Nerve-wracking decision

[bluepeach9]

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[bluepeach9]

With option 2, my cGPA and sGPA would probably increase to 3.8 and 3.65-3.7 respectively. BUT it puts a bit of risk on the MCAT. With option 1, I can take an entire summer to evaluate where I stand in terms of MCAT, but my gpa's would probably not increase that much :/

I know this is a bit confusing...but I would appreciate any advice I can get! I would also like to know what adcoms think! @gyngyn @Goro @hushcom @LizzyM @Catalystik

 

[Euxox]

The first option sounds better.

Your sGPA is slightly below average, but it really isn't low enough to worry about. How you do on your MCAT is going to matter much more than whether you'll be able to squeeze out a 0.07 GPA increase over the next six months.

The answer to these questions is almost always the same (and this is especially true for you since you're only a sophomore): MCAT and a Heavy School Workload Don’t Mix: Stop rushing to take the MCAT.

SN2ed's study schedule has been considered the gold-standard of MCAT prep for quite some time, so take his advice seriously. You need about six to eight weeks of time where you can focus entirely on MCAT prep. No classes, no work, no more than a couple of hours of ECs a week. Either clear up your summer schedule so that MCAT prep is the only thing you have to worry about, or consider taking the MCAT next year. Definitely do not try to study through the semester even if you are only planning on 12-13 credits.

 

[lmn]

Your gpa's shouldn't hold you back for the vast majority of schools unless it is in combo with a lower mcat/EC's. I would focus on the MCAT, that is where you can make or break your application and at this point should be your main push/focus (don't forget your EC's though, you should have plenty of time for those as well while studying).

 

[el_duderino]

You're a sophomore. Get straight As in science next semester and your GPA will be fine plus have an upward trend.

Have you taken all the basic science classes covered by the MCAT? Physics, chem, ochem, bio?

 

[Goro]

You can't have your cake and eat it too. And you're only a sophomore yet. So take the MCAT ONLY when you're good and ready. Quit fussing about the new test; it's not going to be written in Latin or Korean.


Have not taken the MCAT yet; I want to take the old MCAT and I also want to apply next cycle on time!

 

[LizzyM]

There are too many levels of I don't care here for me to respond with any substantial remark but I do agree with my learned colleague, @Goro.