MCAT release date question

[Rogue42]

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I was just wondering if anyone had a solid answer on this because I could not find one.

The MCAT is scored on a Bell Curve, but that curve is set before the exam takes place. So why does it take a month or so for the scores to come back?

 

[Osminog]

I was just wondering if anyone had a solid answer on this because I could not find one.

The MCAT is scored on a Bell Curve, but that curve is set before the exam takes place. So why does it take a month or so for the scores to come back?

From AAMC website:

Why does it take a month to receive scores?
AAMC scales and equates each exam after each test day. This takes 30 to 35 days. The scaling and equating process is done to account for small differences in the difficulty of test questions when we convert the number of questions you answer correctly to the MCAT score scale. This time also allows students to submit any concerns they have about exam questions or testing conditions. The AAMC then reviews and investigates each concern. So, due to this careful analysis and review of feedback from each exam date, we aren’t able to provide a score immediately after you complete your exam.

See: https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/article/how-new-mcat-exam-scored/

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

As long as I may live, this is the only thing I will ever see...

Why does it take a month to receive scores?
AAMC sales and equates each exam after each test day. This takes 30 to 35 days. The scaling and equating process is done to account for small differences in the difficulty of test questions when we convert the number of questions you answer correctly to the MCAT score scale. This time also allows students to submit any concerns they have about exam questions or testing conditions. The AAMC then reviews and investigates each concern. So, due to this careful analysis and review of feedback from each exam date, we aren’t able to provide a score immediately after you complete your exam.


I understand tons of students take this monstrous exam, but a month seems crazy to me. I would be interested to know how many students retake the exam post MCAT, due to fear of scoring below their dream score.

 

[Rogue42]

As long as I may live, this is the only thing I will ever see...

Why does it take a month to receive scores?
AAMC sales and equates each exam after each test day. This takes 30 to 35 days. The scaling and equating process is done to account for small differences in the difficulty of test questions when we convert the number of questions you answer correctly to the MCAT score scale. This time also allows students to submit any concerns they have about exam questions or testing conditions. The AAMC then reviews and investigates each concern. So, due to this careful analysis and review of feedback from each exam date, we aren’t able to provide a score immediately after you complete your exam.


I understand tons of students take this monstrous exam, but a month seems crazy to me. I would be interested to know how many students retake the exam post MCAT, due to fear of scoring below their dream score.

"Sales" ?? What does that even mean? Also, I have been told by countless people that the exam has already been curved before it is taken which is why I am confused by the wait...unless it really is not curved until after - then it would make sense

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

"Sales" ?? What does that even mean? Also, I have been told by countless people that the exam has already been curved before it is taken which is why I am confused by the wait...unless it really is not curved until after - then it would make sense

After the MCAT some students re-take in fear of not reaching their goal score. I’ve always had the FAP to help me out, but others aren’t so lucky. If 100 students take it before the release date for $315. The sales aren’t too bad.

 

[Rogue42]

After the MCAT some students re-take in fear of not reaching their goal score. I’ve always had the FAP to help me out, but others aren’t so lucky. If 100 students take it before the release date for $315. The sales aren’t too bad.

I see what you're saying now.