can I apply to med school this year and retake mcat in january?

[antispatula]

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does that work? My potential plan would be to apply this round and if I get no interviews or acceptances, I would retake it in january "just in case." January is the last month of the "old" mcat, so it would serve be well for next year if I have to apply again. I already took the MCAT this year but the score wasn't what I wanted, but might still be able to get in. If I sign up for a january mcat, would admissions even look at my application this year? they can't exactly wait for my new one that I would potentially do in jan since by then it would be too late to just be starting the admissions process.

Does anyone know what would happen?

PS, I know some people will be tempted to say "thats a bad idea, do _______ instead." This is just one out of a few ideas I have right now, please try your best to stick with my specific question, at this stage, I'm simply looking for information, not advice.

Thanks in advance

 

[gyngyn]

You may take any MCAT for which there are available seats.

 

[el_duderino]

Looks like you have a 3.96/29 now? I'd be planning out how to afford interview trips as opposed to MCAT retakes.

Forget retaking the MCAT. Your score is fine.

 

[antispatula]

thanks, but my question is how adcoms would view this. Would they go by my current mcat score? They can't wait for my potential "new" one since I wouldn't take it until early next year.

 

[gyngyn]

thanks, but my question is how adcoms would view this. Would they go by my current mcat score? They can't wait for my potential "new" one since I wouldn't take it until early next year.

A January score will have essentially no effect on an your MD application for this cycle.

 

[Alucard6]

If you think you can get into the 33-range that would be golden. I think taking the MCAT in January can help you out. Some schools send out acceptances around April/May, so if you are on a waiting list and send them your new MCAT that could help you out.

If that does not work, then taking the MCAT in January would help you in the next cycle if no acceptances come. So I think it would be worthwhile, but do not expect it to help you too much this cycle. Most schools will review your application with what you have now, they will not wait until February because then it is getting too late.

 

[MrLogan13]

But they'll be able to see that you registered for an MCAT in January, no? Would there be any negative repercussions from that for the OP?

 

[ciestar]

If I recall correctly, many schools will only accept mcat scores for that cycle up until a certain date. Anyone can correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[ciestar]

https://www2.med.psu.edu/mdadmissions/admissions/application-process/admissions-requirements/

For example, if you scroll down, Penn State explicitly says they won't accept an mcat from the year of matriculation (so a January 2015 mcat).

Make sure you check that if that's your plan for this year.