Running out of time. Apply now, or wait ANOTHER year. MD and DO advice!

[DoctorLacrosse]

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[touchpause13]

I pick number 2

 

[Flashfan]

So what is on your application EC wise? Why not do option 3, focus on research and clinical and feel confident with your stats? At least you would go in knowing your strengths and weaknesses?

 

[LostinLift]

If you're starting off with 29-30 on practice tests and still have some studying time left, you should comfortably score around that range, which would certainly make you competitive for DO schools. Getting your application late is not a good idea (not sure what DO cycle is like), so I would recommend option 1 if you are confident and practice scores stay high. Option 1 or 3 seem ideal, option 2 might work for DO schools.

With option 2 you would be waiting for your score until mid August, so you probably wouldn't be complete and verified until end of September at the earliest. Not counting secondaries. If you score well then you would still have a good shot at DO and some MD schools.

Basically I would go off of your practice test scores. If they stay high, take it early. Also "pushing the test back" is easier said than done. Most dates are filled up completely.

 

[hoihaie]

I would wait 1 more year. Considering the long road you got ahead of you, what's 1 more year of waiting?

I was in similar situation like you last year, with 3.4GPA and 32 MCAT, but decided to wait a year to increase my research profile.

 

[optimistic3]

I'm in a similar boat and I decided to wait another year. I plan on making myself as competitive as I can in that extra year before the application cycle (studying all summer for the MCAT and taking it in August, then taking EMT class in the fall and I might add more classes to boost GPA and some research since I haven't done it before).

Do you think there are some areas where you may be lacking that may benefit an extra year off? Maybe you can take some more science classes or shadow or something. I know how you feel, though. I wanted to apply this cycle but I realized that I want my application to be as strong as possible the first time I apply and I want to submit as early as possible (aiming for the first day that it opens).

However I feel like if you want DO, then you might be able to do it just fine this year. For more specifically MD, waiting until you get your MCAT score back might be best and then next year you can apply on the first day it opens.

 

[broski123]

option 3 seems best. Taking a mid july mcat is kinda late. Give yourself ample time to nail the mcat. I would recommend taking a year off to anybody.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Thanks for the replies guys, means a lot.

To clarify, I will end up with this year off regardless as I graduate and will be applying after graduation. If I wait until next cycle and not this cycle, then that becomes 2 gap years after a 5 year college career, which I feel is just too much. It actually scares me to think about, as this one extra year was excruciating enough lol

Perhaps I do all I can now, finish strong, continue MCAT prep as much as possible, take it on my June 5 date as planned, and then do not submit until I get that score back? This way if it is poor I can still decide to just take the year off, but if it is good enough I can push through and submit my application without being super late. This would make me complete around July-August, and if the score is poor, I will not be a reapplicant. Thoughts?

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Also, as far as ECs go, I do not believe I am lacking anything major or that I will gain anything from another year off. I have extensive clinical experience (years/thousands of hours as a nursing assistant and ER tech), 2 years of research experience, multiple non-clinical volunteering gigs, sufficient shadowing, etc. Obviously I could use the year to improve my stats, but if it is possible to get in now, I would DEFINITELY choose that.

 

[ciestar]

Also, as far as ECs go, I do not believe I am lacking anything major or that I will gain anything from another year off. I have extensive clinical experience (years/thousands of hours as a nursing assistant and ER tech), 2 years of research experience, multiple non-clinical volunteering gigs, sufficient shadowing, etc. Obviously I could use the year to improve my stats, but if it is possible to get in now, I would DEFINITELY choose that.

I'm with you on this. I may have to take my MCAT in July (like HUGE chance). I've already taken a gap year, I don't want to take another.
I'm just going to wish for the best (unless I do terrible on my MCAT, then forget it). I do understand your predicament though, as I'm there with you. At this point, my application cannot be really improved by ECs, unless I do more volunteering. That's about it, I'm just sick of waiting.

 

[optimistic3]

Also, as far as ECs go, I do not believe I am lacking anything major or that I will gain anything from another year off. I have extensive clinical experience (years/thousands of hours as a nursing assistant and ER tech), 2 years of research experience, multiple non-clinical volunteering gigs, sufficient shadowing, etc. Obviously I could use the year to improve my stats, but if it is possible to get in now, I would DEFINITELY choose that.

In that case, you've got pretty good ECs. If all you're waiting on is your MCAT, then go ahead and fill out the application and keep studying for your July MCAT. If you don't like the score, you can wait another year. Whether or not to submit the application before the MCAT would have to be your choice. Sounds like you really really want to do it this cycle. I can understand that for sure (I'm also graduating now after 5 years of undergrad!).

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

If your average is 29 now, you should not push back the date. Apply early.

 

[Hailstorm]

~3.5/3.4/30 +URM is highly competitive for DO schools.
3.3/3.0/30 + URM I couldn't comment on for MD schools, but I think you have more work to do on this front regardless of your MCAT.

Did you look into the URM-centered programs?

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

In that case, you've got pretty good ECs. If all you're waiting on is your MCAT, then go ahead and fill out the application and keep studying for your July MCAT. If you don't like the score, you can wait another year. Whether or not to submit the application before the MCAT would have to be your choice. Sounds like you really really want to do it this cycle. I can understand that for sure (I'm also graduating now after 5 years of undergrad!).

