MCAT deadline for this cycle

[concretebomber]

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Hey guys. I'm sure this question has been asked before even though I couldn't find it via search. I've decided after much debate to apply this upcoming cycle for admission into MD or DO school (whatever I can get) in Fall 2012.

I haven't taken an MCAT yet and am unsure as to when I should have it taken by. Since I am a senior in college, I won't have time to study until after I graduate.

Does anyone know when the absolute deadline is to have an MCAT score for application this cycle is? Thanks in advance

 

[apumic]

ASAP. Really, you should ideally have it done by the end of April if you're going to apply this cycle but realistically if finals are in early May and you begin studying mid-May, you should give yourself 3 months to study. This will put you in mid-August, so take in August and apply ASAP. You'll be at a disadvantage to other applicants but that's where you are, so you do what you can. If possible AND if you're able (i.e., strong enough of a student), I'd suggest cutting back your courseload and studying your last semester to take in, say, May so that you can apply mid-June.

While taking a courseload while studying is tough, it can be done. You simply need to evaluate how much you're doing. I took classes at managed a part-time job while studying and did fine. A friend/co-worker of mine ended up high-20s (she wanted DO) while working part-time and doing a masters.

 

[concretebomber]

Thanks apumic. I really have no knowledge of the application process. If I take the MCAT in August, when should I receive my score? Am I correct in assuming I can only send out my primaries only once I've received a score?

 

[Le Boudin]

Hey all I'm in a similar situation, but I specifically wanna compare the pros/cons of

April 26 vs. May 29

Taking it 1 month later means I don't get my results until after AMCAS has opened for the earliest apps? But schools don't send out secondaries until mid-July (I've heard) anyway, so I shouldn't be at a disadvantage?

I am doing full course-load + research + MCAT prep. 1 more month means a lot less stress for me.

 

[didanawisgi]

Hey all I'm in a similar situation, but I specifically wanna compare the pros/cons of

April 26 vs. May 29

Taking it 1 month later means I don't get my results until after AMCAS has opened for the earliest apps? But schools don't send out secondaries until mid-July (I've heard) anyway, so I shouldn't be at a disadvantage?

I am doing full course-load + research + MCAT prep. 1 more month means a lot less stress for me.

Same here - work full time, ochem+lab, and mcat prep. I'd love to see a definitive answer.

Thanks.

 

[apumic]

Same here - work full time, ochem+lab, and mcat prep. I'd love to see a definitive answer.

Thanks.

There is no "definitive" answer. Earlier is best but 3-4 weeks probably isn't the end of the world. Your MCAT will hold you up if take it late; that's really the main issue. Secondary to that is the difficulty retaking at that pt if you do poorly.

 

[SS01]

If you think you can do better by taking it in May by all means go ahead. As long as you are also working on your personal statement and submit your primary app ASAP (Because it takes 4-6 weeks to get verified) you should be fine! Start working on secondaries right when you get them also- they do take time to complete!

While you are waiting for your secondary apps you can search through SDN forums from the previous year to look for the essay questions for many of the schools so you can work on them that way when you actually receive your secondary apps all you have to do is fill out the simpler information and your essays will be done! 🙂