MCAT's - When's best to take them?

[Drbound2012]

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PLEASE HELP , I AM CONFUSED!

I am currently a junior, have completed all prereqs, and will start to the SDNed plan on October 19th. I will be submitting my medical school application this summer, and since everything I read says to place applications as close to June 15 as possible, the question is when to take the MCAT.

The options are Jan, March,April and May. I want to make sure that I have the chance to retake the test so I thoughT either January or March would be best. I have not taken any full length tests yet to even identify my weakness, that's why I am starting to study this month.

In addition to my studying in october and early November, I have 2 full weeks in November, 3 weeks in December, and 4 weeks in January that I do not have any classes so I can get alot of studying done.

so would it be best for me to register for January test? If I fall short in January and don't feel 100% ready, then all the FL tests will have been used, so what would I use for additional studying?? Or still study over November, December and January, but then take it in March?

I also know that SDNed does not suggest taking classes and studying this way but honestly,,, unless I expect to add a semester to my college career, or take a year off before medical school, this is the only option.

 

[ucsfstudents]

Do not approach the exam with the thought of retaking it. Only take it when you are ready. Only you can make the decision as to when you should take it. Ideally, you will want a score to include on your application. Sometimes this is not feasible though.

 

[Drbound2012]

Do not approach the exam with the thought of retaking it. Only take it when you are ready. Only you can make the decision as to when you should take it. Ideally, you will want a score to include on your application. Sometimes this is not feasible though.

Ok, but if by chance I don't do as well as needed, I potentially need to sit out a year then... right?

 

[addo]

Ok, but if by chance I don't do as well as needed, I potentially need to sit out a year then... right?

Well if you get a really bad score, then yes you might have to reapply. So you dont want to go in with the idea that you are going to retake it, but you must have some room for a retake just in case. Take it when you think you are ready, which is after you do all your studying, and ideally when you are scoring at least high 20s and into the 30s on your AAMC practice exams.
I personally think the ideal time to take the the exam would be around april. It gives you the most time to study, and if you need to retake you can have your second scores in by mid june to early july.
I got my retake scores on mid august, and it seems to have worked out just fine. However, I did retake a 30 so I already had interviews before my retake scores came in.

 

[rafflecopter]

MCAT's - When's best to take thems?

Are you planning on taking more than one?

Seriously, though I agree with others here. I have seen too many people take it before they are ready. As an example, I know someone who was getting 26-27's on the practice tests and took it anyway, thinking she'd do better on the real thing. The end result? A 24. That doesn't go away, and its better just to do well the first time. I understand the need to "get things on a roll" or to avoid waiting another year to apply to medical school, but this is the greatest hurdle you will face on your path to medical school and it would be terrible to ruin your dreams here when that could be easily avoided.

The reality is, you should wait to take the MCAT until you are scoring about 2-3 points above what you actually want to get on the real thing - my impression has been that most people drop from their last few scores a few points. Take a prep class if you need help with pacing (or for their wealth of practice material) or go on your own if you think you can keep motivated. Just don't take it until you're getting what you want to get on the real thing or I guarantee you will be sorry.

 

[drdandelion]

PLEASE HELP , I AM CONFUSED!

I am currently a junior, have completed all prereqs, and will start to the SDNed plan on October 19th. I will be submitting my medical school application this summer, and since everything I read says to place applications as close to June 15 as possible, the question is when to take the MCAT.

The options are Jan, March,April and May. I want to make sure that I have the chance to retake the test so I thoughT either January or March would be best. I have not taken any full length tests yet to even identify my weakness, that's why I am starting to study this month.

In addition to my studying in october and early November, I have 2 full weeks in November, 3 weeks in December, and 4 weeks in January that I do not have any classes so I can get alot of studying done.

so would it be best for me to register for January test? If I fall short in January and don't feel 100% ready, then all the FL tests will have been used, so what would I use for additional studying?? Or still study over November, December and January, but then take it in March?

I also know that SDNed does not suggest taking classes and studying this way but honestly,,, unless I expect to add a semester to my college career, or take a year off before medical school, this is the only option.

The best time to take the MCAT is when you're ready for it. You'll get your test results exactly a month after you've taken the test if that's what you're concerned about...it'll immediately be ready by then to be sent to whichever schools you would like it to be sent to...