Need some help with my timeline - mcat/application/etc

[MissingNo]

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Switching majors left me in an awkward position regarding pre-reqs and graduation date. It's almost assured I'll be taking a gap year, but I'd like to avoid taking two.

After this semester I'll have all the req'd and rec'd classes for the MCAT except Organic Chem 2, which I will take Fall 2013. The search function told me it would probably be unwise to take the MCAT without it. I'm good with self-study, but I'm nervous to assume I can follow the 3 month schedule for MCAT study, while teaching myself orgo 2.

The big problem is that I graduate in spring 2014, so I'll have to do applications while taking a full load (so I can get my application in June) if I only want to matriculate a year later. The other option seems to me to take two gap years. Basically doing the MCAT after I graduate then applying 2015 and matriculating 2016.

Am I correct in my understanding of the timeline? What would you do if you were me?

tl;dr:
Are these really my only options? What would you do?
Option 1: Summer=study for mcat + learn orgo 2 + take mcat + mandatory gap year
Option 2: Graduate spring 2014 -> mcat -> mandatory dual gap year

 

[MedPR]

The primary application isn't so time consuming that you couldn't do it while being in school.

 

[Omppu27]

Hmmm I might be misunderstanding your situation, but why don't you take orgo2 in fall 2013, study and take mcat spring 2014, apply May 2014, matriculate fall 2015. This allows you to take mcat after ochem2 and you'll only have one gap year

Although I don't find it necessary, you could take ochem in the summer and study/take mcat in fall. I'm actually in the same position as you except I'm taking ochem 2 now and will take mcat at beginning of spring 2014 semester. I'm graduating spring14

 

[GoSpursGo]

I also agree that filling out the application is completely doable while in school. I actually took the MCAT during the semester that I was taking Biochem, Physics 2, and some other difficult courses. If you're going to be studying for the MCAT, just treat it like another 3 hours of credit and only take 12-15 "real" hours of class. Another option would be to start studying for it in the fall along with O Chem 2 and then take it in January after using your winter break to study intensively for it. As for the rest like personal statements, getting letters, etc... also doable, you just really need to have good time management skills and stay on top of everything.

 

[markyb03]

Agree with everyone else. Doing amcas while taking a full load isn't that bad. And as far as the MCAT, I took it while only having 2/3 of gen bio done and 1/3 of orgo done and did fine (35). I studied a lot but just saying if you really don't want to take a gap year, which I didn't, then it is doable with the right work ethic and a little luck

 

[Doctor116]

Switching majors left me in an awkward position regarding pre-reqs and graduation date. It's almost assured I'll be taking a gap year, but I'd like to avoid taking two.

After this semester I'll have all the req'd and rec'd classes for the MCAT except Organic Chem 2, which I will take Fall 2013. The search function told me it would probably be unwise to take the MCAT without it. I'm good with self-study, but I'm nervous to assume I can follow the 3 month schedule for MCAT study, while teaching myself orgo 2.

The big problem is that I graduate in spring 2014, so I'll have to do applications while taking a full load (so I can get my application in June) if I only want to matriculate a year later. The other option seems to me to take two gap years. Basically doing the MCAT after I graduate then applying 2015 and matriculating 2016.

Am I correct in my understanding of the timeline? What would you do if you were me?

tl;dr:
Are these really my only options? What would you do?
Option 1: Summer=study for mcat + learn orgo 2 + take mcat + mandatory gap year
Option 2: Graduate spring 2014 -> mcat -> mandatory dual gap year

I took Orgo 2 before studying for the MCAT, but I didn't really LEARN Orgo 2 until studying for the MCAT, if that makes sense. Depending on what course you do, they'll teach you really well exactly what you need to know for the MCAT. There's really not a TON of Orgo you need to know anyway.

