Should I apply this late in the cycle? When would I have to submit my MCAT score?

[LMAGZ]

My university recently edited our degree plan and it has changed my graduation date. I was originally going to graduate in Dec 2025 and apply to the 25-26 cycle so that I could start medical school in 2026. I am now going to graduate in May 2025 which means I could start medical school in 2025. I know it is extremely late in the 24-25 cycle but would I still have a chance of getting in? I also haven't taken my MCAT since I had not planned on applying this cycle. I could take it soon but I know it takes 30 days to receive our scores and I'm not sure by when would I have to submit my score if I apply this month? Also, would it even be worth it to apply? I never planned on taking a gap year. My other option would be to do an accelerated Masters program but I also had never planned on doing that.

I have clinical hours as an MA, clinical volunteering hours, non-clinical vounteering hours, research experience and a 3.95 GPA.

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[Mr.Smile12]

I would wait until next cycle. Focus on taking the MCAT in January for the 2025-2026 cycle so you can apply with your best possible application early.

 

[AJS59]

My university recently edited our degree plan and it has changed my graduation date. I was originally going to graduate in Dec 2025 and apply to the 25-26 cycle so that I could start medical school in 2026. I am now going to graduate in May 2025 which means I could start medical school in 2025. I know it is extremely late in the 24-25 cycle but would I still have a chance of getting in? I also haven't taken my MCAT since I had not planned on applying this cycle. I could take it soon but I know it takes 30 days to receive our scores and I'm not sure by when would I have to submit my score if I apply this month? Also, would it even be worth it to apply? I never planned on taking a gap year. My other option would be to do an accelerated Masters program but I also had never planned on doing that.

I have clinical hours as an MA, clinical volunteering hours, non-clinical vounteering hours, research experience and a 3.95 GPA.

Applying at this point in the cycle with no MCAT done (I'm assuming you also haven't been meaningfully studying for it), no LORs gathered, and no personal statement written would likely end in you gifting several schools free application money for no particularly good reason.

I'd start taking a look at gap year stuff now...it need not necessarily be clinical (i.e. Americorps is a good option) but it can help polish your resume a little bit more. I don't think an accelerated masters would make a large difference, the key for you right now is crushing the MCAT as soon as you are ready to take it next year.

 

[LizzyM]

Start prepping for the MCAT as soon as you can but don't take it before April. Apply in May/June 2025 to start classes in 2026, just as you had planned to. Also start looking for something (service or clinical employment) for the gap year. You were going to have a gap 6 months, now it will be a year. Be thankful you'll have that opportunity to stretch and learn something outside of the classroom (and maybe make some cash) before starting medical school. It may be much easier to find something for a year than for 6 months.... so that's a silver lining in this whole thing.