Retaking the MCAT in january (if i have to) a doable plan?

[reese07]

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I'm applying DO for the 2011 cycle. I take my first MCAT in two days. If I totally bomb it would it be a good idea to retake it in january and just update the schools? Is this possible and would it actually be worth the time if I do better on it than my first exam?

 

[MightyMoose]

I'm applying DO for the 2011 cycle. I take my first MCAT in two days. If I totally bomb it would it be a good idea to retake it in january and just update the schools? Is this possible and would it actually be worth the time if I do better on it than my first exam?

Some schools will accept the January MCAT, but others will review your file as soon as your MCAT is in and will make a decision at that time (assuming you submit your application prior to getting your scores).

You should just take the MCAT when you're ready. We all have second thoughts right before we take the exam, but if your practice scores aren't what you are looking to get on the real deal then push it back, because the odds that your score on the real exam will increase are very slim. You will likely be right in range with your practice score averages.

I'm sure you're just experiencing cold feet. It's natural, but you have to just remember that at the end of the day it's just an exam. Just relax and nail that beast. Good luck on your exam.

 

[Dharma]

Some schools will accept the January MCAT, but others will review your file as soon as your MCAT is in and will make a decision at that time (assuming you submit your application prior to getting your scores).

You should just take the MCAT when you're ready. We all have second thoughts right before we take the exam, but if your practice scores aren't what you are looking to get on the real deal then push it back, because the odds that your score on the real exam will increase are very slim. You will likely be right in range with your practice score averages.

I'm sure you're just experiencing cold feet. It's natural, but you have to just remember that at the end of the day it's just an exam. Just relax and nail that beast. Good luck on your exam.

I agree. If you are not ready, hold off and systematically attack that thing. Watch out for the procrastination monster though. Make a schedule, be sure to practice passages regularly (I myself went into overkill mode on content review and wasted a bit of time) and boost that confidence.

Remember, this test is an opportunity to show off your goods. Try not to look at it as an obstacle. It is all about perspective.

Good luck brother (or sister).

D

 

[same21]

Dont wait until Jan to take the exam for the first time. I think thats way too late. I took the MCAT a week ago and have no idea how I did on it, I was also thinking that if I didnt do well then I would take it in Jan again. I dont know if its a great plan or not but the way I see it is there arent a lot of options. If your score or mine is truely abysmal (hopefully not!) we will have to re take anyway, so might as well re take in jan and hope for the best. If we dont get in this cycle, there is always next cycle!

 

[Dharma]

Dont wait until Jan to take the exam for the first time. I think thats way too late. I took the MCAT a week ago and have no idea how I did on it, I was also thinking that if I didnt do well then I would take it in Jan again. I dont know if its a great plan or not but the way I see it is there arent a lot of options. If your score or mine is truely abysmal (hopefully not!) we will have to re take anyway, so might as well re take in jan and hope for the best. If we dont get in this cycle, there is always next cycle!

I guess it depends on what type of AAMC scores you've been pulling. If they are high enough to give it a go, then go for it. But if you're scoring low 20s or lower, I'd say hold off. Just my opinion.