submit early, take the mcat early, don't apply once for a "practice run".
1. Submit an early application
AMCAS is open now. Statistically you have the best chance of getting in when you hit the submit button in June. We accept lots of people early in the year which basically is a trickle by the time September rolls around. Not enough people do this and great applicants will get passed over later in the year because they didn’t submit early enough and we’re all full. You should not only submit your application as early as possible but also make sure that your transcripts and letters of reference are sent in promptly.
2. Take your MCAT exam early
Even if you submit AMCAS early, your application will not be reviewed until your pending MCAT scores are in so, if you have worked hard to submit your AMCAS application in June, don’t screw yourself by taking an August MCAT.
3. Don’t apply once for “a practice run”
Lots of people do this. Don’t do it. In fact even some moronic “pre-med advisor” at Cal suggested it. ONLY APPLY WHEN YOU ARE TRULY READY. The stigma of being a reapplicant triggers a negative bias in many adcom’s eyes, so it is best to try and make your application as perfect as possible the first time around. Take an honest inventory of your stats, experiences and accomplishments and decide if you are ready to apply or if you must do something to enhance your candidacy.
AMCAS is open now. Statistically you have the best chance of getting in when you hit the submit button in June. We accept lots of people early in the year which basically is a trickle by the time September rolls around. Not enough people do this and great applicants will get passed over later in the year because they didn’t submit early enough and we’re all full. You should not only submit your application as early as possible but also make sure that your transcripts and letters of reference are sent in promptly.
2. Take your MCAT exam early
Even if you submit AMCAS early, your application will not be reviewed until your pending MCAT scores are in so, if you have worked hard to submit your AMCAS application in June, don’t screw yourself by taking an August MCAT.
3. Don’t apply once for “a practice run”
Lots of people do this. Don’t do it. In fact even some moronic “pre-med advisor” at Cal suggested it. ONLY APPLY WHEN YOU ARE TRULY READY. The stigma of being a reapplicant triggers a negative bias in many adcom’s eyes, so it is best to try and make your application as perfect as possible the first time around. Take an honest inventory of your stats, experiences and accomplishments and decide if you are ready to apply or if you must do something to enhance your candidacy.