Hi all,
I'm applying in the 2019-2020 cycle. I'm in my early 30s, and it's been 2.5 years since I finished my post-bac coursework. Undergrad gpa after college (before any pre-med courses) is 3.57. Post-bac premed gpa is 3.94. Took the mcat in January 2019 (scored 514). I have the 2.5 year gap since my post-bac courses because I repeatedly pushed back the mcat, sat for it in spring 2018 and voided it, and also because life happened (moved out of state and changed jobs for a relationship). I'm currently working as a research asst at a cancer center and volunteering with a hospice organization. I'm a co-author on several papers from my previous research job, and a co-author on one paper from my current job (I'm thinking maybe this could help show that I've been involved in science/scholarship even during the gap period since my post-bac courses).
A pre-med adviser with a lot of experience suggested that since I have a gap since my post-bac classes, that I should take a bio course in early summer and then not submit amcas until the grade posts (which would be in early July). The adviser's reasoning is that it would be very important for schools to see that I'm still engaged in classes, can still perform academically, etc. However, I'm worried that not submitting as early as possible (June 1) could negatively impact my chances at MD schools. Also, the summer course would not be a core/required pre-med course --- it would be either genetics or cell bio. I should note that during my post-bac I did not take upper division bio courses. Any input/thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.
I'm applying in the 2019-2020 cycle. I'm in my early 30s, and it's been 2.5 years since I finished my post-bac coursework. Undergrad gpa after college (before any pre-med courses) is 3.57. Post-bac premed gpa is 3.94. Took the mcat in January 2019 (scored 514). I have the 2.5 year gap since my post-bac courses because I repeatedly pushed back the mcat, sat for it in spring 2018 and voided it, and also because life happened (moved out of state and changed jobs for a relationship). I'm currently working as a research asst at a cancer center and volunteering with a hospice organization. I'm a co-author on several papers from my previous research job, and a co-author on one paper from my current job (I'm thinking maybe this could help show that I've been involved in science/scholarship even during the gap period since my post-bac courses).
A pre-med adviser with a lot of experience suggested that since I have a gap since my post-bac classes, that I should take a bio course in early summer and then not submit amcas until the grade posts (which would be in early July). The adviser's reasoning is that it would be very important for schools to see that I'm still engaged in classes, can still perform academically, etc. However, I'm worried that not submitting as early as possible (June 1) could negatively impact my chances at MD schools. Also, the summer course would not be a core/required pre-med course --- it would be either genetics or cell bio. I should note that during my post-bac I did not take upper division bio courses. Any input/thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.
