My plan! What do you think?

Started by ASK5251
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ASK5251

ASK5251

Full Member
7+ Year Member
I clearly have a sucky GPA! bother cGPA (3.13) and sGPA (2.5). Instead of graduating this May, I will retake Orgo 1, Physics 2, General Chem 1, and MAYBE Molecular bio. If I finish off my semester and work towards getting awesome grades in those retakes. I should have a sGPA of around 3.2-3.3. I will then graduate in December. 2015 will be my year to study for MCAT and do some more EC's. I want to then apply for DO school in 2016. What do you think? I know most say that no one needs more than 6 months to study for MCAT, but I feel like if I focus on one topic per month and make sure I get >30's in my practice exams.. I should be good? Or am I just delaying everything?
 
ASK5251 said:
I clearly have a sucky GPA! bother cGPA (3.13) and sGPA (2.5). Instead of graduating this May, I will retake Orgo 1, Physics 2, General Chem 1, and MAYBE Molecular bio. If I finish off my semester and work towards getting awesome grades in those retakes. I should have a sGPA of around 3.2-3.3. I will then graduate in December. 2015 will be my year to study for MCAT and do some more EC's. I want to then apply for DO school in 2016. What do you think? I know most say that no one needs more than 6 months to study for MCAT, but I feel like if I focus on one topic per month and make sure I get >30's in my practice exams.. I should be good? Or am I just delaying everything?
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I certainly do not consider myself an expert when it comes to this, but it sounds good to me. Have a well-rounded application, make sure you have LORs lined up and ready to go when you apply and dont freak out if you get a 17 (or worse) on your first MCAT practice exam.
 
Hayden19 said:
I certainly do not consider myself an expert when it comes to this, but it sounds good to me. Have a well-rounded application, make sure you have LORs lined up and ready to go when you apply and dont freak out if you get a 17 (or worse) on your first MCAT practice exam.
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That is me. 17 on aamc 3 and a 30 on my second attempt.
 
I wouldn't spend more than 3 months on the MCAT. That's all that's really needed as long as you have a good foundation from class. Which you should since you're retaking.
 
You've got the idea. Need to get above 3.0 gpa and at least a high 20's MCAT (26+). Do what you need to do to get there. Definitely get loaded up on EC's, volunteer hours, shadowing and make sure you get a letter from a DO because it really helps.

For the MCAT, reviewing the material is great, but it will burn you out especially if thats the only thing you're studying. Taking practice tests and doing practice passages is the best way to prepare. If I were you, I'd take the MCAT in January since all the orgo, physics and gen chem would be fresh in my head and I won't have to worry about being a guinea pig for the new 2015 MCAT...but that's just me.
 
Why not apply in 2015? That's plenty of time to do those retakes and study for the MCAT.

And that's way too long to study for the MCAT. You'll forget the stuff you studied at the beginning. Check out the Exam Krackers 10 week study plan and turn it into 12 or 15 weeks if you want, but not six months.
 
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