Timing of the MCAT, College course load while preparing?

[Judoka1210]

I have sent out a number of emails this week to admissions committees aking for some advice. At my college, the premed advisors aren't knowledgeable. The basic email I sent is as follows:
This semester, I am registered for a full course load, including physics II. I must schedule my MCATS for some time this spring or summer in order to be eligible to enter medical school in the fall of 2012. My questions concern when I should schedule the MCAT exam.
I was wondering if taking the MCATS in August is advisable for a 2012 admission. I am aware that the AMCAS primary application cycle begins on June 1, and I don't want to put myself at a disadvantage for an admission for 2012. I am wondering how much of a difference it would make if I took the exam in August versus late May or June?
My second concern is my course load. I didn't know if it was acceptable to take a lighter schedule this semester in preparation for the MCAT exam. I have been working while attending school and have been taking approximately 8 credits a semester. This past fall was the first time I had taken 16 credits in a long time. As of now, I am enrolled for 16 credits. However, I have been seriously considering reducing my course load to 12 or even 8 credits in order to allow myself more time to diligently prepare for the MCAT exam. In addition, should I complete physics II this semester or should I wait until I finish my MCATS as this is an extremely demanding course and will certainly detract from my exam study time?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Rabolisk]

Physics II may be demanding, but without it, you won't be nearly as successful on the MCAT. I think 12 credits is fine, but I wouldn't reduce it to 8. After all, wouldn't that not make you a part-time student?

 

[Silverfalcon]

Please do not double-post.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=795853

Mods, could you lock this one?

 

[Judoka1210]

Physics II may be demanding, but without it, you won't be nearly as successful on the MCAT. I think 12 credits is fine, but I wouldn't reduce it to 8. After all, wouldn't that not make you a part-time student?

Yes, it definitely would make me part-time.

 

[Judoka1210]

Please do not double-post.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=795853

Mods, could you lock this one?

I appologize Silverfalcon. I am new to the site and didn't mean to double post. I was just trying to explain my situation to SDN members so that I can be as clear as possible. I will make sure that I do not make the same mistake in the future.

 

[ksmi117]

Closing. If you wish to respond, please do so here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=795853