When to take mcat with busy schedule?

[verse1082]

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Hello everyone,

I graduated this past spring semester with the intention of taking the MCAT over the summer. The idea was to take a year off and enter an MD/PhD program in 2013. However, I was recently accepted into a year long post-bac program at the NIH (start date July 1). Once I start this program I will need time to adjust to my new home and the dynamics of my new research lab; this includes learning both the theory and practice of my research project. My daily grind should consist of 40-40+ hours a week spent at the lab doing research, plus X amount of time outside of lab reading articles, preparing presentations, attending conferences, etc.

I am now concerned about the MCAT. I feel that my schedule may be too exhausting for 8 hrs of daily studying on top of an already full schedule. Any ideas on what I should do? I welcome any and all positive and useful criticism.

Thanks.

 

[PolIV]

I would not study 8 hours a day--you lose your concentration and don't gain much from it.

You should take the MCAT when you feel like you are ready. If you feel that you'll be more prepared after the NIH year, then take it afterwards. If you believe that now is the best time, prep for the exam with the intention of taking it in July. If you aren't ready 3 weeks before the test, cancel it.