MCAT Canceled

[stressed student024]

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My MCAT on the 27th has been canceled. I saw that the April 4th test has been canceled too. I was able to reschedule for May 9th, but I am seeing on twitter that some people are getting their tests canceled as late as May 16th by their testing centers, so my hopes are not high. I am insanely frustrated. I, like many of you, have been studying for months and sacrificing a lot for this test. In addition, I am worried that this is going to force me to push off applying for a year. I know that COVID-19 is serious and that there are significantly bigger concerns than a girl and her MCAT, but man, this really sucks. Guess I am just seeing if anyone is in the same boat as me at this point. I really am worrying about not being able to apply anymore.

 

[science789]

Hi! I am frustrated too. My MCAT on march 27th has been cancelled as well 🙁. I could not even sign up for any new dates because they are all taken. Were you able to sign up?

 

[sadie4900]

Hi. I had my exam scheduled for 04/04 and its was also cancelled. I barely got a date on 06/19 and since I won't be getting my results till 07/11, is it completely pointless now to wish to apply for this application cycle? I feel like another year has gone to a waste with this predicament. Yes corona-virus is a scare but in my head, this exam is one of the major stepping stones in my life that has been the past few months of my life. Studying for it has taken a toll and everyone is saying, this gives you more time to study but they don't understand. My head is still exploding with all the content I have learned and I was anticipating finally letting it all out on the exam and now I have just added 2 more months to it.

 

[stressed student024]

Hi! I am frustrated too. My MCAT on march 27th has been cancelled as well 🙁. I could not even sign up for any new dates because they are all taken. Were you able to sign up?

Yes, I was able to sign up for one on May 9th, but I have a sinking feeling that it will also be canceled. I know a lot of the June/July test dates are already filled, so I don't know what is going to happen if the May date gets canceled for me.

 

[stressed student024]

Hi. I had my exam scheduled for 04/04 and its was also cancelled. I barely got a date on 06/19 and since I won't be getting my results till 07/11, is it completely pointless now to wish to apply for this application cycle? I feel like another year has gone to a waste with this predicament. Yes corona-virus is a scare but in my head, this exam is one of the major stepping stones in my life that has been the past few months of my life. Studying for it has taken a toll and everyone is saying, this gives you more time to study but they don't understand. My head is still exploding with all the content I have learned and I was anticipating finally letting it all out on the exam and now I have just added 2 more months to it.

This is exactly where I am. For the past four months, I have had to miss out on a lot of life in order to study and prepare. For the sake of my mental health, I was ready to be done with the exam, but like you, I have to drag it out, and I am slightly worried about depression/anxiety because of this. I truly have no idea about applying anymore. I am scheduled to take it May 9th, but I am sure that will likely be canceled, and after that, I do not know if there will be any more slots for me to take it in time to apply. I would like to think that the AAMC is going to do something to accommodate for people like us, but so far I have heard nothing. And yes, COVID-19 is very serious, so I am glad that the country is reacting appropriately. I don't want to sound like I don't care about people's live because I certainly do, and I know that there are more important concerns than the MCAT. However, it REALLY sucks. I really hope your studying continues to go well, my friend. Hopefully, actions are taken to accommodate for missed tests and such. Feel free to DM me if you need to talk some more.

 

[bnc66]

Is there any way that aamc would waive the mcat as a requirement? I’m from Texas and most colleges here have done that for sat and act, although I get that that’s a totally different story. I’m even more pissed bc I actually took the mcat last year and decided to apply in the next cycle for several reasons, one being the chance to improve my mcat. If they actually do waive the mcat and I don’t get a chance to retake after dedicating so much time to retaking I’m afraid I’ll still be evaluated using my old mcat score, I won’t get the opportunity to retake, and the majority of people in this cycle will luck out and not have to take it. Or maybe they will just extend the deadlines/interview dates into later in the year? I have no clue, sending major anti anxiety vibes to all of this in this position....

 

[Thriver_MD]

Is there any way that aamc would waive the mcat as a requirement? I’m from Texas and most colleges here have done that for sat and act, although I get that that’s a totally different story. I’m even more pissed bc I actually took the mcat last year and decided to apply in the next cycle for several reasons, one being the chance to improve my mcat. If they actually do waive the mcat and I don’t get a chance to retake after dedicating so much time to retaking I’m afraid I’ll still be evaluated using my old mcat score, I won’t get the opportunity to retake, and the majority of people in this cycle will luck out and not have to take it. Or maybe they will just extend the deadlines/interview dates into later in the year? I have no clue, sending major anti anxiety vibes to all of this in this position....

I am also planning to retake the MCAT before reapplying this summer and have the same worry. I am scheduled for April 24th and am worried it will be canceled and trying to find a later slot, but there aren't any. I am concerned about having to wait another full year to reapply as well. However, there are alot of unknowns right now. Everything is probably going to be pushed back. There is no way to know right now. (The things I tell myself so I can sleep at night lol)

 

[OrthopedicNeurosurgeon99]

Is there any way that aamc would waive the mcat as a requirement? I’m from Texas and most colleges here have done that for sat and act, although I get that that’s a totally different story. I’m even more pissed bc I actually took the mcat last year and decided to apply in the next cycle for several reasons, one being the chance to improve my mcat. If they actually do waive the mcat and I don’t get a chance to retake after dedicating so much time to retaking I’m afraid I’ll still be evaluated using my old mcat score, I won’t get the opportunity to retake, and the majority of people in this cycle will luck out and not have to take it. Or maybe they will just extend the deadlines/interview dates into later in the year? I have no clue, sending major anti anxiety vibes to all of this in this position....

