September MCAT

[DaWeasel]

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I am taking the mcat September 10, which means I would get my scores back October 12. My preference is to apply this cycle, I've considered taking a gap year but if I can avoid this that would be preferable. I realize applying this late likely precludes me from higher tier schools but my target school is my state school.

My question is how can I go through the application process and have everything submitted except my mcat and hedge against the possibility I make much lower or higher than the mcat range for this school? I say higher because if I make a high enough score then I would take the gap year and build my app to compete for a higher tiered spot. Basically, I want to hedge against the possibility that I take a gap year and get a marginal return of zero on my time and end up applying to the same tier med school as my state school after a gap year. My school has a strong instate preference and if my numbers are above the median then I am willing to take the chance.

My GPA is above the median at my target and my ECs are solid.

Again, I realize applying so late in the cycle is against the traditional dogma, I'm just trying to figure out the best way to go about applying if I do go ahead and apply this cycle.

 

[yeasureyoubetcha]

Wait a year. Being a reapplicant would suck

 

[candbgirl]

I'd wait a year. If you wait to be complete until mid-October you are really putting yourself behind. Interviews will be well under way by then. In fact the first round of acceptances at MD schools come out October 15. You will just be getting your MCAT at that time and still doing secondaries. You really only want to apply one time, giving yourself the best possible application possible. Take a gap year and develop a beautiful application for next cycle


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[ciestar]

I am taking the mcat September 10, which means I would get my scores back October 12. My preference is to apply this cycle, I've considered taking a gap year but if I can avoid this that would be preferable. I realize applying this late likely precludes me from higher tier schools but my target school is my state school.

My question is how can I go through the application process and have everything submitted except my mcat and hedge against the possibility I make much lower or higher than the mcat range for this school? I say higher because if I make a high enough score then I would take the gap year and build my app to compete for a higher tiered spot. Basically, I want to hedge against the possibility that I take a gap year and get a marginal return of zero on my time and end up applying to the same tier med school as my state school after a gap year. My school has a strong instate preference and if my numbers are above the median then I am willing to take the chance.

My GPA is above the median at my target and my ECs are solid.

Again, I realize applying so late in the cycle is against the traditional dogma, I'm just trying to figure out the best way to go about applying if I do go ahead and apply this cycle.

Not sure where you're getting this information from, but a late application puts you at a disadvantage at most schools, not just higher tier. I didnt apply to any (well, 1) high tier schools, and by October 12th, i had already received 5 II. Given, if youre in an "easier" state (Mississippi comes to mind), a late application if this is your goal isnt as bad, but for most places, it is. However, dont put all your eggs in one basket, this process is really unpredictable.[/QUOTE]

 

[histologywiz]

FWIW I know someone in your exact same situation. very friendly state school and was accepted.

 

[Rainbow Zebra]

I am taking the mcat September 10, which means I would get my scores back October 12. My preference is to apply this cycle, I've considered taking a gap year but if I can avoid this that would be preferable. I realize applying this late likely precludes me from higher tier schools but my target school is my state school.

My question is how can I go through the application process and have everything submitted except my mcat and hedge against the possibility I make much lower or higher than the mcat range for this school? I say higher because if I make a high enough score then I would take the gap year and build my app to compete for a higher tiered spot. Basically, I want to hedge against the possibility that I take a gap year and get a marginal return of zero on my time and end up applying to the same tier med school as my state school after a gap year. My school has a strong instate preference and if my numbers are above the median then I am willing to take the chance.

My GPA is above the median at my target and my ECs are solid.

Again, I realize applying so late in the cycle is against the traditional dogma, I'm just trying to figure out the best way to go about applying if I do go ahead and apply this cycle.

You really only want to do this once and do it right. Why put yourself at a disadvantage right out of the gate? You don't have an MCAT score in which to figure out your med school list - - therefore, you can't really pre-write your secondaries. Do not underestimate how much of a beast the MCAT can be.

Take a gap year, you will have less stress of doing the applications/interviews during the gap year then trying to squeeze it in with classes. Hopefully a strong senior year will give the schools all the more reason to invite you to an interview.

 

[elliejellybean]

I mean I know a guy who took his August and still got in, he was a URM though if that makes a difference.
I think there's people (exceptions) that apply late and still get in, but the statistical probability that you are the exception is not worth the money you'll spend applying to schools that have enough applications as is. There's too much riding on your MCAT score. You can go and do exceptionally well, which will probably get you screened out at low tier schools and maybe even your state school. You can do poorly, but you already sent in your apps and now you've just wasted a lot of money. Or you can score where you expect and would have created the perfect school list beforehand. I'd recommend a gap year bud.

