How long will my MCAT scores last?

[abar]

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Hey guys,

I took the MCATs in May of 2011. I've been told the scores last for five years but most selective schools won't accept them if you wait that long to apply. I would really like to matriculate in 2015 (so apply in the summer of 2014). Would the most selective schools still consider my scores if I waited this long? Or would I have to apply in Summer of 2013 and matriculate in 2014 if I want to avoid retaking the MCATs.

Thanks guys, i appreciate any advice or experience you can offer.

-abar

 

[balambfishie]

Pretty sure MCAT scores have to be within the last 3 years to count

 

[abar]

So would I have to matriculate in 2014? Or could i hold of until 2015 and keep the scores

 

[dmf2682]

Actually it depends on the score. If you got >40 it lasts one year. 35-39 two years. 25-24 three years, and <25 five years. These fall into each other though, so if you got a 41 it would be a 41 for a year, at which point it would be a 39 for another year after which it would be a 34 for another year etcetera.

You're welcome.

 

[balambfishie]

I believe you would have to matriculate fall 2014 at the latest to avoid taking the MCAT again. I suggest you do that because AAMC is planning to change the format of the test starting 2015, and you'd probably want to take the test before that.

Hope that helps!

 

[mightymoose02]

One of the schools I am applying to specifically states that they don't count anything beyond 3 years.

So I think it's a safe bet to say 3 years is the cut-off.

 

[flodhi1]

Actually it depends on the score. If you got >40 it lasts one year. 35-39 two years. 25-24 three years, and <25 five years. These fall into each other though, so if you got a 41 it would be a 41 for a year, at which point it would be a 39 for another year after which it would be a 34 for another year etcetera.

You're welcome.

😕

 

[theseeker4]

It is school specific. Most schools accept scores that are 3 years old, but some of them only accept scores within 3 years of MATRICULATING where others accept scores within 3 years of applying. A few schools I believe only accept them for 2 years. Some schools accept them for 4, 5 or maybe even more years. If you take the MCAT in the year before your apply, you should be fine for almost every school. Check specific schools for specific policies.

 

[abar]

So will a higher score actually last longer? My premed adviser said because I got a 39 matriculating in 2015 shouldn't be an issue for schools but she seemed unsure

I'm really trying to find out if i have to matriculate within 3 years of taking it or apply within 3 years of taking it

 

[flodhi1]

So will a higher score actually last longer? My premed adviser said because I got a 39 matriculating in 2015 shouldn't be an issue for schools but she seemed unsure

I'm really trying to find out if i have to matriculate within 3 years of taking it or apply within 3 years of taking it

Apply, you can apply with the same MCAT score up to 3 cycles since you took the MCAT.

 

[GreenKitsune]

You may be able to apply and if accepted, defer your admission for a year