When do you apply to Med School?

[lexi1507]

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I am confused as to the time line of things. I will be starting school in the fall and currently have 60 credits. Do I apply after this fall/spring semester? When do I take the MCAT's? Can you apply if you havnt taken the MCAT"s?

 

[146233]

People on the traditional four-year college plan typically apply in the spring of their junior year. That should put you around 90 credits. Being that most medical schools -- the vast majority -- require a baccalaureate degree before you matriculate, it sounds like you're a little early.

As for the MCAT, take it when you've completed Bio 1&2, Chem 1&2, Physics 1 and Organic 1. Schools typically accept scores within the last three years, so take it when those courses are reasonably fresh in your mind. And good luck!


-z

 

[lexi1507]

How many times can you take the MCAT? Is it a one shot deal or can you take it more than once?

 

[146233]

How many times can you take the MCAT? Is it a one shot deal or can you take it more than once?

You can take it multiple times, but ideally you want a high score the first time you take it. Make sure you spend enough time studying and definitely take lots of full-length practice exams. You'll get a better feel for the real exam, and your scores on the practice tests tend to be a decent predictor of your actual performance.

 

[Ben26TPA]

People on the traditional four-year college plan typically apply in the spring of their junior year. That should put you around 90 credits. Being that most medical schools -- the vast majority -- require a baccalaureate degree before you matriculate, it sounds like you're a little early.

As for the MCAT, take it when you've completed Bio 1&2, Chem 1&2, Physics 1 and Organic 1. Schools typically accept scores within the last three years, so take it when those courses are reasonably fresh in your mind. And good luck!


-z

So you actually don't have to complete Physics II and OChem II before taking the MCAT? I am just asking because it seems like if I take all my prereqs back to back I will be finished with them by Spring 09 which would leave me with taking the MCAT in the summer of 2009. My issue is I can push myself and try to graduate in 2009 and then take the MCAT, then wait a whole year or take my time with the rest of my classes after completing my pre reqs in the spring of 09 and graduate in 2010. Any advice? Either way my pre reqs will be done in 09 (knock on wood).

 

[meowkat444]

if by physics II you mean 2nd semester of physics, then yeah, you should probably take it all before. i broke that rule with physics but i did have to learn all the material on my own. the mcat tests all of physics and organic and gen chem, and a lot of bio.

you *can* apply without your mcat score. for example, i'm taking the mcat next friday. i can submit my application today without the score, but it won't be complete and schools won't look at it until the score is released. and since med school is rolling, it's best to have your mcat score back before application season starts, so that you can submit as early as possible.

 

[drtroy]

How many times can you take the MCAT? Is it a one shot deal or can you take it more than once?

You know I was wondering this myself. I have heard if you take the MCAT 3 times and do not improve your score then you should not consider medicine. Is this true?

 

[146233]

You know I was wondering this myself. I have heard if you take the MCAT 3 times and do not improve your score then you should not consider medicine. Is this true?

Well, three times with no improvement is a lot. However, three times with steady, significant (>5%) improvement each time is progress. It depends on each case, but if you take it three times and you've gotten 20, 22, 21, you may wish to look at alternative careers - not because you don't belong in medicine, but because your MCAT will be a significant obstacle in your application.

Of course, some people may score poorly because of a test-taking disability or debilitating test anxiety. In those cases, don't give up - seek help and learn some strategies that may help you overcome the problem. ...then retake the MCAT one last time.

-z

 

[Maigret Man]

But I was under the impression that if you submit your application as early as possible, it will take less time for your transcripts to be verified. I heard if you submit in July or August it can take a month for verification. My plan is to submit my application in a week though my MCAT scores won't be available for three more weeks. By the time, my grades are verified my MCAT scores will be ready and everything can go to schools.

Please correct me if my plan is crazy.