Push back apps one year?

[LiveLaughLove15]

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I'm currently a Junior in college pursuing a BS in Biology. I was planning on taking the May 2010 MCAT and applying to schools next summer for the 2011-2012 cycle. But now I'm second guessing myself and wondering if I should take my MCATs later next year (september?) and apply the following cycle.

I'm taking a full load this entire year including my ochem series, physics series and all upper division bios while also intending on taking a Hyperlearning course from Princeton during my winter and spring quarters this year.

I'm sure alot of people have had heavy loads, so I'm looking for any advice I can get. Would waiting one year hurt my chances at getting in or would it really make no difference as long as I've got all my bases covered as far as gpa, ECs and volunteer experience?

 

[schrizto]

Pushing back apps one year can't hurt you.

 

[Zona Pellucida]

You could also take a later summer MCAT if you wish, which would give you more time. It's up to you. I would still apply mainly because I know how long of a process medical school already is and I want to get going on it ASAP. Your call though.

 

[DocMcCoy]

Are you in any particular rush? If you have the funds available to wait another year that will give you time to make your app as perfect as possible. It is getting late in the cycle now. I would hands down take a year to get everything right and early. Use the chance to do something unique and broaden your application. Anything you can do to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack straight out of college will help you in the long run. At least that is what has made me marginally successful this cycle.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck!

 

[Substance P]

I'm currently a Junior in college pursuing a BS in Biology. I was planning on taking the May 2010 MCAT and applying to schools next summer for the 2011-2012 cycle. But now I'm second guessing myself and wondering if I should take my MCATs later next year (september?) and apply the following cycle.

I'm taking a full load this entire year including my ochem series, physics series and all upper division bios while also intending on taking a Hyperlearning course from Princeton during my winter and spring quarters this year.

I'm sure alot of people have had heavy loads, so I'm looking for any advice I can get. Would waiting one year hurt my chances at getting in or would it really make no difference as long as I've got all my bases covered as far as gpa, ECs and volunteer experience?

I think that since you are taking your Ochem, Physics, and UD Bio courses you should probably take the MCAT right afterward. I think you're contemplating pushing it back out of fear, which is certainly understandable. If you really bust ass in your prereq's then spend about 1-2 hours a day on your MCAT studying, from say Feb/March, you should be ready to take it by the end of May.

If you do feel that you need all summer to study, then by all means take it, but I'm just wondering if you really need it or if you are just pushing it back because you are intimidated by the exam (completely understandable). Ideally you should take the exam when you are ready and taking a year off will not hurt you and you might even enjoy the time off. If you are going to take your exam in September then don't take the TPR course until this summer otherwise you'll just stress yourself out unnecessarily.

I think you could do it either way. Good luck. 😉

 

[slowbutsteady]

This would be the best decision you could possibly make on so many levels it is hard to count them.

Your future isn't going anywhere. It will always be there, waiting. One year is nothing in the scheme of a 40 year career in medicine.

You likely will make your app stronger by doing better in your courses and MCAT, and perhaps by fitting in some more research or volunteering. And reduce stress along the way.

All good.

 

[thegymbum]

Or, what about just pushing your test date back a month or two? That way, you would still be able to apply for the 2011-2012 cycle, but you would have an extra month or two between the semester and the test that would give you time to study. Plus, being fresh out of o-chem and physics would likely be helpful for the mcat, so you'd be at an advantage there. I believe it's offered multiple times throughout the summer, so you'd have a few dates to choose from. At least it's something to consider 🙂