Last MCAT acceptable for this cycle

[drcoonhound]

Hello Everyone,
I was wondering what is the latest possible MCAT I can take this summer for this application cycle. This will be my second MCAT exam. Would August 2 or 3 be feasible? Thanks in advance.

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[WedgeDawg]

Moving to preallo

 

[965978]

Most schools have the cutoff in September, but it is strongly discouraged to go this route because you have to juggle secondaries with preparing for the MCAT, you will likely have to submit secondaries without knowing your score, and you will be complete in October which is quite late.

 

[drcoonhound]

Most schools have the cutoff in September, but it is strongly discouraged to go this route because you have to juggle secondaries with preparing for the MCAT, you will likely have to submit secondaries without knowing your score, and you will be complete in October which is quite late.

Thanks ! So in your opinion, when should be the latest it should be taken? When are we supposed to fill in secondaries?

 

[907914]

Thanks ! So in your opinion, when should be the latest it should be taken? When are we supposed to fill in secondaries?

Preferably, you should take it by Mid-May so that you have your results back by the end of June when most schools actually get your application. However, as late as the last exam in June will allow you to still be in a competitive timeline if you submit you primary application to one dumper school so you get verified and then submit to the rest by mid July when you get your MCAT.

On that note, however, you should only sit for the MCAT when you are as prepared as you can be (ie. Once your FL scores begin to plateau).

 

[OchemOficionado]

My opinion is different than most on SDN. I will say though that the sooner your MCAT the better. I've read that July should be the latest. With that said, I personally know several students with August and September MCAT with 5-10 interviews and multiple acceptances. Small sample size, I know. It could be that those that apply late and get in have something attractive about them, or it could just be luck.

Most schools have the cutoff in September, but it is strongly discouraged to go this route because you have to juggle secondaries with preparing for the MCAT, you will likely have to submit secondaries without knowing your score, and you will be complete in October which is quite late.

September, really? I don't think so. . . likely Oct to submit a primary if we are talking about MOST schools.

 

[907914]

Thanks ! So in your opinion, when should be the latest it should be taken? When are we supposed to fill in secondaries?

You should have secondaries filled out within 2 weeks of receipt, however some schools are more linient than others. Your best bet is to have all secondaries completed by the middle to end of August. Any secondaries received after August should be completed within 2 weeks of receipt.

 

[907914]

My opinion is different than most on SDN. I will say though that the sooner your MCAT the better. I've read that July should be the latest. With that said, I personally know several students with August and September MCAT with 5-10 interviews and multiple acceptances. Small sample size, I know. It could be that those that apply late and get in have something attractive about them, or it could just be luck.

To add to that sample size, the two students at my university that had September MCATs both applied to 15 schools with a 515 and a 508 and 3.8 and 3.6 respectively. Neither have received any interviews.

 

[DiscusKeeper]

I took mine in July because of some health issues that came up, meaning my application wasn't complete until August. It ended up working out, but that's because I was a great candidate for my state school and that's where I ended up going. I feel like taking it in July made the rest of my application cycle harder and probably cost me at least a few interviews. If you're gonna have to take it later than June, I'd look into waiting another cycle. Absolutely do not take it before you're ready, even if that means delaying applying for a year. You will know you are ready when you are scoring in your target range on practice exams. If you are not scoring near where you want to be scoring, then you are not ready. Obviously, some practice tests are better predictors than others, but there are numerous threads dedicated to those topics that you can read about.

 

[OchemOficionado]

To add to that sample size, the two students at my university that had September MCATs both applied to 15 schools with a 515 and a 508 and 3.8 and 3.6 respectively. Neither have received any interviews.

Oh, no. That's the problem with such a small small size. Haha. Also, the people I am referring all applied to 30+ schools.

 

[965978]

My opinion is different than most on SDN. I will say though that the sooner your MCAT the better. I've read that July should be the latest. With that said, I personally know several students with August and September MCAT with 5-10 interviews and multiple acceptances. Small sample size, I know. It could be that those that apply late and get in have something attractive about them, or it could just be luck.



September, really? I don't think so. . . likely Oct to submit a primary if we are talking about MOST schools.

I wasn’t referring to the primary. I was referring to the last MCAT exam accepted. Because that was OP’s primary question.

 

[907914]

The major thing to keep in mind, in undergrad a deadline means that is when things start getting reviewed. In the application cycle, the deadlines mean that is your last chance to be reviewed.

The app cycle is your time to start living by the philosophy of “on time is late, early is on time” or “If you’re not first, your last.”