 

[DaWeasel]

Appreciate the feedback guys. I know a late application is a big negative, but I have been encouraged by a doctor I shadowed to go ahead and apply this cycle, even if its late, and its good to get a different viewpoint on here

 

[Rainbow Zebra]

Appreciate the feedback guys. I know a late application is a big negative, but I have been encouraged by a doctor I shadowed to go ahead and apply this cycle, even if its late, and its good to get a different viewpoint on here

Being a reapplicant is not a good thing. Physicians are not good judges on how the current application process works.

 

[yeasureyoubetcha]

Being a reapplicant is not a good thing. Physicians are not good judges on how the current application process works.

It is possible, the doctor @DaWeasel is referring to applied many years ago. Aside from adcom members (who may also happen to be physicians) who see this process unfold every year, I feel there may have been many changes in the years since any doctor's application for their advice to be considered reliable.

 

[ciestar]

Appreciate the feedback guys. I know a late application is a big negative, but I have been encouraged by a doctor I shadowed to go ahead and apply this cycle, even if its late, and its good to get a different viewpoint on here

Take the advice of current applicants to heart the most. Read the no interviews thread, you dont want to feel that way just because you decided to go for it because someone you shadowed said so. Adcoms on here have chimed in, listen to the people who know what theyre talking about.

@Goro @gyngyn

 

[Goro]

Said doctor is doing his best, out of sheer ignorance, to destroy your medical career by giving you such bad advice.

The only candidates who can get away with this are stellar applicants.

Appreciate the feedback guys. I know a late application is a big negative, but I have been encouraged by a doctor I shadowed to go ahead and apply this cycle, even if its late, and its good to get a different viewpoint on here

 

[Whyamionhere]

DON'T DO ITTTT

I was in your shoes, said screw it, tossed in a late app, and now am looking ahead at a second cycle.

 

[Takamori]

Yeah, OP, if anywhere you can get a valuable advice, it's here. Either take it earlier or, which I suggest, apply the next year, but spend the year strengthening your app. Do smth cool.

 

[Whyamionhere]

Also - I even lurked multiple threads here last year where everyone agreed late applications aren;t worth it and like a ******* STILL APPLIED.

Seriously don't be me.

 

[Takamori]

Also - I even lurked multiple threads here last year where everyone agreed late applications aren;t worth it and like a ******* STILL APPLIED.

Seriously don't be me.

What's meant to be...you know... Good luck this cycle!

 

[Takamori]

all likelihood lower your chances next term by being flagged as a reapplicant.

Can you please, explain me why does being a reapplicant lower the chances? Thank you.

 

[yeasureyoubetcha]

When you reapply to the same school, your application will be flagged as such. As such, those reading your current application will be well aware that you have been previously reviewed and rejected. That itself raises a question in the current adcom's collective mind. Then they read your application, which will be almost the same exact application with same GPA and MCAT as the year before? What did this candidate do to improve? Then they may (I said may) see a very, very, very late submission date. Oh, and now you say, they will understand. More likely than not they will wonder about the qualifications of someone who did a last minute application. Is this a poor planner? last minute person? doesnt understand a complex and complicated process? All in all negative questions that are raised.

And remember that medical school admissions is, for the most part, a negative process. That is, they are trying to reduce several thousand applications to a few hundred in a short period of time. They look for reasons to reject. A previously rejected applicant with no appreciable improvement in the new application almost doesnt seem worth the time to consider it for very long at all.

I will mildly add to this....Rewriting the PS will suck


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[Takamori]

@gonnif that's clear. Thanks!

 

[Takamori]

@gonnif

One more question, if you don't mind. What would be your advice for those who reapply, not to apply for schools that already rejected them and aim other schools? Thank you.

 

[Takamori]

That is not my advice. Most applicants, have issues with GPA, MCAT score, shadowing, etc, that can be improved and can be shown on an application. Adcoms will like to see an applicant who has the motivation and commitment to improve and achieves what he/she needs to to gain admission.

You have a specific and wholly avoidable issue that you are knowingly creating after multiple people have advised you against you doing. A prospective medical student who cannot listen to or follow advice in such a situation shows over-confidence, a bravado of knowing better, and a lack of judgement. With this whole line of questioning that you have presented, my advice is to not apply this year. Often the first action that a good physician will do for a patient is "watchful waiting." Please heed this advice

Thanks. Hope OP will read it, too.