Yes waive the MCAT, dumbest thing I've ever heard lol.

Sent from my SM-G960U using SDN mobile

 

[bnc66]

Yes waive the MCAT, dumbest thing I've ever heard lol.

Sent from my SM-G960U using SDN mobile

The growing trend in admissions is going away from standardized testing in general
And crazier **** can happen. A month ago I don’t think any of us were thinking these cancellations would happen
... so not really

 

[wysdoc]

Hi! I am frustrated too. My MCAT on march 27th has been cancelled as well 🙁. I could not even sign up for any new dates because they are all taken. Were you able to sign up?

Right now 2 dates (March 27 and April 4, nationwide) have been cancelled, so the best you can do is reschedule for a May or June date and check back on official sources for updates.
MCAT and COVID-19

 

[stressed student024]

Yes waive the MCAT, dumbest thing I've ever heard lol.

Sent from my SM-G960U using SDN mobile

Agreed. I think AAMC waiving the MCAT is about as likely as a snowball surviving in hell. Not entirely sure what'll happen, but I would imagine that a lot of people, myself included, may just have to wait to apply or apply late since that is how rolling admissions are designed to work.

 

[stressed student024]

I am also planning to retake the MCAT before reapplying this summer and have the same worry. I am scheduled for April 24th and am worried it will be canceled and trying to find a later slot, but there aren't any. I am concerned about having to wait another full year to reapply as well. However, there are alot of unknowns right now. Everything is probably going to be pushed back. There is no way to know right now. (The things I tell myself so I can sleep at night lol)

Exactly. I am trying to take this one day at a time. Hopefully they can offer more seats at tests/more tests dates to accommodate for missed tests if needed. I have no idea how AAMC will react, but I am hoping we start finding out soon.

 

[science789]

Yes as of now I am also just waiting to hear what AAMC has to say before I start signing up for June test dates. I really hope we all get to apply this cycle! We got this! Also, I am thinking should I register for the June MCAT just incase :/. I am so confused 🙁

 

[KnightDoc]

My MCAT on the 27th has been canceled. I saw that the April 4th test has been canceled too. I was able to reschedule for May 9th, but I am seeing on twitter that some people are getting their tests canceled as late as May 16th by their testing centers, so my hopes are not high. I am insanely frustrated. I, like many of you, have been studying for months and sacrificing a lot for this test. In addition, I am worried that this is going to force me to push off applying for a year. I know that COVID-19 is serious and that there are significantly bigger concerns than a girl and her MCAT, but man, this really sucks. Guess I am just seeing if anyone is in the same boat as me at this point. I really am worrying about not being able to apply anymore.

I would urge you not to push off applying for a year over this. Remember -- this is affecting everyone, not just you. While I'm sure both AAMC and the schools don't know how long this is going to last, or what accommodations they are ultimately going to be forced to make, I'm positive they will do something to salvage the upcoming cycle.

Don't be surprised if the May dates (maybe even June and July) will also be cancelled (I see you are kind of expecting that), and think of the impact that will have if all tests between now and June are cancelled. There are seven dates between 4/24-5/29 (all of which will impact the next cycle) and four additional dates in June (many of which will involve people testing for the next cycle).

I'd be willing to bet that application deadlines will be extended (maybe even the start of the cycle will be pushed back?), and the cycle will go way longer than normal next year. Just think of how many people will be precluded from applying next year if all MCATs between now and the end of May or June are cancelled, and the schools and AAMC don't do something with deadlines and additional test dates! It will totally screw up their cycle, and they will never allow that to happen. If it were me, I would have rescheduled for July or August in anticipation of this before all of those dates are gone, but I also expect that, assuming they cancel more dates, they will add dates once they resume testing.

Hang in there, and don't give up on applying next year!!! 🙂

 

[mhussaini1]

Hopefully the quarantine we're currently in will slow things down. However, if this pandemic will last throughout the summer, then I feel like we'd be forced to apply for next year's cycle which is going to suck knowing that our plans are being postponed to a virus 🙁

 

[RTC19]

I am not taking the MCAT until next year (hopefully, so long as they don't cancel summer school causing me to move my test date/application cycle), but I am really sorry this happened, @stressed student024.This decision could save the lives of any students on immunosuppressants, but I know on an individual level it really hurts.

Hang in there. *hug*

 

[stressed student024]

I am not taking the MCAT until next year (hopefully, so long as they don't cancel summer school causing me to move my test date/application cycle), but I am really sorry this happened, @stressed student024.This decision could save the lives of any students on immunosuppressants, but I know on an individual level it really hurts.

Hang in there. *hug*

Without a doubt it is the right thing to do, and I truly hope that I have not come off as not caring about that. It affects everyone in some way, and my situation could be a lot worse than having to worry about my MCAT, but yes, it does still stink. Thanks for the kind words!

