Post-Bac Timeline Help

[e1188]

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Hi All,

I began my Post-bacc this semester and fall under the category of a career changer. My initial timeline was the following.

Spring 2012 - Calc & Inorganic Chem I

Summer 2012 - Inogranic Chem II

Fall 2012 - Bio I & Orgo I

Spring 2013 - Bio II & Orgo II

Summer 2013 - Physics I and II

I've come to the realization that if I were to follow this timeline I would require a gap year and end up submitting my application in summer of 2014. As a post-bacc a glide year is the last thing on my mind.

Is it realistic to take Bio Physics and Orgo through fall of 2012 and spring of 2013. Then take the MCAT and apply for class of 2014? I feel confident and am doing well in my Chem I class right now but am admittedly not the strongest in quantitative heavy classes.

If this were a possibility when do you believe the best time to take the MCAT would be, I'm guessing June of 2013?

Any input from past experiences or opinions would be welcome.

 

[DrMidlife]

The stronger your application, the more liberties you can take with your schedule.

For instance, if your cumulative undergrad GPA (including all pre- and postbac grades) is a 4.0, and your MCAT is above the average of 31+, then you can apply a little late. Like late July. Maybe August.

If, by contrast, your cuGPA is more like a 3.3 (regardless of MCAT), you would seriously want to hit the opening date of June 1 with a complete app.

To submit an app on June 1, you would have to take the MCAT in April. Generally it takes 6-8 weeks to get your score.

At this point, you can make some planning decisions after you get your spring 2012 grades. If you get straight A's, speed things up so that you can take the MCAT during spring 2013. If you struggle this term, then don't try to speed things up, because your GPA is a bigger problem than getting the MCAT scheduled.

Maybe you can start bio &/or physics this summer, if you do well this term.

The only subject you can leave in a weak state for the MCAT is the 2nd half of ochem. The rest is fair game.

Best of luck to you.