Scribing and MCAT prep at same time?

[rajp98]

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I am currently going into my Junior year, and have been offered an opportunity to start scribing from June. However, I was planning to take my MCAT in January or March. Is it possible to scribe all summer, fall and spring while still finding more than enough time to study for the MCAT? I'm not the best test taker either, so I need to ensure I have more than ample time. Scribing will be 20 hours a week. My plan was to use this summer to study for MCAT, and use Fall/December to study also and then take it in January. But if i scribe, i might need to take it in March instead to give myself some time as I have not yet started preparation at all.

This is the last summer I have before I apply (next summer). Also, If I scribe would I still need to volunteer at the hospital, or does scribing count as clinical exp? Please help.

I know MCAT is more important and takes priority of course, but is this doable or recommended? Has anyone done this before and still got a top score on MCAT?

 

[libertyyne]

There are plenty of people who work full time and prep for the mcat. It is not a strategy that is recommended, Only you can answer this question, as only you know how well you can prepare while doing both.

 

[Spr1ngrolls]

Be prepared for hectic hours. Yes, many people do it (including myself) and did it. For starters, you should never assume that you will be working only 20 hrs/week. You will almost always go over in my experience. It's a rough adjustment at first but it can certainly be done!

The scribing experience should be plenty for clinical experience. However, that does not excuse you from other "clinical" duties like shadowing other specialties, research, volunteering, etc etc.

 

[DameJulie]

Same as above comments, just be prepared for hectic hours.

I tried it before, and it didn't work out for me. Had to postpone my MCAT in order to keep up with scribing.

 

[jm192]

I just don't think Scribing is some amazing clinical experience that you have to have. I'd kill my MCAT and do something else after.

 

[MCATISEZ]

I am currently going into my Junior year, and have been offered an opportunity to start scribing from June. However, I was planning to take my MCAT in January or March. Is it possible to scribe all summer, fall and spring while still finding more than enough time to study for the MCAT? I'm not the best test taker either, so I need to ensure I have more than ample time. Scribing will be 20 hours a week. My plan was to use this summer to study for MCAT, and use Fall/December to study also and then take it in January. But if i scribe, i might need to take it in March instead to give myself some time as I have not yet started preparation at all.

This is the last summer I have before I apply (next summer). Also, If I scribe would I still need to volunteer at the hospital, or does scribing count as clinical exp? Please help.

I know MCAT is more important and takes priority of course, but is this doable or recommended? Has anyone done this before and still got a top score on MCAT?

Take the scribe position. I am also not great at standardized tests, and I took on some intensive shadowing (20+ hours a week) while studying for my MCAT and I was happy with my score. I did this the summer between my junior and senior year, with the intention of testing September of the year before I applied (knowing a gap year would be better for me). I will be applying this year. You are an early bird! You can afford to delay the MCAT to March... god forbid May (like "normal" pre-meds) and still be in a good time period.

 

[7331poas]

I just don't think Scribing is some amazing clinical experience that you have to have. I'd kill my MCAT and do something else after.

What else do you recommend

 

[jm192]

What else do you recommend

Anything really.

I'm just saying that if your study time is your opportunity cost, then you should have a hard realization that being a scribe won't break down doors for you.
I spent ~200 hours volunteering in a local free clinic.
You can work in any number of health care related positions. But, being a scribe isn't going to make up for a low to average MCAT. Kill the MCAT, always kill the MCAT.

 

[Dagrimsta1]

I'm the type to do 1 thing at a time well. The MCAT deserves its own time IMO

 

[deforestasian]

I studied for the MCAT while scribing and doing school full time, I just took on less shifts as the test got closer so I could study more. I wouldn't necessarily recommend doing all 3 at the same time, but it is doable.