Submit app early or wait until MCAT retake?

[SgtGrumbles]

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Hi all,
I find myself in a bit of a quandary here. I'm on the low side of the applicant pool with a 3.4cGPA and 3.0sGPA (C's in physics and O chem), and a 27 MCAT score (10bio 10verbal 7physical). I'm planning on retaking the MCAT on July 2nd, however from what I've read applying early is pretty crucial, especially if you aren't an amazing applicant. I am confident that I can bring my mcat score up to at least a 30-32, which there is at least a small possibility would be enough to land me an interview at a less competitive MD school. So, do I apply early with my 27 and risk being rejected out of hand, or apply late once I get my new score and risk being too late to have a shot? I believe there is a section on the application to indicate if and when you are planning to retake the mcat, but I have no clue how much of an impact that has on getting an interview.

edit: if this would be more appropriate in a different subforum let me know and I'll close and repost it there.

 

[Yoyyy]

Hi all,
I find myself in a bit of a quandary here. I'm on the low side of the applicant pool with a 3.4cGPA and 3.0sGPA (C's in physics and O chem), and a 27 MCAT score (10bio 10verbal 7physical). I'm planning on retaking the MCAT on July 2nd, however from what I've read applying early is pretty crucial, especially if you aren't an amazing applicant. I am confident that I can bring my mcat score up to at least a 30-32, which there is at least a small possibility would be enough to land me an interview at a less competitive MD school. So, do I apply early with my 27 and risk being rejected out of hand, or apply late and risk being too late? I believe there is a section on the application to indicate if and when you are planning to retake the mcat, but I have no clue how much of an impact that has on getting an interview.

edit: if this would be more appropriate in a different subforum let me know and I'll close and repost it there.

I say apply early (Early June). Then note down that you plan to take a retake on July 2. It takes a while for schools to process your application regardless, it may take 3+ weeks. Take your test, then hopefully, you have a good amount of secondaries, then pound those out efficiently as soon as you can. Then hope for the best!🙂 Hopefully that helps

 

[Like]

I think Grumbles gave you sound advice. Just apply early and list your retake date on the primary; yes, there is a specific place on the AMCAS for this. Note that even if you submit your secondaries by the time your score comes in, schools won't look at your application until they receive the score. Also, it will take about a week for them to get it after you get it. Obviously, an earlier test date would benefit your application but not how you do on the exam. Weigh your options.

I'm a valiant advocate of being able to increase your PS/BS scores through content review (obviously, if content is the reason you're getting questions wrong on the full length practice exams). Like you, I have a 27, and after going over EK 1001 books on general chemistry and physics, PR organic review book, and some passages from the PR science workbook, on my first practice test (3R) my PS/BS total constituted that of my entire previous score. Most people scoring 40s on this forum usually score better in the science sections than verbal, so it seems this is the best strategy towards improving your score, but this doesn't mean you need to forget about it.

Also, you can go over the content outlines:
https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing/

 

[Chalupa Batman]

You can apply early and by the time youre complete and sending out secondaries your new score should be out.

Also I know a few people who got in with MCAT scores similar to yours. Hopefully you have great extracurriculars