Submit with old MCAT?

[austinap]

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Here's the deal:

I took the MCAT and all that jazz back in 2006 so my scores are expired by most schools standards. I did reasonably well (37) and am confident that I can do as well this time around. I'm scheduled to take it again in the middle of June, so I should have scores by the end of July. (Damn bay area test centers are booked solid until then!)

I plan on only applying to two schools this cycle. Should I wait until my new scores come in before submitting my primary, or should I go ahead and submit and check the little box that says I'm retaking? Thanks!

 

[Myuu]

Here's the deal:

I took the MCAT and all that jazz back in 2006 so my scores are expired by most schools standards. I did reasonably well (37) and am confident that I can do as well this time around. I'm scheduled to take it again in the middle of June, so I should have scores by the end of July. (Damn bay area test centers are booked solid until then!)

I plan on only applying to two schools this cycle. Should I wait until my new scores come in before submitting my primary, or should I go ahead and submit and check the little box that says I'm retaking? Thanks!

Submit and check the box. The earlier you start the process the better. Granted, it's probably not going to get very far until the score's in, but it's good to have letters and essays assembled and waiting for their review.👍

 

[AdmiralChz]

Submit and check the box. The earlier you start the process the better. Granted, it's probably not going to get very far until the score's in, but it's good to have letters and essays assembled and waiting for their review.👍

👍 That's right.

Another thought - do you have to take it again? Most schools give guidelines on what MCAT scores they'll take - won't 2006 fall into that? Just wondering...

 

[austinap]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking, but it's nice to have confirmation on these things.

Another thought - do you have to take it again? Most schools give guidelines on what MCAT scores they'll take - won't 2006 fall into that? Just wondering...

Most places have it worded something like "the MCAT must be taken within three years of the expected date of matriculation" so for this cycle (applying for fall '10) that would suggest that anything before Aug/Sept 2007 would be too old. I think I'm off by a year unfortunately. Until about a month ago, I thought they were still good too! How unfortunate.

 

[Spiker]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking, but it's nice to have confirmation on these things.



Most places have it worded something like "the MCAT must be taken within three years of the expected date of matriculation" so for this cycle (applying for fall '10) that would suggest that anything before Aug/Sept 2007 would be too old. I think I'm off by a year unfortunately. Until about a month ago, I thought they were still good too! How unfortunate.

Since you are only applying to 2 schools you should call and ask them to make sure that you have to retake

 

[austinap]

Since you are only applying to 2 schools you should call and ask them to make sure that you have to retake

Good call. I already email UCSF and the response was "I'm not sure if they'll give you a waiver. Maybe?" I plan on actually calling up the admissions office to see, but yeah.

Oh well, in worst case it isn't that big of a hassle. It's good review.

 

[AdmiralChz]

Good call. I already email UCSF and the response was "I'm not sure if they'll give you a waiver. Maybe?" I plan on actually calling up the admissions office to see, but yeah.

Oh well, in worst case it isn't that big of a hassle. It's good review.

Whew the prospect of having to take the MCAT again versus not having to take it again is HUGE, at least to me. I would literally be begging schools to use my score!!

 

[WiseGuy1]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking, but it's nice to have confirmation on these things.



Most places have it worded something like "the MCAT must be taken within three years of the expected date of matriculation" so for this cycle (applying for fall '10) that would suggest that anything before Aug/Sept 2007 would be too old. I think I'm off by a year unfortunately. Until about a month ago, I thought they were still good too! How unfortunate.

Yeah, I've seen this wording often too. I just seems kind of unfair to those who take the MCAT in June or July. According to this wording, their MCAT is only good for two cycles, but someone who takes the MCAT in August, can technically use those scores for three cycles if needed.

 

[mamapapa]

Yeah, I've seen this wording often too. I just seems kind of unfair to those who take the MCAT in June or July. According to this wording, their MCAT is only good for two cycles, but someone who takes the MCAT in August, can technically use those scores for three cycles if needed.

i thought a lot of school say three years at the time of application... i am betting on that. i know some are matriculation, but it isnt clear if that is the majority.

 

[Myuu]

i thought a lot of school say three years at the time of application... i am betting on that. i know some are matriculation, but it isnt clear if that is the majority.

Betting isn't certain. Calling the schools you're interested in is (assuming you don't talk to the one person in the office who knows nothing).👍

 

[Jolie South]

Betting isn't certain. Calling the schools you're interested in is (assuming you don't talk to the one person in the office who knows nothing).👍

I would sure as hell not want to retake the MCAT, especially if I scored a 37. Call the two schools and find out for sure.

 

[WashMe]

Most schools say that your score would be good for the cycle that is wrapping up (post April 2006), but that it would surely expire before this upcoming cycle (which you already know). I don't know how strict the rules are. I'm scared by the same issue; if I don't get in next cycle, I'll have to retake for 2011 w/ a high 30's MCAT and I don't know if I'll match it.

Scary stuff. GL, and I hope they let you slide with your current score.