 

[RTC19]

Without a doubt it is the right thing to do, and I truly hope that I have not come off as not caring about that. It affects everyone in some way, and my situation could be a lot worse than having to worry about my MCAT, but yes, it does still stink. Thanks for the kind words!

You didn't come off as not caring at all! 🙂

 

[TheDataKing]

hey everyone - let's keep it civil, please. I know everyone is confused about what's going on at the moment and tensions are high but let's be professional 🙂

 

[stressed student024]

I would urge you not to push off applying for a year over this. Remember -- this is affecting everyone, not just you. While I'm sure both AAMC and the schools don't know how long this is going to last, or what accommodations they are ultimately going to be forced to make, I'm positive they will do something to salvage the upcoming cycle.

Don't be surprised if the May dates (maybe even June and July) will also be cancelled (I see you are kind of expecting that), and think of the impact that will have if all tests between now and June are cancelled. There are seven dates between 4/24-5/29 (all of which will impact the next cycle) and four additional dates in June (many of which will involve people testing for the next cycle).

I'd be willing to bet that application deadlines will be extended (maybe even the start of the cycle will be pushed back?), and the cycle will go way longer than normal next year. Just think of how many people will be precluded from applying next year if all MCATs between now and the end of May or June are cancelled, and the schools and AAMC don't do something with deadlines and additional test dates! It will totally screw up their cycle, and they will never allow that to happen. If it were me, I would have rescheduled for July or August in anticipation of this before all of those dates are gone, but I also expect that, assuming they cancel more dates, they will add dates once they resume testing.

Hang in there, and don't give up on applying next year!!! 🙂

I am still planning to apply this cycle. I am expecting my new May test to be cancelled, and if it does, I will go from there. I would also like to think that they will add more June tests or something to compensate for all of the cancelled exams, but I will just have to wait and see. Thank you for the optimism. It was much needed!

 

[GreenDuck12]

Hi. I had my exam scheduled for 04/04 and its was also cancelled. I barely got a date on 06/19 and since I won't be getting my results till 07/11, is it completely pointless now to wish to apply for this application cycle? I feel like another year has gone to a waste with this predicament. Yes corona-virus is a scare but in my head, this exam is one of the major stepping stones in my life that has been the past few months of my life. Studying for it has taken a toll and everyone is saying, this gives you more time to study but they don't understand. My head is still exploding with all the content I have learned and I was anticipating finally letting it all out on the exam and now I have just added 2 more months to it.

Taking the MCAT in June is fine. SDN dramatically over emphasizes the importance of getting your application in June. Aim for having all secondaries complete by Labor Day and you will still be considered early.

That being said, after you take the MCAT, take a day off to celebrate/relax, then get to work on filling out AMCAS. You can start the application in May. Do that but don’t fret about completing it before your MCAT. Do start, however, so you can start the transcript request process with the designated forms. Make sure your personal statement is well polished.

FYI, I took the MCAT mid June, submitted primary application in August, and had no problems.

 

[mmchick]

The harsh reality is that the medical school process is a seller's market. No the MCAT won't get waived, yes many applications will get pushed a gap year, no that won't mean a delay on the process given things plateau in the next 1-2 months.. For schools, there will still be plenty of well-qualified applicants who finished their MCAT/all other app necessities well before global cancellations in the beginning of March. They will not likely shift their processes, granted that normal life routine picks up by app season, just to compensate for the rattled timelines of some applicants.

I can't imagine how stressful it is to have uncertainty surrounding one's test date, not to mention having to push off the thing to begin with when MCAT study schedule is very much a time-sensitive succession of events. I would seriously consider an extra gap year if that means a late MCAT date, running around quickly to gather the "necessities" in the short coming months, etc. that are all hectic reactions to the halt in life that everyone around the world in all industries are feeling. This is an emergent, unprecedented catastrophe for a lot of people beyond the small circle of pre-meds. Perspective is important in times like these; there are people who've lost their jobs, loved ones, or their own lives. Adjusting one's application cycle in the midst of all this seems oh so much more preferred in the face of those realities for a lot of people and for an end goal of gaining admission to medical schools that aren't going anywhere in the future.

Everyone, deep breath.

 

[I'mJustCurious]

My theory is that medical schools will be OK with waiting on an MCAT score or the cycle opens at a later date. Either case, I hope my May exam date gets cancelled hehe.

 

[gogetter898]

I rescheduled to a date in the first week of June for free when they were offering. Now i'm thinking i should've rescheduled to later in june or july. do u think may exams will be cancelled? because then I'm guessing that puts my first week of june date at risk

 

[stressed student024]

I rescheduled to a date in the first week of June for free when they were offering. Now i'm thinking i should've rescheduled to later in june or july. do u think may exams will be cancelled? because then I'm guessing that puts my first week of june date at risk

I really have no clue. I saw on twitter that some people have had their May 16th dates cancelled, but right now it is dependent on what area you are from and how they are handling everything. It is hard to say what will happen in the next few weeks.

 

[LindaAccepted]

We had a meeting yesterday about what to anticipate during next year's application cycle.

A few thoughts:

1. One of the items discussed yesterday was the inaccessibility of the MCAT right now. Most consultants felt that medical schools are going to be much more understanding of those who submit later in the cycle, especially if they see a June MCAT or a poorer MCAT followed by a solid summer MCAT. So don't give up hope because of the MCAT. Use any downtime to study.

