August MCAT... worth applying?

[Majin Buu]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey everyone,

I am a Canadian applicant. Little background, I got my BSc in Biomed at the University of Waterloo (2012) and I started my MSc in Medical Science at University of Toronto in 2013. I applied to about 15 schools in the 2012/2013 cycle but I was very late in submitting my application (Sept 29 verification), don't ask me why, but anyways I can't change the past. I didn't receive any interviews.

AMCAS total GPA is 3.71 (upward trend 1st - 3.25, 2nd - 3.73, 3rd - 3.93, 4th year - 4.0) and I have gotten 4.0 in my graduate courses.

MCAT (PS/VR/BS):
Aug, 2011 - 24Q (9/4/11)
Aug, 2012 - 31R (12/7/12)
Aug 7, 2014 - ??

My question is, assuming I get about an 8 on VR, what are my chances of getting in to mid-tier schools given that my MCAT marks won't be coming out till Sept? Also, will schools review my file prior to receiving my scores and if not, is there any point in rushing to complete my applications?

Looking forward to hearing from everyone!

 

[jebelali]

I would like to know as well. I am also a Canadian applicant and just graduated with a master's! I will be writing in August and was wondering if it is too late to apply in this cycle!

 

[jebelali]

Bump

 

[el_duderino]

Apply now, and think hard about applying to DO schools. You can take the August MCAT but even if your score improves dramatically you're almost certainly better off applying now than waiting to be complete in September again.

 

[christinalouise]

Are you planning on staying in Canada? I am actually in a very similar boat as you (similar GPA, MSc) but I write in June. If it all goes bad I'm not sure whether to attempt to re-write in August or hold off a year since the school I the best chance at (UofC) won't accept any old MCAT scores in the next cycle. I need to have a really high MCAT score to offset the average GPA and to stick around in Canada.

 

[Majin Buu]

Are you planning on staying in Canada? I am actually in a very similar boat as you (similar GPA, MSc) but I write in June. If it all goes bad I'm not sure whether to attempt to re-write in August or hold off a year since the school I the best chance at (UofC) won't accept any old MCAT scores in the next cycle. I need to have a really high MCAT score to offset the average GPA and to stick around in Canada.

I'd like to stay in Canada if I can considering it will be much cheaper, but I don't mind going to the states and staying there. For me it's about getting my degree somewhere in North America and I don't really have a preference for where I end up working.

 

[Majin Buu]

Apply now, and think hard about applying to DO schools. You can take the August MCAT but even if your score improves dramatically you're almost certainly better off applying now than waiting to be complete in September again.

Yes I'm planning to have my primary submitted by the end of June so that I will have my secondaries completed before my MCAT scores are out. I was just asking whether writing the MCAT in August would put me at a disadvantage since more schools don't send out interview invites until mid-late August/September.

 

[cheetoh]

Well, I took my MCAT in August of the cycle that I applied. I applied to 5; interviewed at 3; was accepted at 2. I'm sure there's naturally a disadvantage from being later in the cycle, simply because numbers begin to work against you.

Keep in mind, even though schools may not send out invites until late August/September, that you're still on the tail of their applicant list. You're not getting your consideration before the other 4,000 students in front of you with their fully completed apps.

It's not impossible to get in with a late MCAT. It's worth applying.

 

[el_duderino]

Well, I took my MCAT in August of the cycle that I applied. I applied to 5; interviewed at 3; was accepted at 2. I'm sure there's naturally a disadvantage from being later in the cycle, simply because numbers begin to work against you.

Keep in mind, even though schools may not send out invites until late August/September, that you're still on the tail of their applicant list. You're not getting your consideration before the other 4,000 students in front of you with their fully completed apps.

It's not impossible to get in with a late MCAT. It's worth applying.

But what were your stats? Did you retake the test twice?

 

[cheetoh]

3.9, 3.9, 32T; It wasn't a retake.

Are you retaking the 31R because of a school you want that screens for an 8V or what?

 

[jebelali]

3.9, 3.9, 32T; It wasn't a retake.

Are you retaking the 31R because of a school you want that screens for an 8V or what?

So it's only worth it if I already submit my application now? Because the cycle closes in Nov, I assumed I would have time after my MCAT (aug 2nd) to fill out and submit (1st time applicant, no clue how it works). Am I wrong?

 

[cheetoh]

So it's only worth it if I already submit my application now? Because the cycle closes in Nov, I assumed I would have time after my MCAT (aug 2nd) to fill out and submit (1st time applicant, no clue how it works). Am I wrong?

I'm in no way an AAMC-expert, but it seems to me that your best option - for acceptances this cycle - would be to submit your primary now.

You have to consider - you'll receive your scores 30 days after August 2nd. If you wait until August to submit a PRIMARY, you're looking at being verified and complete by mid-September. That's with the best circumstances possible. No delays. Nothing.

If I was in your position - my primary would be in ASAP.

 

[Majin Buu]

3.9, 3.9, 32T; It wasn't a retake.

Are you retaking the 31R because of a school you want that screens for an 8V or what?

Just because my score is really unbalanced.. my sciences are consistently 12+ now so I'm just trying to improving my verbal so that I can actually apply to Canadian schools as well. What was your MCAT breakdown?

 

[RC4L]

I applied only in US but I took two MCATS last year in August and then September. I sent in my primary in August as well. I got interviews at the two schools I applied to and got in one. It is definitely possible but that answer to that is so variable.

 

[jebelali]

I applied only in US but I took two MCATS last year in August and then September. I sent in my primary in August as well. I got interviews at the two schools I applied to and got in one. It is definitely possible but that answer to that is so variable.

if you don't mind where did you apply and what was your mcat score(s)?

 

[Lunasly]

Just a note of interest to the Americans on this site: starting next cycle, there will be a total of 3 schools that require applicants to have a minimum of 11 VR to submit an application. Its ridiculous.

 

[RC4L]

if you don't mind where did you apply and what was your mcat score(s)?

Final MCAT was 38. Applied to two different LSU MD schools in Louisiana.

 

[gookies]

Just a note of interest to the Americans on this site: starting next cycle, there will be a total of 3 schools that require applicants to have a minimum of 11 VR to submit an application. Its ridiculous.

What schools are those?

 

[Lunasly]

What schools are those?

McMaster University, University of Alberta, and University of Calgary.

 

[christinalouise]

That'll only last one cycle for the U of C, they are phasing out the old MCAT scores after this upcoming cycle. Laaaame.