MCAT scheduling question

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WhiteCoatSyndrome

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I am going into my sophomore year of college and am wondering when I should consider scheduling my MCAT test. I hear that it is a huge advantage taking the MCAT in the summer because there is no other classwork to focus on, only the MCAT.

However, I was wanting to do research next summer, the summer before my junior year because I have none as of right now. I feel like if I tried to do research and study/take the MCAT at the same time it could potentially be too much to handle, but at the same time If I take it during the school year of my junior year then I have school to focus on as well.

I really do not want to wait to take it until the summer before my senior year because then I will have to wait a year after I graduate to go to medical school, however I would consider it if it would really put me at that much of an advantage.

What are your thoughts/opinions on this matter and my situation in particular, if you were me, what would you do?
 
I would study the summer before your senior year and take it at the end of the summer. This way you'll have a full 3 months of study for just the mcat and that year off could actually benefit you. Use that time to improve your application. I don't care what anyone says. You can ALWAYS improve your application. This is a really common thing these days because the average age of matriculation is 24 or 25 I think. Good luck!

PS: Love the avatar. Steve Vai is awesome.
 
I would study the summer before your senior year and take it at the end of the summer. This way you'll have a full 3 months of study for just the mcat and that year off could actually benefit you. Use that time to improve your application. I don't care what anyone says. You can ALWAYS improve your application. This is a really common thing these days because the average age of matriculation is 24 or 25 I think. Good luck!

PS: Love the avatar. Steve Vai is awesome.

The summer thing is really common.

You could also study over Winter Break, and try taking it in late January or December.
 
I just dont want to end up shooting myself in the foot by trying to take during the school year. I would rather put all my eggs in one basket and get the MCAT done right rather than not planning and taking it multiple times.

I am doing everything possible to prepare myself ahead of time. I am currently doing verbal passages and working on that as well as doing content review of the classes I have already taken (Gen Chem/Bio)
 
I just dont want to end up shooting myself in the foot by trying to take during the school year. I would rather put all my eggs in one basket and get the MCAT done right rather than not planning and taking it multiple times.

I am doing everything possible to prepare myself ahead of time. I am currently doing verbal passages and working on that as well as doing content review of the classes I have already taken (Gen Chem/Bio)

Most people reccomend a 2-3 months study period prior to taking it.

Maybe try to study June and July, and take it end of July/early August.
 
Most people reccomend a 2-3 months study period prior to taking it.

Maybe try to study June and July, and take it end of July/early August.


Are you suggesting to do this next summer, which is the summer before my junior year?
 
I see. I am really just trying to gauge what is the best route, I have heard different suggestions and opinions from practically everyone. In fact, my premed advisor would tell me to take it in January of my junior year, expecting me to study during the school year. I really just want to make sure I make the right decision that allows me enough time to study and understand the material/test sufficiently and that allows me to do it without me having to focus on a bunch of other classes. I know everyone does it differently, which is why it is difficult for me to figure out what I need to do
 
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