For those of you that frequent this site, you may consider spending some time looking at other Official _____ MCAT threads. For example, if you go check out the posts for the Official June 18th MCAT thread, you may notice that they (or at least a majority of them) came out of their test feeling remarkably close to how we felt about ours. I think they generally thought the BS section was hardest and that they had at least a few passages based more on tricky experimental setup (like our starving fly passage) than the expected hormones, kidney, orgo, etc. passages. Also, I recommend looking back at this test date specifically because it is the most recent test taken that has received their scores. So you can compare how they felt after their test with how they actually did. July 2nd test takers get their scores on Aug 4th so you can check that out in a couple days. Obviously, those that did better than not are more likely to post their scores, so remember it likely isn't representative of all test takers for that given test date. Typically, people will post their average practice test scores (usually aamc tests are most closely related), the way they felt coming out of their real test, their anticipated score, and then what they actually got. Either way, you clearly have the time to stalk this thread, so you may try to spend less time worrying about our test, and more time investigating recent test pools. If anything, it's a small distraction that may make you feel a little bit better.
Also, for those you that plan on waiting for your score before you decide to apply, I have some advice. As is mentioned elsewhere on SDN, you can submit your application to just one school and then add others on later as you wish. The beauty of this is that you can get your application rolling while you wait for your test scores and decide if and where you want to apply in a month. Remember, application submission opened in June (July for some schools), so many people have already submitted or will very soon submit their application. Hence the reason that during peak submission times, they tell you to expect several (as many as six I think) weeks for your application to process and be verified. So if you are pretty sure you want to apply this year, but are waiting on test scores to confirm where you have a fighting chance, then this is a viable option. Also, for those that feel like they might not have done very well and may just retake and apply next year, you can always just submit to one school, and then withdraw your application when you find out your score if you are not happy with it. The caveat to this strategy is that I believe you can't add more LOR (letters of rec) after you press submit. Also, it requies you to be willing to spend the initial submission fees. Additionally, for anyone that is interested in dual degree programs, you can add additional schools post submission and check which dual program you want. This should then let you add your additional essays (i.e. the two extra essays required for MD/PhD). So instead of worrying about your score, try to fill out your application (entering transcripts, personal essay, work/activities, etc.) and relax a bit. If anything, if you decide to postpone applying until next year, you have already done most of the hard work already.
And one more thing: For the sake of your sanity, try to avoid succumbing to even more stress by having a backup plan. Even if you get interviews, you will still likely be asked "What if you don't get in? What do plan to do?" Do yourself a favor and apply to another program of interest to you (i.e. DO, PA, Master's, PhD, etc.). Clearly all (okay well most) of you are hard-working, determined, and very competent, so you are qualified for other programs as well. This is especially true for those of you that racked up a hefty list of non-fluff experiences (i.e. research, volunteering...) and maintained a decent gpa. Trust me, if you are qualified to apply to to med school, you are definitely qualified to apply to grad school. That being said, try to pick something you would like to do 'in the meantime.' For example, just because you qualify for a Master's program, does not mean it will be worth the money, time, or effort if you 1) hate research, 2) didn't really like you major and can't stand the thought of taking more classes related to it.
For all us that survived the July 31st MCAT, I wish each of you the best of luck!
That sucks!!
