Retaking a High Expired MCAT: Timing?

[eternally]

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I received a 517 (GPA 4.0) on my 1st attempt in March 2017. Unfortunately, I am in the position of needing to reapply in June 2020, when this MCAT would have expired as a reapplicant. I'd still be aiming for top 30 schools, but I'm definitely also going to be reapplying broadly.

I know there is a heavy stigma against high score MCAT retakes, especially those that might result in a lower score. I just want the adcoms to know that I unequivocally only retook the score because it's expiring... If I retake Sept 2019, will this fact be obvious? Or should I wait until January 2020 to make it clear that 3 years have passed?

Maybe tagging @LizzyM @gyngyn ?

I know both have spoken heavily against MCAT retakes and I'm wondering how this situation would be viewed.

Thanks so much for your help.

 

[Stellaartwa]

Woof, I don't envy the position you're in. I'm sorry you have to retake such an awesome score, buddy. I don't think you have to worry. Everyone will recognize that you're only taking due to the expiration of that score. Take it whenever you're ready to kill it again. Best of luck to you!

 

[907914]

I received a 517 (GPA 4.0) on my 1st attempt in March 2017. Unfortunately, I am in the position of needing to reapply in June 2020, when this MCAT would have expired as a reapplicant. I'd still be aiming for top 30 schools, but of course I'm also going to be reapplying broadly.

I know there is a heavy stigma against high score MCAT retakes, especially those that might be lower score. I just want the adcoms to know that I unequivocally only retook the score because it's expiring.

If I retake Sept 2019, will this fact be obvious? Or should I wait until January 2020 to make it clear that 3 years have passed?

Maybe tagging @LizzyM @gyngyn ?

Thanks so much for your help.

There will be no stigma for the retake itself. They may wonder why you took the MCAT in the first place if you were not ready to apply, but the retake itself will be seen as simply an expired exam.

 

[medicinepassion1]

why do you have to retake it if scores for most schools are valid for three years?

 

[907914]

why do you have to retake it if scores for most schools are valid for three years?

March 2017 would expire March 2020

 

[medicinepassion1]

Right, but I thought the three-year rule was for the application cycle, not the matriculation year

 

[ThrowawayShmoaway]

Right, but I thought the three-year rule was for the application cycle, not the matriculation year

There's actually not really an official "3-year rule". It's school-dependent, so you should check on the actual schools' websites that you plan to apply to next time and try to gauge what their MCAT windows are. A lot obviously do require MCATs within 3 years and you'll probably have to retake, but you shouldn't just assume so. Check first

 

[chemdoctor]

Why don’t you just TRY to apply this year and see how it goes?

 

[eternally]

I applied this year and I'm a reapplicant now. I don't think applying two cycles in a row is wise.

 

[Grainagainst]

I applied this year and I'm a reapplicant now. I don't think applying two cycles in a row is wise.

What was your school list and GPA?

 

[subdermallight]

I applied this year and I'm a reapplicant now. I don't think applying two cycles in a row is wise.

It certainly can be.. it depends on many factors. You don’t want to lose that score or risk scoring lower. On the other hand, if you feel really confident about the mcat then maybe it’s not a big deal to retake. But if you would hate to take it again, why not just reapply now?

It depends on what the problem was with why you didn’t get accepted. Did you botch your school list? Easy fix. Did you apply late? Easy fix. Did you get arrested? Will take time. 0 clinical hours or shadowing? Honestly you may be able to make that work if you go ham on it now and send updates in the fall.

If you are willing to go in debt or you have the money to apply very wide, I say go for it and try and save that beautiful score.

If you have your heart set on a T20-T30 then maybe your best bet is to wait until 2020, beef up your app and see if you still got it in you to crush the mcat a second time.

 

[misslonghornxo]

I took the MCAT in Jan 2016 so it expires in Jan 2019. Since MCAT scores expire in 3 years, do we still need to report the score on the application?

 

[907914]

I took the MCAT in Jan 2016 so it expires in Jan 2019. Since MCAT scores expire in 3 years, do we still need to report the score on the application?

You never have to report to the MCAT scores. They are there regardless of whether you want to report them or not. And the score does not expire after three years, that is a school specific policy.

 

[1nside]

I wonder how strict schools are on their individual mcat date policies. Would they turn away a strong application they received upon seeing that date of the MCAT is slightly outside of their range. Maybe there is a screen for it.

 

[subdermallight]

I wonder how strict schools are on their individual mcat date policies. Would they turn away a strong application they received upon seeing that date of the MCAT is slightly outside of their range. Maybe there is a screen for it.

Probably strict but you can always ask. They're really nice over there at responding to questions

 

[unluckyadhessiveness]

Exact same stats and would also like to know your school list

 

[Isoval]

Woof, I don't envy the position you're in. I'm sorry you have to retake such an awesome score, buddy. I don't think you have to worry. Everyone will recognize that you're only taking due to the expiration of that score. Take it whenever you're ready to kill it again. Best of luck to you!

Woof?

I’m pretty sure you meow.

(avatar is a cat. I’m funny, alright?)

 

[907914]

avatar is a cat. I’m funny, alright

RIP Grumpy Cat. RIP.

 

[jambro]

I was in your exact position a couple months ago except I decided to apply twice in a row. I took 3 months and studied right after I was waitlisted to apply this cycle. I didn’t score quite as high as I wanted, but I did still do better than before. I was explicit that it expired in my secondaries because it didn’t technically expire for all schools, and my cycle is going better than last years so far (knock on wood of course.)

Tbh, I now think if you got a 517 last time you can do at least as well this time. Can’t believe you didn’t get in with your stats though, I’m sorry about that.