Plans, Questions, Thoughts

[Cale]

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Hello all,

I have everything planned out for applying in the next cycle and wanted some opinions. I'm slightly below average with my gpa and want to apply as early as possible. I've scheduled the MCAT for May 1st, which is the same day that the new cycle begins. I was thinking that I could also apply to aacom on this date and hopefully have everything in by the time my MCAT score is released. First question, do you have to wait until May 1st to send in your application? I plan to request transcripts a little before May 1st since it tends to take a week or two.

I have everything needed in order to follow SN2ed's MCAT schedule and I'm excited to start it. I'm also going to be volunteering until the application cycle begins. No work. No school. Just studying and volunteering until judgement day. On volunteering, do they ask how many hours you completed at each place?

I guess that's all I have. I'm looking forward to getting into the application process and want to make sure I'm doing things right. Thanks!

-Cale

 

[Cale]

Do people usually get in their first time applying? I plan to apply broadly and early, but I want to be prepared for some disappointment. Thanks again.

-Cale

 

[fitz0809]

Do people usually get in their first time applying? I plan to apply broadly and early, but I want to be prepared for some disappointment. Thanks again.

-Cale

It really depends on the strength of the applicant. I would say most people who do get in do so on their first try.

They do ask how many hours at each volunteering experience. You should look at this year's application and have all the information ready. It shouldn't change by next year.

If you are doing nothing but studying before your MCAT I might consider taking in in early April... That way if you do need to retake you caqn do so before you send your app in the first time.

Make sure you have shadowing experience and letters of recommendation ready to go as well.

 

[NSU14]

I recommend going through interfolio for your letters of rec. It is very easy to send the LOR to all the schools and it only costs like $20 for a year. Also get your letters before you apply so you can submit them as soon as secondaries come. Getting a summer job after the MCAT in a health care field would also help you i would think. I work as a receptionist in a PT office and have learned a ton about the insurance world. Good topic during interviews!

Good Luck

 

[Everglide]

I would schedule for MCAT for April, just in case you need a retake. Other than that it sounds like you are on top of things and getting things in early helps a ton.

 

[scummie]

Don't send in your transcripts until you've for sure gotten a file opened with AACOMAS. If you send your transcripts in and they've got no number for you, your transcripts will literally get put in a box and eventually sorted. Literally.

Submitting your AACOMAS as early as possible is a good idea, just make sure its quality work. Also, you could wait until even June or July to take the MCAT and you'll still be pretty early. Be prepared. It would be better to take a later date and score awesome, than to bomb and earlier date and deal with all the repercussions.