what would you do in this situation?

[texasholdems]

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Hi, I would like to get some serious advice from you guys

Here are some of my stats
- ~3.4GPA / ~3.3 sGPA undergrad
- 25 MCAT
- 7 Rec Letters
- Lots of EC (shadow, 2yr research w/ my own project, Hospital Volunteer 3 yrs, non profit organizations etc)
- 1yr Post bac with only upper level science courses for two semesters, 3.9GPA

I applied last year after completing the post-bac program, but was not able to get in anywhere (MD schools)

I did what i could do for GPA, so i have been cramming on MCAT...
My MCAT is in couple of weeks, and due to my family situation all of a sudden, i have been working 72 hours/week for the past month. I know it's rediculous but i honestly have no choice but work to run and help our family. Hopefully I will have time to study/work on app in about two weeks.
I am averaging about 29 on MCAT now, and am not 100% ready to take the exam.
My Personal Statement is ready, all my AMCAS info (transcript,LOR etc) are ready.

Considering that i have a last shot of MCAT in September, should i wait until I get my score in August AND submit AMCAS? Or should i submit AMCAS now? In other words, should i wait (until august, september or even just next year for next cycle) until i establish that MCAT score or should i just apply first and get the MCAT done?

thanks guys...

 

[eugenierose]

Wait until next year. Crush the MCAT once your schedule sorts out. Keep up with the ECs. Be chill.

 

[music2doc]

Wait until next year. Crush the MCAT once your schedule sorts out. Keep up with the ECs. Be chill.

This. Your GPA is low. Your MCAT attempt was very low. You can't fix the GPA per say (although the SMP will help somewhat), but the MCAT can at least be helped w/ a strong 32+ MCAT the second time around. I'd wait. This cycle (2012) would go poorly for you. Shoot for a strong app for 2013.

 

[noshie]

I know you are not going to want to hear what I have to say... But I have to agree with the above poster, don't apply this year. Take this year off and fix what you can, which will be your MCAT. You will be wasting money and time otherwise. Trust me, I have been there, I have hastily applied with the hopes of getting a good MCAT after not doing well... It was a waste. I wish I would have just taken a year to fix it, and then take it sometime in January/March before applications open so that I wouldn't feel so rushed or anxious about it.

 

[kansaskid]

I know you are not going to want to hear what I have to say... But I have to agree with the above poster, don't apply this year. Take this year off and fix what you can, which will be your MCAT. You will be wasting money and time otherwise. Trust me, I have been there, I have hastily applied with the hopes of getting a good MCAT after not doing well... It was a waste. I wish I would have just taken a year to fix it, and then take it sometime in January/March before applications open so that I wouldn't feel so rushed or anxious about it.

Yep, listen to Noshie. She knows what she's talking about. There's nothing wrong with waiting a year and seeing if your family situation calms down a bit can't hurt, too. Take a deep breath. You've got time 🙂

 

[JJMrK]

Moving to WAMC.

JMO: Don't take the MCAT unless you are averaging a few points above the score you're shooting for on practice tests. You'll probably need at least a 32 with a 3.4 GPA. I wouldn't take the test until you're cranking out 35s on the AAMC practice exams.

 

[cysky]

Agree with the above poster. A 25 will definitely hurt you if you apply this cycle.

And I don't think that a retake in September is a good idea, because the score won't come out till October. And you really want schools to consider that new score when they screen you for secondaries.

 

[texasholdems]

If i were to get a 32+ on the July MCAT (which the score will be received in early august), would you submit AMCAS primary?

*keep in mind that everything in AMCAS (LOR, transcrips, essays, discriptions) are ALL done and put in.

 

[sector9]

If i were to get a 32+ on the July MCAT (which the score will be received in early august), would you submit AMCAS primary?

*keep in mind that everything in AMCAS (LOR, transcrips, essays, discriptions) are ALL done and put in.

Are you a Texas resident, or just a poker fan? What state are you a resident of? Maybe you could do this if you had a forgiving state school, but it sounds like you won't have enough time to put in to studying to accomplish your goal

 

[JJMrK]

I would still wait. Applying very early is a great boon to your application. You should maximize your changes since your GPA is below average.