Is it advantageous to write the MCAT in any particular month?

[soggybread]

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Forgive my ignorance, before the MCAT was computerized, I had heard it would be to your benefit to write it during April instead of August, if you weren't taking classes, because most people would have their university exams juggled in, and would do less well. Now with computerized testing from Jan to Sept, does it matter as much which month you take it?

Of course, ultimately, I guess it doesn't _really_ matter which month you write it in, if you've prepared well enough for it. But this was something I was just curious about.

 

[loveoforganic]

Only if you have seasonal depression.

Honestly though, that seems like something you'd have to answer for yourself - if you want to study during school or not.

 

[psyck0]

You aren't directly scaled against the people you write with but against an external standard, so in theory it doesn't matter when you write it. However, they don't explain how they get that standard, but it has to involve some indirect evaluation of the people who wrote.

Honestly, not likely to be a big deal. More important will be how well you can prepare. If you have time (lots of time) to study and write in April, go for it. If you think you'll be better prepared in the summer, that will make a much bigger difference than any small shift in average scores ever could.

 

[JJMrK]

It matters, but not for the reason that you described.

Your score is not directly curved against the competition; the scale is pre-determined. On the other hand, you want know your scores before you have to submit your primary, so a March or April test date is probably the ideal time. I think January is a good date as well, since it gives you winter break to study.