MCAT question

[Youngm2194]

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I know there's a specific forum for this but I thought I would get a better response here. Pretty much I plan on applying when the cycle opens in 2016 (one gap year). If you take the MCAT in august of 2016 it can count for that cycle correct? I was going to study all of this summer and take it this august (2015) but I have an internship in Florida for 10 weeks with other people my age, as in I would love to devote a lot of time to studying but as this is essentially once in a lifetime idk if I should hold off studying in case I don't devote my full potential to it while in florida. Any thoughts? Much appreciated

 

[Make Or Break]

I'm not really understanding your schedule. It's a little confusing trying to mash all these dates together.

So you're saying that 2.5 months of your summer will be devoted to the internship if you decide to take it August 2015, correct?
Considering summer is usually from early May to late August (maybe 12 weeks?) you're only leaving yourself with 2 weeks to study mcat. No one studies for only 2 weeks unless they are a genius. Take a practice test to see where you are at.

Edit: now that I think about it, I may have underestimated the amount of time you have in summer. 14 weeks sounds good? So now you have around a month if you have 14 weeks. That's still not really enough for most people who are just starting out. Again, take a practice test and go from there.

 

[miamiheatfan]

I know there's a specific forum for this but I thought I would get a better response here. Pretty much I plan on applying when the cycle opens in 2016 (one gap year). If you take the MCAT in august of 2016 it can count for that cycle correct? I was going to study all of this summer and take it this august (2015) but I have an internship in Florida for 10 weeks with other people my age, as in I would love to devote a lot of time to studying but as this is essentially once in a lifetime idk if I should hold off studying in case I don't devote my full potential to it while in florida. Any thoughts? Much appreciated

How about this OP. You should not rush the MCAT and also not take the MCAT in August if you're planning to apply that year. Both things set you up for trouble. You will not adequately study with the internship in the way. Once the internship is done, study for the MCAT and take it in September or October of 2016 when you actually have had time to study. If it isn't offered later than September, take it in January of 2017. Then apply summer of 2017 and submit your primary June 1st.

 

[Youngm2194]

Sorry for the confusion, I meant studying while I have the internship. Still around 3 months to prepare. Basically saying should I not attempt to study during a research-based internship in florida where I know ill have a lot of tempting fun stuff to do weekends etc. I know it's ultimately up to me but I was just asking for opinions as I just finished biochem so it's fresh in my mind and might be good to take the MCAT when I'm fresh on that. I don't really know what to do.

 

[Vain Brother]

taking the MCAT in august means your primary won't be verified until september, which means you're probably looking at october to be finished with secondaries. bad idea

 

[Youngm2194]

I meant take in august to apply the following cycle. I was just asking since mcat studying is pretty much all in or nothing, if I should bother trying to study if I have an internship and may be preoccupied with other stuff at the same time. I won't know until the beginning of June

 

[Make Or Break]

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[f4reignbeauty]

If you feel you cannot devote your time to studying for the MCAT this summer, do not take the exam in August of 2015. I know the internship is important (congrats, btw!) but it is about time management.

Since you're applying a year from now, you have time to study. Take a diagnostic exam, and then set aside a few months to study for the MCAT. Personally, I think you can do the internship and study, but it takes sacrifice and dedication.

 

[Youngm2194]

I agree, I think I can study while doing the internship, but as I said I have a strong feeling there will be many distractions. Since it's an internship with around 10 other people and I'll be living with them, I think it might be better to just hold off on the studying as I may not be able to go all out studying....is it a bad idea to still study, just not like 100%, plan on take it in January 2016 or something? That way I could try an study as best I can throughout the summer but can do other stuff if I don't have time. Also I could study throughout the fall semester and really buckle down winter break (around 6 weeks).

Basically what I'm saying is that if I'm in FL for 10 weeks I know I'll want to do other stuff like golf etc since I've never had an opportunity like this before. I know MCAT studying is extremely important, but I'm just trying to plan based on how I know myself.

 

[f4reignbeauty]

Ultimately, you have to decide what's best for you. Do not give half of your effort when it comes to studying. Plan to take the MCAT, and take it once.

 

[NeuResurgens]

Taking it this year will work for the next cycle. As far as when to take, do it when you're ready and have had ample time to prepare.