Does taking the mcat in August put you in a disadvantage for the app cycle?

[Mdplease1234]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm currently on WL at 3 schools and not looking too optimistic about it. I applied really early this past year w an mcat 31, gGPA of 3.8 in a smp, got 5 md interviews and 3 wl.. Since grades don't really get you in my state schools I was wondering if doin really well on the mcat would help open the door up to middle tier schools. My undergrad gpa is 3.18 in biochemistry, but am thinking with computerized systems of screening the LizzyM score is holdin me back. I wanna sign up for the August 7 mcat but am wondering if it would put me at a clear disadvantage even if I submitted my app early?

Thanks for the insight and thoughts, guys. Multiple reapplicant here.

 

[Goro]

Yes.

I'm currently on WL at 3 schools and not looking too optimistic about it. I applied really early this past year w an mcat 31, gGPA of 3.8 in a smp, got 5 md interviews and 3 wl.. Since grades don't really get you in my state schools I was wondering if doin really well on the mcat would help open the door up to middle tier schools. My undergrad gpa is 3.18 in biochemistry, but am thinking with computerized systems of screening the LizzyM score is holdin me back. I wanna sign up for the August 7 mcat but am wondering if it would put me at a clear disadvantage even if I submitted my app early?

Thanks for the insight and thoughts, guys. Multiple reapplicant here.

 

[Lya]

If you haven't yet studied for MCAT retake, I would skip this application cycle and devote this whole year with retaking MCAT and some other activities.

EDIT: You got 5 MD interviews. It seems like you just needed better interviews? While studying for MCAT retake, contact schools and see if they could tell you what went wrong.

 

[dudewheresmymd]

Yes.

Is this advice for rolling admission schools? I called a few admissions offices which are non-rolling and they said even if you take the MCAT in august for a 2nd time it would be fine? Is this dependent on how competitive your first MCAT is?

What about July 25th for the OP? Scores would get in August 26th.

 

[moop]

Is this advice for rolling admission schools? I called a few admissions offices which are non-rolling and they said even if you take the MCAT in august for a 2nd time it would be fine? Is this dependent on how competitive your first MCAT is?

What about July 25th for the OP? Scores would get in August 26th.

No, it's general advice. All interviews are given rolling, so any late app is at an disadvantage. Avoid August MCATs for the same cycle at all costs.

Offices will always tell you it's fine because they want as many people to apply as possible.

 

[dudewheresmymd]

No, it's general advice. All interviews are given rolling, so any late app is at an disadvantage. Avoid August MCATs for the same cycle at all costs.

Offices will always tell you it's fine because they want as many people to apply as possible.

Oh I see. Interesting. What about July 25th for the OP?

 

[type12]

Does it hurt you, all things being equal? YES. Worse than a bad score? No. Take the test when you are ready, even at the cost of an early app.

 

[Goro]

100% concur. My read of two years of SDN comments from people who have been through the process is that end of August is late in the MD app cycle.

No, it's general advice. All interviews are given rolling, so any late app is at an disadvantage. Avoid August MCATs for the same cycle at all costs.

Offices will always tell you it's fine because they want as many people to apply as possible.

 

[dudewheresmymd]

100% concur. My read of two years of SDN comments from people who have been through the process is that end of August is late in the MD app cycle.

What about if an applicant wants to improve their MCAT from a low/low-mid 30, would July 25th date be too late as an exam date (receiving scores at end of august)?

 

[Goro]

An applicant with a score like that shouldn't be doing a retake, but with a decent score on file, then it becomes the subject matter of an update.

What about if an applicant wants to improve their MCAT from a low/low-mid 30, would July 25th date be too late as an exam date (receiving scores at end of august)?

 

[dudewheresmymd]

An applicant with a score like that shouldn't be doing a retake, but with a decent score on file, then it becomes the subject matter of an update.

Lol got it. Thanks Goro.

 

[Mdplease1234]

An applicant with a score like that shouldn't be doing a retake, but with a decent score on file, then it becomes the subject matter of an update.

Meaning, just an update to demonstrate active effort in improvement in the application?

 

[Goro]

Effort?
No.

Actual improvement? Yes.

Meaning, just an update to demonstrate active effort in improvement in the application?

 

[moop]

Also remember schools are under no obligation to wait for a planned or new MCAT if an existing score is on file. Recommendation to schools is to wait but it by no means a binding policy

Yeah it's still possible you'll be evaluated with your old score before a new one even comes in.