Applying while retaking MCAT

[yakey89]

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Hello,
I have a question pertaining to this upcoming applications cycle. I have taken the MCAT last year and scored a 25Q. I know I can improve this score and since graduation have been studying to do so. I have always wanted to be an Osteopathic doctor and will only be applying to Osteopathic schools. The rest of my application I believe is great including extra-curricular activities, research, clinical experience, leadership..etc. I know this is a lower MCAT score but I know numerous people who have been accepted in the past 2 cycles with similar and lower scores. I am registered to retake the MCAT in late June 2013.
-My question is: Can I apply with my first score of 25 and potentially hear back from a school before my 2nd score is available if they feel that my application with the score of 25 is acceptable, OR will they push my application aside, even though I have a current score on application and wait until my new scores are in. Also will they potentially disregard my application due to the score of 25 even though I am retaking it. I want to apply as early as possible to increase my chances, but do not want my application to be put aside till July because I am retaking. Any input to this would be greatly appreciated because I could not find this answer online. Thank you for your time,

 

[HalfListic]

GPA?

If its good, then apply

 

[yakey89]

GPA is like a 3.55. I know its possible to get accepted with these score and I have alot of extra curricular/clinical experience to help make more more rounded also. My main concern is I know how important it is to apply early, so if I apply with my 25 and plan to retake it will most schools just push my application aside untile the new score is received (which would decrease my chances as I would not receive my scores back till mid July) or can I still be admitted with my 25 before my retake scores return?

 

[survivordo]

Can you reschedule to early June? If you did this then you could have the score back by early September and could just finalize your apps then.

Survivor DO

 

[dsoz]

Others have talked about this same question this cycle. I believe that the answer is that the schools will wait on your new scores to make a decision about your file.

That being said, take the test as early as possible, apply as early as possible. Your scores will meet your application when they come in, then you will be fine (assuming you do better than your current 25). Try to have scores in before early July. That means test AT THE LATEST, early June. If your application is all put together, except your new score, by that date then you will be fine. Make sure transcripts are all in ASAP as well.

If my memory is correct, primary applications are not released until a certain date (maybe I am thinking AMCAS). I don't remember what the date is. All apps that were verified before that date are grouped together and they sit in some grand computer waiting for the first release date. After that, they pile up for a week, and are sent out in weekly batches (I think on Tuesday, but I could be wrong). Most of the secondary emails are sent out the next day (Wednesday???)

Good luck.

dsoz

 

[HalfListic]

GPA is like a 3.55. I know its possible to get accepted with these score and I have alot of extra curricular/clinical experience to help make more more rounded also. My main concern is I know how important it is to apply early, so if I apply with my 25 and plan to retake it will most schools just push my application aside untile the new score is received (which would decrease my chances as I would not receive my scores back till mid July) or can I still be admitted with my 25 before my retake scores return?

Thats a decent (not great) set of GPA/MCAT. If it were me, I'd apply early and retake the MCAT as early as you are ready to.

Your big concern now is getting an interview...which I believe to be almost 100% based on MCAT/GPA (maybe PS a bit). The rest of your application comes into play after you get looked at based on your academic scores.

So, applying early, I believe, is very important in your case. You dont know if you'll get a higher MCAT ever, even if you are confident you will.

You can get in somewhere with your stats as they are, so apply early, prepare well for the retake and hopefully have a better MCAT score to update the schools with. If you wait, the schools will still see your original score, but you'll be behind a healthy number of applicants who applied before you. Apply early.

Good luck

 

[darklabel]

]Others have talked about this same question this cycle. I believe that the answer is that the schools will wait on your new scores to make a decision about your file.[/B]

That being said, take the test as early as possible, apply as early as possible. Your scores will meet your application when they come in, then you will be fine (assuming you do better than your current 25). Try to have scores in before early July. That means test AT THE LATEST, early June. If your application is all put together, except your new score, by that date then you will be fine. Make sure transcripts are all in ASAP as well.

If my memory is correct, primary applications are not released until a certain date (maybe I am thinking AMCAS). I don't remember what the date is. All apps that were verified before that date are grouped together and they sit in some grand computer waiting for the first release date. After that, they pile up for a week, and are sent out in weekly batches (I think on Tuesday, but I could be wrong). Most of the secondary emails are sent out the next day (Wednesday???)

Good luck.

dsoz

While they wouldn't see whether you're retaking it or not, they will ask if you plan on retaking it. If you want, you can answer "No" and I believe they won't consider your newest score. This only applies to AACOMAs since AMCAs is automatic and I believe MD schools will see if you're scheduled for a new test.

I'm not sure if it is lying on not since if you retake it and you're not satisfied before sending it to be scored and cancelled it, they would never know. But remember, if they don't know that you're retaking it, I believe that they WILL NOT look at your new score. So even if you get a 35 but you sent in a 25 and never gave them a heads up, they will base their decision on that 25.

I personally think a 3.55/25 is good enough to get into a DO school. Just make sure to apply broadly.

 

[maybemed2013]

What's the breakdown of the 25?

 

[NontradCA]

Can you reschedule to early June? If you did this then you could have the score back by early September and could just finalize your apps then.

Survivor DO

*mid July*

 

[NontradCA]

I don't think waiting for a June score is gonna make a difference. Just get verified before August and I think you'd be good at most places because reading through school threads people who were complete in mid Aug were still getting first round interviews.