MCAT scoring + Application timing

[caereax]

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Hi SDN.

Before making this post I dutifully searched the board for similar posts. Several came up but the most recent one was from two years ago, so I wanted to get updated information if it was available.

I'm applying this cycle and would ideally send my application day one (June 4th). I'm scheduled to take the MCAT 4/27, but would like to push it back to 5/11. Since it takes a month to get your results, I would have to send my score a week after my application. From what I've read on this board, that's perfectly fine; AMCAS spends a week or so verifying your transcripts before it sends your information to any schools anyhow.

Given that I read this from a 2011 thread, I just wanted to make sure no big changes had occurred since, and that my application schedule would still work.

Also, --bonus question-- in the same thread it was mentioned that my MCAT score would be filed automatically, without any action on my part. Is this still correct?

Thanks all!

 

[caereax]

Sweet! Thank you.

 

[preMedDonut]

I've had this same question since application timing is one of the most important aspects. I heard that you should do your MCAT before May 1st because it takes a month to come in and application process starts June 1st, if I am not mistaken. But if that is the case that schools won't receive it until later then what's the point of having it done before May 1st, when you can just do the test May 11th or 15th like OP. This would help me out because I would like to take it in the middle of May since it would be after finals.

 

[BABSstudent]

You could always apply to one school (your state school or something you would apply to no matter what) to get in line for verification. Then add more schools when your application is verified.

 

[plumazul]

I've had this same question since application timing is one of the most important aspects. I heard that you should do your MCAT before May 1st because it takes a month to come in and application process starts June 1st, if I am not mistaken. But if that is the case that schools won't receive it until later then what's the point of having it done before May 1st, when you can just do the test May 11th or 15th like OP. This would help me out because I would like to take it in the middle of May since it would be after finals.

I suppose most people do the MCAT early (I did it in Jan.) is just in case something goes terribly wrong you will still have time for a retake without irreparable damage to the application year.

 

[13132]

I am taking the exam May 11th as well. I think that by that time I should have a pretty decent idea of where my score will fall plus or minus 2 points. Would it be wise to finish that application for school that I know will fall into that range and submit the day day I receive my MCAT. Then I can do the applications quickly for schools that I have to apply to if my MCAT was much worse than expected and and for the schools that I should consider if I did much better than expected.

Has anybody approached it this way?

 

[caereax]

Would it be wise to finish that application for school that I know will fall into that range and submit the day day I receive my MCAT.

If I understand you correctly, I think it would be best to submit your application day one to schools in your expected range. Once you get your MCAT score, you can add any appropriate schools. This way your application begins the verification process asap.