Need advice on mcat/application planning

[emtweeter]

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Maybe you guys can help me out here...

This summer I've scored a full time job doing research with one of my professors. I was thinking about taking a Kaplan prep course for the MCAT this summer which would require me to leave work 2 hours early twice a week. The course would also be on sat/sun for about 3 hours each day. I don't have a car with me at college so it might be a hassle bugging friends 4 times a week for rides all the damn time. I'm also pretty set on doing an SMP because my GPA isn't so hot (3.1 cumulative, science is a bit lower). SO... should I:

- suck it up, take the Kaplan prep course if my prof allows and take the MCAT in september
- study on my own without the Kaplan prep course, take the MCAT in september (this would make my schedule much easier, don't have to hitch a ride with friends all the time, don't have to leave work early)
- study on my own this summer, take the Kaplan course in the fall, take the January MCAT

I know they don't recommend studying for MCATs while in school/having a job but I really don't have a choice. I will be graduating next year and want to be eligible for admission in Fall 2010. I know most apps for SMPs don't open until January so I guess it could work out... I just want to send my app in early for a better chance of getting accepted. What should I do!?!?

Lost and Confused,
emtweeter

 

[Parthenon89]

go with the last option,

i think the target students for SMPs are ones with low GPAs and decent MCATs, and so you don't want to jeopardize not doing well on ur MCAT

 

[NewmansOwn]

Depends what kind of learner you are. If you're highly self-motivated and disciplined, the Kaplan course would be a waste of money -- despite what they claim, they don't teach you anything magical or you couldn't learn on your own. It is only beneficial in that it forces you to study, absorb and practice a few hours a week and provides structure for the overwhelming amount of information you need to know.

If you can provide these things for yourself, just study now and take the MCAT in September. I generally refrain from making blanket statements, but I will say that most intelligent people should not need to study full-time (all day, every day) for the MCAT, regardless of whether or not they take a class. Enjoy your research position, get something valuable out of it and study a couple hours each evening for the MCAT. On the weekends, study for longer periods of time and intersperse that with practice exams. If you stick to it and are reasonably bright, a few months of this will be quite sufficient for a respectable MCAT score.