No show on MCAT Test Date

[Dr. Stalker]

Hey everyone, I'm registered to take my MCAT exam tomorrow, and I (incorrectly) thought I can simply cancel it online today, but I'm beyond the "cancellation date" which was 7/1/16.

I looked at a prior thread that kind of sort of answered my question, but I'm still doubtful.

If I:
1) DO NOT show up and DO NOT take the MCAT tomorrow, will there be anything on my record MD and DO schools can see?
2) Show up, take the MCAT, and void, will there be anything on my record MD and DO schools can see?

On the thread I read about, @gonnif states AMCAS and AAMC will not release a voided attempt since the exam itself isn't scored, but it will be noted that I did sit and attempt the exam and medical schools can access that information.

Anyone been through this situation before? I'm a retaker; I took the old MCAT on the 45 point scale, didn't do too well, applied, couldn't get in, so I'm retaking and reapply.

Would it be better to just not show up at all? I don't want to risk showing up, voiding, and then giving these schools an opportunity to see that I did sit for the exam, but opted not to score it. Thanks everyone~!

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[sparklingwater]

I would refer to this thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/voiding-mcat-for-practice.1182497/

Gonnif and gyngyn state that AAMC doesn't release evidence of voided exams on applications from AMCAS. According to others in the thread, the AAMC has denied that schools have any ability to view unscored exams. However, gonnif elaborates that schools can potentially manually view no show / voided attempts if they have the appropriate user rights (but in practice no one does).

While it is true that AAMC does keep a record of voids and no shows (7 lifetime MCAT policy) and you can view it on your personal score reporting account, I personally don't believe schools can covertly access it. Gonnif has previously stated several times that schools can see where a student has been waitlisted, which other adcoms have stated not to have access to. The only way for both to be true is that only a select group of adcoms has access to this information. In any case, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[bananafish94]

Gonnif has previously stated several times that schools can see where a student has been waitlisted

I'm 98% sure that all schools can see where people are waitlisted after the "multiple acceptances" deadline.

If you can't get any money back at this point, you could treat this as a very expensive practice exam and then void!

 

[sparklingwater]

I'm 98% sure that all schools can see where people are waitlisted after the "multiple acceptances" deadline.

If you can't get any money back at this point, you could treat this as a very expensive practice exam and then void!

What makes you say that? Of course, schools can see where waitlisted candidates have been accepted after the multiple acceptance date (hence the name). However, gyngyn, LizzyM, as well as others have stated that they could never see where their accepted or waitlisted applicants were waitlisted or denied. At least officially, AMCAS doesn't seem to provide this information:

"Starting in February, for all students they have accepted, med schools can see where else they have been accepted via the Multiple Acceptance Report. In April of the application year all medical schools can see a list of all applicants with a current Acceptance or Matriculated action via the National Acceptance Report. They can never see rejections or alternate lists or no actions for other schools."

Schools could, of course, communicate with each other or maybe AMCAS has a secret report, but I think it is more likely the information isn't readily available.

 

[bananafish94]

However, gyngyn, LizzyM, as well as others have stated that they could never see where their accepted or waitlisted applicants were waitlisted or denied. At least officially, AMCAS doesn't seem to provide this information:

I didn't realize you were referring to this. You're right, I don't think they have access to that information.

 

[Wolfpack93]

Not taking it would be wasting ~$300. Might as well just take it for the experience and void and who knows maybe you'll get content you feel strong on.

 

[gyngyn]

I'm 98% sure that all schools can see where people are waitlisted after the "multiple acceptances" deadline.

We never see where you have applied or where you have interviewed or where you have been waitlisted. We can see where you have been accepted in Spring if we have accepted you and we can see where people we have waitlisted are holding acceptances later in the Spring.

The exception is TX, where they want to know where you have applied, and get it...

