How long are MCAT scores good for?

[M3dhop3ful]

I saw this pop up in the similar threads search, but I took the MCATs in Sept 2007 and if I don't get in this year, I will be applying again after starting a Masters, in September 2010. Is that too late for some US schools and will I have to write again?

besides, even if it isn't too late, is it looked down on to have a score that old?

 

[Excelsius]

It's usually three years, but some schools accept only up to two years.

 

[M3dhop3ful]

It's usually three years, but some schools accept only up to two years.

is that 3 years from writing them to matriculating or from writing to applying?

 

[Docere]

I heard it was two years from when you first took the test. I'm assuming that it's two years between when you first take the test to when you apply?

 

[Mobius1985]

It's three years (or two) from the day you take the test, to the day you submit to AMCAS with that school on your list.

 

[Excelsius]

It's three years (or two) from the day you take the test, to the day you submit to AMCAS with that school on your list.

For some schools the three year period requirement extends all the way to matriculation at that school. I think these are the schools that have the two year limit since the last year is wasted on the matriculation date. I have also heard some schools accepting scores older than three years. It will be safe to call and find out from each school, but if you want to avoid any extra work, just try to make your MCAT current within a year, just in case some schools do have a two year limit ending when you matriculate.

 

[M3dhop3ful]

Thanks for your help guys, but mysay my mcat will about to 'expire', will my score be worth less? ie will my 34 in 2007 be worth less than a 34 in 2010?

 

[armybound]

in my experience, 3 years back from the date you plan on matriculating.

I don't think the prior score will be worth "less" if you have a current score that's similar. if you made a 37 in 2002 and a 26 in 2008, it's going to be worth almost nothing.