So I think about the future a lot. I am a rising high school Junior and I am in the process of completing my associates degree in science, i am also completing some of my Prerequisites for med school, but will complete the rest in college (physics, ochem). I plan on going to UNC-CH, I am an in-state student btw. I was wondering that i may not get into Med School for many reasons since it is super tough to get into. I was thinking of going into the Gillings School of global public health as a plan b before med school. My question is am i able to complete my MCAT after my masters? or should i take the MCAT and the GRE during my college years, if so, when is a good time to study and take them.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
Your MCAT score is only valid for 3 years from the test date. Some medical schools will only accept a MCAT score that is 2 years or less old.
Don’t take your MCAT until right before you plan to apply to med schools. You don’t want your score to expire.
The MCAT requires significantly more preparation than the GRE does. Most people dedicate 3-12 weeks of intense study to MCAT prep before taking the exam. It would be difficult to prep for both the MCAT and the GRE at the same time.
The most important thing you can do for yourself is to ONLY take the MCAT once you feel confident in your MCAT preparation and after you have been consistently hitting your target score range on full length practice exams.
Where is your associates degree coming from? Why are you not waiting until you get to UNC to take these science classes? How long do you plan to do your undergrad?
Where are you taking these prerequisite courses? Is it a community college?
I am confused about where you are completing your prerequisites…right now you are only a rising HS junior and it appears that you are taking them at a CC. How many years will you be at UNC? Why not take them there?
What will your major be at UNC? Have you considered applying to Gillings as an undergrad (warning…acceptance is very competitive)? There are many premeds in Gillings and that will give you a Plan B in the event you don’t apply to medical school (nutritional sciences, biostats etc).
As a rising HS junior I think it’s too early to decide on grad school, mcats, gre etc right now. I would begin UNC, study and do well, and get involved. Once you are acclimated you could begin to make some decisions based on your interests (they may change), grades, experiences etc.
Yes it’s a community college
My advice:
- Listen to the mcat advice that you have been given
- Make an appointment with a med school advisor once you begin UNC
- Make an appointment at Gillings and choose a major that you are interested in that will also allow you the time to take your prerequisites, should you continue on that path. There are many premeds in Gillings...but you have to apply and acceptance is competitive.