Taking August MCAT and not mentioning it in the app?

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Creightonite

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What if I submit the app without putting that I will be retaking MCAT this August? I think my MCAT score is ok for some DO school, but kind of low for MD. So I want to submit my DO app early.
 
Creightonite said:
What if I submit the app without putting that I will be retaking MCAT this August? I think my MCAT score is ok for some DO school, but kind of low for MD. So I want to submit my DO app early.
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I am actually interested in the answer to this as well. I plan on retaking, but I want to see what happens with my scores. I'm pretty sure they have ways of finding out you retook the exam or are planning to retake.
 
For D.O. schools you should have no problem. Hopefully though your score is good enough. If you score higher on your next attempt you could request the new score be sent to the schools you are applying. A score of 25 give or take should get you in most schools. As far as M.D. school I would just tell them that you are planning on taking it. That way there isn't any issues later on, and plus you get the advantage of applying early. However though with M.D. schools if your score is low you might be automatically rejected because you are below their mandatory limit.
 
i actually did not put in my application last year that i was retaking the mcat in august, and i interviewed at a few schools before those scores were released...and in both interviews i was asked if I did take the mcat again in august. I am not sure how they would know that, but it seemed as if they did. I believe that it looked bad on my application that I didn't say I was retaking..but who knows maybe I am just paranoid and crazy. just thought I would say that.

ps..i did get into one of those two schools..
 
shakeit said:
i actually did not put in my application last year that i was retaking the mcat in august, and i interviewed at a few schools before those scores were released...and in both interviews i was asked if I did take the mcat again in august. I am not sure how they would know that, but it seemed as if they did. I believe that it looked bad on my application that I didn't say I was retaking..but who knows maybe I am just paranoid and crazy. just thought I would say that.

ps..i did get into one of those two schools..
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so after taking the test over, did it automatically appear on your AACOMAS app?
 
Question: if my first MCAT score caused school B to reject me outright, then I sent in my new MCAT score, would school B reconsider my application ?
 
I'm in the same situation except that I'm planning on retaking in June. I scored a 28M my first time around and I'm pretty sure that that score limits me at MD schools, but from what I've read, it's apparently pretty competitive at DO schools.

What I'm wondering is this: do DO schools set aside an application, that is, do they not even open it for consideration, until the pending MCAT score comes in? My understanding is that MD schools do this. They don't review an application until it's complete. A missing (pending) MCAT score apparently makes applications incomplete.

I hope someone who knows with certainty how to deal with this situation could chime in. Is it better to not mention the second MCAT so that our applications can get looked at earlier (that is, if DO schools wait until applications are complete before reviewing them), or is it better to note that a second attempt is planned and the score from it pending?
 
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Bump. 😀

Insight is much appreciated.
 
Has anyone ever applied and
(1) mentioning mcat retake, and
(2) receiving secondaries during the waiting time (it means your old score made it)
?
 
bump! i am interested in this answer too

(for DO schools-- if i put i am retaking the mcat do they put it aside until the app is "complete" --aka until they receive the new score-- ORRRR do they consider my old score if it makes the cut?)
 
We had some specific situations like this last year, though I wasn't one of them, so hopefully they can chime in with personal experience.

I think that there's a possibility of a school outright rejecting you if you have a score that's below one of their hard and fast cutoffs, even if you told them you're retaking. However, once you get the new scores, they'll most likely unreject you if you now qualify. Basically they made a mistake/jumped the gun and don't hold it against you. I know of at least a case or two like that from last year.

I think a school is more likely to put you in a "pre-interview hold" category if you tell them you're retaking the MCAT, if your current score is below par.

Another option is they just ignore the fact that you're retaking in the future and go ahead and interview you with your original score. This happens a lot for people with good apps who have MCAT scores they wanted to improve, but weren't terrible to begin with.
 
Hey, guys,

I had to consider these questions last cycle, so I happen to know how it works.

I took a May MCAT in 2008, submitted my primaries in early June, and then sent in my score. I got a 27T, and being an anal-retentive, OCD, obsessive sort of student, I started to freak out since it was below a 30. My GPA was a 3.9 + Honors, but you all know how we get...so I registered for an August 2008 MCAT.

I came up against all the questions you guys are asking. So, I contacted all of the schools I was interested in...

Answers are onn a case by case basis. You HAVE to contact the school admissions departments.

So, if you report the August MCAT (or later), most schools will hold your application until the second set of scores is reported. This means you won't even get secondaries until maybe late September. For me, about 80% of schools would hold the application, while 20% would process the application with set 1 and reassess with set 2 if I wasn't admitted in the first go-through.

In contrast, if you do not note that you are taking the August MCAT in the AACOMAS application, your application will just be processed as is. They have no way to know about those scores. So, if you made, say, an 18...you are screwed. If you made, say, a 25, you can still get in some places without delaying your application. It will usually make the August MCAT a moot point, though.

In my case, I calmed down and cancelled the August test, proceeded with the 27T, and got in everywhere I interviewed.

