Reschedule to November or January?

[tayab1234]

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I am currently a rising senior (taking a gap year) and my test day is 9/6. I do not feel prepared enough at this point to take the exam with confidence. I have been focusing mainly on the content review since some of the classes were taken my freshman year, and orgo was taken entirely over the summer (so I forgot a good chunk of the material). I realize doing tons of practice tests are really important so I definitely need more time to study.

I was thinking of changing my date to either November or January, but can't choose between the two.
The only reason why November would be the better choice is that I may be able to retake the 2014 exam in January (although I'm actually not sure if this is possible... would it be too late to sign up for the January exams by the time I take the November one?)

On the other hand, taking the exam in January would give me not only more time in general, but winter break to really focus on the MCAT. If I want to retake, however, I would have to study again for the new MCAT.

My school recommends you not to take the MCAT for the first time in January due to this retake reason. But I only want to take the exam when I am fully ready, and I have the intention of taking the exam only once (although retake MAY be necessary, I really want to avoid this).

Any suggestions? There are seats available for October, November, and January at this point.

 

[HCHopeful]

I am in the exact same situation. I've already registered for the January 23rd date, and my testing center is completely booked for that day. I am considering rescheduling for November as well just to account for any possible "whoops" test days.

In the end, though, I think I unconsciously decided to do the January date. First of all, it gives me 1.25 months more of nothing but studying. Secondly, it allows for me to take it while feeling confident. I have no intention of walking into that testing center feeling scared. Anxious and nervous, yes.

I would wait until January. You have to be able to believe in yourself. It seems to me that scheduling an earlier test date with the intention of signing up for another afterward is a set up for failure.

Good luck deciding. I know it's not an easy decision.