 

[yeasureyoubetcha]

@gonnif

One more question, if you don't mind. What would be your advice for those who reapply, not to apply for schools that already rejected them and aim other schools? Thank you.

From what I've seen and adcoms have commented on, if your primary went to a school, you're considered a reapplicant in the following cycle


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[Takamori]

It is the Easter season so miracles are possible.

Amen, brother!

 

[Rainbow Zebra]

Also - I even lurked multiple threads here last year where everyone agreed late applications aren;t worth it and like a ******* STILL APPLIED.

Seriously don't be me.

Take this advice to heart. Do this application process once, do it right, give it 110%. Don't let anything "slide" by, because the best prepared competition won't. This ain't undergrad, the best of the best have floated to the top, so bring on your "A" game. Best wishes to you.

 

[DaWeasel]

I'm here for the counter arguments to applying this cycle and I got what I was looking for. I promise I'm not so stubborn as to not listen to this advice,the criticism is helpful so I can explain the rationale for waiting.

What is the latest date that I could take the mcat and get my score in time to apply competitively?

 

[ciestar]

I'm here for the counter arguments to applying this cycle and I got what I was looking for. I promise I'm not so stubborn as to not listen to this advice,the criticism is helpful so I can explain the rationale for waiting.

What is the latest date that I could take the mcat and get my score in time to apply competitively?

Probably June, early July at the latest. Being complete in early August is fine.

 

[Chelsea FC]

Just to note how the application cycle is shifting early and early, some 25% of verified primary applications were transmitted to the schools on the first day allowed. Additionally, more and more schools are sending unscreened secondaries based on contact information when your primary is first submitted to AMCAS.

Are you saying a June MCAT is too late ?

 

[Chelsea FC]

No, not usually. However from the OP posts I get the impression that he/she
1) doesnt have all the plans for LOR, PS, and other application process and timeline well lined up.
2) hasnt begun the hardcore prepping needed for a successful MCAT. For a full time student who has coursework and finals coming up, you are well advised not to risk grades for MCAT or vice versa
3) has a strong preference for his/her instate school.

If OP had solid plans, doing MCAT prep already , mapped out LOR, and all the rest, a June MCAT is "ok" not great but acceptable. Again my impression that is not OP's situation. I want to add that my experience with a large percentage of late MCAT takers is not being fully prepared for the complicated and time consuming application process.

for an applicant who is well prepared a June MCAT is ok

Sorry to hijacking this thread . But what if a persons pre-med committee doesn't write committee letters until a MCAT score is present. Could I still submit my application to one school in June to be verified without a committee letter initially? Would that hold up the process? I remember hearing that schools sends out primary apps before looking at those letters... I was planning on doing that then take my MCAT June 18th , receive my score in July and get my committee who I have a close relationship with to expedite the letter sometime August.

 

[Takamori]

Chelsea FC, I think schools don't look at your app until they have the full package. So if something comes in August, then they review it in August meaning it affects your chances. I'm not competent as much, but as fas as I know.

 

[Rainbow Zebra]

Sorry to hijacking this thread . But what if a persons pre-med committee doesn't write committee letters until a MCAT score is present. Could I still submit my application to one school in June to be verified without a committee letter initially? Would that hold up the process? I remember hearing that schools sends out primary apps before looking at those letters... I was planning on doing that then take my MCAT June 18th , receive my score in July and get my committee who I have a close relationship with to expedite the letter sometime August.

Read throughout the SDN forums of people who bemoan the months they wait for a committee letter. Seems like some schools do not have a fast turnaround. You need to do your homework with your fellow students who applied before you, and get a lay of the land on how your school's committee works. For some, the letter made their application very late. I would not rely on being able to "expedite" the committee letter especially during the summer when some committees don't even meet. You are just one student, and depending on how many premeds are at your school, you may not get any preferential treatment.

 

[Chelsea FC]

Read throughout the SDN forums of people who bemoan the months they wait for a committee letter. Seems like some schools do not have a fast turnaround. You need to do your homework with your fellow students who applied before you, and get a lay of the land on how your school's committee works. For some, the letter made their application very late. I would not rely on being able to "expedite" the committee letter. You are just one student, and depending on how many premeds are at your school, you may not get any preferential treatment.

Thanks alot!! I have alot of pull at the school as I have left my mark there throughout my 4 years so I think i might get a little special treatment. I will reach out to the head of the committee and get her feed back on top of that we dont have alot of pre-med students