Unsure as to when to apply

[WhiteCoatsman]

Honestly, I want to begin medical school ASAP. If I could swing it, I would take the MCAT in Aug. If I had all my app stuff in and processed, I probably would hear back in time for Jan admission and at least May 06. However, I dont know if I can prepare in time to do well enough to get a decent score in August. I graduated college 2 years ago with a 3.08 in Biochemistry and Molecular Bio. I was a research assistant all 4 years after I graduated ive been a lab tech in a lab at a Big Ten school and also do some part time teaching on the side. Any guesses on what Id have to score on the MCAT to have a shot to get in? Avg based on the website is 22. Would this get me in? I know someone will reply "apply and find out", but I dont want to apply now, unless I am taking the MCAT in Aug, and dont want to take the MCAT in Aug, unless I can get in in Jan or May.

Also, If you begin in January, does the timing screw up when you can begin clinicals. I know they usually begin on a specific date, some have 2 different begining dates. But im curious as to what people do if they have a few months of down time before they start their clinicals. I guess the best thing is to take that time to bust *** on step 1??

Thanks for the info

[tRmedic21]

I started in Jan and I think it is a good time. If you wanna be a gunner and go the kamikaze route, you can do 38 months STRAIGHT through and make the match 3 years later. It is hard to do, but it is an option for you. On the other hand, you can take some time off before clins, before electives, and to study for your test and make the next year's match, which is what I am doing. I didn't fancy the idea of 18 months of clinicals with no break time and pressure to finish everything that quickly.

I think you have an excellent shot. Study your butt off and take the MCAT in August and you will have scores back in Sept. This is more than plenty of time for them to admit you to the Jan class. Actually, you can probably apply earlier, telling them you are taking the MCAT in Aug. I was sure I was gonna suck on the MCAT, since I didn't pick up a book to study for it and was only taking it to meet the AUC requirement, and I pulled out a score that would have gotten me into a US school. Point is, you never know. I thought I had bombed it. There are tons of review books out there that will help.

Stop putting it off and just GET AFTER IT ALREADY! ;)