MCAT prep is the main thing keeping me from applying

[dnase]

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I will have just finished all the prereqs after this semester (with other MCAT-related classes except for intro biology fresh in my mind). I will have about four or five weeks to study full-time for the MCAT after the semester ends, and then I could take it before I have to begin another summer commitment. Is that five week study period doable, or not recommended? I can do content review from now until the end of May (and have been reviewing for about a month now), but I just haven't / know I won't have the time to take practice tests until after this semester is over. I'm taking five science classes, which probably wasn't the best way to accommodate MCAT studying.

My alternative is to take a gap year and take the MCAT during winter break of senior year, and apply after my senior year (which I freely admit will be less rushed, and because I was already having some doubts as to whether or not medicine is actually for me, could be a good time to reassess my career goals). The main negative is that I would have to start paying back my student loans if I were to take a gap year, which might be difficult for me. I believe that I would have a fairly solid application otherwise, and I would ideally like to apply to a range of schools, including top tier schools.

Thank you for your help.

 

[Catalystik]

I will have just finished all the prereqs after this semester (with other MCAT-related classes except for intro biology fresh in my mind). I will have about four or five weeks to study full-time for the MCAT after the semester ends, and then I could take it before I have to begin another summer commitment. Is that five week study period doable, or not recommended? I can do content review from now until the end of May (and have been reviewing for about a month now), but I just haven't / know I won't have the time to take practice tests until after this semester is over. I'm taking five science classes, which probably wasn't the best way to accommodate MCAT studying.

My alternative is to take a gap year and take the MCAT during winter break of senior year, and apply after my senior year (which I freely admit will be less rushed, and because I was already having some doubts as to whether or not medicine is actually for me, could be a good time to reassess my career goals). The main negative is that I would have to start paying back my student loans if I were to take a gap year, which might be difficult for me. I believe that I would have a fairly solid application otherwise, and I would ideally like to apply to a range of schools, including top tier schools.

Thank you for your help.

I think it's doable due to the prestudy you're doing and the current course content being so fresh in your mind. But with your goal being top schools, are you prepared to proceed without regret even if your score isn't as strong as you'd hoped? Could you be content with all the other schools that would love to have you?

Of course, just because you take the MCAT when the material is freshest doesn't mean you are obliged to apply this summer. It would be nice to have it out of the way.

As far as the issues of wanting to consider carefully your willingness to enter medicine and also not wishing to pay back loans just yet, can you add a minor and stay in school longer? Or maybe plan a one-year masters (which unfortuantely usually require tuition when they are only of one-year's duration).

 

[RenQun]

Unless your Fall semester of senior year is looking light, it would seem your 4-5 week study opportunity coming straight out of 5 sciences classes and review is a golden opportunity.

Preparing your application for this cycle may also be a good way to help you assess your doubts about medicine. Better to come to a conclusion now, than a few months into a gap year...

 

[dnase]

I should also mention that I would be studying in the place of working in a lab for the summer. It's a bit complicated, but I was going to fill that time otherwise with working in lab for 4 weeks. If I were to do MCAT prep, I would of course forego that lab work. I like the lab I would be working in, but at the same time, I also do have a lot of lab work to begin with so I don't think it'd be vital to get even more lab experience (unless you guys disagree somehow).

Of the five science classes I'm taking, two are directly related to the MCAT, and three are not really. I guess my main concern is whether 4-5 weeks would even be enough... I've had friends take entire semesters off just to study for the MCAT (and of course they did very well after an entire 10 weeks of full time MCAT prep).

 

[Catalystik]

1) I like the lab I would be working in, but at the same time, I also do have a lot of lab work to begin with so I don't think it'd be vital to get even more lab experience (unless you guys disagree somehow).

2) Of the five science classes I'm taking, two are directly related to the MCAT, and three are not really. I guess my main concern is whether 4-5 weeks would even be enough... I've had friends take entire semesters off just to study for the MCAT (and of course they did very well after an entire 10 weeks of full time MCAT prep).

1) Maybe you could define what YOU mean by "a lot of lab work."

2) Some that aren't "directly related" are still very helpful before taking the MCAT.

Ah, see. you're starting to hedge despite our positive messages. If a shorter study time will create major anxiety, then rethink that route. I sense that a top score would be very important to you.

 

[dnase]

I have publications, poster presentations, and have worked in several labs since high school and will have solid recommendations from PIs.

I have almost completed my AMCAS application at this time (but of course no secondaries).

Studying 5 weeks and taking the June test date would make me late in the cycle, correct? I had planned on taking the May test date but I've been having trouble finding four-hour blocks of time to take practice exams while balancing my courseload and other obligations.

 

[Catalystik]

1) I have publications, poster presentations, and have worked in several labs since high school and will have solid recommendations from PIs.

2) Studying 5 weeks and taking the June test date would make me late in the cycle, correct? I had planned on taking the May test date but I've been having trouble finding four-hour blocks of time to take practice exams while balancing my courseload and other obligations.

1) how many semesters and summers would the total be?

2) No, not if you submit your application long enough before you get the score that your transcripts have already been verified (takes 2-3 weeks in early July to 3-4 weeks by the end of July). One might just apply to a single school until one is sure of the degree of competitiveness, then add more on score-release day. New schools get the entire application within a business day. While waiting for the score, you can get Secondary essays completed from prompts found here on SDN to assure a rapid turn-around time when invited to submit them. If you are Complete at every school by 9/1, you will not be "late."

 

[dnase]

Around 5 semesters and three summers (but five summers and also two more academic years if you count high school)... I really enjoy research and I am sure that I pursue it further even if I don't end up going to medical school. I am also continuing research this summer and may or may not continue into my senior year (depending on how I fill those 4-5 weeks)... I have the opportunity to write a senior honors thesis but I would like to pursue other academic interests in the arts and humanities while I still have the chance as an undergraduate... that's okay, right?

 

[Catalystik]

1) Around 5 semesters and three summers (but five summers and also two more academic years if you count high school)... I really enjoy research and I am sure that I pursue it further even if I don't end up going to medical school. I am also continuing research this summer and may or may not continue into my senior year (depending on how I fill those 4-5 weeks)...

2) I have the opportunity to write a senior honors thesis but I would like to pursue other academic interests in the arts and humanities while I still have the chance as an undergraduate... that's okay, right?

1) Yep, you certainly have more than enough.

2) Yes.

 

[MedPwnage]

honestly,

get the right prep books for the MCAT (i highly recommend Examkrackers package + VR101 passages from EK + buy a TPR verbal workbook off of ebay).

Read the whole EK package (esp the VR part).

you need max 2 month.

Spread out your studying time and stay on a regular schedule.


MCAT isn't hard bro don't push it. if you under the basic sciences well, you just need to get into SAT mode.