 

[GreatestChallenge]

I was actually in your position - kind of freaked out the week before my MCAT and tried to cancel but was past the cancellation date. I chose to sit, take the test, and void my scores. But I actually ended up feeling pretty good about the exam and submitted my scores and got 6 points higher than all of my practice exams were saying (this was on the old 45 scale).

It's a waste of $300 (or however much it is now) if you don't show up - I would do as previously said and treat it as an expensive practice exam and if you end up feeling good about it, throw your hat in the ring and submit your scores!

 

[MedHopeful09]

.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

let me clarify this confusion once again on voided exams

1) a voided exam specifically means it was never scored and can never be scored
2)AMCAS never notes "void" on any record that a school can see.
3) every scheduled attempt for an MCAT that was not cancelled, whether a no show, a computer malfunction or any other reason will show on the MCAT index page per student as a date with no score and usually no comments. In other words, blank. just a date and no information. This is not typically how schools go in and look for a student's score report as this would be a manual process.
4) once an exam is voided it no longer exists and can never be scored; only the scheduling record exists as a blank date. The exam itself is purged from the system by design.

again, nowhere does the word "void" exist on any school accesible student record, nor does any exam that is voided ever get scored.

So is there any difference if I VOID vs. Don't show up?? I'm trying to decide right now, please let me know!

 

[MedHopeful09]

not in MCAT record of scheduled date. in emotional drain , there is slot of difference

sorry to beat this horse's ashes, but to prevent any sort of record, no show > void?

 

[futureMD4294]

let me clarify this confusion once again on voided exams

1) a voided exam specifically means it was never scored and can never be scored
2)AMCAS never notes "void" on any record that a school can see.
3) every scheduled attempt for an MCAT that was not cancelled, whether a no show, a computer malfunction or any other reason will show on the MCAT index page per student as a date with no score and usually no comments. In other words, blank. just a date and no information. This is not typically how schools go in and look for a student's score report as this would be a manual process.
4) once an exam is voided it no longer exists and can never be scored; only the scheduling record exists as a blank date. The exam itself is purged from the system by design.

again, nowhere does the word "void" exist on any school accesible student record, nor does any exam that is voided ever get scored.

This here, is golden I think. How do you know this though @gonnif ???

 

[badboy12435]

Working in application automation and procesding since the mid 1990s

No legitimate evidence for this other than credential bombing.

 

[Goro]

any scheduled MCAT that is not cancelled for whatever reason will leave a date record for the student. this will show MCAT was scheduled but no score was reported. it would unlikely any school would see this or, if they did, could draw any conclusions about this

And just to reiterate, when I see an app, I only see MCAT scores and dates taken. Nothing else.

No legitimate evidence for this other than credential bombing.

Chill!

 

[badboy12435]

And just to reiterate, when I see an app, I only see MCAT scores and dates taken. Nothing else.



Chill!

I try to point out baseless statements.

 

[Light at end of tunnel]

I try to point out baseless statements.

You sir may have a lot of work cut out for you.

 

[IslandStyle808]

Can't blame ya brah, I voided once and I was freaked out that they would see it or that I actually didn't void. Don't worry a void won't show up in their records.

 

[futureMD4294]

Can't blame ya brah, I voided once and I was freaked out that they would see it or that I actually didn't void. Don't worry a void won't show up in their records.

How clear is the screen that I asks you to void exam? I'm scared I will improperly void my exam and accidentally have a score haha. Tips?


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[Goro]

I try to point out baseless statements.

Accuracy is fine, but don't jump off a cliff with it.

 

[IslandStyle808]

How clear is the screen that I asks you to void exam? I'm scared I will improperly void my exam and accidentally have a score haha. Tips?


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Kind of similar to the one on the practice exam I took. However, I never took the new MCAT so I don't know how it looks now. I was so paranoid at the time, that I actually called the testing people to make sure I voided LOL.

 

[badboy12435]

Accuracy is fine, but don't jump off a cliff with it.

