Too Late to Apply?

[SjOstrowski]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi Guys,

I'm new to this forum, but I've been browsing various threads for a while, and I first just wanted to say thanks. These forums seem like they can potentially be quite helpful.

Here's my story:

I am an undergraduate student, originally planning to graduate in May 2014. However, after a few things happened with my family, I decided to graduate a year early to try to save them some money (My undergrad school is pretty expensive sadly). I also decided that medicine was my desired path only a semester or two ago. As a result of the aforementioned events and the recency of my decision to pursue medicine as a career, I am kind of playing catch up with my pre-reqs. I am now planning to graduate in September of 2013 after going to school full-time over the summer, taking both Orgo I and Orgo II that summer. My new plan is to take the MCAT in early August after I finish Orgo II, and try to get my application in shortly thereafter. From what I've read on here, I would be at a sizeable disadvantage in applying this late in the cycle.

My stats are as follows (keep in mind I haven't taken Orgo yet):

cGPA: 3.64
sGPA: 3.57

ECs include shadowing, volunteering as a health advocate for under-privileged patients at a local hospital, a semester of supervised neuroscience research, and a member of my school's triathlon team.

My question(s):

Is it even worth me applying this late in the cycle?

The way I see it is the worst case scenario is that I get in nowhere and just submit a more timely application the following year. But could applying late and subsequently not getting in anywhere actually hurt me in any way?

Does anyone have any tips for me if I do decide to try to apply late in the cycle?

Has anyone heard of someone getting in after applying this late?

Thank you in advance for anyone who takes the time to answer any of my questions. I really appreciate it.

 

[thekay]

just wait until next cycle buddy

 

[Yottagram]

You don't need to take an orgo class to do well on MCAT orgo (you certainly don't need orgo II). So, I would take the MCAT earlier after studying on your own. You will still need to take the classes, of course, but you can submit your application before you finish. I would aim to have your secondaries in by the end of August or beginning of September.

Also, don't screw up by cramming all these classes in - assess your capacity to do well. You don't want your GPA to drop.

 

[anon3]

Are you saying you're going to apply after taking the MCAT in August 2013?
That's not late at all. Its not early, but I wouldn't worry about it. If you're 'overqualified' you can apply at the last possible deadline and you'll still get interview offers right away. If you're borderline, applying in September I think you're still giving yourself every chance at snagging an interview since most schools keep interviewing until like March or April.

 

[SjOstrowski]

Are you saying you're going to apply after taking the MCAT in August 2013?

Yes, I am planning as of now to take the MCAT in August of 2013 and get my applications in as soon as possible afterwards.

 

[zipnogg]

you want to apply by july 1. 80% of acceptances go to those who apply by that day, who represent 20% of the total applicant pool (this is based on what the pre-med advisor told us while I was an undergrad).

So if you can, you sould prep for the MCAT earlier and take the test by April. May at the latest.

 

[Alby]

It's completely possible. I took the Aug MCAT... Didn't get my secondary in until November. Interviewed at first choice school in Dec. accepted about a month later.
It may not be the best situation, but it is possible, and I'm glad I didn't put it off for a year!