My MCAT now is beginning of June, not July. I am debating whether to push it back or not, but unsure.

If your average is 29 now, you should not push back the date. Apply early.

This is exactly what I am thinking, but I know it is very likely to score well below your average on the real deal, which is what concerns me with submitting early before getting the score back.

~3.5/3.4/30 +URM is highly competitive for DO schools.
3.3/3.0/30 + URM I couldn't comment on for MD schools, but I think you have more work to do on this front regardless of your MCAT.

Did you look into the URM-centered programs?

Which programs are you referring to exactly? I'd love more info

 

[Hailstorm]

Which programs are you referring to exactly? I'd love more info

IE: Drexel's DPMS, Georgetown's GEMS, there are others but I'm sure you can track them down.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

IE: Drexel's DPMS, Georgetown's GEMS, there are others but I'm sure you can track them down.

Wow, I did not know these schools had programs specifically targeted towards URMs. I will research it, thank you!

 

[infinitessimal]

Perhaps I do all I can now, finish strong, continue MCAT prep as much as possible, take it on my June 5 date as planned, and then do not submit until I get that score back? This way if it is poor I can still decide to just take the year off, but if it is good enough I can push through and submit my application without being super late. This would make me complete around July-August, and if the score is poor, I will not be a reapplicant. Thoughts?

I think this is the best option. Submitting ~July 5th is not considered late, at least I don't think - just make sure you have all your transcripts and rec letters in by that time as well. As for the studying, there are a lot of good schedules and suggestions in the "30+ study habits" thread that differ from the conventional schedule for those with a bigger course load or other commitments, check those out. For PS specifically, I highly recommend Chad's videos for content review.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

I think this is the best option. Submitting ~July 5th is not considered late, at least I don't think - just make sure you have all your transcripts and rec letters in by that time as well. As for the studying, there are a lot of good schedules and suggestions in the "30+ study habits" thread that differ from the conventional schedule for those with a bigger course load or other commitments, check those out. For PS specifically, I highly recommend Chad's videos for content review.

haha i love you for mentioning Chad's videos! Though i am far from finished with content, thats been my primary source thus far and they are truly a gem of a resource. Fit my learning style perfectly. hopefully Chad can lead me to the promise land lol

 

[infinitessimal]

haha i love you for mentioning Chad's videos! Though i am far from finished with content, thats been my primary source thus far and they are truly a gem of a resource. Fit my learning style perfectly. hopefully Chad can lead me to the promise land lol

😍 Chad is amazing. He did indeed take me to the promise land, although after completing a section of videos I read the corresponding chapter in Berkeley Review and did their practice passages. Stuff's usually repeated, and I cut my chapter-reading time in half by first watching the videos, but I think it's important to do a lot of practice problems alongside.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

😍 Chad is amazing. He did indeed take me to the promise land, although after completing a section of videos I read the corresponding chapter in Berkeley Review and did their practice passages. Stuff's usually repeated, and I cut my chapter-reading time in half by first watching the videos, but I think it's important to do a lot of practice problems alongside.

Will definitely incorporate this into my studying. Thanks for the tip!

 

[LabDoc33]

I feel your situation here, I am a fifth year senior graduating in May doing the same thing. I'm not taking my MCAT until the Winter since I'm just going to apply next cycle and I still have to take physics and orgo II before the MCAT. Best case scenario I will be taking two gap years between graduating in a month and applying next June, although I will accumulate a good source of clinical exposure during that time since I will be working in a diagnostic hospital laboratory with physicians.

Have you thought about a post-bacc program to try and boost your stats if you are worried about not being in school for that long?

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

I feel your situation here, I am a fifth year senior graduating in May doing the same thing. I'm not taking my MCAT until the Winter since I'm just going to apply next cycle and I still have to take physics and orgo II before the MCAT. Best case scenario I will be taking two gap years between graduating in a month and applying next June, although I will accumulate a good source of clinical exposure during that time since I will be working in a diagnostic hospital laboratory with physicians.

Have you thought about a post-bacc program to try and boost your stats if you are worried about not being in school for that long?

I have definitely thought about that, but it isn't just about not being in school, it's about kind of being stuck in limbo and just feeling ready to move on to the next step already. sure it's only one more year in the grand scheme, but I am just over this anxious feeling like I'm wasting time.

Again, I in no way mean to sound self entitled or anything since my early grades are what's held me back all this time and clearly this process owes me nothing, but I just want to apply already and get into med school. it's been a long road redeeming myself and it sucks that all that's standing in my way is one test. Losing a whole year just because of a test would suck, but in the end it could boost my GPA also which can't hurt.

As of now I think ill just study hard and take it June 5th, then let the score decide what ill be doing from there. What a difficult road it's been haha

Also, good luck to you on your journey also. I feel your pain!

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

So after some deep thought and multiple conversations with advisors, friends, med student friends, and my parents, I decided to push my MCAT date back to July 2nd in order to give myself the best opportunity at doing well on the test. If my practice test scores stay decent then I will submit my AMCAS and AACOMAS apps before scores come out to speed up the verification process. If I am iffy on the score, then I will wait to submit until I see the score, and if it is poor, I will not submit this cycle.

Does this sound okay? Will being complete around late August be considered so late that it will leave me with virtually no chance at acceptance to either MD or DO? Thanks again to all who have helped.