January, May or September

[BaEngr]

Hello guys I'm a rookie in medical field, I am 24, B.S in Electrical Engineering from UC Riverside, 1 year experience as an engineer for the Boeing Company. I am completely finishing up my pre-med requirements(done in June) and taking MCAT in September. I was initially set on applying for the January session. But I later found out that this might not be a good idea as I will finish way before the graduation and have lots of time off(which mite not be a good thing). Is it better to go in for May or September session?? Any help would be great. My main concern is to save time and money and make the residency match right after my graduation without any delays.

[FrenchDoc]

The best time to go is as soon as possible. The May class will give you a chance to go into residency on 2012 if all goes well with the rotations and the USMLE. Good luck!!

[Scylin]

Since he's finishing his pre-med classes this June and taking the MCAT in September, the first May class the OP could apply to is May 2009 for a 2013 ERAS match. As far as apply for a May vs. September class, I don't believe there's much difference except that there's less competition to get into the May class while the September class fills more quickly. I believe you would be competing in the same match year regardless of which of the two terms you apply for (someone please correct me if I'm wrong here). You may have more time to study for the USMLE/complete your rotations before the match if you start in May versus September.

[argazul]

With September its cutting close to graduation. Less time for step 1, less time for step 2 and less flexibility in waiting for good rotation spots to open up. But Sept is doable too.

[BaEngr]

I've been talking with admission counselors and students and they have suggested i try to get in for January 09. So that is what I am aiming for now. I will submit my apps in may while I am in the last course needed and hopefully get accepted conditionally, until grades are released. Thanks.

[Almost Home]

The sooner you get in the sooner you finish. Every semester has advantages and disadvantages.