Do med schools need both mcat score and committee letters before sending secondaries or interviews?

[dodobird2]

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Hi everyone, this is my first time posting and I have searched the forums about my questions. I couldn't find exact answers so any help is greatly appreciated!

I have 2 weeks (June13) before my MCAT and I have taken 2 practice AAMC tests so far but scoring 25 both times. Since it's too late to reschedule my test, I'm thinking I will go take the test and void. Then schedule a test on July 2. Is voiding a good idea? Or is it doable to increase 5 points (1-2 points in each section) in 2 weeks?

Can schools send you secondaries before they get either your MCAT and committee letter? Or do they need both? Do they need BOTH for interviews? I'm very confused what schools need before they will send secondaries or send interviews.

I'm asking because my college's evaluation committee start sending out their letters in the order that our AMCAS apps are submitted. These letters aren't sent to AMCAS probably until July and later. Since my committee letter probably wouldn't be sent until late, getting my mcat scores in Aug shouldn't affect me too much, right? If I schedule my mcat to July 2 (most likely), I will submit my app on June 3. If I miraculously improve my mcat scores and keep mcat June 13, I will submit my app a day or two after this test.

 

[BZG64]

They need everything before they give out interviews. For secondaries it depends on the school. For some, they make it available for everyone to fill out. For others, they send them to applicants individually who they want to fill it out.

If I were you, I would prepare for the test as best as you can and take it. If you don't feel good about it, then void it. Also, it may be too late to reschedule, but you are still within the timeframe to cancel it and do another test date. I know you won't get money back, but if you don't feel ready for it, then I wouldn't risk taking it.

 

[Euxox]

Most schools automatically send out secondaries to everyone, so you will not run into trouble at most of these schools. Schools that screen before sending secondaries will probably want at least an MCAT score. I'm not sure about letters.

They need everything before they give out interviews.

Not true. MCAT scores are definitely a must, but a small fraction of medical schools do not require letters of recommendations to give out interviews. I got an interview invite at one such school about a week before my committee letter arrived at AMCAS.