Do schools see your "MCAT Score Reporting System" ?

[Satire5Texul]

the issue being: a void ?

In the booklet
The MCAT Essentials for Testing Year 2015

https://www.aamc.org/students/download/63060/data/mcatessentials.pdf

it says:

"Indication of a voided exam will be displayed in the MCAT Score Reporting System after the scheduled score release date , but your decision to void an exam is not released to any medical schools."

Does that mean schools get to see the MCAT score Reporting System?

I am so confused because I thought for sure they dont get to see a voided exam. Others are claiming they do.
What if you dont list any schools on the "MCAT Score report".

This is kind of confusing....

[e] They see all attempts but not a score ?

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[625233]

Bump

 

[GrapesofRath]

There was a discussion about this last week and gonnif essentially said yes schools can see the fact you voided a test if they want

 

[Satire5Texul]

There was a discussion about this last week and gonnif essentially said yes schools can see the fact you voided a test if they want

Thank you for bringing this to my attention, its what urged me to PM gonnif.

I just wanted someone to confirm this, because its still not clear. gonnif said "From my understanding, a void refers to a MCAT never being scored. So schools on an MCAT report, will see an attempt but no score".
But that still isnt clear...and goes in direct opposition to what AMCAS has on their website...

I guess I can call AMCAS if no one can confirm. It kind of makes the void pointless. From both sides of the coin. I could claim there was construction when I really wasnt prepared. It doesnt give any nature to the void. What if there is a power outrage and you void. This counts against you ? gaahhhh

 

[GrapesofRath]

Thank you for bringing this to my attention, its what urged me to PM gonnif.

I just wanted someone to confirm this, because its still not clear. gonnif said "From my understanding, a void refers to a MCAT never being scored. So schools on an MCAT report, will see an attempt but no score".
But that still isnt clear...and goes in direct opposition to what AMCAS has on their website...

I guess I can call AMCAS if no one can confirm. It kind of makes the void pointless. From both sides of the coin. I could claim there was construction when I really wasnt prepared. It doesnt give any nature to the void. What if there is a power outrage and you void. This counts against you ? gaahhhh

I tend to agree, the whole point of a void is so that no one knows that you ever took it and this creates another potential obstacle for those in situations where they have to void(and there a bunch of other problems I have with it) but alas it is what it is. My guess would be that in this case calling the AMCAS won't really help; they'll probably just give you lip service that your scores will not be visible or sent but not provide insight into whether or not schools can actually get info about any voids you might have had.

 

[MrRed]

I don't see why a void would count against you, even if medical schools could see it. There are infinite reasons why someone would want to void; and I would tend to believe that individuals on the medical school admissions board are human and understand that voids might happen for a good reason. However, I really don't think they can see it; the AAMC states that your decision to void is not released to any schools; why would you assume they deliberately lie? If the school could see an "attempt but no score" this would still be releasing your decision to void. Honestly, don't overthink this.

 

[Satire5Texul]

Someone was beyond nice to investigate this a little further, so thankful

I tend to agree, the whole point of a void is so that no one knows that you ever took it and this creates another potential obstacle for those in situations where they have to void(and there a bunch of other problems I have with it) but alas it is what it is. My guess would be that in this case calling the AMCAS won't really help; they'll probably just give you lip service that your scores will not be visible or sent but not provide insight into whether or not schools can actually get info about any voids you might have had.

It really does make the MCAT that much more
Also like you stated I doubt they would give me a clear answer. But I think those twitter questions pretty much answer it.

I don't see why a void would count against you, even if medical schools could see it. There are infinite reasons why someone would want to void; and I would tend to believe that individuals on the medical school admissions board are human and understand that voids might happen for a good reason. However, I really don't think they can see it; the AAMC states that your decision to void is not released to any schools; why would you assume they deliberately lie? If the school could see an "attempt but no score" this would still be releasing your decision to void. Honestly, don't overthink this.

Yeah I think if people got questioned about the void it would have come up already. And not like anything has changed since new mcat reinstatement. And really the subjective reasons for voiding are infinite like you said.

