Some questions for the experienced

[bond007]

Hey guys, I am new to this board- everybody seems very helpful. I am a junior who is thinking of applying this coming cycle by taking the August MCAT. Anyways I have three questions:

1) Do August MCAT applicants really have a distinct disadvantage- even at "non-rolling admissions" schools????

2) How do you know what school is rolling or not?- I searched the AMCAS site and could not really find anything.

3) Can I send in summer grades in the app. cycle so I can send in my last pre-med req. and get close to that 90 credit minimum

Thanks alot for replying, and I look forward to be part of this board.

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[SMW]

First off, welcome to SDN!

1) Do August MCAT applicants really have a distinct disadvantage- even at "non-rolling admissions" schools????

Yes, they do, but it's not the kiss of death. I took the August MCAT this year, and even with all the AMCAS screw-ups (which included horrendously long times getting the scores to schools), I'm not doing too badly in the interview department. Out of 21 AMCAS (and 1 non-AMCAS) applications, I've had two interviews, with 8 coming up in the next month and a half. The first interview I got was at a non-AMCAS, non-rolling school.

2) How do you know what school is rolling or not?- I searched the AMCAS site and could not really find anything.

Check the MSAR (Medical School Admissions Requirements, the book that is the Bible for applicants -- you can order it from AMCAS, and you're going to want one, so might as well get it now. I think you can also find out on TPR site (although I hate to send anyone there!).

3) Can I send in summer grades in the app. cycle so I can send in my last pre-med req. and get close to that 90 credit minimum

Hmmm...I should probably leave this one for someone else, as I was all done with coursework before I applied.

 

[brandonite]

As always, you've been very helpful, SMW.

I'd just like to concur, with respect to the August MCAT. I think you're better off waiting until August if you're not (or can't be) prepared in April. Just make sure you send in your AMCAS early! July or August would be great, I think. That's one lesson I learned the hard way.

I'll also leave the 3rd question for somebody with experience...

 

[bond007]

Thanks, I would ask my pre-med advisor but he just too intimidating from all the horror stories I have heard- I just might ask him. Also, with the August MCAT does applying early compensate- as your can see I am really conflicted. Any more experience from the August people would help- especially encouraging stories <img src="graemlins/laughy.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughy]" />

ps- good to be here!

 

[SMW]

I would say send your AMCAS in on the very first day in June you can. That way, the schools will have your app and can process it except for the MCAT scores. Then once you take the test, they're only waiting on your scores, and can shoot your file to the review process ASAP. Also, once you submit AMCAS, you can then concentrate on getting good grades in your summer classes. But it's going to be difficult taking summer classes and preparing for the MCAT simultaneously. Plus starting on secondaries and chasing down letters of recommendation.

Since no one else is taking a crack at your last question, if my memory serves, you can list courses that are currently in process or planned, and it won't slow down the processing of your app. In fact you can be admitted to medical school without all the pre-reqs as long as you finish them before you matriculate.

 

[SMW]

Originally posted by brandonite:
•As always, you've been very helpful, SMW.
•••

Aw, shucks!!

 

[bond007]

Thanks SMW, I have read alot of posts and your genuine, helpful reputation seems on the mark. By the way were you under the same screen name on the PR board- because I think the "SMW" there was really cool too. Thanks!

 

[jase133]

I think the key thing is to get all your applications and letters of recommendations in as early as possible. This is key and was my mistake of not doing so. <img src="graemlins/wowie.gif" border="0" alt="[Wowie]" />

 

[lilycat]

Regarding the August MCAT...

This is just my observation from the 1999 and 2000 application cycles. Those with extremely competitive applications already (stellar GPA, amazing extracurriculars, etc.) did not seem to be hindered in any way by taking the August MCAT and applying the same year. Those who were more borderline (GPA around average, limited extracurriculars, any kind of "red flags") seemed to be at more of a disadvantage with the August MCAT.

I emphasize the 1999 and 2000 cycles because with all the AMCAS problems this year, if there was one year to take the August MCAT or apply late and have no problems, this was the year. I would assume things will be more normal in future years.

Anyways, just realistically assess your position before you apply. By the way, I may be reading too much into your post, but it sounds like you are thinking about taking summer classes, taking the MCAT, and applying to med school all in the same summer. Just speaking from personal experience, that is a pretty full load, and one that may not allow you to perform at your best. My personal advice would be to take the extra time to do it right. An extra year or two is pretty minor in the big scheme of things.

 

[SMW]

Originally posted by jase133:
•I think the key thing is to get all your applications and letters of recommendations in as early as possible. •••

I concur. Do everything as early as possible. Start writing your personal statement and studying for the MCAT now. Decide whether you're taking an MCAT review course, and if so get signed up right away. If not, develop a study plan and stick to it. Start lining up your letters of rec in early spring, so as to beat the end-of-the-year rush. Find out what your school's MO is regarding letters -- committee or letter collection service? -- and how it works. Find out how many letters the schools you're interested in want and from which disciplines. It seems to me that lots of folks got hung up trying to find a humanities prof to write them a rec. Believe me, once you start applying, the logistics become horrendous, so as much as you can do ahead, do it! When you start getting secondaries to do, do not procrastinate, but just start working through them as efficiently as possible. You'll find that you'll be able to recyle some answers/essays, but not as many as you would like! Wishing you the best of luck! (just thinking about it is making me tired, have you considered taking a year off? I don't think I could have handled going straight through!)

Btw, I'm not the same SMW as on TPR. I didn't know there were any cool people on that site -- I pretty much stopped going there as soon as I discovered SDN!

 

[SMW]

Originally posted by lilycat:
•Regarding the August MCAT......realistically assess your position before you apply. By the way, I may be reading too much into your post, but it sounds like you are thinking about taking summer classes, taking the MCAT, and applying to med school all in the same summer. Just speaking from personal experience, that is a pretty full load, and one that may not allow you to perform at your best. My personal advice would be to take the extra time to do it right. An extra year or two is pretty minor in the big scheme of things.•••

Listen to lilycat: she is wise.