It's episode fiftyseven of Ask The Dean! This week, we answer your questions about what counts as clinical experience, when is too late to take the MCAT if you’re applying this year, when you should start focusing on applying next cycle, and more!

For an app that is changing the landscape for premed students, check out Mappd at http://mappd.com.

MAPPD AMAZON STORE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mappdapp
Quick access to shop the Premed Playbook series, Recommended Reading for Premeds, the Premed Pantry, and more. This is an affiliate link, so if you buy via the storefront, we get a few bucks to buy ourselves coffee.

Check out Dr. Gray's new book at http://medschoolapplicationbook.com.

We cover the following topics this week:

0:00 Introduction
4:11 How can students who have families afford medical school?
11:32 Does medical scheduling count as clinical experience?
16:20 Does working as a plasma lab technician count as clinical experience?
17:14 Is patient transport volunteering considered clinical experience?
18:07 Should I apply now with a lower MCAT score or wait until I get my second result before applying?
21:13 Can my secondary application include similar themes as my primary application?
22:47 Can medical schools view your application before it is verified?
24:17 Will there be a prelaw extension to Mappd?
26:19 Do I need to complete Snapshot and Duet if the medical schools I’m applying to require Casper?
28:08 If I’m listed in the acknowledgements of a publication, but not as an author, how should note it on my application?
28:30 At what point do I realize it isn’t my year and that I may need to apply again in the future?
30:01 How should I answer secondary questions about concerning elements of my application?
32:55 Should I used my stats (MCAT/GPA) to make a school list?
37:20 Can schools see which app services you applied through?
38:54 Are there any plans for Mappd’s essay drafting feature mirror the application services?
41:57 Should I pursue an MD/PhD at an outofstate school if accepted, or try to transfer into the MD/PhD program at an instate school?
44:27 How should I choose my school list? (For more, check out The Premed Years Ep. 437 premedyears.com/437)
44:47 Is it too late to take the MCAT if I’m applying this cycle?
49:56 Can a lack of inperson shadowing be a concerning element on my application? (For more, check out Inside Med Admissions Ep. 1    • Inside Med Admissions: COVID19   )
50:54 Is employment history an appropriate topic for a diversity essay?
53:40 Is it ever too early to start studying for the MCAT?
55:00 How often do adcoms contact activity references?

Have you checked out our other Mappd video series, Am I Ready? Watch all our videos at http://mappd.tv.

Dr. Scott Wright has served as the Director of Admissions at UT Southwestern Medical School, Associate Dean at University of Texas at Dallas, and Executive Director of the Texas Medical and Dental Application Service (TMDAS)

Mappd is cofounded by Ryan Gray, MD and Rachel Grubbs. Dr. Gray is also the host of the Premed Years podcast and the author of the Premed Playbook series. Ms. Grubbs has been serving and advising premeds for 20 years at companies like The Princeton Review and Next Step Test Prep (now Blueprint MCAT).