Need help with when to take MCAT!!

[Doctorphilic]

Hello SDNers, I am currently a senior who aspires to go to med school any time soon. After doing some soul searching on SDN, I decided to pursue MPH and i ended up at Yale. I will spend the next two years there, which i dont mind at all. I can either take MCAT this August (the earliest i can do) as my preparation is still in early stage, or take it early next year which will give me more time to prepare for the test.

However, i also hear that if i take MCAT in August and apply late, then that might reduce my chance of admissions. Also i want to do well the first time around as it is costly and even boring to take the test twice. Also this summer, i am planning on going to Africa to do some HIV research. If i devote a lot of time on MCAT (prep course etc), then i will have only few weeks to spend in Africa for the small research project.

So, i am confused because i am not sure whether to postphone MCAT until next year or take the test this August. Also, in terms of applying since it is risky to apply this summer (summer of 2007) and even if i get accepted i also have to defer for a year due to the two year graduate study. Would you recommend taking the test early next year and apply early next summer (2008)?? thanks and apologize for the lengthy question.

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[GreenShirt]

Hello SDNers, I am currently a senior who aspires to go to med school any time soon. After doing some soul searching on SDN, I decided to pursue MPH and i ended up at Yale. I will spend the next two years there, which i dont mind at all. I can either take MCAT this August (the earliest i can do) as my preparation is still in early stage, or take it early next year which will give me more time to prepare for the test.

However, i also hear that if i take MCAT in August and apply late, then that might reduce my chance of admissions. Also i want to do well the first time around as it is costly and even boring to take the test twice. Also this summer, i am planning on going to Africa to do some HIV research. If i devote a lot of time on MCAT (prep course etc), then i will have only few weeks to spend in Africa for the small research project.

So, i am confused because i am not sure whether to postphone MCAT until next year or take the test this August. Also, in terms of applying since it is risky to apply this summer (summer of 2007) and even if i get accepted i also have to defer for a year due to the two year graduate study. Would you recommend taking the test early next year and apply early next summer (2008)?? thanks and apologize for the lengthy question.

I don't know too much about deferments, so you may want to look into how easy it is to be granted one. Also, if you really want an MPH, you should consider applying to medical schools that offer a MD/MPH dual degree option.

As for when to take the MCAT: Take it only when you think you will be able to devote enough time to study properly for it. It sounds like you may not have enough time this summer with the trip to Africa. Depending on your stats and which schools you apply to, submitting your app in September may not be such a big deal. Although, I think if you are going to defer for a year anyway, then there's really no point in rushing an application this year. It might be better to wait until next year, when you can apply early and you'll be able to add your grades from the MPH to your application.

 

[shaka1223]

1 - Take the MCAT when you are ready and have time to prepare. If you have to take it twice it isn't the end of the world
2 - If you are enrolled in a two year program, I wouldn't apply until you are really ready to enter med school. Schools might wonder if you are really committed to complete the program if they offer you admission. It will give you more time to get recommendation letters from faculty at your MPH program, and time to work on your application. Also, it sounds like you might be pressed for time to apply this summer. Take time to research where you really want to apply and spend time working on your application.
3- Go to Africa and enjoy it! International research experience will only strengthen your application.