I find it funny that you have been telling me to calm down when I am pointing out a claim made by a veteran on this forum. It is fine if you are biased, but I would rather jump off your metaphorical cliff than let students make bad decisions on test day because I didn't point out inaccurate statements.

 

[Goro]

I find it funny that you have been telling me to calm down when I am pointing out a claim made by a veteran on this forum. It is fine if you are biased, but I would rather jump off your metaphorical cliff than let students make bad decisions on test day because I didn't point out inaccurate statements.

This business about voiding seems to be very threatening to you. Your reactions are out of proportion to the subject matter and discussion. Has gonnif been mean to you in the past?

 

[Dr. Stalker]

Why you guys bumping my old thread up?

The screen is very simple, and you're given Five Full Minutes to answer.

It is identical to the practice exam test screen you see at the end of the AAMC Full Length Exams

I WISH TO HAVE MY MCAT:

1. SCORED - scored and will be officially recorded whenever you apply.
2. NOT SCORE - Your score WILL NOT be recorded or scored.

YOU CANNOT GO BACK ON THIS PAGE: YOUR DECISION IS FINAL.

Hope it clears up the issue fam.

 

[badboy12435]

This business about voiding seems to be very threatening to you. Your reactions are out of proportion to the subject matter and discussion. Has gonnif been mean to you in the past?

I don't understand why you are making up stories now. I pointed out that the no of attempts couldn't be seen, and he started to talk about how they could be seen, so I needed to understand the veracity of those statements.

The way you have been responding to my posts makes it seem like you are afraid that I will reveal something which you won't like. It seems like you are scared of and threatened by someone speaking the truth.

Interesting... Don't worry. I will try not to get in your way.

 

[Goro]

I don't understand why you are making up stories now. I pointed out that the no of attempts couldn't be seen, and he started to talk about how they could be seen, so I needed to understand the veracity of those statements.

The way you have been responding to my posts makes it seem like you are afraid that I will reveal something which you won't like. It seems like you are scared of and threatened by someone speaking the truth.

Interesting... Don't worry. I will try not to get in your way.

Wow! That decompensated quickly. Placing on Ignore. You'll feel some slight pressure between the ears. Try not to let it hurt your little brain.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

I don't understand why you are making up stories now. I pointed out that the no of attempts couldn't be seen, and he started to talk about how they could be seen, so I needed to understand the veracity of those statements.

The way you have been responding to my posts makes it seem like you are afraid that I will reveal something which you won't like. It seems like you are scared of and threatened by someone speaking the truth.

Interesting... Don't worry. I will try not to get in your way.

Dude, chill. Don't get me wrong, some of Goro's advice ticks me off, but, at the end of the day, he's better than like 100% of college pre-med advisers. HE doesn't sugar coat things. If you ask "yo can I go to an MD school with a 487" he'll respond "nope, carib might take you. Retake and go for DO." That's not a scum response, instead, a super blunt response lol.

 

[Toutie]

Dude, chill. Don't get me wrong, some of Goro's advice ticks me off, but, at the end of the day, he's better than like 100% of college pre-med advisers. HE doesn't sugar coat things. If you ask "yo can I go to an MD school with a 487" he'll respond "nope, carib might take you. Retake and go for DO." That's not a scum response, instead, a super blunt response lol.

Nope...Goro would never suggest one go to the Caribbean. He'd just say it's time for Plan B. 😛

 

[Dr. Stalker]

Nope...Goro would never suggest one go to the Caribbean. He'd just say it's time for Plan B. 😛

That's true. I was just trying to make a point of how blunt @Goro is lol. Its tough to hear, but sometimes that's what a dumba55 lost pre-med needs to hear.

 

[badboy12435]

Wow! That decompensated quickly. Placing on Ignore. You'll feel some slight pressure between the ears. Try not to let it hurt your little brain.

Ah, another personal attack. You are very mature ADCOM member.

