DO Application Timing Question (retaking MCAT)

[yay-yay-medschool]

I took my MCAT back in April and just received my score back yesterday. My FL average was a 510 and I ended up scoring a 498 (121/126/124/127). I know that I can do better and feel like this score is a fluke so I'm committed to studying for a retake. However, I do want to apply (only DO) this cycle (2025-2026). The rest of my application is done and ready to be submitted. Would you suggest to go ahead and apply early (and broadly) now and send in my applications and then send my new score (will probably take in Aug/Sept) as an update to the schools after I submit my secondaries, or should I mark on my application that I am retaking the MCAT and have my applications put on hold until the new score is released?

cGPA: 3.62
sGPA: 3.4
clinical hours: 2,500
non-clinical volunteer hours: 150+
strong LOR's
multiple teaching/mentoring positions held, heavy focus on serving underfunded/underserved communities

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[DO-25]

Marking on your application that you're retaking the exam is essentially the same as applying late. I recommend submitting your application now and then sending an update once you receive your new score. That way, you'll already be on their radar and increase your visibility. Good luck!

 

[CBass2288]

This is tough because IF you get a score close to your FL average, let's say give or take 1-2 points, applying late shouldn't make much difference in your success, or at least, you should still be able to have a successful DO cycle. However if you get another score similar to your 1st attempt, then applying late definitely will have an impact on your success as with those scores you would need to apply early to give yourself an edge as you're already coming from behind with those stats. Another thing to consider is that you will be screened out at certain schools with your current score. So you can either choose not to apply to those or send those applications once you get your (hopefully) improved score. As someone with low stats, I think applying early (early June, not even in May) definitely helped me out. I think my app in other aspects was strong and VERY successful given my stats/relative to others with similar stats.

You're in a tough spot. Not sure where you're willing to go and not willing to go. But if you just wanna get in anywhere, I suggest sending your app to the schools that you have a chance at with your current score and waiting until your next score comes back to make a decision about the upper tier schools. You also could just send your app in to those schools regardless and hope that you are still in the running by the time your next score comes back. If you get screened out or rejected before your score release, your chance is done with them for this cycle.