Schools finding out about MCAT retake

[mphbeforemd]

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Hi,

I'm currently in the middle of the application process (MCAT 29, sGPA: 3.76) and not so encouraged by the responses I've been receiving from schools (2 interviews- one in mid December one in late January so far). I've signed up to retake the MCAT on January 15 and wanted to know:

1) Is there any chance of them looking at my score- even if they don't accept January MCAT- if by February I haven't heard back. Is it worth it for me to let schools know I'm retaking it?

2) If I do retake it and don't improve- how will that affect my application/when will they find out that I'm retaking, assuming I will not have heard back from my late January interview by the time I get scores.

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

 

[NoDakDok]

Hi,

I'm currently in the middle of the application process (MCAT 29, sGPA: 3.76) and not so encouraged by the responses I've been receiving from schools (2 interviews- one in mid December one in late January so far). I've signed up to retake the MCAT on January 15 and wanted to know:

1) Is there any chance of them looking at my score- even if they don't accept January MCAT- if by February I haven't heard back. Is it worth it for me to let schools know I'm retaking it?

2) If I do retake it and don't improve- how will that affect my application/when will they find out that I'm retaking, assuming I will not have heard back from my late January interview by the time I get scores.

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

It was to my knowledge that schools know if you're going to retake the MCAT. It was also to my knowledge that they delayed application response until that score was in. At that, I thought retaking the MCAT during the cycle was a no-no.

However, I don't have the experience with this situation and thus I think it's too specific for me or anyone other than an AdCom to answer. Since I can't help you, maybe I can defer to @Goro @LizzyM or @Catalystik so they can give you a helpful response. I'd be interested in their response.

Best of luck.

 

[MajorBubblez]

I retook the MCAT and applied this cycle. You need to change the status on your AMCAS app and often they don't review your application until after your new score is available.

1) No, they have cut-off dates for a reason. A retake then would only help you for a subsequent cycle.
2) If you stay the same I would assume it wouldn't hurt too much, although it would cement the notion that your score is your ceiling. This contrasts with those who only take the MCAT once and if it's a little below what's expected of them based on their GPA, they can chalk it up to a bad test day. A decrease will hurt badly.

 

[LizzyM]

I would not expect a January 2015 MCAT to be factored into any decisions made this cycle. By the time the scores would be reported, most of the application review and invitation issuing would be over. Aren't the deadlines for applications in November?? The only way this helps is in applying in 2015 or beyond.

 

[Doug Underhill]

Your 29 isn't hurting you that much with your better-than-average GPA. Honestly, 2 interviews doesn't sound too abnormal for an average applicant. How many schools did you apply to? 3 interviews would be better, I agree, but this is a very competitive process and you can only go to one med school.

 

[Goro]

They're not going to care that you're taking it, only that you do better. Much better. As my learbed colleaggue pointed out, things are pretty much set in stone now as is.


1) Is there any chance of them looking at my score- even if they don't accept January MCAT- if by February I haven't heard back. Is it worth it for me to let schools know I'm retaking it?

This will diminish your chances. You're expected to improve significantly with a retake.

2) If I do retake it and don't improve- how will that affect my application/when will they find out that I'm retaking, assuming I will not have heard back from my late January interview by the time I get scores.

 

[NoDakDok]

I would not expect a January 2015 MCAT to be factored into any decisions made this cycle. By the time the scores would be reported, most of the application review and invitation issuing would be over. Aren't the deadlines for applications in November?? The only way this helps is in applying in 2015 or beyond.

They're not going to care that you're taking it, only that you do better. Much better. As my learbed colleaggue pointed out, things are pretty much set in stone now as is.


1) Is there any chance of them looking at my score- even if they don't accept January MCAT- if by February I haven't heard back. Is it worth it for me to let schools know I'm retaking it?

This will diminish your chances. You're expected to improve significantly with a retake.

2) If I do retake it and don't improve- how will that affect my application/when will they find out that I'm retaking, assuming I will not have heard back from my late January interview by the time I get scores.

TIL. Thank you both.

Looks like OP might as well not retake unless they don't get in this cycle. Just statistically, 2 interviews is an okay chance of acceptance with good interviewing skills.