MCAT vs Primary. Need advice

[geh926]

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Alright, so I understand that I'm already late in the cycle to submit my primary so judge accordingly if you need to. I was just seeking some advice as to how to get my apps in asap while not killing my MCAT studying. I'm taking my test Sept 6th, but all I have currently is a rough draft of my PS. I feel like I have a lot of good ideas/experiences, I just haven't had the time to organize them into a coherent structure yet. Ideally, I would like to submit this before my MCAT so I could be verified right away when my scores are released. However, I know that taking a couple hours a day could hurt my MCAT studying/potential score. Should I still attempt to do both within the next 2 weeks here. Or just leave my PS to do as quickly as possible right after my MCAT and submit the primary mid/late Sept? Also, MCAT score will be released Oct 9th.

Sorry for the novel, any advice is appreciated 🙂

 

[Borealis]

In all honesty, as a Med student and later physician, you'll have to learn to successfully juggle many things at once. You won't have the luxury to only focus on one thing. If you don't think you can do all these things and do them well, you're better off waiting until the next cycle. You don't want to waste time or money on an application that doesn't reflect you at your best.

 

[HalfListic]

Alright, so I understand that I'm already late in the cycle to submit my primary so judge accordingly if you need to. I was just seeking some advice as to how to get my apps in asap while not killing my MCAT studying. I'm taking my test Sept 6th, but all I have currently is a rough draft of my PS. I feel like I have a lot of good ideas/experiences, I just haven't had the time to organize them into a coherent structure yet. Ideally, I would like to submit this before my MCAT so I could be verified right away when my scores are released. However, I know that taking a couple hours a day could hurt my MCAT studying/potential score. Should I still attempt to do both within the next 2 weeks here. Or just leave my PS to do as quickly as possible right after my MCAT and submit the primary mid/late Sept? Also, MCAT score will be released Oct 9th.

Sorry for the novel, any advice is appreciated 🙂

What's your GPA?

How long have you been studying for the MCAT? Do you have any practice test scores? Do you know how long you want to study for the MCAT...most people take about 3 months.


My general thoughts, if you have a decent GPA (3.3+) AND have already started on your MCAT studies, then you could still have a shot this year.

You would need to focus the next 2 full weeks to you PS and spend 3-4 hours/day your primary app...just get it done. I'd split up the day and still take 2-3 hours/day for MCAT study.

If you haven't even begun to study for the MCAT, or if your GPA is weak...take the year to strengthen and be ready to apply early next cycle.

Good luck

 

[MedPR]

Alright, so I understand that I'm already late in the cycle to submit my primary so judge accordingly if you need to. I was just seeking some advice as to how to get my apps in asap while not killing my MCAT studying. I'm taking my test Sept 6th, but all I have currently is a rough draft of my PS. I feel like I have a lot of good ideas/experiences, I just haven't had the time to organize them into a coherent structure yet. Ideally, I would like to submit this before my MCAT so I could be verified right away when my scores are released. However, I know that taking a couple hours a day could hurt my MCAT studying/potential score. Should I still attempt to do both within the next 2 weeks here. Or just leave my PS to do as quickly as possible right after my MCAT and submit the primary mid/late Sept? Also, MCAT score will be released Oct 9th.

Sorry for the novel, any advice is appreciated 🙂

Apply next year unless your GPA is 3.5+ and you're looking at a 29+ on the MCAT. If you rush to get your primary submitted by 9/6 you will be sacrificing MCAT studying and your MCAT score will suffer. If you put off your primary to study for the MCAT, you will be even later in the cycle. Yes, I realize that is the obvious dilemma and the reason why this thread even exists. The answer is to apply next year.

 

[michow87]

Apply next year unless your GPA is 3.5+ and you're looking at a 29+ on the MCAT. If you rush to get your primary submitted by 9/6 you will be sacrificing MCAT studying and your MCAT score will suffer. If you put off your primary to study for the MCAT, you will be even later in the cycle. Yes, I realize that is the obvious dilemma and the reason why this thread even exists. The answer is to apply next year.

this. Don't rush the application process.