Nontraditional here

[AdroitDarkHorse]

Hey guys! I am new here. I would appreciate any advice.

I have some queries. I am in my late 20s (28).

Would you guys believe it is fine in applying in August `07, before any of the AMCAS's "Regular Admissions Program" deadlines

I have worked and helped in the clinic. I am well acquainted with Medicine and the atmosphere because of this experience inside and outside the clinic. I have volunteered in Hospitals. My gpa is around 3.9. I have taken late to graduate due to some personal circumstances. Also, how are my chances of acceptance in U.S. Medical Schools? What should my target MCAT score be (reading many literature, the MCAT and the GPA are supposed to be some what congruent; High GPA=High MCAT, Low GPA=Low MCAT)?


Thanks for all your replies in advance. It is much appreciated. 😉 👍

 

[viostorm]

What should my target MCAT score be (reading many literature, the MCAT and the GPA are supposed to be some what congruent; High GPA=High MCAT, Low GPA=Low MCAT)?

Hey, with a 3.9 GPA you should be set. There shouldn't be any barrier to you getting into US school ... even a good US school.

MCAT -> 34+ - buy a bigger mailbox! You'll need it for all the interview invites!
MCAT -> 30 - you'll almost certainly get in somewhere MD
MCAT -> 28 - average for most low end med schools
MCAT -> 24 - apply to DO programs too, RETAKE IT!
MCAT -> 20 - apply but definitely retake it

Don't count on your GPA helping you with MCAT. I suspect the reason GPA and MCAT correlate well is because harding working students have high GPA and they also work hard on MCAT. I recommend taking Kaplan and study your a** off.

Good GPA students do poorly on MCAT all the time and bad GPA students rock it. For example, I probably have one of the higher MCATs in my class, but lowest undergrad GPA's! That is the usual non-trad story because many of us screwed around during college.

Good luck!

 

[viostorm]

Wait ... are you a US citizen?

If not, I have no idea how easy it would be for you to get into school.

 

[AdroitDarkHorse]

Wait ... are you a US citizen?

If not, I have no idea how easy it would be for you to get into school.

Thanks for the advice in your previous post, buddy! 😛

Yes, I am a US citizen.

Also, if you do hypothetically "rock" the MCAT and get a score 35+, how long will it take to get interviews, if you apply in August `07?

 

[Tiagao]

A lot of schools start interviewing in September, so I'd suggest suggest applying before you get your MCAT scores back. That way, you can be complete as soon as the schools get your score. With your GPA and a super high MCAT, it shouldn't be too long before the interviews come. Good luck!

 

[viostorm]

Also, if you do hypothetically "rock" the MCAT and get a score 35+, how long will it take to get interviews, if you apply in August `07?

Three words to rock mcat: kaplan kaplan kaplan

Memorize those books they give you, take EVERY test.

I basically did nothing but study for MCAT for like 1 month from 8A->midnight.

I didn't go to the classes very much. I think the most important thing is the practice tests.

With your stats I honestly don't think you have to rush into applying. Get your app in by the end of august ... most places won't even process your app until you have an MCAT score.

Get your recommendations out early though, those take forever. So I guess start your app in July, plan on having it complete by end of august.

Depending on your stats, interviews will come within weeks of having your app complete.

 

[thoffen]

Absolutely no problem with applying before you have finished your classes. I recommend you apply as early as possible. So far, your stats look awesome. Good luck!

 

[AdroitDarkHorse]

Thanks guys. Even in this forum medium, I still see wisdom resonating from you guys. 😀

I am planning on taking the June `07 MCAT. I am seriously thinking of taking the Kaplan classroom course. I was also going to supplement myself with MCAT Prep courses ($399, comes with books/MP3s/audio/DVDS). Am I "oversupplementing" myself?

 

[viostorm]

Also, post in the MCAT forum. Those people probably are on top of what is best to do right now.

 

[gotmeds?]

Thanks for the advice in your previous post, buddy! 😛

Yes, I am a US citizen.

Also, if you do hypothetically "rock" the MCAT and get a score 35+, how long will it take to get interviews, if you apply in August `07?

I had a similar GPA to yours and I guess my MCAT score qualifies as "rocking." I got my 11th interview invite yesterday. A few things to consider:

-Get your AMCAS verified early and send your LOR packet to all the schools that will accept it so that as soon as you get your scores you're ready to go.

-You will get some automatic secondaries before you get your MCAT scores. Send these in as soon as possible. Once again, have everything ready to go so that all they're waiting on is your MCAT score.

