Timeline confusion!

[Tara Bell]

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I am currently in a Master's program and will graduate next summer. I haven't taken MCAT yet but plan to ASAP- probably January. So, if I start sending out applications right after taking MCAT, what semester could I begin med school?
It seems like they all start in Fall and I know I missed the deadline for Fall 2011...will I really have to wait until Fall 2012!?


All these details about applying to med school are very new to me, so I really appreciate your help!

 

[loveoforganic]

Yeah, I don't think any programs outside the carib start in spring (pretty sure there are ones in the carib that start in spring)

 

[Beets]

You would begin medical school in Fall 2012. There might be some medical schools out there that might start in Spring 2012, but the only time I've seen that is for Caribbean schools (given, my focus has been on Texas schools).

However, in most cases, you probably wouldn't be able to apply to medical schools immediately after taking the MCAT in January, since most schools have a specific date that they'll open their applications, usually in May or June from what I've seen. Look at the schools you're interested in going to, what application systems they use, and what their timelines are for more detailed information. However, taking the MCAT that early, if you feel you are well prepared, could be a good thing because: 1) You won't have to worry about it anymore, and 2) If you get your scores back and aren't happy with them, you have time to retake if you need to after additional studying and still be able to get in an application fairly early in the cycle.

You might also want to check on when registration opens for the MCAT. Some locations book up quickly and registering early can be very important.

 

[accidentprone]

If you want to apply to DO schools, some may still be taking applications for fall 2011 matriculation in the spring. For MD schools, you'll need to fill out the 2011 AMCAS for fall 2012 matriculation. You should be able to submit the 2011 AMCAS next June, but you will be able to start working on filling it out earlier than then.