Need Advice: When to apply...?

[inquirer89]

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I want to apply for Fall 09. I have not taken any upper-level classes yet, and will do Organic I and Calculus this Fall 08. I also hope to raise my GPA by the end of my Summer courses, and continue to raise them by the end of this year (I currently have around a 3.35). I will be a 2-year student.

My problem is that I don't know when the best time for me to apply is. I know that the earlier the possible gives you better chances. So this June is the best time, however, I probably won't take the PCAT until late Fall and January 09, after I'm finished with Organic. Also, I plan to start a pre-pharm club in Fall and will by that time have more retail experience (I'm applying for jobs now) and volunteer experience. I plan on working closely with my science professors to get good LORs during Summer and Fall.

My top choice school has early admissions due August 08, and rolling admissions due March 09. If I were to apply next January, would I still have good enough chances? Or should I go ahead and apply this year? I am confident that I'll have at least above mediocre grades and PCAT score, but I am less confident I'll have an extremely high gpa and score.

 

[Sparda29]

Using my experiences in the 2008 cycle, I would say to E-Submit by the end of September. That leaves enough time for PharmCAS to do their calculations and you can do your Fall Update.

I thought I was early by E-Submitting in the middle of January, however, I was just early if I was comparing myself to the people in my school, most of which E-Submitted minutes prior to the February 1st deadline.

 

[fenixtnlfan]

Schools aren't going to look at your application until you have a PCAT score. You can still submit, but your application will be on hold. Sounds like you would probably have a stronger application if you waited a little later in the cycle. Exactly when you should submit is up to you. It's hard to judge when would give you the best chances. I would say apply as soon as you get that PCAT score (best bet is to take the Oct one).

You might want to call the school and talk to them about how competitive you would be if you submit earlier versus submitting later with more grades and such. They might also tell you when is the best time to apply.

 

[inquirer89]

Pertaining to the Fall update- Could I send in grades from this year and this summer semester and a PCAT score for the initial application, and then send in an updated score and my Fall grades? Will they look at both before making a decision, or will they look primarily at the initial application?

Thanks guys for the advice. I will call my school for further help.

 

[Sparda29]

To clear up any confusion, this is for the Fall 2009 Cycle right?

 

[inquirer89]

That's correct. I am applying for Fall 09 matriculation.