 

[GrapesofRath]

Someone was beyond nice to investigate this a little further, so thankful









It really does make the MCAT that much more
Also like you stated I doubt they would give me a clear answer. But I think those twitter questions pretty much answer it.




Yeah I think if people got questioned about the void it would have come up already. And not like anything has changed since new mcat reinstatement. And really the subjective reasons for voiding are infinite like you said.

I mean it doesn't surprise me that the AAMC gives the company line with regards to this(they are simply stating what they say on their website) but look through gonnif's post(the thread was should I tell Cincy in my essay I voided the MCAT) and his points he brings up. I'm still rather hesitant from what he said to believe that schools can't have access to this info.

 

[Satire5Texul]

I mean it doesn't surprise me that the AAMC gives the company line with regards to this(they are simply stating what they say on their website) but look through gonnif's post(the thread was should I tell Cincy in my essay I voided the MCAT) and his points he brings up. I'm still rather hesitant from what he said to believe that schools can't have access to this info.

I know !! it makes me uneasy. I have 99.999999% confidence in what I have seen.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/should-i-reveal-that-i-voided-an-mcat.1158493/

^ that thread. explains it all. And now I have lost all trust in what I have seen.

This is Bull

 

[Dreamstoo]

If the school asks you directly if you have voided the MCAT in the past, you can't lie about it (for ethical reasons, it can backfire big time if your answer is disproved). But they won't be told by AAMC unless they do further investigation for that particular applicant.

 

[Satire5Texul]

If its just a secondaries issue, Cincinatti can be left out very easily

Also all in all, staying true to this void, the subjective reasons are boundless. I could say I felt sick. I voided the exam. Go look at the second score.

But my strategy to take once and then later at a very different time 1-2 years down the road would raise suspicion. Why did u then wait so long. blaaah.
If asked I will just go ahead and of course say the truth, I took the exam. The universities I am gunning for dont have this as part of secondaries thankfully.

 

[GrapesofRath]

I know !! it makes me uneasy. I have 99.999999% confidence in what I have seen.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/should-i-reveal-that-i-voided-an-mcat.1158493/

^ that thread. explains it all. And now I have lost all trust in what I have seen.

This is Bull

So let me show some of the highlights of what gonnif said from that

1) "This discussion just become moot as each school can easily see that you have voided an exam as below states

https://www.aamc.org/students/download/180052/data/guidebook_preview.pdf
Indication of a voided exam will be displayed in the MCAT Score Reporting
System after the scheduled score release date, but your decision
to void an exam is not released to any medical schools"

2) "So, a voided exam is simply never scored and therefore no scores are released. However the new MCAT Score Reporting System allows admission staff to see the attempt as void. Report this void else you would be in direct ethical violation".

3) "No score is released to the schools, but it will show up in the reporting system which the schools can check".

4) "It is directional.
AMCAS will not send a report to a school that you have voided an exam
It will be noted in the MCAT score reporting system
Schools can actively look at the reporting system and see an attempt with no score".

5) "You void only the scoring
You never void the attempt; each attempt will show
At no time will any voided exam be scored, and the schools will never see any score as there is none
But they will see the attempt"

So there you have it. I agree there are many flaws with this(and I think it reflects rather poorly that a student isn't simply allowed to void and has to now have their decision be scrutinized and make that another issue in itself) but it is what it is. Best to know about it and plan around it accordingly.

 

[genericscreenname]

"Indication of a voided exam will be displayed in the MCAT Score Reporting System after the scheduled score release date, but your decision to void an exam is not released to any medical schools"

To me it seems like they keep voided attempts for their own records (likely for the 7 times/lifetime limit now). If not, well...I don't agree with publicly sending void attempts. That's unfortunate.

 

[GrapesofRath]

I honestly don't think medical schools will take the time to see if you've voided. Also, where is the evidence that medical schools have the ability to go into your score reporting system to see all of your testing history (including the voids/no shows)?

Furthermore, they don't show up on your score report - if you generate an official one with a verification code, it only shows your scores.

