- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
- Messages
- 87
- Reaction score
- 33
Hi SDNers.
I just wanted to personally reveal something I feel will instantly improve your MCAT score without you even having to do anything different:
TAKE YOUR MCAT IN APRIL/MAY ONLY!
Here's why:
Yes, the MCAT works on a curve, but each individual test taker's scores are compared to the country/region pool of test takers to determine where on the curve you will be (percentile). Notably, most first-timers of the MCAT or individuals seeking just to get a feel for the test will take it in April/May in order to get their apps in time for June and possibly retake in June/July for the upcoming cycle. This means that your MCAT score will be compared against weaker test takers and will thus be much higher than expected. Also, by taking the MCAT from July and onwards, your MCAT score will be compared against retakers, more prepared test takers and competitive Canadians where rolling admin. does not occur for med schools...
Proof: My MCAT scores last April (taken twice) were (13/9/15) and (14/9/13) compared to last September (11/8/11). I'm Canadian, so I had to retake for my verbal to be 10.
I felt like I bombed my first April MCAT and did average on my second April MCAT, but I got 37 and 36 respectively. But, I felt like I did AMAZING in Sept. but only managed a 30.
Further, my brother did his MCAT in May last year and pulled (14/9/12) and twice in August (10/9/11) and (11/8/12).
Therefore, by taking your MCAT past July you will be compared against better competition regardless of how the preset scale was prepared via the AAMC for that test date and your margin for error will be thin for you to get a decent score. On the contrary, by taking your MCAT in Apr/May you will be up against more first-time test takers who have a tendency to panic and receive lower raw scores.
I just wanted to personally reveal something I feel will instantly improve your MCAT score without you even having to do anything different:
TAKE YOUR MCAT IN APRIL/MAY ONLY!
Here's why:
Yes, the MCAT works on a curve, but each individual test taker's scores are compared to the country/region pool of test takers to determine where on the curve you will be (percentile). Notably, most first-timers of the MCAT or individuals seeking just to get a feel for the test will take it in April/May in order to get their apps in time for June and possibly retake in June/July for the upcoming cycle. This means that your MCAT score will be compared against weaker test takers and will thus be much higher than expected. Also, by taking the MCAT from July and onwards, your MCAT score will be compared against retakers, more prepared test takers and competitive Canadians where rolling admin. does not occur for med schools...
Proof: My MCAT scores last April (taken twice) were (13/9/15) and (14/9/13) compared to last September (11/8/11). I'm Canadian, so I had to retake for my verbal to be 10.
I felt like I bombed my first April MCAT and did average on my second April MCAT, but I got 37 and 36 respectively. But, I felt like I did AMAZING in Sept. but only managed a 30.
Further, my brother did his MCAT in May last year and pulled (14/9/12) and twice in August (10/9/11) and (11/8/12).
Therefore, by taking your MCAT past July you will be compared against better competition regardless of how the preset scale was prepared via the AAMC for that test date and your margin for error will be thin for you to get a decent score. On the contrary, by taking your MCAT in Apr/May you will be up against more first-time test takers who have a tendency to panic and receive lower raw scores.
Last edited: