Send it in now or later?

[member1190]

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Hey guys! I'm new here and I just have a question that my pre-med friends and I have been debating about for a while.

We're all in the same boat with having to retake the MCAT--either because all the sections could be improved or because one section was incredibly low and screwing up chances of getting in anywhere.

Anyway, I haven't sent in my primary AMCAS application yet because I don't want to be "screened" out of schools or looked down upon because of my current scores. I am retaking the MCAT on August 4th and won't get scores back obviously until September. I don't know whether I should send in my primary AMCAS application now or until I get my scores. My application states that I am retaking the MCAT on August 4th.

I have a few friends that say send it in now or you'll regret it. I also have a few friends that believe I should wait until I get my scores back.

What do you all think?

 

[mirimonster]

Hey guys! I'm new here and I just have a question that my pre-med friends and I have been debating about for a while.

We're all in the same boat with having to retake the MCAT--either because all the sections could be improved or because one section was incredibly low and screwing up chances of getting in anywhere.

Anyway, I haven't sent in my primary AMCAS application yet because I don't want to be "screened" out of schools or looked down upon because of my current scores. I am retaking the MCAT on August 4th and won't get scores back obviously until September. I don't know whether I should send in my primary AMCAS application now or until I get my scores. My application states that I am retaking the MCAT on August 4th.

I have a few friends that say send it in now or you'll regret it. I also have a few friends that believe I should wait until I get my scores back.

What do you all think?

If you wait for your scores to come back, you might as well wait another year. Think about it, your score is complete in September, then you submit, you're not verified until October. Then if you're on top of your secondaries, you're complete in November 😱, late October at the earliest. If you're dead set on applying this year, I say you need to submit your AMCAS now so that it will be verified in time. Just apply to one school that you don't care much about so it will get the wheels turning, and then once your scores come in, you can add more that fit with your score. They will hold your application until all your scores are in, so you won't get screened out immediately. You'll still be late, but not as late.

 

[member1190]

If you wait for your scores to come back, you might as well wait another year. Think about it, your score is complete in September, then you submit, you're not verified until October. Then if you're on top of your secondaries, you're complete in November 😱, late October at the earliest. If you're dead set on applying this year, I say you need to submit your AMCAS now so that it will be verified in time. Just apply to one school that you don't care much about so it will get the wheels turning, and then once your scores come in, you can add more that fit with your score. They will hold your application until all your scores are in, so you won't get screened out immediately. You'll still be late, but not as late.

Just to clarify, I can always add more schools to my primary AMCAS application after sending it in? And if the school does screen, they won't screen me either way until they receive my second scores?

 

[mirimonster]

Just to clarify, I can always add more schools to my primary AMCAS application after sending it in? And if the school does screen, they won't screen me either way until they receive my second scores?

Yes, you can add as many schools as you want whenever you want after the initial verificaton without adding any extra time. That's why SDN often advises only adding one school at first if you're unsure of your MCAT scores.

The way I understand it, as long as you indicate that you have an upcoming MCAT score, schools will not consider your application complete, so they won't even look at your application until the new score comes in.

 

[member1190]

Yes, you can add as many schools as you want whenever you want after the initial verificaton without adding any extra time. That's why SDN often advises only adding one school at first if you're unsure of your MCAT scores.

The way I understand it, as long as you indicate that you have an upcoming MCAT score, schools will not consider your application complete, so they won't even look at your application until the new score comes in.

Awesome! Thanks so much!

 

[mirimonster]

Awesome! Thanks so much!

If you want to be safe, make that first school one with an automatic secondary, and then submit the rest (already verified) when the new score comes in.

 

[member1190]

If you want to be safe, make that first school one with an automatic secondary, and then submit the rest (already verified) when the new score comes in.

Theoretically, wouldn't it be safe to send it to a school that screens? They will hold the application until the new scores are posted. After that, then you will be screened and evaluated.