2. Becoming a physician is a decision for a lifetime. Corona is a serious, but temporary bump in the road. Some of you don't want a gap/growth year. Some of you were already contemplating one and you may decide that's the right for you even if you can take the MCAT in time. And if you can't take the MCAT when you want, don't give up on medicine, if it is your true dream and calling. Turn your gap year into a growth year. See #3.

3. Med school admission is not only about the MCAT. Don't forget about the other important elements: clinical exposure, community service, leadership. There are lots of people in need in all communities, especially older people. Volunteer. Make a difference. Don't do it to enhance your "chances"' do it because you want to serve. A consequence will be that your service enhances your chances.

Hang in there. Stay safe and healthy.

Update March 24:

ETS, which provides the GRE, has announced a virtual, at-home test with remote proctoring. GMAC (which provides the GMAT for business schools applciants) and LSAC, which provides the LSAT for law school applicants, are both working on remote options. GMAC hopes to have its ready by mid-April. LSAC hasn't announced an ETA.

I haven't heard anything similar for the MCAT, but if the other exams can do it, maybe AAMC can too -- and in time for this upcoming application cycle.

 

[arlineficarra]

Before the April 4th exam was canceled, I had a few friends suggest I change my date before quarantine made things difficult. I managed to change my date to April 24th before the MCAT was officially canceled a week later. However, I am afraid that April 24th will also be canceled and my efforts will be squandered....

At this point I'm struggling to study at home with my family being loud (when I used to study at the library) and I'm also mentally exhausted from the extension. My motivation is also low because of the uncertainty of what is to come. There are much bigger things in the world than our exams, but I feel you guys. This is tough.

 

[Future_Bone_Docta]

The harsh reality is that the medical school process is a seller's market. No the MCAT won't get waived, yes many applications will get pushed a gap year, no that won't mean a delay on the process given things plateau in the next 1-2 months.. For schools, there will still be plenty of well-qualified applicants who finished their MCAT/all other app necessities well before global cancellations in the beginning of March. They will not likely shift their processes, granted that normal life routine picks up by app season, just to compensate for the rattled timelines of some applicants.

I can't imagine how stressful it is to have uncertainty surrounding one's test date, not to mention having to push off the thing to begin with when MCAT study schedule is very much a time-sensitive succession of events. I would seriously consider an extra gap year if that means a late MCAT date, running around quickly to gather the "necessities" in the short coming months, etc. that are all hectic reactions to the halt in life that everyone around the world in all industries are feeling. This is an emergent, unprecedented catastrophe for a lot of people beyond the small circle of pre-meds. Perspective is important in times like these; there are people who've lost their jobs, loved ones, or their own lives. Adjusting one's application cycle in the midst of all this seems oh so much more preferred in the face of those realities for a lot of people and for an end goal of gaining admission to medical schools that aren't going anywhere in the future.

Everyone, deep breath.

you say its a sellers market. Wouldn't a sellers market also put emphasis on trying to maximize profit? The money that will be lost between all MCAT tests, as well as primary & secondary applications of potentially 20k applicants seems like it would be a hit that the AAMC would not be in favor of receiving.

But I also see the argument that that just means more money grossed in next cycle cause it probably isn't drastic enough to switch pre meds life goals. 🤣

 

[KnightDoc]

you say its a sellers market. Wouldn't a sellers market also put emphasis on trying to maximize profit? The money that will be lost between all MCAT tests, as well as primary & secondary applications of potentially 20k applicants seems like it would be a hit that the AAMC would not be in favor of receiving.

But I also see the argument that that just means more money grossed in next cycle cause it probably isn't drastic enough to switch pre meds life goals. 🤣

TBH, I don't think those are the biggest issues, since AAMC will eventually see that money regardless of when we apply.

To me, the far bigger issue would be how much easier it would be to be admitted this cycle, and how much more difficult it would be in 2021-22, if so many applicants were forced from one cycle to the next. This would be terrible not only for students forced to miss the upcoming cycle, but also for the schools that would see wide fluctuations in the quality of their applicant pool (way less competitive next year, and way more competitive the year after).

Neither situation will be good for them, and I really think that they will accept a little inconvenience to avoid it. In other word, yes, it will always be a seller's market, but it would totally not be in the interest of the schools to see the applicant pool shrink to 35,000 +/- next year, and 65,000 +/- the year after for their 20,000 seats.

Mark my words, they will make it possible for applicants victimized by cancelled dates this spring and summer to still apply in 2020-21.

Directly from the AAMC website:

Are there any considerations being taken for upcoming application cycles due to the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The AAMC services, including MCAT and AMCAS, are carefully monitoring and assessing the rapidly changing environment caused by coronavirus (COVID-19). One element of our assessment includes talking with the medical school admissions community, vendors, and reviewing applicant comments. We will provide updates as quickly as possible.

 

[squids82]

TBH, I don't think those are the biggest issues, since AAMC will eventually see that money regardless of when we apply.

To me, the far bigger issue would be how much easier it would be to be admitted this cycle, and how much more difficult it would be in 2021-22, if so many applicants were forced from one cycle to the next. This would be terrible not only for students forced to miss the upcoming cycle, but also for the schools that would see wide fluctuations in the quality of their applicant pool (way less competitive next year, and way more competitive the year after).

