Questions from a freaked out applicant

[biolife35]

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Hi all,

So, I am applying to med school in the 2013 cycle and have some questions which, I am hoping, I could get some good advice to.

1) Starting off with the most negative question: If I took my MCAT 08/2012, will it be valid for the 2014 application cycle?

2) If I do not get into med school in my first attempt, I plan on pursuing a MS in biology or an MPH degree if the reason why I didn't get in was a low MCAT score. If I, for some reason, get a reasonably high score, I would plan to get a job and apply the following year. One problem: who would I get recommendation letters from in the latter scenario?
In other words, I am afraid to waste my potentially good MCAT score.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Josh7]

Hi all,

So, I am applying to med school in the 2013 cycle and have some questions which, I am hoping, I could get some good advice to.

1) Starting off with the most negative question: If I took my MCAT 08/2012, will it be valid for the 2014 application cycle?

2) If I do not get into med school in my first attempt, I plan on pursuing a MS in biology or an MPH degree if the reason why I didn't get in was a low MCAT score. If I, for some reason, get a reasonably high score, I would plan to get a job and apply the following year. One problem: who would I get recommendation letters from in the latter scenario?
In other words, I am afraid to waste my potentially good MCAT score.

Thanks everyone!

1) Yes, most schools just require an MCAT score from the past 4-5 years
2) Get letters now and store them using some letter service

 

[Ismet]

1) Yes, most schools just require an MCAT score from the past 4-5 years

No, most schools require an MCAT score from the past 2-3 years, no later. I've never seen a school that accepts a 4-5 year old score. OP would be good for the application cycle starting in 2014, but at some schools that would be the last cycle they could apply with a 2012 MCAT score.

 

[Cinclus]

Hi all,

So, I am applying to med school in the 2013 cycle and have some questions which, I am hoping, I could get some good advice to.

1) Starting off with the most negative question: If I took my MCAT 08/2012, will it be valid for the 2014 application cycle?

2) If I do not get into med school in my first attempt, I plan on pursuing a MS in biology or an MPH degree if the reason why I didn't get in was a low MCAT score. If I, for some reason, get a reasonably high score, I would plan to get a job and apply the following year. One problem: who would I get recommendation letters from in the latter scenario?
In other words, I am afraid to waste my potentially good MCAT score.

Thanks everyone!

Your MCAT is generally good for a 3-year window, so yes, you should be fine for that cycle. You can still get recommendations in the latter scenario. You can get them from the same people you would get them from otherwise (professors, etc.). You can even get them before you're finished with school and hang onto them for a year.

 

[Catalystik]

Submitting a letter with a year-old date isn't a problem, but many would ask their letter writer to reissue a letter with a new date after that point. Find a letter collection service that will keep them for you if you start collecting them.

Most med schools expire an MCAT score in 2-3 yearws. There are a handful of schools that accept one that is 4-10 years old.

 

[Chir0nex]

Hi all,

So, I am applying to med school in the 2013 cycle and have some questions which, I am hoping, I could get some good advice to.

1) Starting off with the most negative question: If I took my MCAT 08/2012, will it be valid for the 2014 application cycle?

2) If I do not get into med school in my first attempt, I plan on pursuing a MS in biology or an MPH degree if the reason why I didn't get in was a low MCAT score. If I, for some reason, get a reasonably high score, I would plan to get a job and apply the following year. One problem: who would I get recommendation letters from in the latter scenario?
In other words, I am afraid to waste my potentially good MCAT score.

Thanks everyone!

1. I think that you would be fine for that cycle. the easiest way to check is to look at the AMCAS website, or school websites and see their requirements for applying.

2. While an MS makes as far as boosting your application for MD, and MPH will take 3 years and is likely overkill if you still want to go the MD route. If you don't get in cross that bridge when you come to it, who knows how your mindset will change over time. As far as the issue of letters, you re-use old letters of rec from an earlier recommendation, though as was said earlier i would recommend getting them updated. If you don't make it the first time you can also get new letters if you think they will be better than the old ones.

Also, one think to keep in mind is that if you are asked in an interview what you would do if you don't get accepted, always say you would imporve you application and apply again.

 

[aggronor]

My MCAT score is from 2010 and I'm applying this year (2012-2013), so I actually checked what the policy is for a lot of schools. I'd estimate about 15% of schools put the cut-off at 2 years, 70% accept 3 years, and the last 15% accept 4-5 years.

A score from 2012 should be good virtually anywhere during the 2014-2015 cycle.

 

[mvenus929]

My MCAT score is from 2010 and I'm applying this year (2012-2013), so I actually checked what the policy is for a lot of schools. I'd estimate about 15% of schools put the cut-off at 2 years, 70% accept 3 years, and the last 15% accept 4-5 years.

A score from 2012 should be good virtually anywhere during the 2014-2015 cycle.

Just FYI... the majority of schools with the 3 year cut off are three years prior to matriculation, not application.