I am based in NYC and unable to travel faraway states. At this point, there is still no slot open for April. Originally, I was studying for an April test date. I am getting worried as we are getting close to April. If I can't take the test in April, is it going to be too late for applying 2025-2026 cycle? Going to apply both MD and DO. Thank you for your advice.
Is May 3rd MCAT too late for 2025-2026 cycle?
- Thread starter mmssjj
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2011
- Messages
- 26,015
- Reaction score
- 19,178
May dates are okay.
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2024
- Messages
- 137
- Reaction score
- 115
For the 2025-2026 cycle, a May test date is fine. You'll be wanting to ensure that you have the other parts of your primary application completed by or close to around then. That way, you're ready to go at the earliest.
Focus on your test, get the best score possible, and don't stress about the date.
Focus on your test, get the best score possible, and don't stress about the date.
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2013
- Messages
- 2,465
- Reaction score
- 1,903
Ideally you would take your test in April or earlier because you'd get your score back in May (or earlier) and it would help you in selecting competitive schools to apply to. You'd simply have more information. However, the world is not always ideal.
You can take it in May and choose where to apply this cycle based on your practice scores, overall competitiveness, and mission alignment. You can also apply before you get your score back and thus be "early" in the cycle. You can then add schools if based on your actual MCAT score you feel you aimed a little high or low. That's one approach. Another approach, is to initially apply to your in-state schools or one or two of your top choices so that your app is verified by AMCAS as soon as it gets the score, and then you choose additional programs to apply to with knowledge of your score, but your app is already verified.
That's the long answer. The short answer, is you don't need to postpone your application because you received your score in May.
You can take it in May and choose where to apply this cycle based on your practice scores, overall competitiveness, and mission alignment. You can also apply before you get your score back and thus be "early" in the cycle. You can then add schools if based on your actual MCAT score you feel you aimed a little high or low. That's one approach. Another approach, is to initially apply to your in-state schools or one or two of your top choices so that your app is verified by AMCAS as soon as it gets the score, and then you choose additional programs to apply to with knowledge of your score, but your app is already verified.
That's the long answer. The short answer, is you don't need to postpone your application because you received your score in May.
Thank you, I will get the score June 3rd. The application submission starts next year on May 28th. If I submit my application let's say June 4th, is it going to be late?
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2013
- Messages
- 2,465
- Reaction score
- 1,903
Not at all! There is no way that June 4th is late. It's early.
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2024
- Messages
- 137
- Reaction score
- 115
Having your app in by June 4th is, as Linda said, early. I wouldn't stress about the date, at all.
Focus on your score, that's the most important factor. You could apply on the 18th but if you're score is a few points higher, then it would more than compensate. Likewise, if you're going to get a few points lower, then applying early is not going to benefit you.
Your GPA and your MCAT are the wrecking balls of your application. They can break down doors or they can break down your application.
If your practice tests and studying align so that you know you can get a high score in May, then you should proceed with that and not worry about getting your app in by a certain time. Focus on the test!
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2010
- Messages
- 74,448
- Reaction score
- 119,456
Not at all