Neither situation will be good for them, and I really think that they will accept a little inconvenience to avoid it. In other word, yes, it will always be a seller's market, but it would totally not be in the interest of the schools to see the applicant pool shrink to 35,000 +/- next year, and 65,000 +/- the year after for their 20,000 seats.

Mark my words, they will make it possible for applicants victimized by cancelled dates this spring and summer to still apply in 2020-21.

Directly from the AAMC website:

Are there any considerations being taken for upcoming application cycles due to the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The AAMC services, including MCAT and AMCAS, are carefully monitoring and assessing the rapidly changing environment caused by coronavirus (COVID-19). One element of our assessment includes talking with the medical school admissions community, vendors, and reviewing applicant comments. We will provide updates as quickly as possible.

I think you're heavily over exaggerating how many people would not apply this cycle cause of the MCAT delay. One could also say since people who had already taken the MCAT observed proper planning, this cycle will have the lower end cut out from it and have on average a more competitive applicant due to the elimination of the lower portion. Clearly, that most likely isn't true either but both types of statements are really only for the purpose of insult. Overall, I think from information provided by ADCOM's on here, one might think that the cycle will not be delayed as it already takes a huge portion of faculty time during a normal cycle and they have no real imperative to shorten it as that would only be for the benefit of a few late MCAT taking applicants.

I've seen you around a bit on here KnightDoc so I'd bet you're on top of things and will do well when you take it, allowing you admission into a good medical school so I wouldn't be too worried about the delay. Of course, nobody wanted the virus to come but this is the reality for a short while and I hope we can all make the most of it! Good luck on your future (hopefully soon) test date!

 

[afib3285]

I've seen you around a bit on here KnightDoc so I'd bet you're on top of things and will do well when you take it, allowing you admission into a good medical school so I wouldn't be too worried about the delay. Of course, nobody wanted the virus to come but this is the reality for a short while and I hope we can all make the most of it! Good luck on your future (hopefully soon) test date!

Not really, he most likely is in the category of applicants who had to reschedule so he's just saying all that stuff for his own good... In reality, as someone who just got out of this grueling process, I can guarantee you schools will continue the next cycle with little if no accommodations to those who decided to take their MCAT a few months out from applying as there is just soooooo many candidates. Heck a lot of my friends who were just as qualified as me didn't get in anywhere, so schools aren't running out of high caliber applicants.

 

[afib3285]

Mark my words, they will make it possible for applicants victimized by cancelled dates this spring and summer to still apply in 2020-21.

Directly from the AAMC website:

Are there any considerations being taken for upcoming application cycles due to the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The AAMC services, including MCAT and AMCAS, are carefully monitoring and assessing the rapidly changing environment caused by coronavirus (COVID-19). One element of our assessment includes talking with the medical school admissions community, vendors, and reviewing applicant comments. We will provide updates as quickly as possible.

Did you really just say applicants who had their test cancelled due to public health reasons are victimized? Really? How about those who contracted COVID-19 and died as a result of people who have no common sense and go to a public area with flu symptoms? Or those who have lost a loved one? Those who are out of work and cannot pay for food on the table? I honestly cannot believe you would even think of saying that to prove a point.

 

[KnightDoc]

Did you really just say applicants who had their test cancelled due to public health reasons are victimized? Really? How about those who contracted COVID-19 and died as a result of people who have no common sense and go to a public area with flu symptoms? Or those who have lost a loved one? I honestly cannot believe you would even think of saying that to prove a point.

Well, yeah, no one is equating maybe missing a cycle with losing a job or dying, but, still, if someone loses a year of a career due to this, they are victims too.

 

[afib3285]

Well, yeah, no one is equating maybe missing a cycle with losing a job or dying, but, still, if someone loses a year of a career due to this, they are victims too.

Honestly I'm flabbergasted that you would consider yourself a victim because your MCAT was cancelled and you MAY have to take a(nother) gap year. I can see how that may suck at first but I cannot fathom how you would call yourself a victim...

 

[KnightDoc]

Not really, he most likely is in the category of applicants who had to reschedule so he's just saying all that stuff for his own good... In reality, as someone who just got out of this grueling process, I can guarantee you schools will continue the next cycle with little if no accommodations to those who decided to take their MCAT a few months out from applying as there is just soooooo many candidates. Heck a lot of my friends who were just as qualified as me didn't get in anywhere, so schools aren't running out of high caliber applicants.

I will absolutely be adversely affected if this cycle is reduced due to this and the next one is increased, but I firmly believe what I am saying, and only time will tell if I am dreaming or am more astute than others!!

10 out of 30 MCAT dates offered each year fall between 3/27 and 6/4 this year, and all of them might be cancelled. That would result in a disproportionate amount of people being unable to apply, even taking into account reapplicants and those who took the test last year or early this year.

We'll see soon enough if a 30%+ reduction in applicants in this seller's market forces an accommodation or results in a really great cycle for applicants this year followed by a really competitive one the year after. I'm betting on schools not wanting that type of fluctuation.

 

[afib3285]

I will absolutely be adversely affected if this cycle is reduced due to this and the next one is increased, but I firmly believe what I am saying, and only time will tell if I am dreaming or am more astute than others!!

