Med school timeline

[justabanana]

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I'll be finishing my BS in December 2013. I'm struggling to figure out what my timeline will look like and if it will actually work out. Most people seem to take the MCAT in their Jr. year. My pre-reqs are coming in later than most people because my first two years were at a community college. Because of that, I'm interested in taking the MCAT in April 2014 after I've already graduated in order to study for a few months without worrying about classes. Is that acceptable? I haven't read reports of anyone who did that, but it makes sense to me. Assuming I send out my applications in June of 2014, would that mean I'm applying for schools generally starting in August of 2015? It seems like that would give me about a year and a half gap year, instead of the usual year. I'm just trying to figure out if this is an okay plan of action. Thanks.

 

[sector9]

I'll be finishing my BA in December 2013. I'm struggling to figure out what my timeline will look like and if it will actually work out. Most people seem to take the MCAT in their Jr. year. My pre-reqs are coming in later than most people because my first two years were at a community college. Because of that, I'm interested in taking the MCAT in April 2014 after I've already graduated in order to study for a few months without worrying about classes. Is that acceptable? I haven't read reports of anyone who did that, but it makes sense to me. Assuming I send out my applications in June of 2014, would that mean I'm applying for schools generally starting in August of 2015? It seems like that would give me about a year and a half gap year, instead of the usual year. I'm just trying to figure out if this is an okay plan of action. Thanks.

That all sounds perfectly fine to me. You have the dates correct as far as the timing of everything goes.

Getting in to med school isn't a race; apply once you're ready

Just be sure to have meaningful activities during your gap year and a half, even when you're studying for the MCAT

 

[kristinairene]

I am planning to do the same thing because I'm currently taking pre-reqs in a community college and the counselor said I'll be done in about 2-3 yrs (which may seem forever, but whatever) I wouldn't want to worry about classes either once I'm reviewing for MCAT but I'm still figuring it out if I'll do it once im in the university or once I'm done with my BS though.

 

[gmcguitar4]

Don't ever worry about what most people are doing. The med school timeline is unique to every person. If you don't have time to study for the MCAT then wait to take it. The test requires a lot of attention and you will just hurt your application by forcing it. MANY people take it after graduating(including me).

For the gap year, just make sure you are keeping busy.

 

[justabanana]

Sounds good. Thanks guys. I just wanted to make sure that the route I plan on taking wouldn't put me at a disadvantage, but it sounds like it should be fine so long as it works for me.