Timeline/Advice?

[Carlslee]

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Just a little background: I'm an undergrad, graduating in three years, currently in the spring of my "middle" year. I'm graduating early because I couldn't take out any more loans in my name, blah blah, anyways, I'm graduating spring 2017 and I would like to go to med school fall 2017. I have the MCAT scheduled for this saturday (jan. 23) and I'm assuming I'll be taking it again probably in March/April. I looked at the dates but forgot. Anyways, when do I start filling out my AMCAS? The one that is open now, or do I wait?
Also my current gpa is 3.79 which definitely lower than I'd like, and my practice MCAT scores are around 500-501 so I'm assuming on the real MCAT this saturday, I'll make less than 500, which is why I assume I'll be taking it again. Also, I'm trying to get into research or even a remotely "sciencey" job, and I have a little bit of volunteer work, but nothing impressive. I have less than 50 shadowing hours, but I've been working minimum wage jobs throughout college. I know my application will look hopeless but other than an outstanding personal statement, what can I do to make myself look better? I'm smart, just not a good test taker and I grew up in a confusing home after my dad ran off then my mom died before I turned 13, so I've been fighting an uphill battle, but I really need advice, obviously. Help?

 

[Sparkle dust]

Just a little background: I'm an undergrad, graduating in three years, currently in the spring of my "middle" year. I'm graduating early because I couldn't take out any more loans in my name, blah blah, anyways, I'm graduating spring 2017 and I would like to go to med school fall 2017. I have the MCAT scheduled for this saturday (jan. 23) and I'm assuming I'll be taking it again probably in March/April. I looked at the dates but forgot. Anyways, when do I start filling out my AMCAS? The one that is open now, or do I wait?
Also my current gpa is 3.79 which definitely lower than I'd like, and my practice MCAT scores are around 500-501 so I'm assuming on the real MCAT this saturday, I'll make less than 500, which is why I assume I'll be taking it again. Also, I'm trying to get into research or even a remotely "sciencey" job, and I have a little bit of volunteer work, but nothing impressive. I have less than 50 shadowing hours, but I've been working minimum wage jobs throughout college. I know my application will look hopeless but other than an outstanding personal statement, what can I do to make myself look better? I'm smart, just not a good test taker and I grew up in a confusing home after my dad ran off then my mom died before I turned 13, so I've been fighting an uphill battle, but I really need advice, obviously. Help?

Don't take the MCAT expecting to retake it. Take it once and give it your best shot. Assuming you'll be applying this upcoming summer, any test date from now until June should be fine for the upcoming cycle.

 

[Toutie]

Just a little background: I'm an undergrad, graduating in three years, currently in the spring of my "middle" year. I'm graduating early because I couldn't take out any more loans in my name, blah blah, anyways, I'm graduating spring 2017 and I would like to go to med school fall 2017. I have the MCAT scheduled for this saturday (jan. 23) and I'm assuming I'll be taking it again probably in March/April. I looked at the dates but forgot. Anyways, when do I start filling out my AMCAS? The one that is open now, or do I wait?
Also my current gpa is 3.79 which definitely lower than I'd like, and my practice MCAT scores are around 500-501 so I'm assuming on the real MCAT this saturday, I'll make less than 500, which is why I assume I'll be taking it again. Also, I'm trying to get into research or even a remotely "sciencey" job, and I have a little bit of volunteer work, but nothing impressive. I have less than 50 shadowing hours, but I've been working minimum wage jobs throughout college. I know my application will look hopeless but other than an outstanding personal statement, what can I do to make myself look better? I'm smart, just not a good test taker and I grew up in a confusing home after my dad ran off then my mom died before I turned 13, so I've been fighting an uphill battle, but I really need advice, obviously. Help?

Why are you taking the MCAT with the expectation of taking it again? If you are not ready to give it your best now, don't take it ! Take it ONLY when you are full prepared to do the best you can do.

 

[FMDoge2020]

I scored around 498s on the practice and got a far better score. Have some confidence on yourself! And you might want to push the date back if you feel like you have to retake

 

[prehealthadvisor55]

I'll ditto the don't take the MCAT until you're ready idea. You want to take it once & crush it, not have a practice round that you're not ready for then retake. If you're not ready, don't do it.

As for the AMCAS, you'll start the one that will open in May. In the meantime you can be putting together your personal statement & ECs so they're ready to be entered. You can find on AMCAS/AAMC what the character limits will be so you'll be within range when the app does open.

 

[thatwouldbeanarchy]

As others have said, you should really hold off on the MCAT, if you're not ready. (And scoring less than 500 = not ready!) The reason why is that many med schools average MCAT scores. So if you do poorly the first time, that low score may drag down any subsequent great scores. I understand wanting to start med school ASAP but this process is extremely competitive and it only gets harder once you start retaking exams and reapplying. It's better to be patient and apply once!
My advice would be:
- Cancel your upcoming MCAT!! Losing $300 sucks but it's better than shooting yourself in the foot. Less than 500 isn't good enough for any MD/DO school.
- Take at least one gap year (possibly 2) and use that time to study like mad for the MCAT and boost your EC's. It's okay, if you need to work a non-clinical job to support yourself. Use any free time you have to volunteer and/or shadow. Med schools want to see that you know what you're getting yourself into!

EDIT: To answer your original question, AMCAS opens in June of the year prior to when you'd matriculate. So if you wanted to start med school in the summer of 2017, you'd want to submit AMCAS ASAP after it opens June 1, 2016. But I seriously think you should consider pushing your timeline back a bit! You have a good GPA but weak EC's and are on track for a very weak MCAT based on your practice tests.