REALLY stuck :( when to apply?

[jcohen85]

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Hey everyone,
So here is my dilemma: I'm taking the August MCAT and originally wanted to apply for Fall 07 admissions. However, because of the whole grueling application process, it is taking time away from studying. It seems almost counterproductive, seeing as if I don't do well, I'd have a lot more trouble getting accepted.

Right now my GPA isn't exactly where I'd like it to be, and I know I can bring it up, at least somewhat in the next two semesters.

I've been thinking a lot about this, and I think might want to wait a year and then apply, for the two reasons I just said, and also so I can get a little more life experience, get a job and earn some money. I was thinking of maybe getting an internship with a doctor and also working at a research company, this way I would get some medical experience to boost my app, outside of just being an EMT.

What's holding me back is the financial issue-- loans and all that. In addition, my parents aren't exactly thrilled with the idea (to say the least). I don't know what to say to convince them or at least have them understand what I'm going through.

Any advice??

Thanks!!

 

[KatdyerA1A]

Well I am currently in the process of reapplying. I am on 2 waitlists right now but I didn't want to wait it out and then not get in and then be behind in my applications. Anyway, I took the August MCAT last year which pushed my application late because the scores do not come out until October. Even though many people get in with taking the August MCAT, it still puts you at a disadvantage for rolling admissions. Anyway, where I am going with this is that your MCAT score is important so if you feel that you can't study as well with applications, I would take a year off. Besides, what if you don't do as well as you think you can on the August MCAT but have already submitted, then you are kinda screwed. So I would say take a year off because you are already leaning that way, take the August MCAT and see how you do and if you need to retake, you can do that in April and with that score you can apply for 2008 and be early for that cycle.