Taking an extra year to graduate

Hi,
I’m going to need to take at least an extra semester or maybe even a year to graduate. Does that look terrible to medschools?

Hello! Medical schools do not typically view extended time spent in your undergraduate academics negatively. Here are our expert tips for navigating med school admissions as a non-traditional applicant.

  1. Show Off Your Unique Skills
    As a nontraditional applicant, you have unique experiences and skills. These will help you differentiate yourself from other applicants and can be an important strength. Your job is to prove that your choice to attend medical school is a thoroughly considered one. Even if your resume is impressive in other areas, you should add some medical-related volunteer work to show that you’re committed to medicine and understand what practicing it is really like. Look into volunteer programs at health clinics, or find a part-time position as an EMT or nurse’s aid.

  2. Make Time for MCAT Prep
    A competitive MCAT score is important for all applicants but may be especially so for non-traditional ones. The benefit of the MCAT is that it is standardized, supposedly allowing admissions committees to compare the aptitude of people with different backgrounds. Take an MCAT practice test to gauge your strengths and weaknesses before choosing the right MCAT prep option for you.

Email us at info@manhattaneliteprep.com or call/live chat with us on our website if you need any MCAT Prep help! Thanks for your interest!