Summer Program vs. MCAT Prep

[marcosma]

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Hello!

I am currently a junior and was planning to spend this upcoming summer (June-mid August) spending all/most of my time studying for the MCAT, taking the exam in mid-August. I have been doing some very casual prep over the past few months, just kind of getting a feel for the material that I need to cover. I also was planning to work as a medical scribe twice a week and ~finally~ got a position.

Today, I just got told that I got accepted to a high-paying, interesting-looking infectious disease research program that is about half-research and half-clinical experience. My past research experience are: behavioral ecology with honey bees (Summer 2015; one publication) and brain-gut connection clinical research (Summer 2016; one publication likely forthcoming). I have a little bit of research experience at my home institution from my first year in college, but the lab stopped operating and I have not joined another lab since. I am conflicted whether I should accept this program or not.

Do you think that I need more research experience? I haven't thoroughly enjoyed the research that I have done, although I definitely got some good LoRs from them. Should I either postpone the MCAT or attempt to do both the program (40 hr/wk) and study for the MCAT simultaneously?

ANY insight or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

 

[premed1234567891011]

I wouldn't try to do both at the same time. Studying for the MCAT over the summer should be almost a full-time job, unless you're a naturally gifted test taker with a very solid foundation in the subjects tested. Figure out what's more important to you right now. IMO, you're good on research experience so far. Maybe try to get more after you've taken the MCAT. Summer is an excellent opportunity to devote time for MCAT study and maybe do some volunteering or part-time work in addition.

 

[AdaptPrep]

Hello!

I am currently a junior and was planning to spend this upcoming summer (June-mid August) spending all/most of my time studying for the MCAT, taking the exam in mid-August. I have been doing some very casual prep over the past few months, just kind of getting a feel for the material that I need to cover. I also was planning to work as a medical scribe twice a week and ~finally~ got a position.

Today, I just got told that I got accepted to a high-paying, interesting-looking infectious disease research program that is about half-research and half-clinical experience. My past research experience are: behavioral ecology with honey bees (Summer 2015; one publication) and brain-gut connection clinical research (Summer 2016; one publication likely forthcoming). I have a little bit of research experience at my home institution from my first year in college, but the lab stopped operating and I have not joined another lab since. I am conflicted whether I should accept this program or not.

Do you think that I need more research experience? I haven't thoroughly enjoyed the research that I have done, although I definitely got some good LoRs from them. Should I either postpone the MCAT or attempt to do both the program (40 hr/wk) and study for the MCAT simultaneously?

ANY insight or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

Have you tried any practice material first? Getting a baseline of where you're currently at will help you devise an appropriate study plan. I know of students who work 40 hour weeks and weave in MCAT prep. Not everyone is the same though. You need to assess where you're at and then make decisions from there. Good luck!!

 

[marcosma]

Thanks all! I decided to take the scribe position (which is very non-intense right now, as its just some training here and there) while full-time studying for the MCAT. Unfortunately had to turn down the research position, but will reapply for the year after graduation! MCAT is going well - sitting for it Aug 11th. Wish me luck!

 

[enchantediris]

Good luck on the MCAT! 🙂 If I were to change one thing about how I approached the MCAT, it would have been taking dedicated time to study (without working or taking classes full-time) and sitting the test over the summer. It is very hard to study after a mentally exhausting day at work, or trying to balance studying and doing work for classes with studying for the MCAT. You'll also have so much more time to plan out your school list, and be more relaxed for the senioritis that inevitably kicks in...