MCAT and Summer

MCAT Tips:

• You should save one of your official AMCAS graded practice exams for a couple of weeks before the exam - once you believe you are prepared. If you score is not in the ballpark of where you want your score to be, you should postpone the exam. Medical schools see all of your MCAT attempts, so a poor exam can come back to harm you, even if you improved it later. Remember, most people score a little below their practice exam, so don't expect it to be higher!

• MCAT scores are typically valid for 2-3 years. So if you plan on taking time off, you may want to wait to take your MCAT.

• You have the option of voiding for exam score at the end (but before you see your score). If something went terribly wrong (for example, you are vomiting in the bathroom), you should void the exam.

What Schools to Apply to?

Factors to consider when considering whether or not to apply to a school:

• median GPA and MCAT - you can refer to MSAR (medical school admission requirement) for a host of information

• in-state vs out-of-state preferences of the school

• curriculum

• research opportunities

• other interesting/valuable opportunities

• mission statement

• cost and location

• MD vs DO

You should only apply to schools that you would accept. Don't spend time applying to "safety" schools if you wouldn't go there anyway! Apply to as many schools as you can afford and can submit strong secondary applications for.

Timing of Your Application (mostly for pre-med)

• You should really aim to apply in early June.

• If you don't yet have your MCAT score by early June, you can apply to a single school on AAMCAS and AACOMAS to start the verification process while you wait for your MCAT score. Once you have this, you can then decide what other schools you want to apply to or if you want to withdraw your application.

• You should consider seriously if this is the right year for you to apply. Some medical schools do not look favorably on reapplicants, especially those who are just one year removed from their first application. You should not apply if you are just hoping to get 'lucky,' you should wait until you have a truly competitive application. There are many outstanding opportunities you can consider between graduating from college and starting medical school.

After you Apply

• Many medical schools require you take the CASPer exam. This is basically an electronic interview. You should schedule this for early summer so it doesn't delay your application.

• You will receive many secondary applications from schools (many schools send them to all applicants). This will be a handful of shorter essays. These essays MUST be tailored to the specific school. Call the school up. See what distinguishes them? What are they proud of? Tailor your essays to make the case of why you should go to their school, not just medical school, in general.

• You will need to interview, in person, before being accepted to medical or dental school.