Should I do a post-bac or no?

[mar0525]

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Hi,

I am an asian female from Texas, first generation college student & come from a low income background.

here are my stats:
cGPA: 3.71
sGPA: 3.70

*I have a C+ on my transcript for a biology course.. verts

Experience:
3 years of research in undergrad university (no publications)
1 year of research in a hospital/university (1 publication but author #25/50)
6 months of research in a pharmaceutical industry (J&J with two promising publications but it won't be published until 2016)
1 year of biochemical research at a medical college (most likely getting a publication 3rd or 4th author)

Volunteering:
tutored undergraduates for 2 years
volunteered at a hospital (140 hours in total)

I haven't taken the MCAT yet but I may plan to, depending on my chances of getting into medical school.
I am debating between graduate or medical school. I wanted to someone to critique or give me some insight for my future.

In my perspective, I can get into a top graduate school for biochemistry and a sub-par medical school.
However, I am not sure whether if I have enough time study for the July 2015 MCAT. I want to submit my primary applications by July 1st or whenever applications open. Is my application delayed if I do not submit my MCAT score? Also, is it bad if I take the July 2015 MCAT and delay my applications until August?

Thank you!

 

[tiedyeddog]

You have a pretty decent GPA you just need an MCAT. Texas has many great schools that favor in-state students, with Baylor, UT-Houston, and UT-SW being very good schools. If you score a 34+ Id say you have a shot at those schools.

Typically, post-bacs are for people with low GPAs and Okish MCAT scores. You don't fit the bill, just study hard for the MCAT and do well.

 

[ZedsDed]

DO NOT rush the MCAT. If you don't feel ready, don't take it; take a gap year instead, and do some more clinical volunteering. It never ceases to amaze me how many students are willing to rush the most important exam of their life, because they don't want to take a year off.

 

[ruedjgtc]

If it's masters versus MCAT then by all means just take the MCAT, you seem like the type of person who'd have a decent shot at getting an "acceptable" score. Just apply broadly, including out of state — from your post it seems like you'll do fine on the MCAT if you prepare well. With that said, it's better to do well on it the first time and not retake it ever again.

To stick to your post query: I suppose if you rushed it, then yeah, your application will be accepted without the letters of recommendation or MCAT uploaded yet, or at least it was that way when I applied — if I'm wrong someone please correct me. If it was like when I applied, some schools will automatically generate secondaries after they receive your primary application, so you'll probably even have secondaries to think about while you wait for the scores (your scores might return in September, and then they should be uploaded). Your biggest setback will be when you're setup to apply. However, if Texas favors Texans then you may have some alternate timeline I don't know about. It might work out, or turn out to have been a terrible idea depending on your MCAT score and luck (you being behind the application date curve).

Injecting my opinion you're free to igore, I wouldn't throw down money/time for a masters unless I was sure it was the only other way; or if I just wanted to do something for my own edification. Instead, if I were you I'd enjoy a gap year, see if I could get a publication (GOLD), and work on my MCAT while doing some community service (something worthwhile and makes good interview conversation) things on the side — I only mention this because of your 3 years of research experience.

Good luck with your cycle and decision!

 

[Goro]

Why on Earth do you think you need to do a post-bac???????

 

[ridethecliche]

Why on Earth do you think you need to do a post-bac???????

QFT.

 

[MrLogan13]

You don't need a post bacc.

 

[MrLogan13]

Why on Earth do you think you need to do a post-bac???????

Amen.

 

[Catalystik]

You don't need a post bacc.

Agreed.

 

[mar0525]

Thanks everyone for their input! I don't plan on pursuing a masters degree but a Ph.D.

I probably don't need to do a post back but I just don't feel ready for medical school yet -- I might take a gap year and do another year of research and study for the MCAT.