Advice (please) on when to take my MCAT?

[xbowers003]

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This fall, I am currently taking Organic chem I and Physics I. In the spring, ill finish all my pre-med coursework with Organic chem II and Physics II. My question is, then, should I take my mcat in the spring (April / May) or Study all summer and really nail the mcat by taking it in July or August?

Here's my reasoning.
I hate walking into any exam feeling unprepared (let alone the MCAT) and I feel as though trying to take it in the spring would be rushing it, and I wouldnt be adequately prepared. I understand that getting your application in early is important, and that your app is incomplete without the MCAT score, but do I sacrifice the early cycle for the better score, which I think I would get if I study a good portion of the summer? Isn't the score just as important? What does everyone think?

Thanks for your help!

 

[yellowfish]

This fall, I am currently taking Organic chem I and Physics I. In the spring, ill finish all my pre-med coursework with Organic chem II and Physics II. My question is, then, should I take my mcat in the spring (April / May) or Study all summer and really nail the mcat by taking it in July or August?

Here's my reasoning.
I hate walking into any exam feeling unprepared (let alone the MCAT) and I feel as though trying to take it in the spring would be rushing it, and I wouldnt be adequately prepared. I understand that getting your application in early is important, and that your app is incomplete without the MCAT score, but do I sacrifice the early cycle for the better score, which I think I would get if I study a good portion of the summer? Isn't the score just as important? What does everyone think?

Thanks for your help!

I chose to take it earlier (before finishing my premed requirement classes) and am happy I did. There was self-studying involved, but it really made my application process a lot smoother. I mainly used winter break to study for mine.

I also know of people who chose to take it later because that's what they were comfortable with - I'm pretty sure that they made the right decision for themselves, too. It sounds like you're more comfortable with that idea, so I would recommend sticking to that plan for now unless you're a pretty motivated self-studier and will have significant free time to actually study leading up to the MCAT in the spring.

Never go into the MCAT if you really feel unprepared - you can also consider scheduling early and then taking practice exams throughout to gauge where you are and then reevaluate your test date along the way.

 

[xbowers003]

I chose to take it earlier (before finishing my premed requirement classes) and am happy I did. There was self-studying involved, but it really made my application process a lot smoother. I mainly used winter break to study for mine.

I also know of people who chose to take it later because that's what they were comfortable with - I'm pretty sure that they made the right decision for themselves, too. It sounds like you're more comfortable with that idea, so I would recommend sticking to that plan for now unless you're a pretty motivated self-studier and will have significant free time to actually study leading up to the MCAT in the spring.

Never go into the MCAT if you really feel unprepared - you can also consider scheduling early and then taking practice exams throughout to gauge where you are and then reevaluate your test date along the way.

You're the man! Thanks for your help- I think that's exactly what I needed to hear.

 

[SN12357]

This fall, I am currently taking Organic chem I and Physics I. In the spring, ill finish all my pre-med coursework with Organic chem II and Physics II. My question is, then, should I take my mcat in the spring (April / May) or Study all summer and really nail the mcat by taking it in July or August?

Here's my reasoning.
I hate walking into any exam feeling unprepared (let alone the MCAT) and I feel as though trying to take it in the spring would be rushing it, and I wouldnt be adequately prepared. I understand that getting your application in early is important, and that your app is incomplete without the MCAT score, but do I sacrifice the early cycle for the better score, which I think I would get if I study a good portion of the summer? Isn't the score just as important? What does everyone think?

Thanks for your help!

If you want to apply this year, I would not take it later than mid July, and make sure you submit early so that the MCAT is all your application is waiting for and you are complete by the end of August.

Early is important although I think the importance of being AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE is a little overstated. Definitely take the time you need to feel confident on the MCAT. If you do wait later, though, you do sacrifice the chance for a retake if you need one.

 

[occams_razor]

If you want to apply this year, I would not take it later than mid July, and make sure you submit early so that the MCAT is all your application is waiting for and you are complete by the end of August.

Early is important although I think the importance of being AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE is a little overstated. Definitely take the time you need to feel confident on the MCAT. If you do wait later, though, you do sacrifice the chance for a retake if you need one.

this is good advice. OP, assuming your classes end in May you will have 2 months to study hardcore for the MCAT if you take it in mid July. It's definitely doable. It will also be good that you are just finishing Orgo and physics so you will have that material fresh in your mind

 

[sh0rtstop34]

Take it when you feel ready and no sooner

 

[sazerac]

Finish your classes so you have the knowledge
Spend enough time reviewing the material
Complete your application early



(pick any two)