Latest MCAT date in summer that doesn't hurt your chances

[bluedevil61212]

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Hey all, assuming one stays on top of the game for apps, when is the latest date in the summer that one can take the MCAT and still be competitive for top med schools?

It takes about a month for scores to be released correct?

Does it matter if you take the MCAT in August if the school's admission is non-rolling?

Thanks!

 

[chadbrochill17]

Hey all, assuming one stays on top of the game for apps, when is the latest date in the summer that one can take the MCAT and still be competitive for top med schools?

It takes about a month for scores to be released correct?

Does it matter if you take the MCAT in August if the school's admission is non-rolling?

Thanks!

I think only the very first dates in August will allow you to remain competitive, if even that late. I took the MCAT the last week of July and did not get an interview invite until a week after Thanksgiving. My friend took it 2 weeks later and did not get interviewed, despite having better GPA + MCAT score.
Also, I interviewed too late in the cycle to be able to receive pre-matches so I had to be anxious up until Feb. 1

 

[NickNaylor]

I would take it no later than the end of June; even then you're starting to be on the borderline. At schools that use aggressive rolling policies (e.g., Michigan), you'd be totally screwed if you tried to apply after taking the MCAT in August.

At non-rolling schools it doesn't matter too much, but I would still want to have my app in the pool as early as possible.

 

[metallica81788]

I would take it no later than the end of June; even then you're starting to be on the borderline. At schools that use aggressive rolling policies (e.g., Michigan), you'd be totally screwed if you tried to apply after taking the MCAT in August.

At non-rolling schools it doesn't matter too much, but I would still want to have my app in the pool as early as possible.

Agreed.

 

[gravitywave]

In an absolute sense, June. any date in July or later does potential damage.

Really though, there are only a handful of schools that are that front-end loaded. Most places I think you could get away with going complete in August. Are you thinking about Mayo/Michigan/blahblah? many non-rolling schools don't even start sending invites until August.

 

[dragon529]

I second taking it no later than end of June. You will want to be complete at schools by end of August to remain competitive with other early applicants.