Submitting application question

[irwtgtuab]

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I am planning on applying this upcoming summer. I have heard that applying very early in the cycle is beneficial. I'm taking physics one and two over the summer and was going to wait until those courses and grades would be reflected on my transcript before applying. I took AP physics in high school, but I didn't take the AP exam so it didn't transfer. I remember it very well and am doing well on practice physics question on the MCAT, so I'm not too worried about the section on the MCAT.

Should I wait until I have these courses reflected on my transcript before I apply? I would be applying early August. Or should I apply earlier in the cycle in June without having them reflected on my transcript? There's also the possibility of applying after I take physics one, which would be early July. I really want to make sure I make the best decision. I know I'll be able to to get A's in both, which will increase my GPA from a 3.68-3.72, and my science GPA from a 3.5-3.55. I know my GPA is lower, but freshman year I made mostly Bs because I was undecided and didn't know I wanted to pursue medical school. I have a strong upward trend.

 

[wysdoc]

I am planning on applying this upcoming summer. I have heard that applying very early in the cycle is beneficial. I'm taking physics one and two over the summer and was going to wait until those courses and grades would be reflected on my transcript before applying. I took AP physics in high school, but I didn't take the AP exam so it didn't transfer. I remember it very well and am doing well on practice physics question on the MCAT, so I'm not too worried about the section on the MCAT.

Should I wait until I have these courses reflected on my transcript before I apply? I would be applying early August. Or should I apply earlier in the cycle in June without having them reflected on my transcript? There's also the possibility of applying after I take physics one, which would be early July. I really want to make sure I make the best decision. I know I'll be able to to get A's in both, which will increase my GPA from a 3.68-3.72, and my science GPA from a 3.5-3.55. I know my GPA is lower, but freshman year I made mostly Bs because I was undecided and didn't know I wanted to pursue medical school. I have a strong upward trend.

You should know your MCAT score before you apply. This is more important than waiting for physics grades.

 

[irwtgtuab]

You should know your MCAT score before you apply. This is more important than waiting for physics grades.

I'm taking the MCAT in a month, and I'm averaging 511-514 on practice tests (Official AAMC practice tests and Kaplan tests). Let's be conservative and say I get a 510. What do you think I should do?

 

[stickgirl390]

Listen to the wise gonnif.

 

[irwtgtuab]

You should submit your application and transcript in June w/o the physics grade. Waiting for the positive impact of your summer physics grade runs the risk of a higher negative impact of being late in the cycle. If first submit in August, it may take 2-4 weeks to get verified and transmitted to a school which may be past September 1st. You will then be at the bottom of the pile of thousands of applications ahead of you before you get processed, evaluated and reviewed which can take up to 2-3 months post transmission. During this time, the number of finite interview slots is decreasing. It is not worth the risk to wait.

As @wysdoc said, MCAT score in much, much, much more important than a couple of grades

Should I let the schools that I'm applying to know that I'm taking physics currently?

 

[chaim123]

Should I let the schools that I'm applying to know that I'm taking physics currently?

There's a place on the AMCAS application for "future classes", including classes you are enrolled in but don't have a grade for yet. You can put it there.

 

[candbgirl]

But if you are counting on your Physics grades to be a positive boost to your GPAs , AMCAS does not recalculate your GPAs after it verifies your application.

 

[chaim123]

But if you are counting on your Physics grades to be a positive boost to your GPAs , AMCAS does not recalculate your GPAs after it verifies your application.

That is true. But a 0.04 increase is not worth being over 2 months behind in the cycle.

 

[candbgirl]

That is true. But a 0.04 increase is not worth being over 2 months behind in the cycle.

Oh I totally agree. But I don’t know the OP’s circumstances so it might be important.

 

[21Rush12]

Just submit pre-physics. The grade will be updated and that will be no problem. Get yourself in the verification line as early as possible.

I can’t think of any situation that .04 would be any help.

 

[irwtgtuab]

Do you guys think that submitting it early July after I have the physics one grade is a better idea? Instead of waiting until August until I have both physics. Or is June 1 still the best option?

 

[bluemamba7]

Do you guys think that submitting it early July after I have the physics one grade is a better idea? Instead of waiting until August until I have both physics. Or is June 1 still the best option?

Lol have you even read the comments above???

 

[Goro]

Do you guys think that submitting it early July after I have the physics one grade is a better idea? Instead of waiting until August until I have both physics. Or is June 1 still the best option?

This is a career-deciding, high stake exams. Only take it when you are 100% ready, EVEN IF IT MEANS SKIPPING AN APP CYCLE.

 

[irwtgtuab]

I would also like to add my general rule to students that applying to medical school should be considered a full time job from May thru at least August if not September. You have to write, edit, and polish AMCAS, particularly PS and ECs. You also have write, edit, polish, and have quick turnaround times on anywhere from 12 to 25 secondaries. Of course, taking a summer course with its compressed time frame and intense workload can also be considered a full time job. Most applicants do not considered the time, energy, and focus that is needed for each one alone and how it hard would be for both. It is incredibly risky to try to do both as well as unwise to take the MCAT prior to giving yourself the best chance for highest possible score by first completing all the prereqs. This plan of action by the OP is a self-imposed risk that does not need to be taken

I technically have completed the pre-reqs for the MCAT, taking AP physics in high school but I didn't take the exam so the credit didn't transfer like I said. I am not too concerned because like I said, I remember it very well, and in the prep course I am taking, and books I am using, physics is always a breeze for me because I'm pretty good at it. My question wasn't concerned with not taking it before the MCAT. My question was should I wait to submit the application before or after my physics grades. The general consensus seems to be that I should go ahead and submit as early as possible.

 

[irwtgtuab]

This is a career-deciding, high stake exams. Only take it when you are 100% ready, EVEN IF IT MEANS SKIPPING AN APP CYCLE.

Thank you. Like I said, I have taken college level physics, it just didn't get transferred without me taking the exam. In my MCAT study and course, physics is a breeze for me because I remember it well and am pretty gifted in it. I was concerned with whether I should submit my application early in the cycle without having physics grades in yet, or later in early August when I do have the grades in.

 

[chaim123]

Thank you. Like I said, I have taken college level physics, it just didn't get transferred without me taking the exam. In my MCAT study and course, physics is a breeze for me because I remember it well and am pretty gifted in it. I was concerned with whether I should submit my application early in the cycle without having physics grades in yet, or later in early August when I do have the grades in.

They understand what your question is. Give them some credit. They are trying to offer you additional advice based on your situation, and based on the mistakes that students make every year taking the MCAT when they aren't ready.