Application Cycle One: 06/06/2016

• Undergraduate college: UC
• Undergraduate Area of study: Biological/Life Sciences

• Total MCAT SCORE: 511
• MCAT Section Scores: B/B 129, C/P 127, CARS 127   Detailed Breakdown
• Overall GPA: 3.73
• Science GPA: 3.76

Summary of Application Experience

Submitted 6/7 ~2pm (had to nap a bit after my final). Applying with a very broadly in hopes of a successful cycle.
MCAT 1 9/12/15: 127/127/128/128 - 510
MCAT 2 1/23/16: 127/127/127/126 - 508 O_o
All apps submitted on 6/7 with the exception of UM and BU, which were submitted a several days later.

Things I've learned so far (not in order of importance):
-Applying is super expensive. Bill to a credit card with good point redemption so you can save a little on interview travel
-At least pre-write your challenge, diversity, and gap year activity essay (if applicable). Keep it under 1000 characters.
-Don't withdrawal from schools you don't think you qualify for. Call admissions to be sure otherwise don't bother completing the secondary
-Use a passport photo in interview wear for your picture upload. Torso shot wearing a collared shirt in front of a blank wall works in a pinch. Smile!
-Use Interfolio for LORs. Easier for your writers to upload and they can check for letterhead/handwritten signature if you call.
-While no essay secondaries might seem like a money grab at first, they soon turn into a blessing in disguise. TY NY schools.
-Get a hard copy of your official transcript. You'll be referencing it a lot.
-The submit in 2 week "rule" seems easy at first when you only have one secondary. It gets much harder when you have 6.
-Apply to more schools than you think necessary. Some schools will unexpected requirements which you can't/don't want to complete. Worse comes worse, it is possible to take a pre-req before matriculation.
-Double check the location/dates of your interview before booking your hotel/flights. Especially if there are multiple campuses
-Just because a interview is conversational, doesn't mean you cant use it to highlight your accomplishments and what makes you unique. If someone else can give a similar answer, it probably isnt the best answer you can give.
-Practice for MMI. While you can't prep for every possible scenario, you can practice responding to MMI style questions and refresh on medical ethics. I found Dr. Desai's MMI guidebook, UOttawa ethics guide and UW ethics guide to be helpful.