Overwhelmed with options- Need advice

Started by deleted389939
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deleted389939

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I'm currently mulling over how to make the best use of my time to increase my chances at getting into medical school but so far, I don't know which route to take.

I'm planning to attend a post-bacc program for 1-2 years. My GPA is my weakness and I've been building up my MCAT to the low 30's range. I have 2 routes for this:

2 year post bacc:
1. Take the test now, do a year of post-bacc and apply to medical school. If I don't get in, I'll have another year left of post-bacc. I can also retake it later (not sure if that's recommended).

2. Take the MCAT after 2 years of post bacc. Theoretically this should maximize my chances at a higher MCAT but I won't have the chance to apply until 3-4 years later.

1 year post-bacc

1. Take the MCAT now, 1 year post-bacc, apply

2. Wait until after 1 year post-bacc, MCAT, apply (I'll have a "dead year" I suppose).

I'm also torn between informal and formal post-bacc. I appreciate the counseling and advisory opportunities at a formal post-bacc but it would cost over three times as much. I don't know if a school is just trying to sell me a "post-bacc service" or actually putting significant added value over an informal post-bacc to justify the increase in cost.

Advice is appreciated...