10 out of 30 MCAT dates offered each year fall between 3/27 and 6/4 this year, and all of them might be cancelled. That would result in a disproportionate amount of people to be unable to apply, even taking into account reapplicants and those who took the test last year or early this year.

We'll see soon enough if a 30%+ reduction in applicants in this seller's market forces an accommodation or results in a really great cycle for applicants this year followed by a really competitive one the year after. I'm betting on schools not wanting that type of fluctuation.

Just because 10 test dates happen to lie within that time frame does not mean 30% of people will not apply... You are making a huge assumption in assuming an equal amount of people will be taking the MCAT on any given test date, and completely forgetting that many people retake the MCAT and void as well. You are also assuming that all those individuals will be applying next cycle as well. Meaning the applicant pool is still flooded with an excess of applicants.

I'm really sorry to burst your bubble, but besides an extension in deadlines (which btw most applicants submit their primary and secondary well before the deadline due to rolling admission), you most likely will not get any special treatment or accommodations and will have to apply the following cycle. It really isn't the end of the world.

 

[KnightDoc]

Just because 10 test dates happen to lie within that time frame does not mean 30% of people will not apply... You are making a huge assumption in assuming an equal amount of people will be taking the MCAT on any given test date, and completely forgetting that many people retake the MCAT and void as well. You are also assuming that all those individuals will be applying next cycle as well. Meaning the applicant pool is still flooded with an excess of applicants.

I'm really sorry to burst your bubble, but besides an extension in deadlines (which btw most applicants submit their primary and secondary well before the deadline due to rolling admission), you most likely will not get any special treatment or accommodations and will have to apply the following cycle. It really isn't the end of the world.

I know it isn't the end of the world, and it's also too soon to know whether all dates will be cancelled or whether dates will be added from June-August to make applications this cycle still feasible. You're right -- I don't think an equal number of people take each test date. I think way more people take it from March-June than in January, July or September (well, maybe not January, since I'm sure people like to take the test during or shortly after winter break -- but there are only three dates in January, so it's not significant compared to the 10 dates between now and early June). I think that common sense dictates that lots of people wait as long as possible before taking the test (I realize I could be wrong about this), and I therefore believe that a disproportionate amount of a given cycle takes the test in the spring before the cycle opens, so I think 30%+ is reasonable after taking into account reapplicants and those who took the test last fall for this cycle.

I'm sure relatively few people took the test during the first 4 dates this year as compared to the next 10, and that some, but not a ton, of people take it from August-September for the following year. So that just leaves the people who take it in June-July, many of whom probably take it for the current year, even though it might make them kind of late. I honestly don't think it's crazy to think applications could be down 30%+ if all dates between now and early June are cancelled and not rescheduled, and if schools don't extend the cycle to accommodate.

I'm not sure there would be any reason to delay the traditional June start of the cycle, but I will be shocked if missed test dates are rescheduled into August and "on time" for this cycle doesn't extend from around Labor Day to around Thanksgiving, even at the expense of inconveniencing schools and extending the interview season by a few months next year. If I'm wrong, it will be great to be an applicant next year and suck to be one the year after, but I'm betting on the schools not wanting such a variance in the two classes.

 

[afib3285]

I know it isn't the end of the world, and it's also too soon to know whether all dates will be cancelled or whether dates will be added from June-August to make applications this cycle still feasible. You're right -- I don't think an equal number of people take each test date. I think way more people take it from March-June than in January, July or September. I think that common sense dictates that lots of people wait as long as possible before taking the test (I realize I could be wrong about this), and I therefore believe that a disproportionate amount of a given cycle takes the test in the spring before the cycle opens, so I think 30%+ is reasonable after taking into account reapplicants and those who took the test last fall for this cycle.

I'm sure relatively few people took the test during the first 4 dates this year as compared to the next 10, and that some, but not a ton, of people take it from August-September for the following year. So that just leaves the people who take it in June-July, many of whom probably take it for the current year, even though it might make them kind of late. I honestly don't think it's crazy to think applications could be down 30%+ if all dates between now and early June are cancelled and not rescheduled, and if schools don't extend the cycle to accommodate.

I'm not sure there would be any reason to delay the traditional June start of the cycle, but I will be shocked if missed test dates are rescheduled into August and "on time" for this cycle doesn't extend from around Labor Day to around Thanksgiving, even at the expense of inconveniencing schools and extending the interview season by a few months next year. If I'm wrong, it will be great to be an applicant next year and suck to be one the year after, but I'm betting on the schools not wanting such a variance in the two classes.

You are pulling numbers out of thin air and basing it only on emotions as you yourself are in this position. Your situation is not unlike someone who had to skip an application cycle due to taking care of a sick relative, something that was out of their control. There is also a lot of variance even between years. If you have the MSAR and looked at different years class profiles you would know this.

And if you are suggesting that schools extend their interview season for the next cycle, I agree with that completely. However, your tone throughout this thread is frankly a little entitled. This application cycle in a NORMAL season is not fair, so I'm sorry if this is the first time you faced an unfair situation, but that's just what happens in life. There is unfortunately not always a solution to every problem, and something that may be fine by you may put the remainder population of applicants (70% as you like to say) at a disadvantage.

