Do i have to take the MCAT during my junior year?

[Lapplander4353]

Hi y'all, like the title says, do i need to take the mcat during my junior year? For context I'm currently a sophomore pre-med who currently has not completed the requirements for med school. I was planning to take the MCAT during my senior. However, I heard that if i don't take the MCAT during my junior year that I would not be accepeted. is this true?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[chilly_md]

No, you can take the test after you are ready even if that’s after junior year. There many students who do it during a gap year or are non-traditional and take it later than that.

 

[Lapplander4353]

thank you chilly_md

 

[shotgunlagoon]

You should take it at least once prior to submitting your primary applications, but you don't want to take it too soon since it is only valid for 3 years. Are you planning on applying during your senior year? Do you think your application will be competitive then? Do you think you will need 1 or 2 gap years? Will you have sufficient time to dedicate to studying for the MCAT? If you score poorly, will you have the time to study more and retake it?

 

[gyngyn]

Take it once, well.
Do so when you are confident of a score consistent with success, however long that takes.
You do not want to be at the mercy of variable interpretations, which is what you get with multiple scores.

 

[Damson]

Take it once, well.
Do so when you are confident of a score consistent with success, however long that takes.
You do not want to be at the mercy of variable interpretations, which is what you get with multiple scores.

setting a time limit for yourself, a firm time limit, can also precipitate test prep success while zero deadlines cause success to...never precipitate.

 

[gyngyn]

setting a time limit for yourself, a firm time limit, can also precipitate test prep success while zero deadlines cause success to...never precipitate.

As long as they cancel, if goals are not met!