Please help me plan the application process

[jjmusicman29]

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Hi,

I graduated with my B.S. in Chemical Engineering in Texas this year. I'd really appreciate some planning advice.

As far as I understand, engineering courses strictly don't count as science courses anymore in BCPM (a med advisor at my school said that). If that's the case, my final cGPA is 3.51 and my sGPA is 3.43 (huge upward trend. My GPA is lower than 3.7 only because of my grades my first year). I have some research experience: 3 years in bio applications of chemical engineering, including 2 pending publications, one where I'm second author.

I am currently working as a research engineer and paying off debt and getting work experience. I then might apply to medical school in a few years. But I need to plan the timing properly way ahead of time.

I've already taken Biochem and all the other prereqs. I still need to:

- Take the MCAT
- Take Biology 2
- Take an upper level Biology class

I'll take those two classes at a community college while I work full-time.

I'll also find some time I guess on Saturdays to do some clinical shadowing. I need at least 50 hours, right?

Due to family and personal reasons, I would really like to stay in-state (Texas) for med school. Therefore, I would apply to the Texas schools. My top choice is UT Southwestern. I have heard it has a big focus on research, which I like.

What month out of the year is optimal to take the MCAT? Since I'm working full-time, how many months should I study in advance? 9? What month do med school applications open and what should I have prepared by then (LOR, essays, transcripts, etc)? I'm assuming being early is best so I'd like to have it all in as soon as it opens. Do I take Biology 2 during a Fall and Biology elective during a Spring before my application, or can I be taking them the same year the application process is occurring?

Also, I was born in South America, have dual citizenship, and I speak fluent Spanish. My family is Latino. Do I count as a URM?

And I don't really understand the new MCAT scoring system. What kind of score should I aim for to get into these Texas schools as a Texas resident with my grades and background?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[jjmusicman29]

I found out some more. I'm assuming I should have all my documents and test scores completed by May of whatever year I intend to apply because that's when apps open?

Its been a week and I'm the only thread without any responses so I'm gonna bump this to see one last time if anyone wants to help me out, otherwise I'll just let the thread sink and die into the abyss.

 

[GreenDuck12]

You should complete all the pre-reqs prior to taking the MCAT as the material will be covered on the MCAT (example would be bio 2). Now, since you need to take bio 2, you could take it in the Spring and simultaneously study for the MCAT. You should only take the MCAT if you anticipate you will earn a competitive score (you can ascertain this by taking practice tests). Do not make the mistake of taking the test before you're ready and "hope" to get lucky with a good score. The forums are littered with similar stories and they rarely work out. The MCAT is a test you ideally only take once.

You may not be able to take upper division bio without completing bio 2. For some classes it may be considered a co-requisite or you may be able to get a departmental override. However, be careful doing this as the information will be considered prior knowledge and it may put you at a disadvantage

As for timing, you should have all of the components of your application completed prior to June 1st. June 1st is when the AAMC application opens and you can begin to submit your materials for review. The longer you wait, the farther down the list your name goes as the AAMC must verify the information you submit before it can be sent off to medical schools. It is also important to keep in mind that you do not want to apply to medical schools until your application is ready. If you find yourself saying "(insert criteria here) is good enough" chances are it probably is not. You have to demonstrate to medical schools that you are committed to medicine by 1) volunteering and shadowing in medical settings 2) high academic achievement in science classes 3) competitive mcat score. The last two points should also demonstrate beyond a doubt that you can handle the academic rigors of medicine.

Remember, competition for spots in medical school is fierce. Half of all applicants do not get admitted. You have to respect your competition.