I hope to be a doctor who practices evidence based medicine not someone who gets angry and rages at others.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

That's true. I was just trying to make a point of how blunt @Goro is lol. Its tough to hear, but sometimes that's what a dumba55 lost pre-med needs to hear.

Instead of editing my above post, I'd like to make it known that I'm referring to myself, @Dr. Stalker as the dumba55 pre-med.

 

[Light at end of tunnel]

Instead of editing my above post, I'd like to make it known that I'm referring to myself, @Dr. Stalker as the dumba55 pre-med.

Hang on now, so you have two accounts, Dr. Stalker and Dumba55?

🙂

 

[jcorpsmanMD]

We never see where you have applied or where you have interviewed or where you have been waitlisted. We can see where you have been accepted in Spring if we have accepted you and we can see where people we have waitlisted are holding acceptances later in the Spring.

The exception is TX, where they want to know where you have applied, and get it...

This is true. When I interviewed at a state school in Texas they somehow knew about all the schools I applied / interviewed at in California.. they're stealthy I tell ya

 

[Dr. Stalker]

Hang on now, so you have two accounts, Dr. Stalker and Dumba55?

🙂

Dumba55 is still an available username on here?! Brb making a fake email to create an account here 😛. For real though, all the good usernames are always taken.

 

[unicornshadow888]

any scheduled MCAT that is not cancelled for whatever reason will leave a date record for the student. this will show MCAT was scheduled but no score was reported. it would unlikely any school would see this or, if they did, could draw any conclusions about this

Erm... I scheduled to take the MCAT last year and ended up being a no-show because I wasn't ready (life got in the way: family member was diagnosed with a brain tumor). I called AAMC about whether a no-show would show up as one of your 7 lifetime attempts, and they said that it doesn't. It doesn't leave any sort of record. They specifically said that the only penalty associated with a no-show is wasted money.

^^^EDIT: It turns out that this is no longer the case. So, a no-show does count as one of your 7 lifetime attempts.

 

[IlDestriero]

This is why I keep coming back. 8)
PS Stop triggering generation P @Goro !
SDN should be a safe space!

--
Il Destriero

 

[dr.Breezy]

No legitimate evidence for this other than credential bombing.

He has a point, there has been no evidence or source other than hearsay on a forum that adcoms can see reported attempts. Though I respect the opinions of sdn adcom members. We need actual evidence of this claim that adcom members can see reported attempts. The only substantiated evidence we have is AAMC saying voided attempts won't be reported. We need an actual source similar to AAMC (if not AAMC themselves) backing up gonnif's claim. Credentials (like being an adcom member) give authority to an individual to speak on te subject, but proving a claim needs facts based evidence


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[Dr. Stalker]

So, what's the official stance? If a student registers for the MCAT and DOES NOT SHOW UP, what the heck happens? Do medical schools see the blank test date? I read through everyone's comments and unfortunately, there was no official answer.

 

[all things possible]

So, what's the official stance? If a student registers for the MCAT and DOES NOT SHOW UP, what the heck happens? Do medical schools see the blank test date? I read through everyone's comments and unfortunately, there was no official answer.

Gonnif gave you the best answer.

 

[DameJulie]

So, what's the official stance? If a student registers for the MCAT and DOES NOT SHOW UP, what the heck happens? Do medical schools see the blank test date? I read through everyone's comments and unfortunately, there was no official answer.

It happened to me once. I registered for an MCAT, and decide to NO SHOW because I wasn't prepped (I didn't remember I had a MCAT registration until 2 days before the exam, when it's impossible to cancel it).

It doesn't show on my score report that I skipped this exam, and I assumed med schools don't see a "No Show" test. However, it does count into one attempt in terms of MCAT test limitation.

 

[LoveBeingHuman:)]

Regardless of whether or not voided attempts appear on the AMCAS, the real question is if it matters or not.

It doesn't.

Chill.