With the competitive nature of this whole shebang, the earlier you are with everything the better. However, don’t do anything you are not ready for.

 

[OchemOficionado]

I wasn’t referring to the primary. I was referring to the last MCAT exam accepted. Because that was OP’s primary question.

Ok, gotcha. September is the last month AAMC offers the MCAT each year anyway so I didn't think you were referring to that. And you mentioned secondaries while studying for the MCAT so I just assumed you were discussing the primary cut off date. Either way, OP wouldn't have to apply without their score at all, or to more than one school, or do a single secondary before the MCAT regardless of when the MCAT is taken.

 

[965978]

Ok, gotcha. September is the last month AAMC offers the MCAT each year anyway so I didn't think you were referring to that.

There is an extremely small minority of schools that will take the first MCAT offered in January

 

[OchemOficionado]

There is an extremely small minority of schools that will take the first MCAT offered in January

Yes, that's true. That's the first month of the next year. I edited my response while you were responding, my bad. Was trying to better explain my confusion/comment.

 

[907914]

There is an extremely small minority of schools that will take the first MCAT offered in January

To many of my fellow students, I recommend they take the September one just before school starts or the January one just after winter break if they intend on taking a gap year. That way, you can have either the entire summer or all of winter break for studying.

 

[965978]

To many of my fellow students, I recommend they take the September one just before school starts or the January one just after winter break if they intend on taking a gap year. That way, you can have either the entire summer or all of winter break for studying.

Your score would be valid for an additional cycle if you take it in January!

 

[masterchiefk57]

Hello Everyone,
I was wondering what is the latest possible MCAT I can take this summer for this application cycle. This will be my second MCAT exam. Would August 2 or 3 be feasible? Thanks in advance.

I did a retake in September of 2018, submitted my primary to 16 schools the day before the deadline (November 1st). A few days after being verified, the secondaries came in, and I completed 9/16 all by late November, early December. I got 5 II, and I currently have 3 acceptances, and 1 waitlist position, and I am hoping for one more acceptance.

With that said, I never even considered submitting my primary until I got my score back. I could have been prepared to submit in mid-october, but I was planning on forgoing the cycle because I know just how late I was going to be even if I did submit the day I received my MCAT score. The only reason I even applied was because a few of my mentors that serve on admission committees that said my overall application and strategic selection would get me into medical school. I had a friend that submitted early last summer before receiving his retake back and got no interviews. As I do not know what your application looks like, I strongly advise you to be cautious.

In other words, do not rush it. I know this is coming from a guy who applied very late in the cycle, but I believe I had a great overall application. And even still, I wasn't even able to submit applications to many of my top choices simply because I missed their secondary deadlines and/or casper score deadlines. (Some have mid October deadlines) Put your best foot forward, I promise, you'll thank yourself for it. When you're going to spend a grand or more on just apps, and a few thousand on traveling to interviews if your fortunate enough, you want to know you have put your best foot forward.

Furthermore, if you force it, you could really do harm to your candidacy. Not saying being a re-applicant is a bad thing because literally almost every other matriculant is a re-applicant, but what if you don't do as well on the retake? Now you're viewed as an impatient and rash, and some who isn't willing to take the time to properly prepare. Or what if you decide to submit late like I did, but the schools your gunning for have filled all their interview slots by then? Or what if you get a late interview, only to be put on the waitlist and never come off? You've spent thousands of dollars, and could have had a MUCH higher year if you apply early next cycle.

 

[deleted804295]

AMCAS sends everything to schools around June 29th. It takes a month for MCAT scores to be released so in order to have your application seen in the first wave the absolute latest in order to be considered on time should be end of May.

If you like playing with chance then I guess you can push it back later.

 

[OchemOficionado]

AMCAS sends everything to schools around June 29th. It takes a month for MCAT scores to be released so in order to have your application seen in the first wave the absolute latest in order to be considered on time should be end of May.

If you like playing with chance then I guess you can push it back later.

On time is in before Labor Day (primary and secondaries).

It's not true that your app will be seen in the first wave if you submit early enough. It's a misconception that apps are reviewed in the exact order received, hence why some folks get complete silence for months on end and others that submitted after them may have an II before they even get a secondary. A lot of schools don't even begin to look at apps until late July or early August and each school stratifies the apps they receive and sort by what they find the most important. Early is great, but it isn't the only acceptable way to apply.

 

[masterchiefk57]

On time is in before Labor Day (primary and secondaries).