I guess people just have a lot of time to get paranoid over something that is as simple as basic record keeping for AAMC to make sure you're not taking the test an infinite amount of times.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...-vs-which-look-at-best.1160426/#post-16898704

This thread completely disputes that. You have an ADCOM basically saying schools are aware that you voided and that some ADCOMs could be cynical and hold it against applicants. It's a new thing so we will have to see how ADCOMs view this in coming years; maybe they unanimously start treating voided attempts as poor scores or they view them differently and show more leeway.

 

[nolookpass]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...-vs-which-look-at-best.1160426/#post-16898704

This thread completely disputes that. You have an ADCOM basically saying schools are aware that you voided and that some ADCOMs could be cynical and hold it against applicants. It's a new thing so we will have to see how ADCOMs view this in coming years; maybe they unanimously start treating voided attempts as poor scores or they view them differently and show more leeway.

That sucks . So they can see voided old and/or new exams now? Before they couldn't? Isn't that unfair to a student who took the old exam but voided thinking adcoms can't see them. He/She probably would have not even shown up for the exam or cancelled it if he/she had known this info back then.

 

[GrapesofRath]

That sucks . So they can see voided old and/or new exams now? Before they couldn't? Isn't that unfair to a student who took the old exam but voided thinking adcoms can't see them. He/She probably would have not even shown up for the exam or cancelled it if he/she had known this info back then.

There a number of flaws you might find with the process of medical school admission and how ADCOMs think. Perhaps just add this to the list(and I'm personally not a fan of it) but it's pointless to bang that drum to death. The process is what it is. Worry about what you can control. I do hope that more applicants become aware of this and the nature of the AAMC's wording about this and the fact they are openly telling people who ask them "no voided attempts can't be seen" isn't helping.

 

[strawberrypie]

There a number of flaws you might find with the process of medical school admission and how ADCOMs think. Perhaps just add this to the list(and I'm personally not a fan of it) but it's pointless to bang that drum to death. The process is what it is. Worry about what you can control. I do hope that more applicants become aware of this and the nature of the AAMC's wording about this and the fact they are openly telling people who ask them "no voided attempts can't be seen" isn't helping.

Just to clarify, is it better to go in and take an exam and void or just not show up at all?

 

[Satire5Texul]

Since in both situations, a void and not showing up will be shown as a date without a score, u might as well take and void it and get your money and experience worth.

 

[strawberrypie]

Since in both situations, a void and not showing up will be shown as a date without a score, u might as well take and void it and get your money and experience worth.

I see, thank you for your help! So in either case, if medical schools were to view the voids, will they simply see a test date with no score next to it? or would that date specify whether or not it is a void or no show?

 

[Ad2b]

@Goro @gyngyn @gonnif @LizzyM - thoughts?

Specifically, thoughts on how an adcom seeing a test marked void v. a test that was never taken or scored v. a S@#$ty score?

Thank you in advance!!!

 

[Satire5Texul]

My understanding, and even after now re-reading the forums mentioned above just right now, is that a void or no show are still the same thing: a date with no score.
under this definition, the test date wont specify a void or no show. both situations would count as your mcat attempt counter. But in both cases, simply a date will be shown with no score.

^^ According to this forum:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...-vs-which-look-at-best.1160426/#post-16898704

It appears as though it shows as a date, with no score on it. So from this they draw the conclusion that it was voided. But for what reason and how this will be viewed is up to the individual committee to decide and opens itself up to speculation.

 

[Goro]

One should never, ever take a high-stakes, career defining exam unless one is 100% prepared for it, and in good mental and physical health.

A void will be better than a bad score, at least. One can only speculate about why someone voided, but a 499 score is very easy to interpret.

Just to clarify, is it better to go in and take an exam and void or just not show up at all?

 

[Ad2b]

@Satire5Texul - yes, I agree with all of what you said and it is concerning. I AM voiding my test tomorrow given the death in my family, father's heart attack (survived) and other very personal situations that arose within the last 2 weeks. I've simply not been able to sleep let alone polish my studying. Therefore, I was going to take the test, void, and then retake in January fully aware I'd only have 7 attempts left but thinking, it would not hurt me in an adcom's eyes.

