I’m new to this site and have found it very informative. I’m hoping that some of you on here will be able to offer me some advice. I’m 25 years old and a mother of 2 under the age of 2. My oldest turns two this week. My youngest is 9 months. We just found out that I am pregnant again!
I took my MCAT in 2005 and have to re-take it to apply to medical school. Originally, I scored a 26Q with very little studying (I pulled out a couple of textbooks the week prior to the test). I get real nervous for standardized tests and usually end up studying very little because I am so intimidated, but this time won’t be the same.
I’ve been working toward my public health masters during the last 2 years and expect to finish next spring. Unfortunately, what I’ve learned is not going to help me on the MCAT and I really need to refresh on all the hard science materials.
So, here are my questions:
Can I possibly be ready to take the MCAT this summer/fall while pregnant, raising 2 children, working full-time, and studying public health? My husband is very supportive and I am determined, but really nervous…
Also, what study guides are best and are there any that include a schedule to follow because I’m not sure how good I would be at planning a study schedule of my own?
Thanks!
Whew – first, kudos to you for all the different roles you play at this point in your life…
Will you be ready? Only you can answer that one…you may want to see about taking a mock test and see where you fall, what your weaknesses are, etc. If you fork over the $1500 to Kaplan, they’re pretty good about assessing strengths and weaknesses, keeping you on track, etc. Something to think about…I had been out of hard-core studying mode for better than 20 years when I took the MCAT got a score lower than yours and I’m finishing up my 2nd year in medical school. MCAT scores are not the only thing…
So, take a deep breath and relax…However, not to rain on your parade, medical school is a major stressor. Doing it w/3 kids under age 3 may be a significant challenge. Be sure your husband really realizes what ‘supportive’ will mean in the medical school context…you will probably be asked that question during interviews…
Well, think of MCAT studying as taking one demanding 3-credit class, and plan accordingly. I used Examkrackers, and they have a 10-week study schedule somewhere on their Web site.
If you aren’t panning to apply this year, then you can plan for the MCAT next January or later. I liked examkrackers audio program; while it is a bit out of date but it is still excellent and a great way for car listening, going to sleep by, etc. The Kaplan does have both classroom and online. With the kids, you may need more time to prepare. You can work at a slower pace by starting a kaplan class in Late August/September which gives you access to their online material until the following June. I personally recommend that as if you want, you go work faster and have access to all the material. If things slow you down, you have time.
I think that the others gave good advice. I don’t know of your home situation, but from the mom perspective, I would say not to torture yourself. You already know with a 9-month-old that the first year can be really, really tough with feeding every few hours, etc. Give yourself your best shot for success. I would wait until the brand new baby is old enough that you can leave her/him with someone else for a few hours a day as you’re leading up to taking the test. Also, he/she will be old enough that you’ll be getting real sleep. I think you’ll probably do better if you wait until you don’t have little people taking every bit of waking energy. Just my two cents. On the other hand maybe you have a super brain when you’re pregnant and can take it before the new one comes. I always felt like my mind was half in my belly. I was so distracted…
And you’re working full time outside of the home? Wow…There is a limit to what one person can do. If I were you, I would wait a year. However, you know yourself better, and there may not be a “better” time, since children don’t stop needing you.