August MCAT a good idea?

[Pusheen]

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I'm a junior, applying in spring 2016. I was planning on taking the MCAT in April 2016 right before applying.

However, I've recently been thinking about taking it late this summer instead. It would be really nice to be able to study and take this test when school is not in session. Is there any reason NOT to take the mcat in August/September and then apply the following spring? Med school websites say things to the effect of 'it is recommended that applicants take the MCAT the spring before applying, but no later than August (I think) of that year'. Does it look better to take it right before applying as opposed to 9 months before?

I've taken all the classes needed for the 2015 test as of now.

On a related note, around what time is a 'matriculation' date? Beginning of August? September? If I end up matriculating a year later, for whatever reason (so 3 years after I take the test), I want my MCAT to still be valid. Should I take the test in September this year just to be safe?

Thanks guys!

Mods, feel free to move to MCAT discussions if you think this thread belongs there, I wasn't sure where to put it.

 

[deleted407021]

That would be a great time to take the MCAT. After a summer spent studying, which would be around 3 months. Generally, as long as your score is between 'new' and about 3 years old, you should be fine. In fact, if you do poorly in August, you have time to retake it; an opportunity not afforded you if you took it right before applying.

We should be taking the test and applying around the same time ^^

 

[HCHopeful]

I'm a junior, applying in spring 2016. I was planning on taking the MCAT in April 2016 right before applying.

However, I've recently been thinking about taking it late this summer instead. It would be really nice to be able to study and take this test when school is not in session. Is there any reason NOT to take the mcat in August/September and then apply the following spring? Med school websites say things to the effect of 'it is recommended that applicants take the MCAT the spring before applying, but no later than August (I think) of that year'. Does it look better to take it right before applying as opposed to 9 months before?

I've taken all the classes needed for the 2015 test as of now.

On a related note, around what time is a 'matriculation' date? Beginning of August? September? If I end up matriculating a year later, for whatever reason (so 3 years after I take the test), I want my MCAT to still be valid. Should I take the test in September this year just to be safe?

Thanks guys!

Mods, feel free to move to MCAT discussions if you think this thread belongs there, I wasn't sure where to put it.

By applying in "spring 2016" do you mean early summer 2016? As in you plan on starting medical school in the Fall of 2017?

If that is the case, then taking the MCAT in August or September is good for a number of reasons. The biggest one is time; you would be able to concentrate solely on the MCAT and not worry about classes. Another factor is the retake. I just went through a similar situation and found the retake option to be worth it.

One possible negative is the fact that it is summer. I have a classmate who scored a 26 on his first MCAT, decided to retake it 5 months later in June and scored a 21. He thought he'd have all the time in world and be able to concentrate. Unfortunately, summer was too much for him and he didn't dedicate any of his time. Honestly, that's clearly not a likely situation.

Either way, be sure to have at least 3 months of solid preparation before going into it!

 

[Pusheen]

By applying in "spring 2016" do you mean early summer 2016? As in you plan on starting medical school in the Fall of 2017?

If that is the case, then taking the MCAT in August or September is good for a number of reasons. The biggest one is time; you would be able to concentrate solely on the MCAT and not worry about classes. Another factor is the retake. I just went through a similar situation and found the retake option to be worth it.

One possible negative is the fact that it is summer. I have a classmate who scored a 26 on his first MCAT, decided to retake it 5 months later in June and scored a 21. He thought he'd have all the time in world and be able to concentrate. Unfortunately, summer was too much for him and he didn't dedicate any of his time. Honestly, that's clearly not a likely situation.

Either way, be sure to have at least 3 months of solid preparation before going into it!

Yeah, I meant summer 2016. I want.to apply very early, so it's kind of blended into spring in my mind.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Gibbward]

That would be a great time to take the MCAT. After a summer spent studying, which would be around 3 months. Generally, as long as your score is between 'new' and about 3 years old, you should be fine. In fact, if you do poorly in August, you have time to retake it; an opportunity not afforded you if you took it right before applying.

We should be taking the test and applying around the same time ^^

+1 going for the same time line as well! It's definitely a plus that there'll be plenty of time to prepare for a spring retake incase you don't do well the first time around, and if you have to retake, there'll be a second official full length practice test available so you'll have fresh material to work with.

 

[Eppur Si Muove]

That is the optimal time to take it in my opinion for someone in your situation. Maybe even bump it into early September before classes get really busy

 

[QuentinT88]

My plan is similar. I'm planning on applying early in 2016. This semester I will complete orgo, bio, and physics. In May, I plan to start my DIY review/prep (consisting of psychology,sociology, gen chem, physics, bio, and Orgo material). From mid June - the first week of August, I will take Biochem. In addition, I will take a Princeton Review class concurrently in the evenings from 7:00-10:00 pm from June-August. My goal is to sit for the Sept 12th MCAT.

I'm hoping I'll be able to handle both Biochem and an intense MCAT prep in a 3 month span in order to do well

 

[Lucca]

I'm in the same boat as you and I am currently planning on studying this summer and then sit for the exam in August for two main reasons:

1) The chance to retake; others have mentioned this.

2) Knowing my personality and EC commitments, studying for the exam while school is in session is a non-starter. I would do badly in my classes and study ineffectively.

 

[Pusheen]

Wow, didn't know so many people were doing this. All of my fellow pre-meds at school that I have talked to are taking it this spring or next spring. Good to know I'm not alone

2) Knowing my personality and EC commitments, studying for the exam while school is in session is a non-starter. I would do badly in my classes and study ineffectively.

Yeah, I get that. I hate doing a crappy job because I didn't have enough time or opportunity to do it right.

Anyone know about the matriculation date question?

 

[tea guzzling traveler]

I imagine matriculation date is the day that classes/ orientation would start. I think it is somewhat variable between schools, but most generally start early August. However, even if you applied the summer after your senior year, I think you would still be good, although later than that and you would be pushing it. Some schools accept even older MCAT's than 3 years, although that list is small.

 

[Pusheen]

I imagine matriculation date is the day that classes/ orientation would start. I think it is somewhat variable between schools, but most generally start early August. However, even if you applied the summer after your senior year, I think you would still be good, although later than that and you would be pushing it. Some schools accept even older MCAT's than 3 years, although that list is small.

I was thinking of the situation where I end up having to reapply, and matriculate in 2018 instead of 2017 like I'm planning now. So I should probably stick to late August 2015 for the MCAT, to ensure that there won't be more than a 3 year gap between test and matriculation...

Thanks for the timeline, that makes sense.

 

[Doctor Dream]

I'm planning on taking the MCAT late August and applying the following cycle for pretty much the same reasons as everyone else. Get in a whole summer of study time, time to retake if need be, and it fits with my gap year plans.

Good luck everyone! I'm sure we'll be in contact later as the exam gets closer

 

[Gyromance]

I did what you did and I liked my final MCAT score. Hoping 3 months is enough time to get ready for the new sections, but I think you will be ready for it with enough diligent prep!