I really appreciate the advice from everyone. I honestly haven't taken a day off from studying and I haven't let my curiosity about the big 12 really impact my studies. I have a strong GPA, have pulled several 4.0s but have also mixed in a few B's. I just want my score higher because I really really want to blow away these medical schools. Although I'm not perfectly mature, I feel like my immaturity is rounded out by my more redeeming qualities. Here's some of the things I have done to prepare myself: I've volunteered as a firefighter and EMT for ~30 plus hours a week for 3 + years gaining every certification reasonable while furthering my other commitments as well. I also work as an EMT instructor 20 hours a week. This goes along with working as a research assistant with a genetics professor (hoping to have something published in a scientific journal prior to application) and going to school full time. I'm doing everything in my power to put myself in the best position to advance my career and abilities to make a difference in the future. I'm in no way neglecting the MCAT. It's just so hard to pay zero attention to my team in this exciting time. So as I left my long practice exam this morning, worn out and sleepy from studying most of the night and sitting for hours, I wrote a quick humorous post on cougarboard slightly exaggerating my feelings about expansion.

One thing I like about cougarboard is it is full of many very intelligent minds (as well as us crazies). I actually do plan on polling from cougarboard some more advice about my future and the application process. I know there are some cougarboard docs that are very knowledgeable as well as many who have recently been in my shoes and know the ins-and-outs of applying. I didn't expect my half satirical post to get this many responses. Thanks again.