sort of preparation course. Is a 30+ doable without taking this course? Any tips to independent study methods for the MCAT?

I was also transfer student from a community college with about 3 years of musician performance in the hardcore genre. I feel that utilizing my love for music and how it affected my listeners will be a great way to catch the AdCom. What do you think?

Some stats:
3.8 cGPA

Research- Starting a masters project that I will hopefully complete in 2015 at a lab within the UCSD SOM. Also conducted multiple protocol optimizations regarding a mitochondrial DNA gene sequencing lab at the community college for the department head.

Volunteer- Recently started at the UCSD ED. Because of my big commitment to music at the JC I started a bit late.

Shadow- MD/PhD Neuropathology, MD attending once a week to observe endoscopy/colonoscopy.

I feel that I have a very broad scope to my application. I'm hoping this will not be detrimental.

Best of luck to all the 2013-2014 applicants! 🙂

 

[WilsonFan]

By "hardcore genre", do you mean like, death metal? (excuse my ignorance). I think most AdComs would have a gut reaction towards judging you negatively if this is the case, as most are older academics. Definitely use music as a selling point, but I'm not sure I would harp on the fact that it was in the "hardcore genre", or use those words necessarily on any part of your application. "Musical performance" is good enough.

Everything else looks fine, and it is great that you have such a broad scope. It is definitely doable to not utilize a study course, depending on your learning style. If you have historically needed a study group, the stress of final exams, etc to get you in the mood to study, you may have to use a course. But if you are someone who has historically been OK with studying a little bit every day for your own edification, then you most definitely will do just as well without a couse as with it, as I strongly believe at least 80% of prep courses are glorified babysitters.

 

[AlteredScale]

By "hardcore genre", do you mean like, death metal? (excuse my ignorance). I think most AdComs would have a gut reaction towards judging you negatively if this is the case, as most are older academics. Definitely use music as a selling point, but I'm not sure I would harp on the fact that it was in the "hardcore genre", or use those words necessarily on any part of your application. "Musical performance" is good enough.

Everything else looks fine, and it is great that you have such a broad scope. It is definitely doable to not utilize a study course, depending on your learning style. If you have historically needed a study group, the stress of final exams, etc to get you in the mood to study, you may have to use a course. But if you are someone who has historically been OK with studying a little bit every day for your own edification, then you most definitely will do just as well without a couse as with it, as I strongly believe at least 80% of prep courses are glorified babysitters.

Thank you very much for the response. You are somewhat correct, it's most definitely a genre that doesn't talk about death or evil, but more on the lines of understanding (lyrics that talk about having an alcoholic or abusive parent), but has an aggressive style and nature (AKA there's screaming involved). But I will take into much consideration the fact that the majority of people react quite negatively to the musical style. You don't think AdComs would try and discuss the specific style played? And if so, should I just say the softer style that I played (jazz)?

As for the MCAT, I come from a background of basically all indepdent study, so I'm glad you encourage me to just study and prepare for it myself.