 

[Dochopeful13]

I think you're heavily over exaggerating how many people would not apply this cycle cause of the MCAT delay. One could also say since people who had already taken the MCAT observed proper planning, this cycle will have the lower end cut out from it and have on average a more competitive applicant due to the elimination of the lower portion. Clearly, that most likely isn't true either but both types of statements are really only for the purpose of insult. Overall, I think from information provided by ADCOM's on here, one might think that the cycle will not be delayed as it already takes a huge portion of faculty time during a normal cycle and they have no real imperative to shorten it as that would only be for the benefit of a few late MCAT taking applicants.

I've seen you around a bit on here KnightDoc so I'd bet you're on top of things and will do well when you take it, allowing you admission into a good medical school so I wouldn't be too worried about the delay. Of course, nobody wanted the virus to come but this is the reality for a short while and I hope we can all make the most of it! Good luck on your future (hopefully soon) test date!

Do you think that fact mcat testing dates are being cancelled will have any effect of the competitiveness of next year’s cycle??

 

[mmchick]

Mark my words, they will make it possible for applicants victimized by cancelled dates this spring and summer to still apply in 2020-21.

Lol you lost me when you used the word "victimized" as if the virus committed a crime. It's a chaotic and emergent time, everyone has to make sacrifices. No, I don't believe there will a significant difference in quality of applicants who have all their ducks in row already and are able to apply right out of the gate this upcoming cycle vs the next. The applicants who wait until a few months before the cycle opens to do essential things like take the MCAT are a subset and, I'm willing to bet a lot of money on this now, are in the minority of all applicants.

No one has to accommodate anything. You were unlucky in the test date you chose, but that shouldn't even remotely affect schools and their timelines with reviewing the thousands of other applicants that have it together.

Perhaps you should focus a bit more on shifting things in life to internal loci of control vs waiting for some unlikely accommodation clause and labeling yourself a "victim" because your test date got cancelled amidst a rampant pandemic.

 

[KnightDoc]

You are pulling numbers out of thin air and basing it only on emotions as you yourself are in this position. Your situation is not unlike someone who had to skip an application cycle due to taking care of a sick relative, something that was out of their control. There is also a lot of variance even between years. If you have the MSAR and looked at different years class profiles you would know this.

And if you are suggesting that schools extend their interview season for the next cycle, I agree with that completely. However, your tone throughout this thread is frankly a little entitled. This application cycle in a NORMAL season is not fair, so I'm sorry if this is the first time you faced an unfair situation, but that's just what happens in life. There is unfortunately not always a solution to every problem, and something that may be fine by you may put the remainder population of applicants (70% as you like to say) at a disadvantage.

You are absolutely correct insofar as I have no basis for my numbers other than my gut and whatever common sense I have. May looks like prime time in that it is during a break for just about everyone still in school, it is right before an application cycle begins, and it has the most dates of any month in the year, matched only by August. So, yes, out of thin air I am positing that cancelling the 10 dates immediately preceding the opening of a cycle will have a disproportionate effect as compared to any other 10 dates. In any case, 10 dates is 1/3 of all available dates, so a 30%+ impact just doesn't seem crazy to me. Of course, I might be wrong; we'll see.

You are also 1,000% correct about the inherent unfairness of life in general, and how the impact on any individual will be the same as if 15,000 individuals each had independent life events that caused them to miss a cycle. I don't for a minute feel entitled, that the sellers in this sellers' market give a crap about me (or anyone else for that matter), or would voluntarily inconvenience themselves to mitigate an impact on me out of concern for me and my circumstance.

My entire point is that, if I'm right, they will not tolerate a 30% decrease in applications followed by a 100% increase if it can be avoided. It can be, so I believe it will be. There is never that much variance between years, and it would be very disruptive to them. If I were wrong, the message on the AAMC website would reflect your view, and would be something along the lines of they are sorry about the disruption, but the timeline of the cycle is sacrosanct and cannot changed due to all the moving parts in selecting a class. That is not what they are saying, but you are misunderstanding me if you think I am suggesting they will make accommodations out of anything other than their own interests.

 

[KnightDoc]

Do you think that fact mcat testing dates are being cancelled will have any effect of the competitiveness of next year’s cycle??

If dates aren't made up in time for an application to be included in the cycle, of course it will. Around 70,000 people take the test each year, so probably around 23,000 people would be affected if 1/3 of the test dates are lost and not made up. Some of those people would not have applied anyway, some are retakers who can apply without the test, and some applicants have scores from prior years they can use, but many thousands of people will potentially be unable to be in the pool, and they will have scores distributed across the spectrum. By definition, that will make the cycle less competitive if it happens.

 

[KnightDoc]

Lol you lost me when you used the word "victimized" as if the virus committed a crime. It's a chaotic and emergent time, everyone has to make sacrifices. No, I don't believe there will a significant difference in quality of applicants who have all their ducks in row already and are able to apply right out of the gate this upcoming cycle vs the next. The applicants who wait until a few months before the cycle opens to do essential things like take the MCAT are a subset and, I'm willing to bet a lot of money on this now, are in the minority of all applicants.

No one has to accommodate anything. You were unlucky in the test date you chose, but that shouldn't even remotely affect schools and their timelines with reviewing the thousands of other applicants that have it together.

Perhaps you should focus a bit more on shifting things in life to internal loci of control vs waiting for some unlikely accommodation clause and labeling yourself a "victim" because your test date got cancelled amidst a rampant pandemic.

