How late is late?

[pollytheparrot]

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Hi everyone,

I was hoping to gain some insight on what a late MCAT test is, I am currently signed up for May 23rd 2013, but after a few practise tests and a pretty hectic spring semester, I know I won't be ready for the test. If I take the test June 20, do you think that will put me at a disadvantage?

Basically, I have to decided whether I should apply early with a low score, or later with a better score. Any input is appreciated.

 

[TheShaker]

June 20th is fine, just get your application in before early/mid July and you'll be fine. For clarification, an MCAT score is not required for submission of your application.

 

[cookiemonsters]

Taking a June MCAT should be fine, you will still be complete in July if you pre-write secondaries.

Just my opinion from my personal experience this app cycle, but late is anything complete after September. At non-rolling schools it matters less, but at rolling schools it can be a death-sentence for your app.

 

[Weewee]

You should be fine. I think a higher mcat score is more important, but not past August for completion. Work on everything now when you have time. Go on the forums and pre-write all the secondarys or at least enough to where you can easily complete them in a timely manner.

I took the MCAT in September and ended up getting a way better score than I would have in June or earlier....but I missed out on a lot of schools because of it. Kind of annoying that if I had been complete in June I would have had a good chance...but my MCAT would have been low giving me no chance haha my catch 22 of med school apps.

 

[BABSstudent]

Hi everyone,

I was hoping to gain some insight on what a late MCAT test is, I am currently signed up for May 23rd 2013, but after a few practise tests and a pretty hectic spring semester, I know I won't be ready for the test. If I take the test June 20, do you think that will put me at a disadvantage?

Basically, I have to decided whether I should apply early with a low score, or later with a better score. Any input is appreciated.

Here's what you do. Submit your AMCAS on the first day to your state school only. Then study hard for the MCAT and rock it. The moment your MCAT score comes back, add more schools. They will get your AMCAS right away because it will already have been verified. You will be complete at schools by the end of July, still early.

 

[music2doc]

Here's what you do. Submit your AMCAS on the first day to your state school only. Then study hard for the MCAT and rock it. The moment your MCAT score comes back, add more schools. They will get your AMCAS right away because it will already have been verified. You will be complete at schools by the end of July, still early.

Do this. And whatever you do, BE READY by the June MCAT date. No pushing it back later than that as a June MCAT means no secondaries until mid-July (and likely most secondary submissions/app completions in mid-August thru mid-Sept). As-is, mid-Aug completion dates are toward the end of the window of good opportunity and mid-Sept is about the time chances begin to drop steadily. Completed apps after about Oct. 1 put you at a severe disadvantage to other applicants. It's a fast game (with lots of waiting). Good luck.

 

[pollytheparrot]

Thanks for your help guys 🙂

 

[ria91491]

I'm in pretty much the same boat. Any advice on studying during school?? I've never taken the MCAT so I'm nervous I wouldn't be prepared for a June test.

 

[BABSstudent]

I'm in pretty much the same boat. Any advice on studying during school?? I've never taken the MCAT so I'm nervous I wouldn't be prepared for a June test.

Stay up on studying for your classes and add in about 15 hours per week of MCAT studying. Once school ends, bump that up significantly. I studied 9-5, had a two hour break, and then studied even more every day of the week. My school ended in May, so I had a month and a half of this studying.

In June, I started practice problems, studied only my weak areas, and began practice tests. A week before the test I refreshed the easy stuff while making sure I didn't have weak areas. I was averaging a 35 before the actual test so I went in there pumped up and ready to succeed.