Need Advice on When to Apply

[singergirl18]

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I will be taking the MCAT June 13, and I want to get my applications in as early as possible. My plan is to fill out my apps before I know my score. Should I be sending my apps, transcripts, LORs, etc before I know my score so that it is the last thing to complete my application? If not, at what score should I consider my MCAT to be good enough to send everything in? I want to apply as early as possible, but on the off chance that I botch the MCAT, I really do not want to end up as a re-applicant.

 

[OneTwoThreeFour]

Your application looks great. Submit first day to ONE school, that way your transcript gets verified. Once you see your score, you can add other schools. Honestly, unless you get <28, I can't imagine you having to do this twice.

 

[singergirl18]

Thanks! That is a great idea, and I never would have thought of it!

 

[Catalystik]

I will be taking the MCAT June 13, and I want to get my applications in as early as possible. My plan is to fill out my apps before I know my score. Should I be sending my apps, transcripts, LORs, etc before I know my score so that it is the last thing to complete my application? If not, at what score should I consider my MCAT to be good enough to send everything in? I want to apply as early as possible, but on the off chance that I botch the MCAT, I really do not want to end up as a re-applicant.

Here's some info about me:
I spent my first two years of college at a music conservatory studying opera. I transferred to another University in the area to study Biochemistry. I have a 3.95 science gpa which should go up at the end of this semester and a 3.75 overall. (The music world DOES NOT CARE about gpa so my first two years were only around a 3.5).

ECs at Conservatory:
-3 different operas including covering a role and stage managing
-service fraternity
-Relay for Life
-EMT class (my second year) and college EMS org
-worked at a restaurant

Next University (finishing my second year):
-20 hr/wk job working night shift on Colorectal Surgery floor
-1 semester volunteer college EMS
-Peer Health Advocate group that is working to end tobacco usage on campus, etc.
-mentoring high school students from diverse backgrounds
-Organic Chemistry TA
-6 months of Biochemistry Research
-probably about to start a new job in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
-shadowing experience
-soloist at various performances

I have always had a job since my sophomore year. I also just won a big chemistry award. Is only having 6 months of research (no publication) enough? I REALLY want to get in first time...

As long as you're not aiming at a top-twenty research-oriented school, your research looks fine.

 

[singergirl18]

Okay, so it wouldn't negatively impact me if I started a job in the Cardiac ICU instead of trying to find more research experience? I am trying to save money so that I can cover some of my living expenses during medical school, and there are not many paid research positions in the area for undergraduates. I also really love working night shift and getting to see medical teams in action. I could finally find something unpaid for research, but then I would save much less money.

 

[Catalystik]

Okay, so it wouldn't negatively impact me if I started a job in the Cardiac ICU instead of trying to find more research experience? I am trying to save money so that I can cover some of my living expenses during medical school, and there are not many paid research positions in the area for undergraduates. I also really love working night shift and getting to see medical teams in action. I could finally find something unpaid for research, but then I would save much less money.

Future or just-started research will have little impact on the coming cycle.