When to apply?

[fxfalcon35]

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I had this plan of graduating college in 3 years. But I have just realized that the application process takes a year.
I just completed my first year. I still have to take two more chem courses.
They suggest you take the MCATs the spring of your junior year, but that would be this upcoming spring. I haven't done anything to make me stand out, I have been getting good grades (All As), my ECs are less than spectacular.

Any suggestions, for me to on when to apply? I wanted to apply the spring of my senior year, but then I would have to wait to the following fall to begin right?

Applying early my second year of college would be a bad idea right?

I am open to advice, but I am starting to feel that I need more time to build myself up (take more courses, get better ECs)

Any way around this problem? or just settle down and go the 4 year route?

 

[ksmi117]

Is there any particular reason why you want to graduate early? I think the extra time will only help you. You'll have more time for EC's studying for the MCAT, etc. Even if you do graduate early, I'd still recommend taking a year off. Trying to get all the credentials that most people accumulate in 3 years in 2 will be hard. Take your time.

 

[raaska55]

I had this plan of graduating college in 3 years. But I have just realized that the application process takes a year.
I just completed my first year. I still have to take two more chem courses.
They suggest you take the MCATs the spring of your junior year, but that would be this upcoming spring. I haven't done anything to make me stand out, I have been getting good grades (All As), my ECs are less than spectacular.

Any suggestions, for me to on when to apply? I wanted to apply the spring of my senior year, but then I would have to wait to the following fall to begin right?

Applying early my second year of college would be a bad idea right?

I am open to advice, but I am starting to feel that I need more time to build myself up (take more courses, get better ECs)

Any way around this problem? or just settle down and go the 4 year route?

It's not a bad idea to apply your second year of college, but in my opinion college is one time experience that you don't necessarily have to rush through.

Unless there are some extenuating circumstances in which you HAVE to finish in the three years (finances, life situation, etc.) , I say stick it out and do 4 years. Keep getting those As, and the extra time will allow you to do clinical and shadowing experiences-for a long period of time. Show the commitment you have to the idea of becoming a physician and that will show in your app. If you finish your pre-reqs early, you could even take your MCAT earlier than the spring of your junior year. That way, if you needed to, you would have plenty of time to retake and if you didn't need to, you can just concentrate on your application. Take some FUN classes that you will never be able to take again, take a little extra upper division bio if you aren't a bio major, and pursue any interests that make you stand out.

 

[fxfalcon35]

The reason was that because I commute from home to a nearby college so I was looking for a change.
I see what you guys are saying. My ultimate goal is to go to a top tier medical school, and it seems as if you guys and some of the faculty at my school are saying that going the normal route is my bet bet to do that.
Your responses are much appreciated, I was just shocked how long the application process takes. Any other advice?

 

[medhearter]

The reason was that because I commute from home to a nearby college so I was looking for a change.
I see what you guys are saying. My ultimate goal is to go to a top tier medical school, and it seems as if you guys and some of the faculty at my school are saying that going the normal route is my bet bet to do that.
Your responses are much appreciated, I was just shocked how long the application process takes. Any other advice?

what do you mean by "pre-health"

and what do you mean your "ultimate" goal is to go to a top tier school

lol

like for a visit?

ha.

btw congrats on the 4.0 keep it up

 

[raaska55]

The reason was that because I commute from home to a nearby college so I was looking for a change.
I see what you guys are saying. My ultimate goal is to go to a top tier medical school, and it seems as if you guys and some of the faculty at my school are saying that going the normal route is my bet bet to do that.
Your responses are much appreciated, I was just shocked how long the application process takes. Any other advice?

Yes it does take an unforgivable large amount of time, but it's worth it (right? 😀). Advice: keep getting As (duh), stay with your activities long term, shadow, and apply earlier rather than later. Have tons of people look over your app and personal statement. Make sure it's cohesive. And try and have some fun.....