What you do after you apply.

[SMC2UCLA2_]

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Im going to be a Jr in Fall 2004. When should I take the MCATS if I plan to have a yr off after senior year? I beleive the choices would be August 2005 or April 2006 or August 2006 right? I keep hearing its better to take it in april than in august, is this because you send applications out in or before august or something?


Also, will Medical schools know what I am doing during my year off from my application (is there a planned EC section or something) or only once they interview me?


Thanks

 

[Syranope2]

i was kind of in the same boat. i decided to take a year off after my senior year, so i began the application process right after my graduation. the reason people say you shouldn't take the mcat in august is because if you take it in august of the year you're applying, your med schools won't get your mcat scores until october, so you will be a bit behind in the application process. BUT if you already know you're taking a year off, and you've taken most of the prereqs that would be important for the mcat (ie intro physics, chemistry, bio), i would totally suggest taking the mcat in august before your senior year, which is what i did. that way, you don't have to worry about studying for the test during the spring semester when you have a full course load, but instead you can do it in the summer when you can better control your time (you could get a part-time job instead of full time, or a job where you could study on the job). you'll have plenty of time for a pr or kaplan course and you'll be able to put extra effort into studying if you need to without worrying about a physics test or history paper. also, if you have problems with the august exam and feel like you need to retake it to be a competitive applicant, you can always take it again in april and still have your scores in in plenty of time for amcas to get them. so basically, i recommend taking it the summer before your senior year if you're taking a year off.

 

[UseUrHeadFred]

Take it in August of 2005. You'll have your first set of scores before April. If necessary, take the April exam (2006). Submit your application by June of 2006 for matriculation in August of 2007.

 

[SMC2UCLA2_]

Thanks guys. Makes sense. Didn't think about retaking it and I dont plan to but its a great idea to leave myself the option.

Any word on EC's during the time off? How can I let them know im going to continue doing research and work as an EMT/ or perhaps volunteer somewhere?

 

[UseUrHeadFred]

Thanks guys. Makes sense. Didn't think about retaking it and I dont plan to but its a great idea to leave myself the option.

Any word on EC's during the time off? How can I let them know im going to continue doing research and work as an EMT/ or perhaps volunteer somewhere?

Do whatever you want, just don't waste your time. Travel abroad, do some volunteer work, or get a job. Anything, so long as you don't just sit around. Seriously, do something you enjoy - it's the last chance you will ever have to use a large portion of time to do something not related to medicine.

Don't worry too much about what you're going to put on the app. As long as it's something worthwhile and interesting, you're doing fine.