 

[Ad2b]

@Goro - thank you

Would it be a plausible question in an interview?

 

[Satire5Texul]

I am so sorry to hear that, I hope everything goes well from now on. I wish you the best of luck in January with success.

I am glad Goro chimed in on this, very appreciative, thank you.

@Ad2b Given your circumstances, I am sure you will be able to explain your situation. I dont think you should worry about this anymore, just focus on the task ahead. I am sure the adcoms can give you more info on where exactly you would have the opportunity to explain yourself.

 

[Goro]

I could see it being very plausible. Consider these scenarios:

Q: So why did you void the MCAT when you took it in Jan 2016?

compared to:

Q: You have a 3.99 GPA from [big name school], but you only scored a 501 on the MCAT What gives?

vs:

Q: I see you scored a 519 on the MCAT after first getting a 502. What happened?

@Goro - thank you

Would it be a plausible question in an interview?

 

[Ad2b]

@Goro @gonnif - thank you <3

 

[Satire5Texul]

I just got off the phone with AMCAS. After badgering two different people on two different times, and both consulting a supervisor I was told: voided attempts are never provided to admission staff or any committee.

There was confusion on where exactly any staff was logging into to see these voided attempts.

Scored reports that get sent out don't have dates with a blank score.

Can someone clarify how exactly they are able to view these scores so we can put this to bed. I politely noted to AMCAS that what they are telling me is in opposition to what staff personal from medical schools is saying. I know @gonnif was awaiting confirmation on this specifically.

@Goro are u able to view these just by logging In? How is it that an attempt with no score is seen? The logistics behind it are confusing in the sense that AMCAS is saying and doing one thing based on what was discussed here.

@GrapesofRath told me they would say this on the phone. And I don't wanna trust a staff for over the phone on what could be a potentially damaging aspect of my application because MCAT for my application carries a lot of weight.

 

[Ad2b]

On page 23 of the MCAT essentials, it states that:

When I clicked on the MCAT Score Reporting System, it took me to MY login to see my status, dates, times, etc.

 

[Satire5Texul]

Yeah AMCAS was really confused with that.
I was incredibly courteous and nice and just tried to explain to them the situation in both cases - at some point after belaboring the point they took it to the person in charge and had confirmation (I think they started to doubt themselves after politely making a circle in conversation throughout lol).

@LizzyM I hope its okay I tagged you, but I was wondering if you had any insight into this?

 

[Ad2b]

It appears, to me:

no show/absence does NOT = void

Void shows that you registered, attended and subsequently voided the exam

No show/absence shows ... nothing. Shows no registration, no ... nothing.

With both you are out the $$. However, with a void you could be asked about it (and probably would) and with a no-show... well, it's a no nothing.

In my mind, and in my case: no show/absence > void. Sure, I don't get the practice of real thing (which could plausibly be seen as giving me a slight advantage for subsequent test) BUT AAMC is releasing a true 2015 MCAT practice FL in October. So either way, I'd have at least 1 practice real 2015 test; something earlier testers did not have.

If one looks at it objectively, it is plausible that is EXACTLY how the adcom's see a void: either a really @#$t show for test day, something really odd happened (tornado, earthquake, etc), OR one took it as a practice test. The 1st and 3rd could be seen as advantageous to the test taker and therefore, not in a favorable light to adcoms.

hmmm.

 

[strawberrypie]

It appears, to me:

no show/absence does NOT = void

Void shows that you registered, attended and subsequently voided the exam

No show/absence shows ... nothing. Shows no registration, no ... nothing.

With both you are out the $$. However, with a void you could be asked about it (and probably would) and with a no-show... well, it's a no nothing.

In my mind, and in my case: no show/absence > void. Sure, I don't get the practice of real thing (which could plausibly be seen as giving me a slight advantage for subsequent test) BUT AAMC is releasing a true 2015 MCAT practice FL in October. So either way, I'd have at least 1 practice real 2015 test; something earlier testers did not have.

