A question about test dates

[Hajir007]

Hi everyone, I'm new with the MCAT process and I have few questions. I just checked the 2007 test dates schedule and I noticed that after September there will be no more dates to sign up for. The AAMC schedule shows the list of test dates that go from Jan to Sept. I was told before that tests are offered every month.

Can someone please explain to me what happens for the other months not on that list (Oct-Dec) ?

If I'm not ready to take the test this upcoming September, do I need to wait until Jan of 2008 to take it?

What month is the right time to take the MCAT to be able to apply to medical schools as early as possible?


Thank you very much for your time to answer these questions.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[chad5871]

First of all welcome to SDN and the MCAT forums. It's really a great resource that can help you on this rocky and often confusing path toward your future goal of medical school. I will attempt to answer each of your questions to the best of my ability.

I noticed that after September there will be no more dates to sign up for. The AAMC schedule shows the list of test dates that go from Jan to Sept. I was told before that tests are offered every month.

Can someone please explain to me what happens for the other months not on that list (Oct-Dec) ?

Essentially, the AAMC (the company that produces and supplies the MCAT) takes a vacation. There are no MCAT dates offered during those months. This is an improvement over previous years, when there were only two administrations per year: one date in April and one date in August.

If I'm not ready to take the test this upcoming September, do I need to wait until Jan of 2008 to take it?

Basically, yes. There is no other option since there are no dates offered after September 11th (USA)/September 15th (Canada) until the January administrations next year.

What month is the right time to take the MCAT to be able to apply to medical schools as early as possible?

You will be able to submit your AMCAS application as early as July 1st I believe. I'm not 100% sure if its exactly on the first, but it's around then. MCAT scores usually take around 30 days to score, so plan on having the MCAT done at least 30 days before rthe date AMCAS applications are submittable. Any test date before June would be ideal. However, if you feel that you might need to retake, it's better to take it earlier, allowing ample time for a retake if necessary. Retaking the MCAT often causes your application to be ignored until the new scores are reported, even if the rest of your application is complete. This can greatly delay your application time.

Thank you very much for your time to answer these questions.

You're very welcome. I hope that I was at least somewhat helpful to you. Good luck in your studies!

 

[Hajir007]

That clears up everything for me. Now I can go to sleep. 🙂 Once again thank you for your super fast respond.

 

[chad5871]

No problem. I'm glad I could help and that you can now sleep. I'm quite the insomniac myself... 😎