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*Please don't quote*
I feel like I've effectively ruined my life. Right now, I've been sitting in the same place for the past three hours, not sure what or even how to go about my life anymore so, now I'm here on SDN once more for any answers at all…
I basically screwed up my MCAT and applications…big time. I have an unusual history with this test. During college, I rushed to take the old MCAT quickly so I could forgo a gap year, and ended up voiding because I felt unprepared. To make sure that didn't happen again, I graduated from college early and aimed to use the free time I had (almost 5 months) to properly study for the MCAT, take it early this April and apply to med school on time. I never thought things could go wrong with my plan.
Well, things just did. I took the July test and feel ashamed to say that I voided my MCAT again. I wish I could say it's the second time I voided, but it's not. I have voided the test 3 times now
In my defense, I definitely did not plan to void AGAIN on the July test. The reason I did so was because of a very bad test day experience (which you can read about it here http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/just-had-a-terrible-test-day-experience…and-it-screwed-me-over.1213082/)
Lately, I've been feeling like I might have an anxiety/ADHD/fatigue issue that is preventing me from scoring this test. I've been told I have generalized anxiety, but I never got treatment for it. I plan to definitely change that, and will take up CBT, yoga, meditation sessions and perhaps some medication if needed. I will also look into MCAT accommodations for extended time if this situation doesn't improve.
In the midst of all this postponing, I seem to have developed a sort of "procrastinating mentality" and kept pushing off the inevitable. Now, I wanted to apply this cycle, and was so ready to do so. But with my current situation, I'm forced to re-assess my situation.
I wasn't going to void my July test, but due to unfortunate circumstances, I didn't really have a choice. Now, foolishly, I've used up 3 attempts out of my 7 MCAT lifetime limit. I have four left and I'm terrified. Since I've been studying, I could technically sign up for the August 4th MCAT and still apply this cycle to my state schools. I won't void this one for sure.
But I'm worried if this is a good decision. Considering I was prepared to score the July 22 (I got 510 on the scored FL), and sadly couldn't, should I sign up for August 4th to make up for that? And use a 4th attempt? Or should I just call this cycle off as a disaster and take the January one? I'm pretty upset with the second choice though, because I'm already taking a gap year and never planned for another. Now, I'd have to begin med school two years later for what seems to be no good reason.
Please don't beat me up on this…I've done plenty of that myself. I just need to find a solution and a way for me to move on.
Get yourself to a therapist STAT
Quoted for posterity's sake
That is correct.@gyngyn how does the AAMC voiding policy work? Since OP voided the exam 3 times, does it mean they only have 4 more attempts available?
That is correct.
Also realize that old MCAT voids don't count as one of the seven attempts.
The rule is not retroactive.Sorry got confused. I thought the limit of 7 attempts included the old MCAT voids? Or is it only after the 2015 MCAT?
The rule is not retroactive.
That is my understanding.So this means if the first void attempt had occurred before 2015 (which it looks like from OP's post), this means the OP has 5 attempts remaining because of the April and July voids?
That is my understanding.
Otherwise, the folks who took the old test 7 times before there was a rule would be ineligible to take the new one at all.
So this means if the first void attempt had occurred before 2015 (which it looks like from OP's post), this means the OP has 5 attempts remaining because of the April and July voids?
Not.Should I take the August test or not is the question :/
Not.
I cannot in good conscience recommend immediate professional help and an imminent MCAT re-take in the same thread.If OP was doing really well on practice material under timed conditions would it be a problem for him/her to take it this summer?
I also vote no. Test anxiety (and just general anxiety) is something you want to deal with before you take the MCAT again and before you apply to medical school. Based on your practice test scores, you have what it takes knowledge-wise to do well on this exam! But rushing through this process can seriously hurt your chances. Take a step back, seek out help for your anxiety, and give yourself a break! There's no rush.Should I take the August test or not is the question :/
I cannot in good conscience recommend immediate professional help and an imminent MCAT re-take in the same thread.
I wanted to void too after the C/P section and ended up with a 512 on my test.
Next time you retake: as long as you finish all the sections on time DO NOT VOID. If you do not finish one of the sections then yeah you just shot yourself in the foot, but if you can finish with 5 minutes left in each section then please just score it for your sake. Medical school is going to be a constant barrage of tests as people posted above, so it never ends.