If one looks at it objectively, it is plausible that is EXACTLY how the adcom's see a void: either a really @#$t show for test day, something really odd happened (tornado, earthquake, etc), OR one took it as a practice test. The 1st and 3rd could be seen as advantageous to the test taker and therefore, not in a favorable light to adcoms.

hmmm.

Thanks for sharing your insight on this @Ad2b ! As you mentioned, I also think that in certain cases, no show/absence > void (ex. one knows he/she would void going into the exam). This can especially be the case for med schools that ask questions like "Have you taken the MCAT more than once?". In addition to the school mentioned in the other thread, I know UMichigan is another school that asks this question if an applicant receives an II. I'm assuming one would have to reveal the void in that situation for ethical reasons

Edit: Just a random note - I asked one of my friends who had voided the MCAT to see what it looks like on the score reporting system. The system does show the test dates and specifies whether or not it is a void or a no show (under a section called "Void/No Shows").

 

[strawberrypie]

Also another question - Is it common during the application cycle (whether it be secondaries or interviews) to be asked about the MCAT, specifically where you will have to reveal whether or not you have voided the MCAT?

 

[Satire5Texul]

Thanks for sharing your insight on this @Ad2b ! As you mentioned, I also think that in certain cases, no show/absence > void (ex. one knows he/she would void going into the exam). This can especially be the case for med schools that ask questions like "Have you taken the MCAT more than once?". In addition to the school mentioned in the other thread, I know UMichigan is another school that asks this question if an applicant receives an II. I'm assuming one would have to reveal the void in that situation for ethical reasons

Edit: Just a random note - I asked one of my friends who had voided the MCAT to see what it looks like on the score reporting system. The system does show the test dates and specifies whether or not it is a void or a no show (under a section called "Void/No Shows").

Okay. So there is some more insight. But AMCAS is arguing this is simply for their count purposes.
There was also talk of faculty "logging-in" somewhere...to see this type of information...But I fail to understand this.

Can people do a bit more digging into AAMC? They really cannot be saying one thing and then doing another that is in violation of official testing policies that they have us contractually signing.

I will call them again equipped perhaps with more information. I dont mind trying again next week when I grab more time and get even more specific with them. I just want concrete information on this. No one is bringing the thunder on this to really say one way or another, I wish someone on faculty would just a little bit more clear about how they see it considering the disparity in AMCAS guidelines.

Also another question - Is it common during the application cycle (whether it be secondaries or interviews) to be asked about the MCAT, specifically where you will have to reveal whether or not you have voided the MCAT?

Apparently its coming in the form of II's. But I imagine and have seen threads, and as Goro posted above, your scoring could raise questions. Anything can go in interview.

@Ad2b All of those people that already took the exam were all in the exact same boat as you said, even with 1 exam release we are unlikely to really gain any insight considering that the theme... has been very lillypad jumping... Its all over the place.

[e] This is not meant as argumentative just some food for thought, thats all

I wanted to see how and why things were being tested. If I open the new october exam those questions will be burned into my mind. Which will do nothing when I go to practice the 2 tests that will be released by the time I actually take the test I also took similar level (not SAT) tests before and the amount of acclimation and disruption you experience is overwhelming. You cannot reproduce those conditions. People slamming doors, being cramped, earplugs in, computer desk in an uncanny position, signing in and out. I would need a warehouse or movie set to reproduce these conditions. Maybe I should sign up actually for other stupid entrance exams at the same center and void those to get acclimated to the testing center procedure (although the time intervals and so on would not be synched -_-).

I really wanted this to be my crutch for anxiety and other health problems (physical not mental). I thought this would appease that. Take the exam and void. I dont want to resort to already documented disability accommodations I received and have since quit because I was under the pretense that no one taking Step 1 would be allowed to have these type of accommodations so I sucked it up and withdrew from the university's help. I also didnt want any internal records to reflect on my state school.