It's not true that your app will be seen in the first wave if you submit early enough. It's a misconception that apps are reviewed in the exact order received, hence why some folks get complete silence for months on end and others that submitted after them may have an II before they even get a secondary. A lot of schools don't even begin to look at apps until late July or early August and each school stratifies the apps they receive and sort by what they find the most important. Early is great, but it isn't the only acceptable way to apply.

Most certainly. I submitted in November and interviewed with people marked complete since June. I will say, it’s still a gamble to spend thousands of dollars and hope you have the unique characteristics they are looking for.

 

[OchemOficionado]

Most certainly. I submitted in November and interviewed with people marked compete since June. I will say, it’s still a gamble to spend thousands of dollars and hope you have the unique characteristics they are switching for.

Totally agree with that. I just want to work on the narrative that's pushed that if you don't submit in June you're a goner. Trying to normalize that complete by late August or early Sept is fine.

 

[907914]

Totally agree with that. I just want to work on the narrative that's pushed that if you don't submit in June you're a goner. Trying to normalize that complete by late August or early Sept is fine.

You are by no means a goner if you don't apply in June. However, if you want to have the most flexibility in interview scheduling and the highest likelihood of having your application picked out of the pile while interview slots are still available, then the earlier the better. By September, most schools have the majority of their interview slots already full.

 

[OchemOficionado]

You are by no means a goner if you don't apply in June. However, if you want to have the most flexibility in interview scheduling and the highest likelihood of having your application picked out of the pile while interview slots are still available, then the earlier the better. By September, most schools have the majority of their interview slots already full.

True, def agree with the flexibility and even the possibility of having answers sooner. Yup, most interviews are doled out by August, I think, yet many schools interview through Feb so it's not like they run out of spots though.

 

[907914]

True, def agree with the flexibility and even the possibility of having answers sooner. Yup, most interviews are doled out by August, I think, yet many schools interview through Feb so it's not like they run out of spots though.

True, but if there are 500 interview slots for 2,000 early applicants and only 150 interview slots for 3,000 late applicants the odds of being seen are much greater in the early boat than the late one. That is why high stats or desirable applicants do not have to worry, as either way they will get an interview. However, for the average applicant, 1/4 chance at interview is much better than the 1/20 chance of applying late.

Additionally, even the interviews conducted in February were likely scheduled prior to November (indicating a student submitted early enough to have their secondaries in before the end of October).

 

[masterchiefk57]

True, but if there are 500 interview slots for 2,000 early applicants and only 150 interview slots for 3,000 late applicants the odds of being seen are much greater in the early boat than the late one. That is why high stats or desirable applicants do not have to worry, as either way they will get an interview. However, for the average applicant, 1/4 chance at interview is much better than the 1/20 chance of applying late.

Additionally, even the interviews conducted in February were likely scheduled prior to November (indicating a student submitted early enough to have their secondaries in before the end of October).

It’s tough because you're spending so much money with significantly decreased odd that stem from an easily solved problem, yet, forgoing a whole year is a big deal in itself. Not that you have to apply at a certain time, but I do understand the desire to start medical school as quick as possible.

 

[OchemOficionado]

True, but if there are 500 interview slots for 2,000 early applicants and only 150 interview slots for 3,000 late applicants the odds of being seen are much greater in the early boat than the late one. That is why high stats or desirable applicants do not have to worry, as either way they will get an interview. However, for the average applicant, 1/4 chance at interview is much better than the 1/20 chance of applying late.

Additionally, even the interviews conducted in February were likely scheduled prior to November (indicating a student submitted early enough to have their secondaries in before the end of October).

To be clear. I not aruging that people should apply late.

I think a few things have to be kept in mind. 1. The committee can only look at so many apps a week, 2. Not everyone that is offered an interview attends it. Also, the stats I've seen on interview invites are regarding when they are extended, not when they actually take place but maybe you've seen something different. n = 1, but I had 3 late interviews and they were scheduled in both December and Feb.

EDIT: If you spend some time on the school specific threads I think you'll find that your last assertion is not true.

 

[masterchiefk57]

To be clear. I not aruging that people should apply late.

I think a few things have to be kept in mind. 1. The committee can only look at so many apps a week, 2. Not everyone that is offered an interview attends it. Also, the stats I've seen on interview invites are regarding when they are extended, not when they actually take place but maybe you've seen something different. n = 1, but I had 3 late interviews and they were scheduled in both December and Feb.

True, I had an interview invite in early February...but again, there’s context to that. We don’t know OP’s application, his MCAT, his gpa, etc. A director told me that late applicants have to really stand out/align perfectly with the institutions mission simply because, due to the limited remaining spots, they have to be even more selective than starting off.

