Is applying without a MCAT score possible this year because I am trying to do it and it keeps telling me to put my score in the boxes, I just took the mcat but I want to apply now, is it possible? Thanks to anyone that replies!
Applying without MCAT Score?
- Thread starter mdma223
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You could always apply now and put your application through, but at the same time if you do really poorly you may not be able to change it. From what I have been told, once you put your MCAT score through AACPM you can't adjust it, you can really only talk to the admissions committee and tell them you are planning on taking the MCAT again. It takes at least 12 days to get your application verified in August. At least you will be getting your scores back in early September.
Don't take my word as the only answer (obviously) but if you feel confident enough that your MCAT score was above a 23 and your GPA is adequate enough compared to the averages then you could take the risk and apply now just so you can get the two weeks of your application and transcripts being verified out of the way. There is a section on the AACPMS that does give you a box to say that you have taken the MCAT and are awaiting your scores. Don't get your hopes up for any interview invites (except maybe Barry because they do tend to give invites without an MCAT score) since many schools the time table to get verified is much longer the first three weeks of the cycle (August 6th to 27th-ish) than all of September.
Yes, you technically can apply without the MCAT score, but the risk is that if you do get your score back and you don't think it is competitive enough then you may have to contact the schools to tell them your situation. And if you want to take the MCAT again, then you'd have to take the January MCAT which has the added bioschem, physio, and sociology. The way I would look at it are based on what I see as the pros and cons of applying now or the next few days without an MCAT:
Pros: You can save two to three weeks in September to wait for your application to be verified, Could get an interview acceptance just days after your MCAT score is released (as opposed to three weeks after).
Cons: If you bomb the MCAT badly you may get auto rejected without a chance of defending yourself in an interview, you have to shell out the money for the application without knowing how competitive you really are.
Don't take my word as the only answer (obviously) but if you feel confident enough that your MCAT score was above a 23 and your GPA is adequate enough compared to the averages then you could take the risk and apply now just so you can get the two weeks of your application and transcripts being verified out of the way. There is a section on the AACPMS that does give you a box to say that you have taken the MCAT and are awaiting your scores. Don't get your hopes up for any interview invites (except maybe Barry because they do tend to give invites without an MCAT score) since many schools the time table to get verified is much longer the first three weeks of the cycle (August 6th to 27th-ish) than all of September.
Yes, you technically can apply without the MCAT score, but the risk is that if you do get your score back and you don't think it is competitive enough then you may have to contact the schools to tell them your situation. And if you want to take the MCAT again, then you'd have to take the January MCAT which has the added bioschem, physio, and sociology. The way I would look at it are based on what I see as the pros and cons of applying now or the next few days without an MCAT:
Pros: You can save two to three weeks in September to wait for your application to be verified, Could get an interview acceptance just days after your MCAT score is released (as opposed to three weeks after).
Cons: If you bomb the MCAT badly you may get auto rejected without a chance of defending yourself in an interview, you have to shell out the money for the application without knowing how competitive you really are.
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There's not a box for that this year. I'm in the same boat. I call aacpmas and I was told to check the box that I haven't taken it yet and then just put in a future date. Then when the score comes out you can edit your submitted application. That's what I was told at least.
Yeah I just called aacpmas and they told me to just wait until my scores come out. Are you sure you are going to be able to edit it after it being submitted Ernie? Because I was told something different.
I
itsallgood19
Last year you can't edit that MCAT section - after you submit the application you can't even add another MCAT score to the section because it's sent to the schools once you press submit.
What you do (and what I did last cycle) was you have to update/call/email the schools and say that you are scheduled for another MCAT date and to wait on those scores. there's no other way of letting them know because the app will not let you edit that section.
And then when you do get a second score, the app service goes in themselves and puts it in for you and then sends the new scores to the schools, typically within 24-48 hrs.
Good luck - this is how it worked last year!
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I guess I will be calling again before I turn in my application! Thanks.
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I called aacpmas again and they told me I have to wait for the score. I guess the first person I talked to was not aware of important policies. It just doesn't seem fair that someone who has not taken it yet can submit an application but someone who has taken it but doesn't have scores yet can not apply until scores come out.
