Scheduling question

[drob20]

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Hey everyone,

I'm looking for advice on how best to schedule the MCAT/applications. I am just about to start a post-bacc program in which I'll take Bio/Chem/Phys this Fall/Spring and then OChem next summer. Since I'll be done in mid-August '14, I was thinking of signing up for the latest possible exam (September '14). I realize this only gives me about 3-4 weeks of hardcore MCAT studying but I also plan on studying during the summer while taking ochem (I'll be a full-time student so even with that workload I should have time). I can also sign up for the January 2015 MCAT and still take the current version.

My question: Should I just bank on the January 2015 MCAT and not even bother with the September one?

If I take the September MCAT, should I try to get all my AMCAS stuff in and apply for the Fall '15 cycle? Currently, I am planning on not applying until the 2016 cycle but figure maybe it's worth a shot. Or is that too much with summer ochem and MCAT prep?

Thanks. I realize this may not be super clear what I'm doing. Basically, 1 year post-bacc, ending in August. Should I take September MCAT or just wait until January? Only problem is that if my score sucks, I'm stuck taking the new test.

 

[Katatonic]

Personally I would recommend finishing your post-bac strong and study Sep-Jan for the January 2015 MCAT. Unless your really set on applying a year earlier it seems like the cleanest route and you can focus solely on the MCAT in a better mental state, knowing your post-bac is behind you.

 

[drob20]

Personally I would recommend finishing your post-bac strong and study Sep-Jan for the January 2015 MCAT. Unless your really set on applying a year earlier it seems like the cleanest route and you can focus solely on the MCAT in a better mental state, knowing your post-bac is behind you.

Thanks for the advice. This is what I was leaning toward as well so it's good to hear some validation.

 

[rneb]

I'm doing the exact same thing - first day of school was today!! 🙂

I've decided to hold off on the MCAT till Jan 2015 and if I don't do well...take it from there. There's only so much pre-planning you can do...The Sept. MCAT will prob not go well if you only have 3 weeks to study for it, on top of a full 2 semesters' worth of Orgo crammed into a summer. So take it in Jan, then go from there!