My advice: if your OVERALL application is competitive, do not take the August test. If you are under the averages or right at average, take the test and report it in AACOMAS. Then, call the schools you are interested in, and find out what their specific policies are...this is not uncommon, and they are used to answering this question.

Hope that helps!
 
maybe this will help, maybe not, but here is my experience:

the 1st time i took the mcat i got a 25. the rest of my app was pretty strong (3.6 cgpa, 3.5 sgpa, great LORS, lots of ECs/volunteering/research, in interviews ive been complimented on my PS etc etc) but I knew that if i applied myself more, didn't let nerves get to me and took the mcat at a better time i could do a little better. lucky for me even with my 25, my section scores were nice n balanced! (8ps, 9vr, 8bs).

I submitted my primary app around mid july (a little on the late side) was verified mid august and was complete at most schools by mid-septemberish.

I had juggled around with the idea of taking the mcat again (was dreading it, that test sucks) and finally decided i was going to! I did not put that i was taking it again on my app (partially to not delay my apps, and partially because i was still on the fence of taking it again). It worked out for me that by the time I received my new scores (mid-september), all of my applications were done and my new score was a nice addition! This way the review of my application/receiving of secondaries wasn't delayed, but yet my scores were still in time to strengthen my app. I only scored 2 points higher (27)..but for DO schools that is a very solid score, and I was able to bring my bio score to the double digits!

I interviewed at NOVA, NYCOM, TOURO-NY, and PCOM this app cycle. I was invited for an interview at Western but declined it.

I really think getting your app in early is the best bet especially if your MCAT score can still possibly gain you an acceptance. you can always update your info at a later time! Also, most schools automatically give you their secondary (some screen like western and touro) soo in the meantime you might as well work on the 2nd part of apps. good luck to u guys....hope this in some way helped.
 
^ Thanks guys! That helped a lot! I've decided not to mention my second attempt in hopes that my application could be considered earlier.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
I think that there's a possibility of a school outright rejecting you if you have a score that's below one of their hard and fast cutoffs, even if you told them you're retaking. However, once you get the new scores, they'll most likely unreject you if you now qualify. Basically they made a mistake/jumped the gun and don't hold it against you. I know of at least a case or two like that from last year.
Click to expand...
What did those rejected applicants do (phone them, mail them, send in letters of interest?) to make them RECONSIDER ?

What is the lowest MCAT score that may gain an acceptance?

.
 
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Athens said:
What did those rejected applicants do (phone them, mail them, send in letters of interest?) to make them RECONSIDER ?

What is the lowest MCAT score that may gain an acceptance?

.
Click to expand...

a. Contact the admissions department. I'd call, but email works to initiate this kind of thing, too.

b. Impossible to say. Only some schools have posted cutoffs.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
a. Contact the admissions department. I'd call, but email works to initiate this kind of thing, too.

b. Impossible to say. Only some schools have posted cutoffs.
Click to expand...

What schools have posted cutoffs, and what are they??
 
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Nnik484 said:
maybe this will help, maybe not, but here is my experience:

the 1st time i took the mcat i got a 25. the rest of my app was pretty strong (3.6 cgpa, 3.5 sgpa, great LORS, lots of ECs/volunteering/research, in interviews ive been complimented on my PS etc etc) but I knew that if i applied myself more, didn't let nerves get to me and took the mcat at a better time i could do a little better. lucky for me even with my 25, my section scores were nice n balanced! (8ps, 9vr, 8bs).

I submitted my primary app around mid july (a little on the late side) was verified mid august and was complete at most schools by mid-septemberish.

I had juggled around with the idea of taking the mcat again (was dreading it, that test sucks) and finally decided i was going to! I did not put that i was taking it again on my app (partially to not delay my apps, and partially because i was still on the fence of taking it again). It worked out for me that by the time I received my new scores (mid-september), all of my applications were done and my new score was a nice addition! This way the review of my application/receiving of secondaries wasn't delayed, but yet my scores were still in time to strengthen my app. I only scored 2 points higher (27)..but for DO schools that is a very solid score, and I was able to bring my bio score to the double digits!

I interviewed at NOVA, NYCOM, TOURO-NY, and PCOM this app cycle. I was invited for an interview at Western but declined it.

I really think getting your app in early is the best bet especially if your MCAT score can still possibly gain you an acceptance. you can always update your info at a later time! Also, most schools automatically give you their secondary (some screen like western and touro) soo in the meantime you might as well work on the 2nd part of apps. good luck to u guys....hope this in some way helped.
Click to expand...

So how did you update schools when the scores came out??
 
Hmm can't decide what to do then. Have an MCAT score that cumulative is competitive for DO, but one section that dropped my score (from my AAMC average) by 3 points. Was planning on retaking in July. Seems like not telling would get things going quicker for DO, but I'm afraid of getting rejected and not having that 'unreject/re-consider' option going. Arghhhh.

Any thoughts??
 
