How long is an MCAT score good for?

[noshie]

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I am going to reapply for the 2009 cycle after taking a year off from applying (to get a masters degree). The last time I took the MCAT was in 2006, but it sucked and I am going to retake it. My question is how long is an MCAT score still good, and if it is not good anymore do I have to list it on my application. I tried to search this, but I suck at it apparently. Thanks!

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Usually 3-5 years, depending on the school.

 

[meggielou]

Usually 3-5 years, depending on the school.

what TT said 🙂

 

[EEL08]

Definitely check with the schools because I think that most lean more towards a 2-3 year limit. By the way, I remember when you were going through the app process last year and I wondered what you ended up doing. I'm sure the next app cycle will go much better for you!

 

[t-funk]

Hey, I remember you too from last season and have wondered periodically what happened? I hope your master's is going well. I think even though they are only good for 2-3 years, they will still show up on your application even if you retake.

 

[noshie]

Wow, I can’t believe you guys remember me! I have been laying low from here for a while because I started my Masters program and wanted to do well. I didn’t get into the 1 year masters program that had a guaranteed interview at TCOM, but I did get into the 2 year Masters in Biomedical Science program. All of my classes are with the 1 year masters post bac students though. I just finished my first semester and got a 3.5 average. The classes are CRAZY hard. The teachers that taught Biochem and Cell Biology this semester also teach at TCOM so they really gave it to us.

The pace seems very fast as well, the first test for Biochem was everything that I learned in a whole semester in undergraduate Biochem. And to top it off it was a 3 hour 15 page essay test. I really like it though. I am going to be doing HIV research starting next semester and hopefully will be accepted to work on my Thesis in that lab. So everything’s good I suppose. I am getting really really scared to take the MCAT again for the 3rd time, but I really think I learned a lot in my Cell Biology class this semester and have been making about 80%+ correct on the Biological sections of EK practice tests. I did not apply to medical school this year because I want to finish my masters, but this summer I will for sure. Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Did you guys apply this year and get accepted?

 

[EEL08]

Wow, I can’t believe you guys remember me! I have been laying low from here for a while because I started my Masters program and wanted to do well. I didn’t get into the 1 year masters program that had a guaranteed interview at TCOM, but I did get into the 2 year Masters in Biomedical Science program. All of my classes are with the 1 year masters post bac students though. I just finished my first semester and got a 3.5 average. The classes are CRAZY hard. The teachers that taught Biochem and Cell Biology this semester also teach at TCOM so they really gave it to us.

The pace seems very fast as well, the first test for Biochem was everything that I learned in a whole semester in undergraduate Biochem. And to top it off it was a 3 hour 15 page essay test. I really like it though. I am going to be doing HIV research starting next semester and hopefully will be accepted to work on my Thesis in that lab. So everything’s good I suppose. I am getting really really scared to take the MCAT again for the 3rd time, but I really think I learned a lot in my Cell Biology class this semester and have been making about 80%+ correct on the Biological sections of EK practice tests. I did not apply to medical school this year because I want to finish my masters, but this summer I will for sure. Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Did you guys apply this year and get accepted?

Wait, you're a student at UNTHSC? Me too!! Crazy world. I have been accepted to DCOM but my husband and I are both applying so we have to decide what we're going to do which will be very soon. He has already been accepted to AZCOM and LECOM-Erie. Do you think it was just your MCAT holding you back the last time? Mine is low which is why I think I haven't gotten any more interviews yet.

 

[noshie]

That is so weird!!! What program are you in? Were you in the 1 year masters program? Did you get an interview at UNTHSC this year? I love this school, I really hope that I get into TCOM. That must be really hard for you two trying to get in at the same time. I wonder if you could call one of the schools he got into and just ask them to reconsider you since you have children and don’t want them to be apart from their father. Someone in the Post Bac program said they were going to try that since her husband got into different school in Texas then her. I wonder if it worked. It seems like a reasonable request. Your MCAT is higher than mine! I think it was for sure my MCAT scores that hindered any interviews or acceptances. Many of the schools said it was just too low to even consider looking at the rest of my application. Also my GPA was a tiny margin above a 3.0 at UNT in Denton. I have great medical experience (I was a physician Scribe in the ER Dallas program for a year and a half), but I worked full time (40+ hours) all though undergrad and I am sure now that it held me back from making better grades and actually learning the material that I had in my classes. I had to quit my job and now I feel like I am doing really well in my classes. But it looks like you have a permanent full time job with two kids 🙂 and you still got an acceptance so that is really great!

 

[EEL08]

I'm in the MPH program actually. My concentration is epidemiology so I spend a lot of time down in CBH. We actually didn't apply to TCOM which is a shock to most people. We've lived here for 6.5 years and we're ready to move on hopefully to a place we might want to settle down permanently. In my LOI to AZCOM I will definitely mention that my husband was accepted so that of course gives me very strong reasons for why I would attend there. Honestly at this point the question is not will I attend AZCOM but when. I will reapply until it happens. Hopefully not more than one more year of reapplying but we'll see. I want to make my points in the LOI but I don't want to come across too obnoxious. It is disheartening that the MCAT is holding me back because I know I can do better and it's not a reflection on my abilities to be a good doctor. I'm sure you feel the same way. I'm sure if you bring up your MCAT you will have a great shot at TCOM!!

 

[noshie]

Wow, I hear the MPH program is pretty hard here. I know what you mean about wanting to move. Sometimes I think that I want to get away from Texas, but the tuition is just too low to pass up 🙂. My whole family lives in Arlington and I really want to be near them. Next cycle I am only applying to DO schools, TCOM and a lot out of state. If they don’t accept you this year I am sure next time around you will get in. I know what you mean about the MCAT. It is such a bad indicator of someone that would really make a great doctor, and someone that wouldn’t. Its really only good for seeing how someone can excel in medical school, but medical school is only 4 years, and being an excellent doctor is 30+ years. So it seems that it is much more important to be a caring doctor than to be great at taking tests. Your MCAT score really is not that bad compared to what the out of state DO averages are. I think you will really stand out with the other things you have done, your EC's are pretty good. Good Luck! Keep me updated!