People in the 2013-2014 interview/acceptance threads.. MCAT/applying tips?

[YoungGregory]

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First I would like to say congrats to everyone in the URM section getting interviews and acceptances this cycle! Seeing both threads being 3+ pages of interviews and acceptances is great.

I was wondering what you guys that applied this cycle did for MCAT prep? How you studied and how long before the exam did you start studying?

And if you guys have any other advice to give us 2014-2015'ers for next cycle please let us know!


Thanks!

 

[Ambitionista]

Tips from my personal experience:

-If you haven't started saving up $$$, do so now! This process is terribly expensive.
-Either study for the MCAT over an extremely light semester or take it over the summer but take it EARLY. I took it pretty late which caused me to later send in my secondaries pretty late. Although the consequences of applying late are a bit exaggerated here on SDN, you will really be at a better place if you apply early.
-I self studied for the MCAT, which was fine, but if I had the cash I would have taken a class. They put you on a routine schedule and you get access to some pretty awesome materials.
-In studying, focus less on memorizing all the minute details and more on understanding over-arching concepts. You want to "think MCAT". The science sections, from what I've seen, present you with basic concepts hidden behind what appears to be novel topics. If you can identify the basic concept being tested with each question, you will do fine!
-Start on your AMCAS early. Get your transcripts in early! Work on getting your committee letter (if your school has one) early.
-Proofread, proofread, proofread. Then have other people proofread for you. This goes for AMCAS, PS, and secondaries.
-Do some self reflection before applying and try to gauge 1 or 2 'themes' present in your path to medicine. Weave these 'themes' throughout your AMCAS work&activities descriptions and your PS.***This was a huge piece of advice I received from someone else. I've received numerous compliments while on interviews on my AMCAS/PS and I largely think this is why.***
-Research and come up with a realistic list of schools to apply to. Start early because this takes time. For me that started out at 22 schools but ended up being only 16 schools I actually completed secondaries for and I've been fine.
-Be confident on interviews. Don't get intimidated by the superstars you meet on the trail. You are there for a reason!

 

[YoungGregory]

Tips from my personal experience:

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Thanks for the advice ambitionista. Question about getting started on the AMCAS and PS, how early is early?

 

[Ambitionista]

No problem! Honestly you could start now. I started listing all the activities I participated in, number of hours involved, key references, and lessons learned from said activity sometime early spring (some of the information was required of me at that time for my committee letter but it was still helpful nonetheless).

Additionally, something I forgot to add to my list of tips. If you have not started asking for LoRs, start ASAP. Fortunately, at this point if you haven't secured any great letter writers, you have plenty of time to start forging those relationships now in preparation for asking for a letter late spring.

 

[Ambitionista]

As for your PS. Start thinking about it. A draft may not be necessary now but once you have one prepared you want to have enough time for multiple family members, mentors, etc. to look over it before you submit your AMCAS. I had my first draft prepared early spring but ended up throwing it out and doing multiple revisions late spring before proofreading and submitting.

 

[L'unionfaitlaforce]

Ambitionista pretty much covered everything but I would like to add a few things.

First, If you feel that your stats are low, you should not only apply EARLY, but also apply BROADLY. I never understood the essence of this cliche advice until I was actually going through the process. Do not let low stats limit your schools of choice. Off course it is critical to be realistic and apply to a few safety schools and schools within your range, but do not be afraid to throw in a few reach schools in there. You never know what will happen especially since some school are now implementing the "Holistic review" into the admissions process.

Secondly, this is a very long and arduous process. It requires that you are patient yet proactive and confident yet humble. Hence as you endure this process, seek advice from people you know or those who have gone through the process ( as you are doing). Then you must choose which advice to internalize, because some will encourage you and others will discourage you from pursuing your dreams. Remember to surround yourself with positive people who will genuinely advise you and motivate you, regardless.

Such advice comes from my personal experiences. Do not hesitate to ask further questions.


"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philipians 4:13