MCAT expiration

[Kobethegoat24]

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So I originally wanted to study for my mcat this winter then take it in the summer but I have been so busy this semester even after quiting my job, I have to take my MCAT in January. I read on AAMC that scores expire after 3 years. I want to apply in June of 2019 but worry I might not be ready and want to know how long my MCAT will last me. Just wondering if that is 3 years to the date of application or matriculation? Thank you


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[HomeSkool]

It varies by school, and some schools don't consider scores more than two years old. The oldest MCAT accepted by each is listed in the MSAR. Look there and extrapolate forward to the cycle that you intend to apply.

 

[ServiceFirst]

It varies by school, and some schools don't consider scores more than two years old. The oldest MCAT accepted by each is listed in the MSAR. Look there and extrapolate forward to the cycle that you intend to apply.

Interesting I didn't know some schools didn't take scores more than 2 years old. Wouldn't this contradict the general "if you don't get in the first time, wait at least 1 year to strengthen app before reapplying" rule? By the time of reapplying, the MCAT score used previously would have already "expired."

 

[HomeSkool]

Interesting I didn't know some schools didn't take scores more than 2 years old. Wouldn't this contradict the general "if you don't get in the first time, wait at least 1 year to strengthen app before reapplying" rule? By the time of reapplying, the MCAT score used previously would have already "expired."

Only for a handful of schools. Better to write those few off than to reapply too early and get nowhere.

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[Veni vidi vicii]

1) Wouldnt retaking the MCAT and applying with a better score be the most efficient way to show academic improvement?
2) Why is there an expectation that your MCAT should be good for use in more than a single application cycle?

What if the person got a 512+ but still got rejected due to other factors?

 

[ServiceFirst]

1) Wouldnt retaking the MCAT and applying with a better score be the most efficient way to show academic improvement?
2) Why is there an expectation that your MCAT should be good for use in more than a single application cycle?

@gonnif, I'm referencing the case for those who have MCAT scores in the higher percentiles (say 512+).

 

[MalteseFalconMD]

2) Why is there an expectation that your MCAT should be good for use in more than a single application cycle?

Because schools create that expectation as almost every school accepts scores up to 3 years old. This isn't a case of somebody expecting preferential treatment, it's just a historically accepted practice in this process.

 

[Kobethegoat24]

The OPs question was on MCAT expiration, which would make the score moot. Additionally, something I have said previously and advise everyone, with 60% of applicants being rejected per cycle, all students must assume that they will be rejected. Therefore, from the moment that they submit AMCAS they must continue to enhance their record with coursework, clinical volunteering, community service, etc so that they may be in a position to reapply the next cycle. This is why most schools say do not reapply too soo,; applicants havent done anything to enhance their record. Assuming rejection from the moment you apply may give you the ability to reapply the next cycle

Thanks for your reply and explanation gonnif. I bought the MSAR subscription and yeah it does seem like for most of them it is a 2 year expiration.

 

[Gauss44]

Each medical school decides how long they will accept a particular score, but most will accept a score that is a maximum of 3 years old. Some count the 3 years backwards from the date of matriculation, instead of the date of application; some count backwards by years while others count backwards by months. I am aware of a situation where someone applied this cycle with a 2014 score and was only able to do so for about 10 schools because most or all of the other schools considered 2014 expired. Granted, the new 2015 version of the MCAT might have had something to do with that.