Should I apply now or later?

[MiesVanDerMom]

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I would like to apply to med school next June ('06) but I'm wondering if I am jumping the gun and need to wait until '07? Bascially, like many here, I have some academic bumps in the past and some flakiness to overcome. If I apply 06 I will have spent three semesters taking pre-reqs (one at a time), volunteering and shadowing. (I'm also a stay-at-home mom full time). My science GPA will be up to 3.5. If I wait an extra year, I will have been taking classes/etc. for a year longer and my GPA will probably be a 3.6. Do you think three semsters is enough to show I am more responsible now? I'll be explaining in my personal statement that my maturity comes from my experience of almost losing my son when he was an infant/raising a special needs son. Thanks for your input...

 

[jaylily]

Hey Mies...
I say give it a try and apply now. You won't be losing anything. And still take the additional course for good measure. If it won't hurt you, why not give it a try! 🙂

 

[sunnyjohn]

I would like to apply to med school next June ('06) but I'm wondering if I am jumping the gun and need to wait until '07? Bascially, like many here, I have some academic bumps in the past and some flakiness to overcome. If I apply 06 I will have spent three semesters taking pre-reqs (one at a time), volunteering and shadowing. (I'm also a stay-at-home mom full time). My science GPA will be up to 3.5. If I wait an extra year, I will have been taking classes/etc. for a year longer and my GPA will probably be a 3.6. Do you think three semsters is enough to show I am more responsible now? I'll be explaining in my personal statement that my maturity comes from my experience of almost losing my son when he was an infant/raising a special needs son. Thanks for your input...

science GPA 3.5 now or 3.6 next year....

Cumulative GPA?

MCAT?

 

[ntmed]

I say give it a try and apply now.

I agree. But at the same time, make preparations to reapply the following year as well, in case things don't work out the first time.

Roughly 1/3 of applicants each year are reapplicants. So don't fret, if you have to reapply.

 

[gary5]

Your GPA is in range. I don't think 3.5 vs 3.6 matters. The average MCAT for accepted med students is 30. I think that should be your highest priority. Do whatever it takes to get 30 or more. I was coming in low, so I studied for 2 months straight, starting at 10 hrs/day and then to 8 hrs/day (or was it 12 and 10?) Also, don't dwell on your personal life in your personal statement. The title is deceptive. Talk about your clinical experience.