should I release it?

[jeffsimz]

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Hi. The first time I wrote the MCAT, I was not really prepared and scored a 25Q. I rewrote it last year and scored a 31Q. My question is, should I release my first test score to the schools I applied to? Will this look good on me, seeing as though I went up 6 marks or should I only give them my second score? Thanks for the advice.

 

[VienneseWaltz]

Maybe the rules have changed, but I'm pretty sure you don't have a choice. All scores will be released, right? Even if you do have the option, a 25 going in cold isn't bad, so schools are likely to assume that you did much worse the first time, and they WILL know how many times you took the test and will probably ask you how you scored anyway on your interview. At any rate, you are better off providing the scores up front.

 

[skypilot]

If it is an old score and you don't have to release it why bother. Why include something in your app that makes you look bad?

 

[VienneseWaltz]

When I applied, most of my secondaries asked for all MCAT scores, and I am told that schools ask you what your unreleased scores were at the interview, so even if the AAMC doesn't make you release all your scores, your schools are going to find them out one way or another. Why risk pissing them off?

jeffsimz, do you have a pre-med advisor? If so, do what he or she says. Also, you could call an admissions office and get their take on it.

 

[lotrfan81]

I am pretty sure that you have to release all your scores. I don't think you have a choice either but don't quote me or Ramoray might say something

 

[thewebthsp]

if you decided not to release scores, then you must "unselect" your scores from the THx system, or they will be seen by amcas schools. Check the Princeton Review guide to medical schools for the specific schools that care and do not care whether scores are held or not.

 

[siempre595]

i'm not sure about the rules regarding the release, but if you still have the option, my advice is release it. i had one bad score and went up 7 points. i had a strange reason for it and had to explain it everywhere i interviewed, but all the same, if you don't release, you are setting yourself up to have them question just HOW bad it is. and it's not that bad. your second score is perfectly good, and i would guess the first will be largely overlooked by many schools.
good luck

 

[mute360_CO]

Originally posted by siempre595
your second score is perfectly good, and i would guess the first will be largely overlooked by many schools

I totally agree with this statement... Not only that but showing improvement demonstrates your ability to excel. You obviously worked harder the second time around.

A very common interview question is "How have you failed and what have you learned from it?". I'm not saying that your first score was a failure but scoring better allows ADCOMS to see that you're willing to work hard and reach your goals.

 

[Lebesgue]

If you have the choice only release the 31Q.

Otherwise, be prepared to discuss the other score.

Every school I talked to about taking the test multiple times stated that it's better to take it once and do well, than to see improvement over several tests. That is why I waited till the Aug MCAT and ended up doing well on it.

I have a feeling however, that you probably don't have a choice.

 

[jeffsimz]

Just to clarify what people have been asking, I can withhold the 25Q if I want because it was written in 2001. Starting from 2003, the scores will automatically be released but since this score is pre 2003, I still have the choice. I appreciate all this advice.

 

[thewebthsp]

Yes you have a choice -- but by default they are going to be released unless you deselect your pre 2003 score from the THx system.