Need Advice

[Coltuna]

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Need some advice on whether to apply this cycle or wait:
--Medical Laboratory Science Major-- 4.o sGPA, 3.8 cGPA (All Science classes except basic biochemistry taken at a community college; Junior and Senior Level Medical Lab Science classes count towards cGPA but not sGPA since they are technically health science classes).
-- ~ 600 hrs. as Scribe in Orthopedic Setting; ~40 hrs as Clinic Receptionist at prompt care/outpatient opiate withdrawal treatment center; ~ 4 months full time graded internship in hospital laboratory as a student for my major; ~ 40 hours shadowing DO in family practice.
-- ~300 hrs non-clinical volunteering; ~50 hrs volunteering in medical records department
-- 1 semester of clinical research
My student loans come up in early June, so I've been looking for a healthcare related job for the coming year. I would like to scribe in an ER; HOWEVER, the company that I've received interview invites from requires a 2 year commitment, and I still haven't taken my MCAT... The MCAT is scheduled for late July, and I've been scoring in the 499-501 range for Kaplan FL's. I understand this is okay for possibly getting into a DO school; however, I'd like to go the MD route. Should I move my MCAT back to August/September, take the scribe job if I'm offered, strengthen my healthcare related volunteer work, and apply early next cycle; or buckle down and study my tail off for a good MCAT score in July w/o many other e/c to interfere (for lack of better terms) and not apply until late August/Early September. Thanks in advance!

 

[muzzy44]

wait and apply next year, and don't take the MCAT until your practice tests consistently show scores that are okay for MD schools

 

[Dr.Kitty]

Your app looks awesome! I would take the MCAT when you feel your practice exams are showing you better scores, that is the only thing that could potentially bring your application down at this point. Try shadowing an MD over your gap year as well.

 

[Cookiess]

I think a late July MCAT would put you at a disadvantage in the application cycle, even with a solid app. You wouldn't get your score back until the end of August and wouldn't be submitting your secondaries until September. Even though you're scoring ~500 right now, you still would have two full months to prep for the MCAT, so I am more worried about the late MCAT test date affecting your application cycle than the actual test.

I would wait to apply until next cycle and would prep for the MCAT as if you're going to take it in July. If you're still scoring in the low 500s by the end of June, I would postpone taking the MCAT. Don't rush the MCAT and don't take it until you're scoring above your target score on your practice test.