I will happily take your bet! I don't think there will be any difference in the quality of applicants; I just think there might be 15,000 less of them, and that will make the pool significantly less competitive across all tiers of school. As I've stated in other posts, my bet is schools won't allow this to happen because it's not in their interest, not because anyone cares about accommodating the applicants.

 

[squids82]

Do you think that fact mcat testing dates are being cancelled will have any effect of the competitiveness of next year’s cycle??

Not particularly. An unqualified applicant won’t get into a good school because of it. Most likely, the vast majority of high tier applicants are already ready to apply and will proceed as normal.

 

[squids82]

If I were wrong, the message on the AAMC website would reflect your view, and would be something along the lines of they are sorry about the disruption, but the timeline of the cycle is sacrosanct and cannot changed due to all the moving parts in selecting a class. That is not what they are saying, but you are misunderstanding me if you think I am suggesting they will make accommodations out of anything other than their own interests.

It also doesn’t say deadlines will be delayed to allow those who wanted to apply early to still apply early though. As they’ve done in the past for the hurricanes, they will most likely extend the back end. Many many people who take the test “late” will still apply. The minority of applicants are on SDN and Reddit and most others do not value applying early enough to delay and application. But it is not in a schools best interest for resource allocation to constrict their own cycle and make their ADCOMS do the same work in less time while there may be added responsibilities in cleaning up the rest of the crisis.

 

[KnightDoc]

It also doesn’t say deadlines will be delayed to allow those who wanted to apply early to still apply early though. As they’ve done in the past for the hurricanes, they will most likely extend the back end. Many many people who take the test “late” will still apply. The minority of applicants are on SDN and Reddit and most others do not value applying early enough to delay and application. But it is not in a schools best interest for resource allocation to constrict their own cycle and make their ADCOMS do the same work in less time while there may be added responsibilities in cleaning up the rest of the crisis.

Yes, yes, yes. I don't think there is any reason to artificially constrict a timeline or to not open applications when they usually do, other than to create an optic of "fairness" by not allowing people to apply before the people who need to take rescheduled tests over the summer have the opportunity to do so. The accommodation I am thinking of involves extending the back end, so that schools who are normally done interviewing in December are still interviewing in February, to give people who cannot be complete until Oct-Nov the same opportunity they would ordinarily have if they had applied by Labor Day. Not doing this will mean they collectively have a lot fewer candidates to choose from.

For the record, if my guess is right, about 30% of the pool might be affected, so sure, 70% is the vast majority, but that still leaves about 30% less high tier candidates than in a typical year. There is no reason to think the distribution of scores for those who take the test from March-June is any different than for the other test dates, or that there are not a ton of high tier candidates who take the test in the spring every year.

 

[squids82]

Yes, yes, yes. I don't think there is any reason to artificially constrict a timeline or to not open applications when they usually do, other than to create an optic of "fairness" by not allowing people to apply before the people who need to take rescheduled tests over the summer have the opportunity to do so. The accommodation I am thinking of involves extending the back end, so that schools who are normally done interviewing in December are still interviewing in February, to give people who cannot be complete until Oct-Nov the same opportunity they would ordinarily have if they had applied by Labor Day. Not doing this will mean they collectively have a lot fewer candidates to choose from.

For the record, if my guess is right, about 30% of the pool might be affected, so sure, 70% is the vast majority, but that still leaves about 30% less high tier candidates than in a typical year. There is no reason to think the distribution of scores for those who take the test from March-June is any different than for the other test dates, or that there are not a ton of high tier candidates who take the test in the spring every year.

I think extending the length of time applications can be accepted is a good thing and SHOULD be done to ensure everyone who wants to apply can get everything in order to do so this cycle so I am glad you had also thought of that.

 

[KnightDoc]

I think extending the length of time applications can be accepted is a good thing and SHOULD be done to ensure everyone who wants to apply can get everything in order to do so this cycle so I am glad you had also thought of that.

Finally -- a kindred spirit!! 🙂 This is, in fact, exactly what what I said above!!

.... I'm sure relatively few people took the test during the first 4 dates this year as compared to the next 10, and that some, but not a ton, of people take it from August-September for the following year. So that just leaves the people who take it in June-July, many of whom probably take it for the current year, even though it might make them kind of late. I honestly don't think it's crazy to think applications could be down 30%+ if all dates between now and early June are cancelled and not rescheduled, and if schools don't extend the cycle to accommodate.

I'm not sure there would be any reason to delay the traditional June start of the cycle, but I will be shocked if missed test dates are rescheduled into August and "on time" for this cycle doesn't extend from around Labor Day to around Thanksgiving, even at the expense of inconveniencing schools and extending the interview season by a few months next year. If I'm wrong, it will be great to be an applicant next year and suck to be one the year after, but I'm betting on the schools not wanting such a variance in the two classes.

 

[squids82]

Finally -- a kindred spirit!! 🙂 This is, in fact, exactly what what I said above!!

My eyes are bleeding from prewriting secondaries so that's my excuse for missing it

 

[KnightDoc]

My eyes are bleeding from prewriting secondaries so that's my excuse for missing it

Did you already take the MCAT? If so, and if they don't do anything for the people affected by the cancellations, you are going to have a GREAT cycle!!! 🙂