Applying with an old and new MCAT score?

[MMClark]

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Hi everyone, I have a test score from 2017 that I want to apply with to get the application in early, but am also retaking the test this June. Is it possible to apply with an old score to some schools, and apply to other schools with the new score (in the case that the new score is better)? Would the schools I applied to with my old score see my new score? Thanks for any feedback!

 

[coramDeo]

When in 2017 did you take it? I believe the expiration date is 3 years from your test date? Please correct me if I'm wrong on this.

Assuming your score hasn't expired, you can definitely apply to schools with the old score to get verified early, while you wait for the new score to come in (I'd make sure that the old score is high enough that you wouldn't get pre-screened for secondaries at the schools you're applying to). On AMCAS, you can put in a future test date so schools are informed about a future score coming in.

Couple things to note:
1. The schools you apply to will see all of your scores, not just your latest.
2. You won't be considered 'complete' until you submit both primary and secondary apps as well as your new MCAT score. So if you haven't received your score back, they won't review your application even after you submit your secondaries.

 

[KnightDoc]

Also, my understanding is that all schools will be able to see all scores, whether or not they are "expired." This is beyond your control as an applicant. AAMC runs the application system and the MCAT, and all scores are always sent every school you apply to.

 

[AnonymousDoctorGuyPerson]

Also, my understanding is that all schools will be able to see all scores, whether or not they are "expired." This is beyond your control as an applicant. AAMC runs the application system and the MCAT, and all scores are always sent every school you apply to.

And they may still talk about it too. My early 2013 MCAT score was discussed during this application cycle in interviews, so definitely be prepared for that!

In my case it was that my Verbal section was my highest section on the first MCAT but my CARS was my lowest on my retake. Two different interviewers were curious about that, so they certainly dont just glance over old scores.

 

[candbgirl]

When in 2017 did you take it? I believe the expiration date is 3 years from your test date? Please correct me if I'm wrong on this.

Assuming your score hasn't expired, you can definitely apply to schools with the old score to get verified early, while you wait for the new score to come in (I'd make sure that the old score is high enough that you wouldn't get pre-screened for secondaries at the schools you're applying to). On AMCAS, you can put in a future test date so schools are informed about a future score coming in.

Couple things to note:
1. The schools you apply to will see all of your scores, not just your latest.
2. You won't be considered 'complete' until you submit both primary and secondary apps as well as your new MCAT score. So if you haven't received your score back, they won't review your application even after you submit your secondaries.

Be careful following this advice. Unless things have changed schools are under no obligation to wait for a planned retake .As soon as you are marked complete you are complete, with or without your new score, schools can and probably will review your record. And you do not need a MCAT score to be verified by AMCAS.

 

[wysdoc]

Be careful following this advice. Unless things have changed schools are under no obligation to wait for a planned retake .As soon as you are marked complete you are complete, with or without your new score, schools can and probably will review your record. And you do not need a MCAT score to be verified by AMCAS.

If you happen to be a Texan and applying via TMDSAS this is also true, that your application can be verified and sent to schools without an MCAT score. Most Texas schools will accept an MCAT as much as 5 years old (2016-2017). Whether you retake depends on how happy you are with that score, but since there has bee quite a gap it might show you are still academically capable if you can score well on the MCAT now.

 

[MMClark]

Thanks for the responses everyone! Will consider going forward

 

[coramDeo]

Not necessarily true. If the existing MCAT is not beyond the expiration date, then a school may consider the applicant complete even if a new MCAT is planned. There is nothing that requires a school to wait for the new score, though a large fraction will

Thanks for the correction!