MCAT question

[pepocho]

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[organesha]

Why not finish spring term, study all summer, and take it in September? Assuming you'd apply 2015.

 

[Mavs88]

Why not finish spring term, study all summer, and take it in September? Assuming you'd apply 2015.

Exactly what I'm doing.

 

[pepocho]

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[DrOneDay7]

July sounds like a better idea than September. Say you do decide wait until September to take it and wind up doing poorly... You're stuck taking the new MCAT in 2015.

You're definitely in a tough spot considering the upcoming changes. If it were me, I'd shoot for July. That way, you'd at least have another chance at it later in the summer if you feel like you did poorly. Trust me, you do NOT want to take the MCAT in 2015!

 

[pepocho]

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[ghboyd25]

They're offering the old MCAT through January 2015 so you could still take it in September and have a chance at a retake if you need it.

 

[organesha]

They're offering the old MCAT through January 2015 so you could still take it in September and have a chance at a retake if you need it.

Yep. My plan exactly. Not ideal, but I feel like it would be better than taking it in July.

 

[DrOneDay7]

I was told it was a bad idea to take it that late, because it would make me apply for my med schools late. Honestly I am not too familiar with the whole med school application process

Honestly, yeah it's best to avoid a July/Aug/Sep test date if you plan to apply that same year.

I took mine this past August and I'm currently applying. On top of a super late application, my score isn't impressive. I didn't anticipate scoring 4 points below my average, so knowing what I do now, I would've waited till next year to apply b/c even w/ a low score, I'd stand a much better shot w/ an early application than I do currently.

If you manage to get an amazing score and happen to be one of those rockstar applicants, you'll fare okay, even w/ a late app. It all really depends on you personally. But if you consider yourself in the middle of the pack gpa-wise, it might be in your best interest to put off applying until the following year after you take the MCAT in order to give yourself a better shot.

 

[DrOneDay7]

They're offering the old MCAT through January 2015 so you could still take it in September and have a chance at a retake if you need it.

Oh wow! My bad, I didn't know that! Well, OP, September doesn't sound like a bad way to go then since you'd still have another shot at it.

 

[pepocho]

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[DrOneDay7]

this is a dumb question.... But if i take it in september, would that mean i still be able to apply for the 2014 cycle or will i be needing to take a gap year?

That's not a dumb question at all - no worries! 🙂

Schools allow students who have September test dates to apply that cycle, but I don't want to underestimate how much of a disadvantage you may be putting yourself in by applying so late.

Since it takes ~30 days for scores to be released, your application wouldn't be complete until mid-October at the very earliest. I'm currently in that boat, and I believe I made a huge mistake applying this year. From everything I've read, it seems like those who have their apps complete at schools early on (like July or August) have much better outcomes. Obviously everyone's outcome is different and somewhat unpredictable, but definitely something to keep in mind.

 

[pepocho]

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[Mavs88]

DrOneDay7, wouldn't taking it later make me have to turn in my application later, and put me at a disadvantage?

Mavs88, are you planning on taking a gap year?

I'm actually graduating 2016...so I'd apply summer 2015 and have to complete undergrad in 15-16. Taking MCAT August 2014 and if need be for a retake, January 2015 as well.

 

[Nena01]

A lot of people take a gap year. I'm currently doing so, and I'll tell you from experience that it was the best decision..

Even with a full time job, I had plenty of time to focus on applying and writing secondaries without the added stress of school. If it gives you more time to study for tue MCAT and you'll feel more prepared then do it.

Personally I took the June MCAT (after a crazy spring semester and graduating in May) and it was plenty of time to study. I believe I did 6 weeks of hardcore studying and got a really good score.

It all comes down to how much time you'll need to prepare well.