How Late is Too Late?

[FollowTheMoney]

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I wanted to devote a solid 2.5 months to studying for the MCAT so that I can just obliterate the test. However, I'm worried that because of rolling admissions and how neurotic/annoying most pre-meds are they are going to have everything submitted June 1 the minute it opens. I really want to apply this year and remain competitive in the application process, but am I just putting myself at a significant disadvantage? Should I cram and aim for June 17 instead? Should I just make sure to get a 35+ on the July test? Does it even matter that much? If I'm screwed just let me know now...

 

[noshie]

I wanted to devote a solid 2.5 months to studying for the MCAT so that I can just obliterate the test. However, I'm worried that because of rolling admissions and how neurotic/annoying most pre-meds are they are going to have everything submitted June 1 the minute it opens. I really want to apply this year and remain competitive in the application process, but am I just putting myself at a significant disadvantage? Should I cram and aim for June 17 instead? Should I just make sure to get a 35+ on the July test? Does it even matter that much? If I'm screwed just let me know now...

You can turn everything in without an MCAT score. Then take the MCAT and have it sent. At least AAMC will start processing your application, although they will likely not send it out without the MCAT score. Don't take the MCAT until you are ready. Cramming=bad! You want to take the August one I'm guessing? That won't put you behind too much, but make sure you are organized enough to get started as soon as your MCAT scores come back.

 

[Catalystik]

How much it will matter depends on how competitive your application is overall. If your application is mediocre, it matters a lot. If it is superb, it matters less, but you might find yourelf getting attention from less-selective schools than you might have aspired to, given an earlier application timeline. You'd still get acceptances though.

 

[bravofleet4]

very few pre-meds have their application ready by June 1st and still a minority by early July I would guess. However, as someone else mentioned, you might want to submit an app without an MCAT score. That way your application is further delayed by verification.