Need advice please!

[Dr.Forssmann]

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So i'm ready to apply this cycle. I've taken the mcat and got all my letters and etcetera. So i was wondering:

I wanna retake the MCAT this summer in september after i submit my application. Could it still be considered and included this cycle?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[Catalystik]

If you mark a future MCAT date on the application (this is one of the few areas of the AMCAS application that you can change after submission, BTW), then schools generally tend to hold consideration of the entire application until the retaken score is available (and October would be very late for an application to become Complete). This isn't 100% true however, as some schools have been known to reject you if some other component of the application isn't up to their standard. And some will still process the application if the already-present score is satisfactory. Receiving a Secondary application invitation from a school that doesn't screen won't tell you what they're thinking.

If you don't mark the planned retake date, you run the risk of premature rejection.

 

[medmedman]

So i'm ready to apply this cycle. I've taken the mcat and got all my letters and etcetera. So i was wondering:

I wanna retake the MCAT this summer in september after i submit my application. Could it still be considered and included this cycle?

Thanks so much!!!

Listen to that wise cat above. If you are really set on taking the MCAT again, take it before September if you can. Ideally you want everything done before secondaries are received

 

[TheBob]

What is the level of necessity of the retake, if you don't mind saying? I ask because I wouldn't run the risk of schools sitting on your application while waiting for results for a marginally improved score, if you are already in a competitive range. If you aren't, and think its almost necessary to improve your score to get in, then I'd do it.

 

[Dr.Forssmann]

So i wont be considered until i take it the second time? Which will be late?

I got a 31 12/7/12 :'( its a painful score but i think i can do better if i retake. If it will be considered late maybe ill reapply next cycle if i don't get in.

 

[Dr.Forssmann]

If you mark a future MCAT date on the application (this is one of the few areas of the AMCAS application that you can change after submission, BTW), then schools generally tend to hold consideration of the entire application until the retaken score is available (and October would be very late for an application to become Complete). This isn't 100% true however, as some schools have been known to reject you if some other component of the application isn't up to their standard. And some will still process the application if the already-present score is satisfactory. Receiving a Secondary application invitation from a school that doesn't screen won't tell you what they're thinking.

If you don't mark the planned retake date, you run the risk of premature rejection.

I am totally confused. So what do you recommend i do? Should i retake it? And select future date?

 

[DokterMom]

A 31 is not a disqualifyingly low score at most schools, so I'd suggest applying early with that 31.
Any way you could take an earlier MCAT? You've already got a 31, so it's not like you're starting from scratch. And how high do you think you can score on a May/June retake?

 

[Catalystik]

Considering that there are MD med schools that don't evaluate individual subscores and that your numbers are collectively decent, I'm not convinced you need to retake the MCAT to get an MD acceptance (assuming comprehensive ECs, supportive LORs, and good interview skills). Instead, you'd need to make some phone calls to find out what school policies are when evaluating an MCAT score and if they have a minimum for VS (if not apparent from the website). While you're at it, also ask how they evaluate multiple MCAT scores (do they use an average, the highest, the most recent, etc).

If you aspire to more-selective MD schools, particularly those that post subscore cutoffs, then retake, but try to move your timeline up by 2 months. If you feel the first VS was a fluke, you shouldn't need 3 months to study for it.

If you do decide to retake, making the future date known on the AMCAS application is likely to be in your better interests.

If your ECs aren't strong enough to help adcomms overlook at subpar VS, then you might consider taking the MCAT in September as you'd planned and waiting until summer 2015 to apply.

 

[Goro]

I'm a firm believer in applying wit the best poosible app, even if it means waiting a year.

So, do NOT take the MCAT until you're ready (and make sure you've fixed those VR deficits) and then apply June 1, 2015. In the mean time, work and save up some money, if you're finished with school.

I am totally confused. So what do you recommend i do? Should i retake it? And select future date?

 

[Dr.Forssmann]

I'm a firm believer in applying wit the best poosible app, even if it means waiting a year.

So, do NOT take the MCAT until you're ready (and make sure you've fixed those VR deficits) and then apply June 1, 2015. In the mean time, work and save up some money, if you're finished with school.

What if i applied now with the stats that i do have and retake after i submit and then apply again next year if i have to. Could i do that?

 

[Goro]

I concur with my learned colleague Cat. Apply strategically and the VR7 (it was VR, right?) might not be an issue.

What if i applied now with the stats that i do have and retake after i submit and then apply again next year if i have to. Could i do that?

 

[Dr.Forssmann]

Considering that there are MD med schools that don't evaluate individual subscores and that your numbers are collectively decent, I'm not convinced you need to retake the MCAT to get an MD acceptance (assuming comprehensive ECs, supportive LORs, and good interview skills). Instead, you'd need to make some phone calls to find out what school policies are when evaluating an MCAT score and if they have a minimum for VS (if not apparent from the website). While you're at it, also ask how they evaluate multiple MCAT scores (do they use an average, the highest, the most recent, etc).

If you aspire to more-selective MD schools, particularly those that post subscore cutoffs, then retake, but try to move your timeline up by 2 months. If you feel the first VS was a fluke, you shouldn't need 3 months to study for it.

If you do decide to retake, making the future date known on the AMCAS application is likely to be in your better interests.

If your ECs aren't strong enough to help adcomms overlook at subpar VS, then you might consider taking the MCAT in September as you'd planned and waiting until summer 2015 to apply.

Good advice thank you!