When to apply

[NeeleshD]

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Hi everyone. I'm trying to figure out the best course of action. I took the MCAT in August after only studying for ~2 months and did much worse than I was doing on my practice exams. I scored a 28. I was originally planning on applying in June of next year, but with this score I don't like my chances. So, I've been weighing two options. The first option is to take the Kaplan course again next spring, while also under-loading on classes (9 credits max.), and take the MCAT in early May. This way I can get my scores by June and be able to apply like originally planned. The other option is to take the Kaplan course in the summer, without having any other commitments like class or extra-curriculars, and take the MCAT later in the year. I would then apply in 2015. However, I have some reservations about going the second route. I would have to get my recommendations a year after graduating, when I'm no longer living in my college town. I think this will be difficult. Additionally, I may not be as "fresh" on my letter-writers' minds a year later. Would it be possible to have my recommendations written next spring and have them "saved" for the 2015 application? As for the first option, I would have to study for the MCAT while also studying for a college course (I only plan on taking one actual course, the other credits will be for research and my honors thesis), so my MCAT score may suffer. If I studied over the summer I think I'll end up with a better MCAT score. However, I do prefer studying at school, where seeing everyone else working hard motivates me to work hard. If I study over the summer I'll be at home, where it's easy to get distracted and motivation isn't as easy to find. Also, if I do go the second route, I'll probably take EMT classes while under-loading next semester, so hopefully I can work as an EMT in the year before I apply. I'd like to get into UNC's medical school, as I'm in-state and am currently attending the university as an undergrad. I know this was long but please give me your opinions on what I should do. Our pre-health advising office just shut down for the time being, so there's no where to get advice. Thanks!

In case this info. factors into your advice:
GPA: 3.670 (B.S. Biology, minor in Chemistry)
Lots of extra-curriculars
Volunteer at the hospital playing guitar for child patients (3 years by graduation)
Will be shadowing in Emergency Medicine later this semester
Will have two years of research experience by graduation
Letters will most likely be strong

 

[Omppu27]

Many people take classes, work, volunteer, research, and study for the MCAT all at the same time. I suggest studying during your spring semester and taking it in May. There is no reason for you to wait a whole other cycle. Also, let's say you take it after studying over the summer and for some reason do poorly again. If you wanted to take it again, you'd be taking the new 2015 MCAT...

Bottom line, sack up and take it in the Spring.

 

[NeeleshD]

Thanks for your response, Omppu27. Isn't it generally advised (at least by what I've seen on this website) to study over the summer when you have no classes opposed to when you do have classes (in my case, one class)? Also, don't some schools take the average of an applicant's MCAT scores, so shouldn't I try to score the highest I can so my average will be competitive?

 

[theseeker4]

Thanks for your response, Omppu27. Isn't it generally advised (at least by what I've seen on this website) to study over the summer when you have no classes opposed to when you do have classes (in my case, one class)? Also, don't some schools take the average of an applicant's MCAT scores, so shouldn't I try to score the highest I can so my average will be competitive?

Applying earlier is probably better than a point or two difference. Delaying an entire year is probably not worth the possibility of doing better if you wait to take it later in the summer. Prepare as much as possible and take in in the spring.

 

[NeeleshD]

Thanks, theseeker4. It seems like taking the MCAT in the spring is the way to go. However, for clarification, if I do take the MCAT after a summer of studying, I do not intend to apply for that year's cycle. Instead, I plan on waiting to apply early in the next cycle (2015). Is a spring MCAT still the way to go? Also, I'll be getting my letters of recommendation in order and preparing my personal statement on top of studying for the spring MCAT. Is this doable?

 

[Omppu27]

Thanks, theseeker4. It seems like taking the MCAT in the spring is the way to go. However, for clarification, if I do take the MCAT after a summer of studying, I do not intend to apply for that year's cycle. Instead, I plan on waiting to apply early in the next cycle (2015). Is a spring MCAT still the way to go? Also, I'll be getting my letters of recommendation in order and preparing my personal statement at the same time on top of studying for the spring MCAT. Is this doable?

Seeker mentioned that delaying a whole year probably isn't worth it. Also, what if something unpredictable happens during that summer you're studying, thus having you push your test back even more and then you'll be taking the 2015 MCAT... the odds of this are low, but the regardless you're flirting with having to take the 2015 MCAT if something were to happen.

I know multiple people that will be studying for the MCAT this spring while taking classes, volunteering, working, and doing research (and getting LORs and personal statement ready as you mentioned). It's very, very doable. Study this spring and take it in May/April.