application and mcat timeline

[PopeJoja]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi everyone,

I am unsure how the application process works in my situation. I took the mcat in april. However, my scores are less than satifactory. I already have a date ready in june 18. How will this effect my application timeline? Does it hurt to withhold an mcat score? When can I have my earliest interview based on releasing my june 18 scores?




Any advice is welcome. thanks.

 

[fiznat]

You can make a note of your upcoming MCAT date in AACOMAS. Some schools may wait for those scores to send you secondaries, but I think most wont. A greater percentage will wait to send you an interview invite, although that probably depends mostly on the strength of the rest of your application.

As far as worrying about being late, my personal opinion is that you are fine. This is a long application process, and I feel like anyone who has applications complete during the summertime (may/june/july) can be considered "early." Keep in mind the slow step for most people isn't the primaries, but the secondaries. Make sure you can get your LORs, essays, etc all out in a timely manner once you get those MCAT scores back.

 

[PopeJoja]

Thanks. That really helped me assess my situation (ie. not freak out).

However, are we able to withhold an unsatisfactory score? I ask because I don't want to be hurt by not sending those scores.

 

[fiznat]

Thanks. That really helped me assess my situation (ie. not freak out).

However, are we able to withhold an unsatisfactory score? I ask because I don't want to be hurt by not sending those scores.

I'm actually not sure. I know that the allopathic folks cannot withhold scores anymore as they are automatically uploaded to AMCAS. I *believe* that AACOMAS is a little bit behind on that, and you can still technically withhold your scores at this point. My understanding is that this is a potentially dangerous gamble, however, because if you are accepted at a school down the road they can request your entire test history and you may have some explaining to do. I looked around a little and it seems the best advice is just to be honest and make sure you rock the test next time you take it.

 

[PopeJoja]

alright. my plan is to hopefully do well on my next test and send both scores simultaneously with my application. It's probably for the best. In case I do get an acceptance, I won't have that hovering over my head at least. thanks

 

[fiznat]

NP man, good luck!!