MCAT Timing for SMP

[peglegbob]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm having a bit of difficulty figuring out when the best time to study for/take my MCAT is and hopefully I can get some feedback on which option would be the best.

I'm planning on applying for SMPs for the 2014-15 class and haven't taken the MCAT yet. Originally my plan was to use this summer to study for the test, but 3 weeks into the summer I have realized that my schedule is far too busy to allow for me to study as thoroughly as I feel that I need to.

That being said I think that I have 3 options:
1. Study for the MCAT in my limited free time this summer
2. Study over the fall term and take the test over winter break
3. Take the GRE this summer and use that score to apply for SMPs and then take the MCAT in August of 2014 after spending the summer studying.

Option 3 seems like the best option, but I'm concerned that the GRE isn't seen as equivilant to the MCAT and that I would be applying to medical schools later in the cycle (early Septemberish). I know that most people don't get accepted until their first semester of SMP grades come out, so would a late application even matter?

Any opinion on what the best course of action would be?

Thank You!

Sent from my DROID3 using SDN Mobile

 

[justalittlestar]

Also in the same boat but I've already taken the GRE - 3 years ago. Even with the GRE under my belt, I'm planning on tackling the MCAT before applying for SMPs. I hear that some SMPs can be intense and That it can be difficult to lump studying for the MCAT on top of other studying. Just something to think about. In the end it's your call.

 

[futureortho]

Also in the same boat but I've already taken the GRE - 3 years ago. Even with the GRE under my belt, I'm planning on tackling the MCAT before applying for SMPs. I hear that some SMPs can be intense and That it can be difficult to lump studying for the MCAT on top of other studying. Just something to think about. In the end it's your call.

This is exactly what I am doing.

 

[peglegbob]

I would hopefully be studying/taking the MCAT before the SMP actually starts in the summer between the end of undergrad and the start of the SMP, so it shouldn't actually conflict with school work.

Any other opinions?