Good MCAT vs. Late Application

[muir]

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Hi All-

This happens to be my situation but it would be useful for everyone to know. I am studying abroad this fall semester (my junior year) and consequently will not be able to take General Physics until I return. Thus, the first semester will be completed when I return my spring semester. NOW, I have two options:

1) Take the MCAT in May without having taken the second semester of physics (I will obviously still study for it on my own)
2) Take the MCAT at the end of August after having taken the second semester of physics during summer school in late July.

So what has a better chance of getting into schools? A earlier application with a possibly lower MCAT score or a later application with a better MCAT score?

I don't have any idea about application timelines so some help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Stratego]

Option #3: don't study abroad.

Option #4: take a late MCAT at the end of next summer, but don't apply until the folowing June.

The above two options give you the best shot at a good MCAT score and a good time to apply. Anything would be better than Option #2.

 

[camaras2480]

Option #3: don't study abroad.

Option #4: take a late MCAT at the end of next summer, but don't apply until the folowing June.

The above two options give you the best shot at a good MCAT score and a good time to apply. Anything would be better than Option #2.

+4. These options are your better options, and by a lot.

 

[muir]

Thanks guys. The study abroad program I'm doing is totally bomb. It's a gold mine for medical school applications and will give me alot of ammunition for writing a wicked personal statement. So, I'll probably apply a year late or early with alot of review on the second semester of physics (I took AP Physics in high school).

I really didn't know how bad a late application would be so thanks for the advice!

 

[mdeast]

Thanks guys. The study abroad program I'm doing is totally bomb. It's a gold mine for medical school applications and will give me alot of ammunition for writing a wicked personal statement. So, I'll probably apply a year late or early with alot of review on the second semester of physics (I took AP Physics in high school).

I really didn't know how bad a late application would be so thanks for the advice!

What study abroad program is it? And yeah, I'd just wait a year and take time after college. You'll be saner and happier for it anyway.

 

[JJMrK]

Option #3: don't study abroad.

Option #4: take a late MCAT at the end of next summer, but don't apply until the folowing June.

The above two options give you the best shot at a good MCAT score and a good time to apply. Anything would be better than Option #2.

I think this is your best option.

 

[jal06c]

from personal experience, i did not take physics 2 before taken the july 2 mcat. grant it i dont have my scores back yet, but i don't feel it affected me negatively at all. i put a little more emphasis on the physics 2 material, with a help of a tutor, and felt totally confident about the material come test day. and its not as if you're going to get 52 physics 2 questions. so it really depends what your more comfortable with. but if your gpa is good already, and so are your ECs, and you don't want to wait a year to apply, don't stress about not taking physics 2 before the mcat. it is manageable to conquer the material on your own.

 

[desigirl419]

post moved to new thread........... titled, "Delayed my MCAT for injury, now what?"

 

[jackson1]

Hello all:

So I currently have a 32S on the MCAT (12-BS, 11-PS, 9-VR, the 9 is the killer) but I was supposed to retake in July with a target of 36-ish. Just a few days before the MCAT, though, I suffered a hand injury severe enough that my doctor told me to postpone the MCAT. Now, I am afraid of medical schools delaying my app until they have my score, and the earliest MCAT I can register for is August 5/6. UChicago has told me my application is on hold until the second score, and Vanderbilt won't even send me a secondary until they receive the score. Pitt, however, has already offered me an interview.

My question is, given my 3.99 GPA, good volunteering, awesome LOR's, and solid research and leadership experiences, is it worth retaking the MCAT at the risk of delaying the review of my app???

Thank you so much for your time. Best of luck to everyone else!

I wouldnt retake unless you're really set on attending a top tier school. A 32 and 3.99 will definitely get you in somewhere and i wouldnt retake b/c it may not be worth the delay and there's always the risk you could go down.

 

[camaras2480]

Hello all:

So I currently have a 32S on the MCAT (12-BS, 11-PS, 9-VR, the 9 is the killer) but I was supposed to retake in July with a target of 36-ish. Just a few days before the MCAT, though, I suffered a hand injury severe enough that my doctor told me to postpone the MCAT. Now, I am afraid of medical schools delaying my app until they have my score, and the earliest MCAT I can register for is August 5/6. UChicago has told me my application is on hold until the second score, and Vanderbilt won't even send me a secondary until they receive the score. Pitt, however, has already offered me an interview.

My question is, given my 3.99 GPA, good volunteering, awesome LOR's, and solid research and leadership experiences, is it worth retaking the MCAT at the risk of delaying the review of my app???

Thank you so much for your time. Best of luck to everyone else!

I would suggest you delete this post, and leaving behind just a period in its space. Start a new thread with your information so that you get proper attention. No one will see your post in the middle of this thread.

About your situation - if you are truly confident you can score a 36, then go for it. Your application has the strength to withstand completion in September. If you have any doubt, however, that you can't get more than a 34, I would say to not retake.

 

[desigirl419]

I would suggest you delete this post, and leaving behind just a period in its space. Start a new thread with your information so that you get proper attention. No one will see your post in the middle of this thread.

About your situation - if you are truly confident you can score a 36, then go for it. Your application has the strength to withstand completion in September. If you have any doubt, however, that you can't get more than a 34, I would say to not retake.

Thanks Camaras, will do!