MCAT Theory 101

[ToGodALLGlory]

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With the recent changes to the MCAT, I'm curious if anyone has any insight on how these changes might impact one's MCAT strategy. I just contacted MCAT about retaking the MCAT in January (my 4th). For some time I've debated the 4th attempt because it seems taboo, even though I feel vastly more prepared and think I could get my 24 up several points, having recently retaken my prereqs since then. My third score was 12 years outside of prereqs with only 1 month prep using EK Audio Osmosis (obviously made some rookie mistakes not doing the prereqs first, etc. but we'll hopefully pretend I didn't go there 😉 ). My point: MCAT says now the limit is 3 times per year, but unlimited otherwise (no need for proof of applying to med school after 3 to retake)! I just realized that for the 2007 cycle, there may be some who have actually taken it as many times as I have over 10 years in just over a year's time. Anyone with theories on why MCAT did this or how this will affect the process? I'm thinking it's still going to be least amount of times with the highest score is still best obviously, but it does change the MCAT dynamic a little...especially considering the increased opportunities throughout the year and the quicker computer-based aspect (quicker in terms of results and actual time/amt. of test). Do you think it will matter at all if the test was taken 4 times over 10 years versus 4 times over 2? The Bell curve according to MCAT data is still the same obviously (odds are against those who retake improving more than a point or two with equal chance of actually losing a point or two). Most of my schools are counting the Jan. MCAT, too, with some still formulating their response to the changes. How about a few thoughts from some of those brilliant posters I know are out there?! 🙂

BTW, good luck fellow 2006 cycle SDNers!

 

[leahmaria]

The rule is 3 times a year?? Is that new? Before it wouldn't have even been possible to take it 3 times a year

 

[NewKidin2block]

they are now offere 22 times per year (compare to 2). and they remove a "lifetime" life of 3 times. so now, High school junior can take MCAT for practice.

The rule is 3 times a year?? Is that new? Before it wouldn't have even been possible to take it 3 times a year

 

[leahmaria]

they are now offere 22 times per year (compare to 2). and they remove a "lifetime" life of 3 times. so now, High school junior can take MCAT for practice.

hmmm, would that score always be there for the schools to see? I took the ACT way early for practice....

is there any reason to take the real thing for practice when you can take an old one for practice just the same?

 

[Captain Fantastic]

Anyone with theories on why MCAT did this

$$$

 

[dr_90210]

The rule is 3 times a year?? Is that new? Before it wouldn't have even been possible to take it 3 times a year

op, i think you need to realize taking the mcat is not like taking a driver's license test... your worries should not be on how often u can take it but on how u can do well on it... no offense but if u have taken it 3 times and have not scored higher than a 24, you need to ask yourself how this 4th time would be different.

 

[ToGodALLGlory]

op, i think you need to realize taking the mcat is not like taking a driver's license test... your worries should not be on how often u can take it but on how u can do well on it... no offense but if u have taken it 3 times and have not scored higher than a 24, you need to ask yourself how this 4th time would be different.

Believe me, I have. My father died my senior year after a long terminal illness and I pushed when I should have taken some time (because I promised him I wouldn't let his death interfere with my med school plans...yeah right, how could it not?). I was advised by an MD to take it again last year before my prereqs because it would show my retention of coursework from my BA earned years earlier. I didn't have SDN or an advisor. Considering my 3.8 post-bacc with the retakes and the fact that my 24 was 12 years outside my prereqs with only a month of prep, I do think I have a shot at beating the odds. If I'm bringing up Bell curves and strategies I'm likely taking it a little more seriously than a driver's license test.

 

[45408]

Believe me, I have. My father died my senior year after a long terminal illness and I pushed when I should have taken some time (because I promised him I wouldn't let his death interfere with my med school plans...yeah right, how could it not?). I was advised by an MD to take it again last year before my prereqs because it would show my retention of coursework from my BA earned years earlier. I didn't have SDN or an advisor. Considering my 3.8 post-bacc with the retakes and the fact that my 24 was 12 years outside my prereqs with only a month of prep, I do think I have a shot at beating the odds. If I'm bringing up Bell curves and strategies I'm likely taking it a little more seriously than a driver's license test.

the question remains - do you honestly think you'll do better? If not, then don't bother. If you think you will, it's your call.

 

[ToGodALLGlory]

the question remains - do you honestly think you'll do better? If not, then don't bother. If you think you will, it's your call.

Oh, geez...I don't think that question remains for me. I am taking it again and I'm finally going to give it what I feel is my best shot and annihilate it if I can. Regardless, at that point, there will be no wonder in my mind about prereqs being a long time ago, or gee, my dad passed away and I wasn't focused and didn't study...just what my score is with my best attempt even if it's the 4th shot. I just feel like all of the sudden how my 4th attempt is viewed might have changed, and I was asking if anyone else is surprised about the new 3 times per year limit, etc....maybe some theories why....or how this will effect overall strategy for anyone, if at all. Is someone's 5th attempt with a 42 now better than a 3rd attempt with a 30? Craziness! I think advice will remain the same.....try to take it once and nail it...but it feels like these CBT/multiple date/multiple time changes are more significant than I first thought, that's all.

I'm thinking ed2brute is right and it's about money, but it may be a secret plot to make me scrutinize more asinine details. Regardless, it certainly is news to me and obviously a few others.

😳 Sorry, I guess I posted in the wrong forum. I was hoping to get everyone's opinion, not just those who check the MCAT forum regularly, but oh well. Good luck everyone!

 

[QofQuimica]

😳 Sorry, I guess I posted in the wrong forum. I was hoping to get everyone's opinion, not just those who check the MCAT forum regularly, but oh well. Good luck everyone!

I moved your thread here because it does pertain specifically to the MCAT, and I think you'll get better results with it not getting buried by a zillion application threads. 😉

In answer to your question, yes, I do think it matters how long has passed between your test attempts. That being said, the old MCAT scores don't go away apparently ever; when I applied last year, my scores from 1996 were still sent to the medical schools along with my new scores from 2004. I had raised my score significantly, and I think one interviewer asked about how I did it, but in general the old scores did not matter much to the schools.

It sounds from what you've said that you definitely should retake; you can explain to the schools that you learned a very important lesson about doing things in the proper order (i.e., prereqs first, then MCAT!). I also want to invite you/recommend to you that you check out the nontrad forum if you haven't already. There are a lot of us 30+ students out there, and you don't have to go through this all alone. 🙂

 

[RAD11]

OP: Don't worry about the naysayers.

Agreed. Only you know what you need to do......and by all means if you need to re-take it the 4th time, do it. Do what makes you happy. Just use your prior experience to guide you in preparing for the next test.