Planning for MCAT studying--which is a better option?

[waytogo1]

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Hi everyone! I'm currently a junior who is almost done with the premed requirements. I will be taking biochem this coming semester, which is my last premed req class. And I'm thinking of taking one gap year.
I haven't really been thinking about MCAT until now.... and I'm not sure whether I should aim to take it right after summer break or right after winter break senior year.
I really wanted to do an independent research abroad this summer, but after reading some posts here, I'm not sure if it is the best decision to try to do both research and MCAT studying this summer. I have thought out some of my options, and I was hoping to get some advice on which option would work best for me!

1. Carry out the independent research abroad. Review material first semester of senior year then focus on only MCAT over winter break (about one month) then take the exam right after.
pros: independent research may be a great plus for me, especially because it is going to be a research carried out "independently" (hence the "independent research"; I will be deciding on topic, region, etc and be in charge of all aspects of this research, it will be global health-related research)
cons: if I screw up MCAT... I'll be in a huge dilemma

2. Do a less time-consuming research at school and focus more attention on MCAT studying. Take the exam after summer.
pros: I'll still be doing some kind of research, and at the same time can prepare for MCAT
cons: I still may screw up MCAT, and doing a lab research would be less impressive than carrying out an independent research

3. Shadow doctor/hospital volunteering and focus all time on MCAT studying. Take exam after summer.
pros: I can dedicate 100% on MCATs
cons: If I screw up MCAT, I won't really have much to say about what I did this summer.

Also, more general question: should I aim to take MCATs right after summer or winter break, if I am to take one gap year?

Thanks in advance!

 

[maybemed2013]

Option 3.

But only you know what best for you. I been studying for the MCAT since abt July and still have not gotten a 30. Everyone is different.

 

[patel202]

I will say what I did:
I got the examkrackers complete set in may of 2012.
I was registered for june 21 2012 exam. I studied only for the time in between.
I felt ready in science subjects but not in Verbal. and I did terrible in the exam. I got 20 (10BS,7PS, 3VR).
I immediately registerd for august 3rd date and just took a lot of fl practice tests in between.
Finally I got 27 ( 10 BS, 9 PS, 8 VR).
I applied to DO schools. I got in to one.
so in my personal opinion, don't plan anything. and don't do anything when prepping from MCAT - just let it go and follow the flow. and DO YOUR BEST -

- RP
https://www.facebook.com/groups/prehealth2013/

 

[waytogo1]

So, I guess, option 1 is totally out? I'm a bit hesitant to throw away this option completely, and also restless on deciding whether or not to do this independent research. I feel like it's a great opportunity and if I miss it, I'm slipping this opportunity between my fingers. But if I do decide to do this research, I need to decide quick so I can carry out scheduling and planning for this (I'm already a bit behind).
But if many people advice to focus on MCATs, I think I would choose MCATs over research...

 

[MedPR]

Option 1.

 

[franklinbenjami]

Go with Option 3 🙂)*

 

[xGeorgettex]

Option 1, with caveats. That kind of research project will set you apart from other cookie cutter applicants, especially because it sounds like something you're very interested in and will make an excellent opportunity of. If it leads to a publication, even better. Also, despite the 'golden rule' of SDN about not studying for the MCAT during the school year, there are thousands of people who do so successfully each year. If you can do your content review + practice passages throughout your fall semester senior year and full lengths through winter break, there's no reason you can't do well. If you don't? Well, get ready to restudy and take it after your graduate, say June/July. No rush. Just verify your app without scores if you end up in that boat. They auto upload after release by AAMC anyway.

 

[waytogo1]

Thanks for all the posts! I'm still undecided what to do though... I'm so afraid of taking the MCATs... 🙁 I honestly have no idea how hard MCAT will be for me, how much time I would need, and what to expect...

 

[cuculici1]

Thanks for all the posts! I'm still undecided what to do though... I'm so afraid of taking the MCATs... 🙁 I honestly have no idea how hard MCAT will be for me, how much time I would need, and what to expect...

Here's what I would do. This summer, go with Option 1. I did an REU the summer after my junior year, and although I wasn't super interested in the subject of the research, it was still a great experience. If you think this is an opportunity you'd be reluctant to give up and you genuinely like the subject of the research, go for it. I think that's a no brainer. This summer, don't even worry about the MCAT, it's not worth trying to balance two important commitments at once.

Now whether or not you should study for the MCAT during your senior year depends a lot on your courseload. If you can keep it light, it should be doable. If you're like me and took 7 science classes your senior year, it might not be so doable. So that definitely comes into play. If you can keep your schedule light I would start studying for the MCAT during the fall semester. Since you're in school expect it to take all semester to review the content, do practice full lengths over winter break, and then take the test in January. If you need more time you can always postpone to the spring. If your senior schedule is just too packed you might want to consider studying for it the summer after you graduate and either apply late (would not recommend) or apply early the year after you graduate (probably a better idea if you don't mind waiting). I think studying for the MCAT during the school year is doable for you though, just don't rush it and you may need a lot of time depending on how much you remember.