Quoted for posterity's sake
You know, that's actually pretty cruel given what the OP is talking about here.
They're talking about some sensitive mental health stuff.
I know we frequently post for posterity ridiculous crap that's probably instructional to shame people about later, but that doesn't apply here. Quoting for posterity posts from throwaway accounts with a really small number when it's not personally identifying stuff (279 is enough that maybe this poster feels attached their post legacy) is one thing too.
What you did to this poster, I assume you did to be funny. It wasn't.
It's true that you can't expect to post and not have people quote you anyway, and we're all aware that maybe the case. Still, this didn't sit right with me.
As physicians, or wannabes, I think I professional respect for confidentiality should extend to a community of the same. Taking care of our brothers and sisters in the profession is part of the Oath of Geneva.
How would you feel about how you were a jerk in this thread being linked to the real you and the adcom that are here/lurk knowing this? Probably not very good. Use some empathy.
lol, I agree. I literally felt like I guessed on every answer. I walked out of there feeling like I got a 502 or something. The thing is, I did so many practice tests to where I became quite familiar with that feeling. Usually, the worse I felt afterwards, the better I scored. What test takers have to consider is that the people who write the test have to make the correct answer very difficult to find, you're not going to have the comfort of having the right answer always "look right" or "feel right".
Quoting for posterity posts from throwaway accounts with a really small number when it's not personally identifying stuff (279 is enough that maybe this poster feels attached their post legacy) is one thing too.
Only finished one year, but this is it perfectly summed up. You submit your exam, see your grade, and relax for one night. Then the clock starts for the next test.Medical school and residency are essentially a long series of frequent, high stakes exams (and some other stuff).
Plus by now you should know that prefacing a post with "please do not quote" will only result in you being quoted.
One thing I want to add here which is already in red bold font in another sticky thread in WAMC but applies to the rest of pre-allo (and SDN) as well is that if you don't want your information on the internet, you shouldn't post it on SDN. Moderators are not obligated to delete a post for you just because you posted information that you no longer want available on SDN (aside from very specific exceptions).
You have the option of editing the information out of your post later on and you can ask other members to not quote your post; however, although members are encouraged to be courteous and refrain from quoting these posts, we do not enforce these requests as moderators.
Additionally, all information posted on the internet will inevitably be stored by internet caches, so even if it is deleted from SDN, it will still be very easily able to be found elsewhere on the internet through these caches and often are placed highly in google search results, particularly if they're specific. If you don't believe me, google [**your username** SDN] and look at the first or second page of the search results - you'll find a cache of some thread or post you made.
Remember, internet privacy starts with the user. Make smart decisions about what you post and be aware that once something is on the internet, it's there for good.
In my experience, people have been quite accommodating of these requests. Why don't you stop being that guy?Plus by now you should know that prefacing a post with "please do not quote" will only result in you being quoted.
In my experience, people have been quite accommodating of these requests. Why don't you stop being that guy?
Those posts don't seem that trollish, just a little clueless. I don't really get as worked up about trolls as most people here do thoughReasons like what he did easily confirms trolls:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/chance-me-please.1082496/
View attachment 206838
Reverse trolling, rare, but as you proved, can be done.
View attachment 206837
Not a bad job, but you didn't delete far enough. Nice pattern too, you would make a post, tag Goro, Gyn etc, and then delete it.
A effort with 3+ years in the making, not bad.
Those posts don't seem that trollish, just a little clueless. I don't really get as worked up about trolls as most people here do though
This sounds like someone a little uninformed and worried about remaining anonymous. Am I missing some contradiction somewhere that gives them away?Reasons like what he did easily confirms trolls:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/chance-me-please.1082496/
View attachment 206838
Reverse trolling, rare, but as you proved, can be done.
View attachment 206837
Not a bad job, but you didn't delete far enough. Nice pattern too, you would make a post, tag Goro, Gyn etc, and then delete it.
A effort with 3+ years in the making, not bad.
Those posts don't seem that trollish, just a little clueless. I don't really get as worked up about trolls as most people here do though
Troll hunters are rather annoying. Don't see the point of screaming troll and digging up old posts to present a case... i mean why not just report the user as troll and move on?
@idontwatchgreysanatomy I'm here for both of you.Why should people waste their time on trolls rather then those that truly need help?
I see what you're saying about apparently already having an MCAT score there...I think the 1st link, not screenshot, is more then enough to prove a point.