July MCAT/ Please help

[PAGuyana]

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Would taking this MCAT be too late in the cycle? Especially given that the results won't be available until August and most people are rushing to take the thing in April. As non-traditionals, are we in separate category altogether or are we under the same time pressure considerations as the other pre-meds? I would like to take a bio class during the first half of summer so i can have the best chances for the MCAT, but if it's mostly about applying early then what's the use? Please help

 

[clsr2nrvna]

i'm in the same boat: Bio first part of summer, MCAT in July. I don't think it's THAT horrible to take it in July...besides it's still sooner that August...especially with them offering MCAT 4-5 times in August. Most people have summer classes that run until august, and then they take this late summer MCAT. But lucky for me, my school offers mini-mesters in summer!

KATiE
PS> U from PA?

 

[dr1day]

Before, the problem with taking the MCAT in August was that you didn't get your scores back until October, so if that was the first time you'd taken it, schools would wait until then to review your app. Now that's it computerized, I think it only takes a month to get your scores back. August isn't late (despite what everybody else on this board says). Submit AMCAS in June (or as early as possible) so at least your grades will be verified and then when scores come out, they'll add that to your app and it to your designated schools.

Just my .02.

 

[chopstick1]

Before, the problem with taking the MCAT in August was that you didn't get your scores back until October, so if that was the first time you'd taken it, schools would wait until then to review your app. Now that's it computerized, I think it only takes a month to get your scores back. August isn't late (despite what everybody else on this board says). Submit AMCAS in June (or as early as possible) so at least your grades will be verified and then when scores come out, they'll add that to your app and it to your designated schools.

Just my .02.

absolutely, apply as fast as possible. at least that gets the paper work started, then add in your scores. or if you're unsure of your scores, have everything entered on AACOMAS/AMCAS, save it, then just enter your scores and you'll be done with a push of a button

 

[scpod]

...but if it's mostly about applying early then what's the use? Please help

It's not "mostly about applying early." People with good MCATs, GPAs, ECs, and LORs are accepted all the way until April of the next year in many schools. Time can become more important if you are suffering in one or more of those areas, though. I know a bunch of people in my class who interviewed really late and got in. People are kind of under a slight misconception that they have a better chance in getting accepted in September or October because more total seats are available. That may be slightly true, however, schools know that quality people apply all year long and they save seats for those people. That's why they interview until April and also why they have alternate or waiting lists. There are more than enough candidates to meet the expectations of the individual schools-- they just have to decide on which ones will fill the last few slots. If you don't meet the school's expectations, then it doesn't matter when you apply. However, since the process is a loooooong one, getting it started early is the best decision of all. Why waste time?

 

[ntmed]

Would taking this MCAT be too late in the cycle?

Take the MCAT only after you are ready. You want to do your best on it. Applying early with bad a MCAT score will not help you.

However, the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting into medical school. As someone who served on an adcom, this has been my experience.

So take the MCAT in July, as you are planning, and do your best. You can still get in. But be prepared to reapply next year on June 1st (the first day applications are accepted), just in case.

 

[ORBeaver]

Some great advice here.

I have the added complication in that the Oregon university system
starts late and runs until June 14! Very inconvenient.

As a nontrad, I feel constantly like I'm behind and that adds to the urge
to rush things and take the April MCAT.