How are MCAT percentiles evaluated for older exam dates?

[deleted728364]

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I took my MCAT in the latter end of 2019 and my score was assigned a given percentile. When I checked the new percentiles, I noticed a shift in percentiles. However, when I check my score report, the percentile is unchanged..

This is ultimately a minor fluctuation, but will my MCAT be evaluated using the most up-to-date percentiles, or the percentiles for my given test date/year?

 

[habibimarwan]

Very good question!! I am not program director, so I do not know score report details. From many years ago, I remember score, no percentile. Percentile maybe known by program? If so, they will adjust. Don't worry, you will be find, good luck!!

 

[KnightDoc]

I took my MCAT in the latter end of 2019 and my score was assigned a given percentile. When I checked the new percentiles, I noticed a shift in percentiles. However, when I check my score report, the percentile is unchanged..

This is ultimately a minor fluctuation, but will my MCAT be evaluated using the most up-to-date percentiles, or the percentiles for my given test date/year?

My understanding is that your MCAT will be evaluated using your scores, not your percentiles, because, as you've noticed, percentiles change over time but the scores are supposedly normalized so that a 510 in 2016 represents the same thing in terms of what it is they are trying to measure as in 2020, although percentiles might change as the population either becomes more or less skilled in taking the exam. In any case, YOUR percentile will never change because it was the percentile in effect during the year you took the exam.

 

[ItAintEasyBeingCheesy]

If you look at the top of the document, it says “Percentile ranks in effect 5/1/20 - 4/30/21”

Your percentile will change next Friday (5/1) to reflect this new scale.

 

[deleted728364]

My understanding is that your MCAT will be evaluated using your scores, not your percentiles.

I've noticed some schools mention percentiles on their website. I got a 514 so I lost my 90%ile. Poor me lol. it was nice having a big round 9.

If you look at the top of the document, it says “Percentile ranks in effect 5/1/20 - 4/30/21”

Your percentile will change next Friday (5/1) to reflect this new scale.

Actually looking at my first score, i can see the percentile is different from its original year. Sounds like you're right.

 

[longhaul3]

This is a good question and is the same problem MD/PhD students face. They take Step 1 before spending 3-5 years in the lab and then come back to find that their score is less competitive.

Unfortunately for you and them, people just look at the numerical score for the most part.

 

[deleted728364]

This is a good question and is the same problem MD/PhD students face. They take Step 1 before spending 3-5 years in the lab and then come back to find that their score is less competitive.

Unfortunately for you and them, people just look at the numerical score for the most part.

Unfortunately or fortunately? (as the score wont change, percentiles will)


But yeah step1 going P/F is great for mdphds

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

some BSMD programs use percentiles.