Advice

[JaggerPlate]

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I figured this would be a good place to ask a few questions with issues I'm having. First, a little background ... I'm applying this cycle, and took the 4/4 MCAT with much lower than expected results. I really don't want to go into details, but I am retaking the test as my scores were way out of my practice test range. So I am planning on retaking July 2nd, but this leaves me with questions about the upcoming cycle:

- How should I work this out?? I want to apply early, but my old MCAT score contains one section that I am afraid could potentially screen me out or get me automatic rejections at schools. With this said, should I submit my AMCAS and AACOMAS with the application marked that I am retaking the exam + my old scores, or should I wait until I get my new scores in August?? I'm afraid this is going to put me behind, but I really don't want my old score to automatically cut me out. Does anyone have any advice about what I should do, when I should submit, etc?? I could really use help. Thanks a ton.

 

[sarahl86]

I'd indicate that you are re-taking and submit early with your current scores. Applying in August is pretty late for someone who doesn't have stellar numbers, so get everything in early and hope for the best. I re-took the MCAT last August and wasn't marked complete at most schools till late September/early October because I decided to hold off and it was not fun waiting until this past Jan/Feb/March for interviews. If you indicate you are re-taking schools will put you on hold until they are updated, though I don't know if in the screening process they will consider you are re-taking if your scores are abominably low.

Study hard and good luck!

 

[dkb86]

Sorry..for some reason my post got posted 3 times... weird 😕

 

[dkb86]

I agree, apply now and just let them know you'll be re-taking it. I think it helps you more that you'll be applying early than it would hurt you to apply with those temporary scores. And good luck!

 

[dkb86]

I agree, apply now and just let them know you'll be re-taking it. I think it helps you more that you'll be applying early than it would hurt you to apply with those temporary scores. And good luck!

 

[JaggerPlate]

bump for any more opinions.

 

[Mobius1985]

I would apply early, but to just one school with each application service so you can get your transcripts certified. Start working on Secondary essays found here on SDN. When your new score is released, add new schools that day depending on how competitive you'll be. Once you add new schools, AMCAS will release your entire application to them within one business day. (I'm not sure about the turn-around time for AACOMAS.) When your Secondaries arrive, you can send them back in 1-2 days and be complete very quickly. This approach allows you to target the schools you are most suited to without wasting money.