Schools don't assess applications until August? (MCAT concern)

[studentp0x]

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3 different schools I've emailed have said that they don't assess applications until August. Is this the norm? So me taking the MCAT in June would be 100% okay in terms of not being behind in the rolling admission process... since scores would be released in July.

Anyone know if any schools view them in July? I was considering extending and taking it early July...

 

[armybound]

just take it whenever you feel prepared. if that's July, take it in July. I'd rather be a little late with a good score than early/on time with a bad score.

 

[Chillbo Baggins]

You would still want to submit the rest of your application as soon as you could to hold your place in line before your scores were released.

I had two interviews August 1st and 8th (in Texas), so there are some schools that do look at apps early, but I think most of them start reviewing in August.

 

[studentp0x]

You would still want to submit the rest of your application as soon as you could to hold your place in line before your scores were released.

I had two interviews August 1st and 8th (in Texas), so there are some schools that do look at apps early, but I think most of them start reviewing in August.

Well let's say I submit everything (except the MCAT) the first day it's open in June... and then scores are released late July... and application review begins August. I wouldn't "fall back" in line without having my MCAT scores right?

 

[studentp0x]

just take it whenever you feel prepared. if that's July, take it in July. I'd rather be a little late with a good score than early/on time with a bad score.

I feel like I need 2 months of prep. I'm going to spend the winter holidays doing daily verbal practice in addition to reviewing physics. Will do the same in my 1 week off in second semester. I feel 8 weeks should be enough after exams in 2nd semester since I've retained the majority of the content from the pre reqs, so physics and verbal would be the only two things I'd have to spend time on.
I guess it's a broken down 11 weeks.

 

[NeuroNYC]

Well let's say I submit everything (except the MCAT) the first day it's open in June... and then scores are released late July... and application review begins August. I wouldn't "fall back" in line without having my MCAT scores right?

You would. Schools aren't going to view the application until it's totally complete. June is a fine date to take the MCAT and you won't really be behind at all.

Also be aware that every school is different. Some schools start interviewing in August. I agree with @armybound, take the MCAT when you are prepared to do well on it.

 

[Chillbo Baggins]

You would. Schools aren't going to view the application until it's totally complete. June is a fine date to take the MCAT and you won't really be behind at all.

But it's useful for getting transcripts verified before AMCAS gets backed up.

 

[NeuroNYC]

But it's useful for getting transcripts verified before AMCAS gets backed up.

Especially if next year's verification process is anything like this year's was. Yeesh.

 

[studentp0x]

You would. Schools aren't going to view the application until it's totally complete. June is a fine date to take the MCAT and you won't really be behind at all.

Also be aware that every school is different. Some schools start interviewing in August. I agree with @armybound, take the MCAT when you are prepared to do well on it.

So whoever submitted their app first in June gets viewed first in August? Or whoever has their app 100% complete gets viewed first regardless of who submitted whatever incomplete app first?

 

[NeuroNYC]

For schools that review in chronological order (some schools pull completed applications at random, remember), the application which was entirely complete (test scores, LORs, everything) will be reviewed first. And this may or may not be in August (it might be sooner, it might be later, it varies by school).

 

[kyamh]

Keep in mind that there have been several posts this cycle by applicants who took the MCAT only to be disappointed with their score. These applicants were too late to retake their exam and they had already submitted their applications...don't be stuck between a rock and a hard place.