 

[OchemOficionado]

True, I had an interview invite in early February...but again, there’s context to that. We don’t know OP’s application, his MCAT, his gpa, etc. A director told me that late applicants have to really stand out/align perfectly with the institutions mission simply because, due to the limited remaining spots, they have to be even more selective than starting off.

Probably true. My guess is that the people that get the most love with a late app are vets, URM and high stats.

 

[masterchiefk57]

Probably true. My guess is that the people that get the most love with a late app are vets, URM and high stats.

Perhaps OP could shed more light on their application, and we could discern any similarities between our apps that we can reasonably attribute to our success with later interviews?

 

[907914]

Probably true. My guess is that the people that get the most love with a late app are vets, URM and high stats.

You are spot on with that last assertion. Had a friend this last cycle who was Vet, URM and High MCAT (514 MCAT with 3.5ish GPA). Submitted Primary in September - 17 II, 14 attended, 12 acceptances….

Thank you for correcting my original assertion.

As far as waiting another year, unless an applicant is >24 YO, has a spouse/child, or lives in an area with a poor job market and cannot afford to move - the extra year is well worth it to maximize chances. I am in all three of those boats, and thus will be applying without my senior year grades/without a gap year. That may be why I have such a bias towards early APP.

 

[masterchiefk57]

You are spot on with that last assertion. Had a friend this last cycle who was Vet, URM and High MCAT (514 MCAT with 3.5ish GPA). Submitted Primary in September - 17 II, 14 attended, 12 acceptances….

Thank you for correcting my original assertion.

As far as waiting another year, unless an applicant is >24 YO, has a spouse/child, or lives in an area with a poor job market and cannot afford to move - the extra year is well worth it to maximize chances. I am in all three of those boats, and thus will be applying without my senior year grades/without a gap year. That may be why I have such a bias towards early APP.

I would push an applicant to be considerate of their application even in such circumstances. OP stated they are retaking the MCAT. What was their first score? It is not likely that Adcoms give an applicant a pass for a lower MCAT score or low gpa because they are 25+ or are married with kids. You still have to prove to them you are willing and ready to take on the rigors of medical school. I don’t think there’s a particular age or life stage deadline in which one must have appplied to medical school. The right time is the point at which you are a competitive applicant, and you do your best to maximize that competitiveness by applying early.

 

[OchemOficionado]

Perhaps OP could shed more light on their application, and we could discern any similarities between our apps that we can reasonably attribute to our success with later interviews?

For an August MCAT that would be a good idea. If OP can take it in July and be complete by first week of Sept then they are still on time and don't have to worry too much. Just the regular amount of worry, lol.

 

[907914]

For an August MCAT that would be a good idea. If OP can take it in July and be complete by first week of Sept then they are still on time and don't have to worry too much. Just the regular amount of worry, lol.

Could OP submit primary to one dumper school in the beginning so that the application is verified already, then take MCAT mid July, submit primary to the rest of the schools Mid August?

 

[OchemOficionado]

Could OP submit primary to one dumper school in the beginning so that the application is verified already, then take MCAT mid July, submit primary to the rest of the schools Mid August?

Of course. That's the best way to go about it when you're waiting on a score (gonnif will disagree). My throwaway school was Harvard. Still get emails from AMCAS about assigning LORs to that school. Lol.

 

[907914]

Of course. That's the best way to go about it when you're waiting on a score (gonnif will disagree). My throwaway school was Harvard. Still get emails from AMCAS about assigning LORs to that school. Lol.

Were I in that situation, I would pick something like Mississippi (? I think it is that one...) Where they do not accept applications from out of state

 

[masterchiefk57]

Were I in that situation, I would pick something like Mississippi (? I think it is that one...) Where they do not accept applications from out of state

Roger that, Marshal in Michigan, North carolina, are two others I know only accept in-state

 

[lalalallala]

I didn't read the previous posts bc there were a lot but here is my 2 cents.

To maximize your chances you should try to have your app done in July and August. By your app I mean your letters, secondaries, MCAT, primary, etc.

I took the MCAT in late may. turned my AMCAS in with only one school listed on June 1st. Got my MCAT score back in June and did well enough so I added the rest of my schools to my app. Everything was verified and good to go by the time the first secondaries were sent out in late June and I had no delays in completing everything for my app by end of July.