-Keep in mind that you will be at a disadvantage over earlier applicants, and some schools have a strong preference for early applicants. If you have your heart set on NYU or USC/Keck, then wait until next year and apply early. On the other hand, Cornell, Columbia, and Harvard don't care if you apply early or late because they're non-rolling.

Basically, it comes down to this: with your GPA and a good MCAT score, you'll be fine. You'll get into a good school, although you may not get into your top choice. If there's something you can do during the next year that will significantly strengthen your app, then do that and apply early and you'll probably get into any school you want.

And finally, good luck! This process is a beast.

 

[AdroitDarkHorse]

If anyone wants to take a stab at this, then by all means go ahead. I am all "eyes". It was originally intended for the poster above. I just wanted his or her wisdom behind it. I believe he or she may be very busy. But if any of you can answer the following queries, I`d appreciate it as well.


Just to refresh, this is what you stated in that thread (highlighted in bold, and my answer/queries underneath):


-Get your AMCAS verified early and send your LOR packet to all the schools that will accept it so that as soon as you get your scores you're ready to go.

Can you please state specifically when this finishing up with the application should be done? May, right before June 1? Do I notify my school to send my official transcripts with the AMCAS transcript form to AMCAS headquarters? How long will this take to be processed in the application?

Also, with regards to Letters of Recommendations:

How and when do I send them? All schools generally state to send them with your supplemental/secondary materials (because there is no space specifically stating to place recommendations or send them) Do I send them during our interview process, because I live in NC, and for example UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine states to send them only if an interview is issued?

-You will get some automatic secondaries before you get your MCAT scores. Send these in as soon as possible. Once again, have everything ready to go so that all they're waiting on is your MCAT score.

First how long did it take to complete and process your AMCAS application (on the website it states 4-6 weeks)? How can your AMCAS application be complete without your MCAT scores? Will it be processed as complete without having the MCAT score? I am taking the MCAT in May 16 or 25 instead of June 15 `07. The score should appear 1 month after the examination date (~June 16 or 25 `07). When should I get my transcripts to be sent in this process? Will I get secondaries if I don't have an MCAT score due to my belief the AMCAS not being complete?

-Keep in mind that you will be at a disadvantage over earlier applicants, and some schools have a strong preference for early applicants. If you have your heart set on NYU or USC/Keck, then wait until next year and apply early. On the other hand, Cornell, Columbia, and Harvard don't care if you apply early or late because they're non-rolling.

Do you know which schools qualify as rolling and non- rolling, as experts usually vaguely state "most" schools as "rolling admission" schools?

Basically, it comes down to this: with your GPA and a good MCAT score, you'll be fine. You'll get into a good school, although you may not get into your top choice. If there's something you can do during the next year that will significantly strengthen your app, then do that and apply early and you'll probably get into any school you want.

To reiterate once more, when do you think is an ideal time to start my application process (as I assume and hope for June or pre-June?

This a brief summary of myself:

GPA: 3.9 (will schools value BCPM more or the school GPA, because I got so many A+ that it wouldn't count 4.333 * 3 or 4 credit hours?) A+ does not count 4.3, but B+`s are given weight of 3.3. That is clearly disadvantageous to students who have A+`s.

-Current Clinic work
-Overseas experience at clinics
-Volunteer at hospitals
-Research articles


MCAT: To be determined.

Thank you very much my friends. I wish you guys the very best in this endeavor, and may you guys always be successful. 😉

 

[pisalapel]

i'm sure there's a lot of advice floating around about how to prep for the mcat, but i disagree that kaplan is the best way to go (of course, it totally depends on your learning style but i'd encourage you to check out a few options before settling on something). my other friend who is also a non-traditional did far better with the exam krackers books because it teaches useful strategy and i think better caters to what is the strength of non-traditionals as our learning styles are likely a bit different from those straight out of undergrad (most of those kids focus on cramming information, whereas i get the sense that non-traditionals understand the importance of identifying crucial information and being strategic about what to study and what not to waste time on).

kaplan teaches its mcat classes with the same philosophy as its SAT classes which didn't really work for me given how different the two tests are. also, they write their tests to their strategies rather than really mimicking the MCAT (i know this all from being both a test-writer and teacher for them). so be careful--the best thing to do is to use AAMC materials and supplement with kaplan or other companies that suit your style on your weak points.

good luck! the process freaked me out but i have two acceptances under my belt so i know i'm going next year!