Confused about re-taking MCAT after the application process

[matt1989]

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Hey guys,

I'm applying with my first MCAT score this June (it's a 27) then retaking the MCAT July 26th with the hope of scoring significantly better. I have no intention of waiting until the score comes back in late August to apply, but instead I'm just applying in full with my current score and sending them the second score (which I understand is possible right?). Something about this seems almost good too be true and I'm wondering

1) what is the chance of that school actually looking at that later score?
2) what kind of score increase would warrant their attention?
2) will the school delay my review process looking for that second score?
3) will the school just flat out reject my application from the start?

I realize that last one depends on the schools but right now I don't wan't to include any specifics about GPA/schools. I was just wondering what experience/knowledge you guys have about applying with one score then submitting a second score during the application process.

 

[Ismet]

When you fill out the AMCAS, you can (and should) indicate that you are taking the MCAT in the future. I think you can also say the date that you're taking it. Most schools will put your app on hold until the new score comes out. Schools might send you a secondary in the meantime (especially schools that don't even screen) but they would probably hold off on an interview invite until your second score comes in. It's possible that a school could reject you from the start, but I'd only really expect that from some of the top-tier schools. I'd expect most schools will just wait for the 2nd score, as the first score can always be a fluke or the product of a bad day or something.

As for what kind of increase would warrant attention, that depends on your GPA and other parts of your app. I guess a 30 is generally touted as the magic number to be above, so if you can jump 3+ points, that would be great.

 

[matt1989]

When you fill out the AMCAS, you can (and should) indicate that you are taking the MCAT in the future. I think you can also say the date that you're taking it. Most schools will put your app on hold until the new score comes out. Schools might send you a secondary in the meantime (especially schools that don't even screen) but they would probably hold off on an interview invite until your second score comes in. It's possible that a school could reject you from the start, but I'd only really expect that from some of the top-tier schools. I'd expect most schools will just wait for the 2nd score, as the first score can always be a fluke or the product of a bad day or something.

As for what kind of increase would warrant attention, that depends on your GPA and other parts of your app. I guess a 30 is generally touted as the magic number to be above, so if you can jump 3+ points, that would be great.

Thank you. That's the answer I needed. So in a way, I would be jeopardizing my application (DO schools for example) that might accept that score off the bat. I was wondering if you can send in that second score with the added benefit of applying early, but it seems like you can't.

 

[Ismet]

Thank you. That's the answer I needed. So in a way, I would be jeopardizing my application (DO schools for example) that might accept that score off the bat. I was wondering if you can send in that second score with the added benefit of applying early, but it seems like you can't.

You are still benefitting from applying early, though. If you wait until August to submit your AMCAS, you will definitely be waiting until mid-September to be verified. If you submit your AMCAS in June or July, you will be verified in time for the 2nd score to be attached.

Something that many people do is to submit AMCAS in June with only one school. Then when your 2nd score comes in, you can add the rest of your schools and you are already verified.