Even more important, more than anything at all, is the notion that when I take that seat the pressure of the world is not on my shoulders but if something disastrous goes wrong it will be okay. I just want to know if something bad happens a void is possible. A week ago read a thread that said a proctor demanded someone sign-in when they never left or something along those lines. And everyone chiming in said u should have voided. If anything goes wrong void. On an already anxiety-ridden task my mind is trying to control all the little things that could go wrong that day. I couldn't imagine voiding an exam because someone misread a sign-in form. Now all I can think is I have really one test, one time. Anything else is open to interpretation and scrutiny. But I guess this is not very different from performing a surgery or treating a patient or taking the boards.

[e] Also just in general on this topic, a void in this manner is entirely on point with AMCAS legal and contract obligations. Its not going after people who have taken the exam and asking them what material was on the test (which I couldnt count on my fingers of the amount of people I have seen do this to my unis matriculating seniors), which we already know is against the rules. I am forking over 300$ to take a seat.

I acknowledge though in comparison to Step 1, the aptitude testing is under question here. although an argument for "not everyone can spend 300$ to take a practice-real test" is easily disputed by the exorbitant prices practice material and practice exams cost. Despite people's view that any surplus of money would not give you an edge. I would argue then that a single practice exam is going to do little to sway your score. There are bigger fish to fry. Like lying about URM. Or lying in general.

 

[genericscreenname]

I was curious about this and e-mailed them Thursday...they've been more helpful through e-mail than on the phone in my past experience. Still waiting to hear back. There might be a possibility that we see our own voids/no shows (I see mine) on our score report, but this will not be sent out. However, if any adcom members can confirm they are either sent or have access to these void/no show testing dates (without a score) that would be better confirmation.

I also think that if they are able to see these additional testing attempts, this could be a mistake on AMCAS's part with the new score reporting system that may have been overlooked. I get the impression that they want to keep it hidden and only on record for their own purposes (for number of attempts), so maybe this is accidental?

 

[Satire5Texul]

Awesome, cant wait to see their reply.

The only thing though is that...any change, for people, is not usually welcomed. We resist it. I am sure the Adcoms didnt welcome the change of the MCAT as much as they were part of the already changing decision (with the questionnaire they got what they would include...not whether they want a new test at all).
So I think AMCAS really did a smooth transition to the new MCAT, doing their best to smooth out any bumps in the road. I would be surprised if they made this mistake, but nothing is out of the question.

To me, especially by what I have seen faculty post, they want this information and they want to speculate and at least shed some conversation on what was behind it. This is going off that ^^^ posts where the initial topic was discussed.

then AMCAS should come up with a designation code for the various reasons people void the test. sick. Proctor-verified problems. Construction. Flood/Tornado. Roof fell down. Other lol.

I wouldnt be surprised if this was much like the disability flag - on purpose until further notice. I even understand now how their language can be convoluted.
"the voids wont be sent to your school". But at the same time doesnt mean that the schools cant log in themselves to check.
Or we wont send these "scores". When there is no score.

Whether this is true or false - I hope time will tell. hopefully we can get a clarification on this.

what about all those reports of people going to interviews before even seeing their score on the MCAT. and being told, in their interview, u got a 19 on the MCAT and seriously....flagging disability until not too long ago.... come on

 

[Ad2b]

In private, I was advised to NOT take the MCAT today in private by someone I trust and will remain anonymous. (So don't ask 😛) I did not show up. However, in calling the center to confirm my no-show, they did ask me why: father's heart attack, subsequent death in family 3 days later, funeral/burial this week.

I cannot control how an adcom might or might not see my no show. But I would rather a no-show and give an explanation, than a void and an explanation. The no-show - to me - says I knew I could not perform as *I* expect to; the void says I was gaming the exam (which I would have been).

Do I think gaming the exam would have been beneficial? Yes, in some ways. If I am nothing else, I am good at seeing patterns and processes. I would have extrapolated that to a new exam, presumably the one I will now take on January 23.

*I* am not risking a potential voided exam simply so that I can get a feel for the exam despite knowing that previous to my dad's heart attack I was sailing. In fact the next day, I was back at the routine and settled in again; until the death. That knocked me on my donkey. In many ways, given the funeral and burial were this week, I'm still out of sorts. Previous to my dad's issue, I was getting solid scores on Kaplan's tests and doing well on the AAMC q-packs. My studying was going well, I was understanding the test takers quirky methods and confident.

