Re-apply now in case I do well in Aug MCAT or wait until after a year of post-bac?

[Rufina]

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I need some advice on whether I should apply now or next year. I know my biggest weaknesses the first time I applied was 1)low MCAT and 2)B average and a few C's in my undergraduate science classes. So to improve my application, I am studying for the 2005 August MCAT with the hope of doing alot better. I also plan to take some post-baccalaureate classes this upcoming year to try and get A's in upper level classes as well as retake the classes that I got C's in. So my questions are,
1)should I reapply for the second time now in case I do well on the Aug MCAT or
2)wait to reapply until after a year of post-bac so that my application is strengthened both in mcat and gpa scores?

I would be extremely helpful for advice from anyone who's been in the same situation. Thank you!!

 

[yunan]

sorry rufina i cant help ya here, but that's because i'm on the same boat and looking for others' advice! 🙁

i've both poor undergrad gpa and low 1st mcat score. Good LOR and EC.
I'll be matriculating post bacc this 2005-2006 and taking the MCAT this coming Aug05. So, I'm also wondering if I should apply to schools now? first time applying btw.

anybody ?

 

[NorCalGirl]

I was in your same position 2 years ago! I had applied for the 2003 entering class with a mediocore MCAT score and okay GPA. Immediately after graduating from college, I began the Post-Bac program at UCSF and was studying for the MCAT (for the third time!!!). I didn't know whether I should apply for the 2004 entering class or wait until after I did my year of Post-Bac work. I was in a ridiculous hurry to start med school because I didn't want to be "left behind."

Well, let me tell ya, I am SOOOOO happy that I waited to apply (for the 2005 entering class). I decided to wait because I thought that my application would not have changed much had I applied immediately again. After waiting, I was able to get more research experience, add some more A's to my transcript as well as a couple more points on the MCAT, take a lot of time to work on my personal statement, and apply as early as I could for the 2005 cycle. What a huge difference applying early makes!!! WOW. And in the end, waiting wasn't that big of a deal at all. I wanted to apply only more time and I wanted to do it right.

PM me if you'd like more details... Good luck, guys!

 

[rachmoninov3]

Only one thing to add to what Norcalgirl said, the only reason why i would apply this year if you can afford it, is for the experience. Especially pertaining to the interviews. My interviews last year were so weird, and I missed one major question: "don't take this the wrong way like some students do, but what other career would you pursue?" and I extended my other interview with mindless science drivil, totally not relavent. Needless to say, my app. is better this year, and I certainly won't be as nervous about the interviews.

 

[dsherida]

Speaking from experience,
I would wait to apply. I didn't get in last year and so I retook the Aug. MCAT. Guess what, I am on three waitlists and waiting it out. One of the schools I am waitlisted at even told me the only thing negative about my app. was the time it was submitted. I was complete OCt. 20th there and they didn't interview ANYONE who was complete after October. They encouraged me to apply Early Decision if I did want to go there for 2006. If I would have known the Aug. test has such a big role, I definitely would have waited and saved some money, time, and anxiety. Of course, you need to do what you feel is best and don't just go with other people have said, which is what I have especially learned throughout the process. Here is to the "third time is the charm!" Best of Luck!!!