If I take the April 29 MCAT, would I be at a disadvantage for the 2011 cycle?

[yellowcocopuffs]

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The scores are to be released on June 1, but is there a chance that they may be delayed? And usually, when can primaries be submitted (the first day)? For example, what day did people start submitting for the 2010 cycle? Is it a gamble for me to take the MCAT on April 29, since the scores will be released June 1??

 

[bookfreak89]

You're fine.

 

[WorldChanger36]

NOPE totally fine. Just don't screw it up.😀

 

[ArthurIhde]

hmmm i dont think so

 

[Longshanks]

Not at all. April is an early test date. You can submit your AMCAS before the scores come out anyway, but if they're ready by June 1st that won't be a problem you'll have to worry about.

 

[AH3]

You'll be fine. I took it in January, but it's all about personal preference. I wanted to have enough time to retake it if I wasn't happy with my score and Christmas break gave me some time to study without balancing classes too. Your scores will be back in plenty of time- even if they are a few days late that won't change anything for your application. Submitting any time in early-mid June is still super early.

 

[chrisoc13]

It is fairly unlikely your scores will be delayed by any significant amount of time. And even if they are the primary applications are not sent to schools until June 25th or some time around then. So even if you end up submitting on the 10th you will probably be verified and ready to go before they are released to the schools. I finished mine on the 8th or so and it was verified before they were released to schools.

 

[D8O8C8T8O8R]

I took the June 16th MCAT this cycle (scores were released around July 20), turned in my AMCAS primary on June 8th and was still in the very first group of applicants interviewed for many schools. You will be ahead of the game

 

[phltz]

The one possible concern is if you don't do as well as you expected. You'll find out June 1st, at which point by the time you re-register and wait for score release it'll be late summer at best. The one advantage to a date earlier than April is that it gives you more of a chance to retake if you see fit.

If you're confident you'll do well, no, there's no downside.

 

[anfleisch]

Haha. Judging by the fact that the majority of people take the test after that date, I think you are okay. Unless everyone is at a disadvantage.

 

[NickNaylor]

NOPE totally fine. Just don't screw it up.😀

This. The only way you could be at a disadvantage is if you have to retake it. Then you'd be at a severe disadvantage since would have to wait to take the exam and for those scores to be released.

But I followed the same strategy (took the test on 5/1, scores were release on 6/1, submitted AMCAS on 6/2) and it worked out fine.

 

[yellowcocopuffs]

Thanks for the input, everybody. Very helpful.

What if I took the exam May 26 instead and the scores released June 28?? This will be my 2nd try and so no more retakes anyway, so I'm not concerned about a retake. I am just concerned about how the primaries are handled and whether a late score release will be a disadvantage.

Does anyone know when the primaries are sent to the different schools? And what do you mean by sending transcript info in May?

 

[CougarMD]

Thanks for the input, everybody. Very helpful.

What if I took the exam May 26 instead and the scores released June 28?? This will be my 2nd try and so no more retakes anyway, so I'm not concerned about a retake. I am just concerned about how the primaries are handled and whether a late score release will be a disadvantage.

Does anyone know when the primaries are sent to the different schools? And what do you mean by sending transcript info in May?

In order for your AMCAS application to be sent to schools, it needs to be verified.

In order for it to be verified it must be fully filled out AND your transcripts must all be in.

If your transcripts are not in, it doesn't matter how early you submit, you won't be verified and your app won't be sent to schools.

So, the MCAT is not really the issue; as long as your score comes in by late June/early July, you will be in the first group of applicants considered. As soon as your score comes in it is automatically attached to you AMCAS application; you don't have to do anything else.

However, if you aren't verified....none of this matters. So, when the application opens in May, you should get your AMCAS number and immediately have your transcripts sent to AMCAS. That way they will be there well before you submit and then you can be verified ASAP.


I am super tired....so hopefully some or all of that made sense🙂

 

[yellowcocopuffs]

In order for your AMCAS application to be sent to schools, it needs to be verified.

In order for it to be verified it must be fully filled out AND your transcripts must all be in.

If your transcripts are not in, it doesn't matter how early you submit, you won't be verified and your app won't be sent to schools.

So, the MCAT is not really the issue; as long as your score comes in by late June/early July, you will be in the first group of applicants considered. As soon as your score comes in it is automatically attached to you AMCAS application; you don't have to do anything else.

However, if you aren't verified....none of this matters. So, when the application opens in May, you should get your AMCAS number and immediately have your transcripts sent to AMCAS. That way they will be there well before you submit and then you can be verified ASAP.


I am super tired....so hopefully some or all of that made sense🙂

Awesome reply.
Thanks!

 

[yellowcocopuffs]

Oh. And one more quick Q. When do they start forwarding your primary app to the different schools? Approx what date, if you submit as early as possible +transcripts/etc?

 

[chrisoc13]

Oh. And one more quick Q. When do they start forwarding your primary app to the different schools? Approx what date, if you submit as early as possible +transcripts/etc?

Somewhere around the 25th of June I believe.

 

[NickNaylor]

Somewhere around the 25th of June I believe.

That was the date of transmission for this year at least.

 

[wanderer]

It's always something like June 25th + 2-3 days. If you submit around June 10th or so it will be verified just in time for the 25th. Even if you submit a little later you won't be at any disadvantage.

 

[yellowcocopuffs]

Thanks everybody.

But what if I take the MCAT June 16, and scores=released July 19?
Is this pushing it? I heard that every day makes a difference....

 

[NickNaylor]

I don't think you'll be screwed by any means, but try not to push it out more than you need to. Also keep in mind what other stuff you need to have to be complete. Do you have a committee process for a committee LOR? When will they have the letter available?

I wasn't complete until early August because I had to wait for my committee LOR, even though I had everything done before that.

 

[yellowcocopuffs]

I don't think you'll be screwed by any means, but try not to push it out more than you need to. Also keep in mind what other stuff you need to have to be complete. Do you have a committee process for a committee LOR? When will they have the letter available?

I wasn't complete until early August because I had to wait for my committee LOR, even though I had everything done before that.

We don't have a premed committee here. We have this letter service thing...but I should have my letters by June.

My concern is that I will be having finals in mid May...and so how can I study for the MCAT during the year... ?? So I was thinking, end school, study for 1 month, and retake. I was thinking either April or June but I am concerned about time restraints during the school year.

 

[chrisoc13]

We don't have a premed committee here. We have this letter service thing...but I should have my letters by June.

My concern is that I will be having finals in mid May...and so how can I study for the MCAT during the year... ?? So I was thinking, end school, study for 1 month, and retake. I was thinking either April or June but I am concerned about time restraints during the school year.

It is not too bad to be in classes while studying for the MCAT. I took the MCAT 3 days after my finals and it went well for me.


Also I wouldn't go in with the mindset of retaking it. Look at it as a one time test. Get it done. Too many of my friends have had the mindset of retaking it... and retaking it... and retaking it... it isn't pretty. It sucks so get it done right the first try if at all possible. You may still have to retake, but don't plan on it.