So would schools always wait for MCAT?

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danimastani

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Hi, I took my MCAT in August 2003 and scored mid20's ; I took it again in August 2004. I have already applied for 2005 and am about to send in secondaries. I was wondering if the schools would still wait for my MCAT scores for 04 before granting me an interview, even if they are ok with my previous MCAT score or would they only wait if they don't find it decent enough?
Thanks a bunch 🙂
-Dani
 
Bump! I'm in the same situation, and would also like to hear thoughts on this. 🙂 Thanks.
 
morganlefay said:
Bump! I'm in the same situation, and would also like to hear thoughts on this. 🙂 Thanks.

I am in a same situation too. I took August MCAT but didn't take MCAT before. Actually some schools don't screen and send secondaries. I am submitting those secondaries right now. Wondering will they wait till october 15th before even open my application ?
 
danimastani said:
Hi, I took my MCAT in August 2003 and scored mid20's ; I took it again in August 2004. I have already applied for 2005 and am about to send in secondaries. I was wondering if the schools would still wait for my MCAT scores for 04 before granting me an interview, even if they are ok with my previous MCAT score or would they only wait if they don't find it decent enough?
Thanks a bunch 🙂
-Dani

I know that UT-Houston will invite ppl for interviews BEFORE receiving MCAT scores.

I highly doubt most schools do this though.
 
I am in the same situation, except I took my MCAT last August and I took it again this August. I called in and spoke to all the schools I applied to, some said that they'll review based on old score but I need to send this is writing and some schools said that they will wait 'till mid October for the score. My advice would be to call in and ask.
 
I am in the same situation. From what I have gathered, the great majority of schools will wait to receive the new MCAT scores before reviewing completed applications and granting interviews. A lot of schools that pre-screen for secondaries will wait until August scores are in before deciding to send a secondary or not, although many schools that pre-screen will send you a secondary before receiving the August scores, if the rest of your application shows potential.
 
From what people who have gotten into Medical school in the past have told me, taking the August MCAT puts you at a distinct disadvantage because most schools, (Harvard, Columbia....not included) will consider all the applicants that applied in June and July with complete files way before they consider your file which won't be complete until months later. I mean most people that applied early have at least one interview by now.
 
skhichi said:
... taking the August MCAT puts you at a distinct disadvantage because most schools, (Harvard, Columbia....not included) will consider all the applicants that applied in June and July with complete files

Look, all of this is anecdotal. But I have to agree that taking the MCAT in Aug puts you at a disadvantage because your file will be on "hold" until the scores are received in October and a lot of med schools go on a rolling basis. Also, the only way a school would consider your previous MCAT score would be if you clearly stated on the secondary that you did not take the August MCAT.

But like I said, its all anecdotal.

I think to counter the disadvantage of taking the Aug MCAT, those peepz should turn-in everything (i.e. secondary, LORs, AMCAS app) before their scores are released in Oct. That should definatley help.
 
I agree you should definitely attempt to get everything in so that the only thing schools are waiting on is your Aug Mcat score. Why the hell does it take them two months to score that stupid test anyway? Waiting was worse than actually taking the test.
 
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