As for AAMC voiding the exam itself vs. self voiding, that IS different. The AAMC void is something outside the control and decision making of the test taker. I do not know if that is noted differently.

This conversation sort of begs the follow up question: how does an adcom view a previous, but withdrawn, application? I will log on later today, after a walk on the beach and some sunshine ... and withdraw my application for the 2016 cycle (and probably shed a few tears while I'm at it).

@ the ending of disability flagging: I am accommodated and also very comfortable with a flagged or unflagged score. To me, I want the medical school administration to be 100% confident in my ability to graduate from medical school, pass all the Steps, AND be a solid, excellent physician. This whole process is not about just one thing, it's about the long term affects of their decision.

I need and want that confidence from them. So, to me, them knowing who I am and what I'm about and how I've gotten to this point? Let's talk. Let me tell you my story. Let me tell you why my MCAT is accommodated. And in the end, I hope I have satisfied any and all concerns they may have of me as a student but moreover as a practicing physician.

 

[genericscreenname]

Update in case anyone was wondering.

First e-mail: asking if admission committees have any access to voided/no show test dates after hearing that certain "schools" (adcom members here) may have access to them.

Reply: "Dear genericscreenname,

Thank you for contacting AAMC Services.

The AAMC will not report your participation in the test to AMCAS or to non-AMCAS schools if you void your scores. However, a voided exam does count as an attempt so it will remain on file with AAMC MCAT services."

My second e-mail: basically asking the same thing again, but asking clarification if schools will have access to these test dates should they choose to seek it out on their own, as opposed to receiving reports.

Reply #2: "No, we do not send that report out to anyone. It is used for MCAT purposes only."

 

[Ad2b]

@genericscreenname - yes, that is all true.

However, starting with the administration of the 2015 MCAT, the medical schools can look into the MCAT Reporting System and see all scores: voided, no-show, retakes, and the scores themselves.

Whatever you see on your MCAT reporting system screen is exactly what the medical schools can see after logging into said system.

Technically, the AAMC is not double speaking. The question to ask is, "Can the medical schools log into the MCAT reporting system for an applicant and see the attempts and scores for that individual." That answer, starting this year, is yes.

 

[genericscreenname]

I know I felt like they were skipping around my question both times. I sent them another e-mail trying to be as clear as possible. If not maybe a phone call will help too.

 

[Ad2b]

I would urge you to just let it go.

1. No, the AAMC will not send the information about the void to the schools.
2. Yes, the AAMC does have a portal for the schools to login and see whether multiple MCAT attempts have been completed, voided, etc.

 

[El-Rami]

Honestly, if you're worried a school will hold it against you for voiding an exam, maybe you should reconsider whether or not that is a good educational institution altogether for you to attend in the first place. There's a ton of reasons why people void, so if the school cannot understand that simple fact and automatically counts it against you, then look somewhere else.

 

[GrapesofRath]

@genericscreenname - yes, that is all true.

However, starting with the administration of the 2015 MCAT, the medical schools can look into the MCAT Reporting System and see all scores: voided, no-show, retakes, and the scores themselves.

Whatever you see on your MCAT reporting system screen is exactly what the medical schools can see after logging into said system.

Technically, the AAMC is not double speaking. The question to ask is, "Can the medical schools log into the MCAT reporting system for an applicant and see the attempts and scores for that individual." That answer, starting this year, is yes.

This is all that matters. Everything else in this thread or any other thread regarding this is moot. Schools can see if they want to see void attempts. Period. Whatever you think about this new policy, it exists.

Now the question is do schools actually look into MCAT Reporting Systems? My guess is schools that average multiple MCAT attempts or give each considerable weight are far more likely to do so than schools that just say lets take the best or most recent score and give that far and away the most weight.

 

[genericscreenname]

I just feel like AAMC should explicitly state that as a new policy to make applicants aware. I shouldn't have to decipher this like I'm reading a CARS passage. The fact that it may only be implied in their handbook raises questions to me if this was intentional with their new website.