To put things in perspective, I took Physics 1 and 2 (and a full load) while preparing for the MCAT. I began studying for the MCAT the summer before my junior year...so I hadn't even started taking physics. It helped to be reviewing the other stuff and teach myself a little physics before class. Then I continued to study for the MCAT while taking a Kaplan course (online w/ instructor) for fall semester. I did lots of practice tests during spring semester, then took my MCAT the Saturday before finals week of spring semester. I did well and did not have to retake it...and I've been accepted to med school.

So it's totally feasible to take a full load while studying for the MCAT and doing your application. In reality, the application doesn't take that long to finish. I started mine a week after finals (I needed a little break!) and it wasn't a problem. I turned mine in during June, which was good because then you get secondary apps early and have time to do those essays. Just stay on task and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to write your personal statement.

Sorry for the long response! Here are your options as I see it:

Option 1: Begin the application for 2014 this summer (earliest submission date is in June). If you can, turn it in as early as possible. Start studying for your MCAT this summer--get comfortable with as much info as possible. Then do as many practice tests as you can. And make sure you review every single answer--that's a form of studying/learning and probably the most useful way to prepare! If you can take a course, go for it. If you choose not to take a course, that's fine too but make sure you have access to someone who can help you with any science questions. Take the MCAT in August or September if you feel ready (if you've been scoring well on the practice tests). RESULT: if you do well on your MCAT, you may be able to avoid the gap year completely.

Option 2: Don't submit your AMCAS app this year. But study for the MCAT like in Option 1. Take the MCAT sometime in the spring (just make sure you're ready so you can avoid re-taking it if possible). Work on your AMCAS app during the spring semester (or if it's too hard since your studying for the MCAT, put it off until May like I did but make sure you at least get people to write your recommendation letters since it's hard to track down people during the summer). Submit AMCAS in June. Take a gap year as you do interviews and all that. Maybe try to do a Masters program in that time or research/shadowing to show the schools that you're still working towards med school.

Get accepted and celebrate! 🙂

Either way, I don't think you need to take 2 gap years. You can get away with no gap years if you work really hard during the summer. Or you can take 1 gap year and pace yourself well so you can get in a year after you graduate.

Hopefully this novel I just cranked out helps! haha 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions!

 

[clutch21]

I would recommend studying for the MCAT this upcoming summer without organic chem II. If you are going the self study route (i.e. SN2ed schedule) then you'll learn any additional O-chem you might have needed from orgo II. I used BR for the science reviews and felt that BR ochem was particularly awesome for learning what I needed.

As an example, I self studied for the MCAT last summer, using the SN2ed schedule, without either organic I or II and did fine (34). I took the MCAT this last august, and applied for the current application cycle. I was accepted and will be matriculating in the fall but I still have to take orgo 2 this summer.

Like others have said, two gap years are not necessary.

 

[cwrig14]

The primary application isn't so time consuming that you couldn't do it while being in school.

This, plain and simple.

 

[MissingNo]

Thanks everyone, this is definitely reassuring and I really appreciate the advice, especially you guys who have already done this kind of stuff. I'm glad the amcas won't be so time consuming that I'm not able to still take a full load of courses. I do plan on following the SN2ed schedule. A gap year is pretty much a necessity just because I need the extra semesters of experience and all that, but I've eliminated the possibility of a double gap year thankfully.

Sounds like my plan is to crank it up this summer and really get ready for the MCAT, take it right before fall semester, and then apply during my last semester, spring 2014. I'm glad to have that set it stone. Thanks guys

 

[jsak]

This was my schedule and it was totally doable. I will add years and dates to make it easy


Signed up for May 1, 2014 MCAT to have Scores by June 1st to submit primary app on June 1, 2014.


January 1, 2014: started studying for MCAT and also taking 3 science classes 1 non science class and research. Continued other ECs like president of my fraternity, clinical shadowing, and volunteering.


May 1, 2014: took test and then began working on my primary app and personal statement. At this point i was taking 1 lab, 1 GE, research, and the same ECs.

June 1, 2014: Submitted primary and began the application process.



TOTALLY DOABLE...Studying for the MCAT isn't really HARD its just about discipline to focus and study. Which is the opposite of me who always facebooked or watched youtube videos/tv.