When should I apply to med school?

[schoolgirl99]

I have decided to finish my undergrad in 4.5 years with a chemical engineering degree. However, I am having difficulty on choosing when to apply for medical school. I am an upcoming sophomore and I plan on taking the MCAT next year (Fall 2018). However, I know that most medical schools only take scores before it "expires" in 2-3 years. I also know that it is rare for medical schools to begin in the spring. Therefore, since I plan on graduating in the winter of 2020 I am stuck. Should I delay taking the MCAT? Also, when do I apply? Do I apply for medical school in the summer? I am confused on the whole process of when to start.

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[Catalystik]

I have decided to finish my undergrad in 4.5 years with a chemical engineering degree. However, I am having difficulty on choosing when to apply for medical school. I am an upcoming sophomore and I plan on taking the MCAT next year (Fall 2018). However, I know that most medical schools only take scores before it "expires" in 2-3 years. I also know that it is rare for medical schools to begin in the spring. Therefore, since I plan on graduating in the winter of 2020 I am stuck. Should I delay taking the MCAT? Also, when do I apply? Do I apply for medical school in the summer? I am confused on the whole process of when to start.

AMCAS schools open their application cycle the first week of June for med school matriculation about 14-15 months later. The application is available to fill out in early May. We would encourage you to submit by the first week of August so your transcripts are verified (takes 3-4 weeks) and Secondary applications available to be submitted before Labor Day, along with letters of recommendation.

TMDSAS (Texas public) med schools and AACOMAS (DO) schools have their own systems and can be submitted in early May.

 

[Siromas]

AMCAS schools open their application cycle the first week of June for med school matriculation about 14-15 months later. The application is available to fill out in early May. We would encourage you to submit by the first week of August so your transcripts are verified (takes 3-4 weeks) and Secondary applications available to be submitted before Labor Day, along with letters of recommendation.

TMDSAS (Texas public) med schools and AACOMAS (DO) schools have their own systems and can be submitted in early May.

This.

Plus, apply when you have the best possible app (identified letter of recommendation writers, have volunteering/clinical experience, etc), and try to aim for taking the MCAT once only when you are best prepared for it.

 

[schoolgirl99]

So, I should apply the following summer after senior year (summer 2020) and take the MCAT during either during the fall or the winter of my senior year (2019).

 

[mellie0]

So, I should apply the following summer after senior year (summer 2020) and take the MCAT during either during the fall or the winter of my senior year (2019).

Sounds good to me. And if you do it like this, you'd be taking 1.5 gap years.