If it is, so be it and I'll own up to that on my application. But it's no skin off my back if I keep pestering them until I get a more concrete answer.

 

[Satire5Texul]

Thanks for the reminder @genericscreenname ,

AMCAS said the same thing for me in email but I couldnt help but doubt the validity since every single non-related detail about voids was included.

I dont see why a single faculty member cant just confirm this. Its okay though, my piece of mind is not their even last priority. cycle is cycling on. This burden falls on AMCAS to confirm.

We really should just require a full medical history as well to be submitted. That way if you acquired diabetes 2 due to poor diet and lack of exercise, it can be correlated to poor choices and lack of longevity in medicine which will mean u likely wont make an impact on the field. Any cardiovascular indications as a MD/PhD candidate, a Duke Treadmill Score will be a necessary part of your admission.

Gaahh I am sour grapes

^ I am just bitter that AMCAS really doesnt state this explicitly. Just come on already. Put it in your Essentials 2015 Booklet.

 

[Ad2b]

@genericscreenname - do you really, really want to pester the organization that ... licenses you? and will be in your life for hopefully 40+ years? Really?

This is truly, one of those times, where how you feel or what you think simply does not matter. Very educated people came up with the policy and most likely the policy was derived from feedback from the medical schools themselves.

As an aside, there are less than 500 people working for the AAMC. As a potential future physician, this would be the last organization I'd want to irritate. Just let it go. 🙂

 

[genericscreenname]

Lol what are they gonna do, not let me apply cause I want an answer to a legit question from a primary source? I've been persistent but respectful. I have 2 voids and 1 score so I was a little worried.

Got a reply today saying to just call them for more info. I did and the person on the phone was more helpful. They said that voids/no shows have always been confidential between the applicant and AAMC, mostly for test attempt purposes, and that policy didn't change with the new score reporting system. Only scored exams are disclosed and schools can't access your account reports. They said whoever told me otherwise is free to call them for clarification.

So idk, conflicting reports with what I've seen here. Take that as you will.

 

[kbird]

The AAMC MCAT guide indicates that schools can use the MCAT score reporting system to see/verify your official score reports. Your official score reports only show the exams you've scored. While there is a section of the score reporting system that shows voids/no-shows, those are not visible in the official report.

My guess is that when a medical school views your score reporting system they can only see the official report, not the other section of the system that shows all attempts.

I could absolutely be wrong, but I think it'll take someone on an admissions committee here saying that they have gone into a file and seen voids and not simply making these assertions that because the score reporting system shows applicants their attempts means that the admissions committee can.

 

[GrapesofRath]

The AAMC MCAT guide indicates that schools can use the MCAT score reporting system to see/verify your official score reports. Your official score reports only show the exams you've scored. While there is a section of the score reporting system that shows voids/no-shows, those are not visible in the official report.

My guess is that when a medical school views your score reporting system they can only see the official report, not the other section of the system that shows all attempts.

I could absolutely be wrong, but I think it'll take someone on an admissions committee here saying that they have gone into a file and seen voids and not simply making these assertions that because the score reporting system shows applicants their attempts means that the admissions committee can..

They did on this site last week

 

[kbird]

They did on this site last week .

I'm struggling to find evidence of this:
Gonnif and Maruko (who has Medical Student flare - possibly in the know, I guess, but doesn't elaborate on how he/she knows) say that in the PDF of the AAMC guidebook, "Indication of a voided exam will be displayed in the MCAT Score Reporting System." and that ADCOMS can see the Score Reporting System.
It is true that my void does appear in MY version of the score reporting system. BUT, the MCAT Guide says that recipients of score can verify an official score report via the MCAT Score Reporting System. At no point does the MCAT guide say that the "score recipient" (i.e., medical school ADCOM) can see the same exact version of the Score Reporting System I do. Again, it's ambiguous, but the way I'm interpreting it is that the ADCOM can go in and view my official score report which I viewed and does not show my voided attempt. So until someone says "I went into an applicant's score system and saw a voided attempt" I'm going to remain skeptical.