I would say July would be the latest you should take the MCAT. I don't think September is a good idea at all. It is very time consuming and expensive to apply and you want to do it when you have the very best chance to get in. If you wait too late in the cycle to have your application complete, then you may have to apply again and at that point you will have to repay all the secondaries and write all new essays and show how you improved since the last time you applied. Sounds like a pain - so just try to maximize your chances the first time.

If your first MCAT wasn't that bad then you could submit your app with your first MCAT and then it would be updated with your later MCAT. That would be an option if you didn't do completely horrible the first time and just want to show improvement

 

[masterchiefk57]

If you wait too late in the cycle to have your application complete, then you may have to apply again and at that point you will have to repay all the secondaries and write all new essays and show how you improved since the last time you applied.

I think you brought up an important aspect that we didn't mention - improvement. Re-applying is not as easy as re-uploading essays. You will have to make sure you showed growth and progress from the last time you applied and re-write essays, on top of spending the money again. It's not as easy as recycling what you worked tirelessly to prepare the last cycle.

 

[IsleyOfTheNorth]

However, as late as the last exam in June will allow you to still be in a competitive timeline if you submit you primary application to one dumper school so you get verified and then submit to the rest by mid July when you get your MCAT.

What would be a good "dumper" school? I assume somewhere you have no chance of getting in? I'm taking my MCAT at the end of May which I'm guessing means I'll have to go this route.

 

[OchemOficionado]

What would be a good "dumper" school? I assume somewhere you have no chance of getting in? I'm taking my MCAT at the end of May which I'm guessing means I'll have to go this route.

That or somewhere you would absolutely never go. Oh, and you don't have to go that route. Can you put 100% of your focus on your MCAT and then worry about your primary app. You'd still be on time.

 

[907914]

What would be a good "dumper" school? I assume somewhere you have no chance of getting in? I'm taking my MCAT at the end of May which I'm guessing means I'll have to go this route.

If you are not a Washington state resident, apply to ESFCOM as a dumper school.

At their conference last weekend, they like to throw out the number of non-Washington residents who don’t look at their website lol

 

[IsleyOfTheNorth]

That or somewhere you would absolutely never go.

Isn't that dangerous though? I suppose I could just decline any interviews. Is there any danger in that?

 

[907914]

Isn't that dangerous though? I suppose I could just decline any interviews. Is there any danger in that?

Apply somewhere like ESFCOM where you will NOT get an interview. Or even a secondary.

 

[OchemOficionado]

Isn't that dangerous though? I suppose I could just decline any interviews. Is there any danger in that?

How is it dangerous. My throwaway was Harvard. I knew I had 0% chance of getting in. I got a secondary, because everyone does, and didn't complete it. No danger in declining interviews if you have an acceptance already. Either way, you wouldn't get an interview invite without your score.

 

[IsleyOfTheNorth]

My throwaway was Harvard. I knew I had 0% chance of getting in.

So I guess it becomes "Which school is the cheapest to apply to?" Or are they all standardized?
(Or rather, cheap and impossible to get into.)

Edit: Nevermind. I just looked it up. For anyone else: The first school you apply to is included in the general application cost.

 

[907914]

So I guess it becomes "Which school is the cheapest to apply to?" Or are they all standardized?
(Or rather, cheap and impossible to get into.)

Edit: Nevermind. I just looked it up. For anyone else: The first school you apply to is included in the general application cost.

If you want to fill out the secondary for your throw away school or S&G, USHSU has no secondary fee, same with Carlisle Illinois.

 

[deleted804295]

You are spot on with that last assertion. Had a friend this last cycle who was Vet, URM and High MCAT (514 MCAT with 3.5ish GPA). Submitted Primary in September - 17 II, 14 attended, 12 acceptances….

Thank you for correcting my original assertion.

As far as waiting another year, unless an applicant is >24 YO, has a spouse/child, or lives in an area with a poor job market and cannot afford to move - the extra year is well worth it to maximize chances. I am in all three of those boats, and thus will be applying without my senior year grades/without a gap year. That may be why I have such a bias towards early APP.

Holy wow.

 

[lalalallala]

What would be a good "dumper" school? I assume somewhere you have no chance of getting in? I'm taking my MCAT at the end of May which I'm guessing means I'll have to go this route.

I put my state school down as my one school that I submitted my primary with. I did this because I knew that whatever score I got I was still going to apply to my state school. Other people put a school that they would never get in to or go to and that way if they do horribly on the MCAT they can pull out their primary app and not be considered a reapplicant next time when they apply to all the schools they want to go to (and then they don't have to rewrite their essays or show how much they improved)