JaggerPlate said:
Hmm can't decide what to do then. Have an MCAT score that cumulative is competitive for DO, but one section that dropped my score (from my AAMC average) by 3 points. Was planning on retaking in July. Seems like not telling would get things going quicker for DO, but I'm afraid of getting rejected and not having that 'unreject/re-consider' option going. Arghhhh.

Any thoughts??
Click to expand...

If you have a solid app with a competitive score that you're merely "unhappy" with, you're unlikely to get rejected upfront. You'd probably just be in a holding pattern until you updated your app with new material or the end of the cycle came around and you got rejected by default. If that makes sense.

Another thing to consider is that even if you say you're going to retake, if they think you're interview-worthy with your current stats, you have a good shot of getting interviews before the retake.

Lastly, I'd probably call my top choices and ask to speak with an admissions advisor. They'll take a few minutes to discuss this with you and give you the best advice on how to proceed. 👍
 
Chocolate Bear said:
If you have a solid app with a competitive score that you're merely "unhappy" with, you're unlikely to get rejected upfront. You'd probably just be in a holding pattern until you updated your app with new material or the end of the cycle came around and you got rejected by default. If that makes sense.

Another thing to consider is that even if you say you're going to retake, if they think you're interview-worthy with your current stats, you have a good shot of getting interviews before the retake.

Lastly, I'd probably call my top choices and ask to speak with an admissions advisor. They'll take a few minutes to discuss this with you and give you the best advice on how to proceed. 👍
Click to expand...

Hmm, I wonder if I should mention it or not then. My fears are: a. I mention it and get put on hold when I may have received an interview before or b. I don't and I get rejected when I may have been put in a hold pool until I got new scores, then got an interview later. Hmm ... decisions. Any advice is appreciated.
 
My MCAT score is below the cut-off for TOURO but above cut-off for some.
How about I apply ONLY to schools that I can make the cut-off without mentioning the retake, THEN when my new score comes in, I'll apply to TOURO ?
Is it better than applying to all schools of my choice AND mention the retake ?
 
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JaggerPlate said:
Hmm, I wonder if I should mention it or not then. My fears are:
a. I mention it and get put on hold when I may have received an interview before or
b. I don't and I get rejected when I may have been put in a hold pool until I got new scores, then got an interview later. Hmm ... decisions. Any advice is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Yea... tough decision .....
How quickly are classes filled up?
I guess to make schools to RECONSIDER your rejected application is difficult, right?
 
Athens said:
My MCAT score is below the cut-off for TOURO but above cut-off for some.
How about I apply ONLY to schools that I can make the cut-off without mentioning the retake, THEN when my new score comes in, I'll apply to TOURO ?
Is it better than applying to all schools of my choice AND mention the retake ?
Click to expand...

Not a bad strategy.
 
Ahh... When some schools state that: "Typically, successful candidates earn GPA's of xx or greater and have obtained a minimum combined MCAT score of yy or greater",
does it mean xx and yy are the cut-offs?
 
Athens said:
... umm.... "not a bad one" isn't going to do it. I wish you could tell me the downside of this approach.
Click to expand...

when adding osteo schools to the application after you initially submit, it costs more. that's the only downside i'm aware of, but i'm new at this so i don't know everything. i'm planning on doing this, too (because of gpa. i don't have my mcat scores yet). so that i can at least get the ball rolling at some schools.

and for your other question, i don't think those are the cutoffs because some schools with say that in addition to saying what the minimum requirements are. i would hope they'd be less ambiguous in saying what their cutoffs are, but i don't know for sure.
 
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JaggerPlate said:
So how did you update schools when the scores came out??
Click to expand...

sorry! i havent been here in awhile

I had to fax the official MCAT release to the schools. and also, if you update your primary app (this goes for anything, ECS research volunteer etc etc)...aacomas automatically resends ur app to schools (without the whole waiting for a month to verify everything)
 
Nnik484 said:
sorry! i havent been here in awhile

I had to fax the official MCAT release to the schools. and also, if you update your primary app (this goes for anything, ECS research volunteer etc etc)...aacomas automatically resends ur app to schools (without the whole waiting for a month to verify everything)
Click to expand...

So you faxed it to them only or did you send it to aacomas also?? Also, just so I'm clear ... the schools were unaware that you were sending in a new MCAT, correct??
 
The Poet Sings said:
when adding osteo schools to the application after you initially submit, it costs more. that's
Click to expand...
Ummm.... do you know how much more it will cost?

Btw, I just contacted about 5 schools by phone and they all suggested that I indicate MCAT retake on the primary because my current score would not earn me an interview.
Some said they need sub-score of at least 8/section to proceed....
... I don't think things are in my favor now, so I'll list the retake plan.
 
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Athens said:
Ummm.... do you know how much more it will cost?

Btw, I just contacted about 5 schools by phone and they all suggested that I indicate MCAT retake on the primary because my current score would not earn me an interview.
Some said they need sub-score of at least 8/section to proceed....
... I don't think things are in my favor now, so I'll list the retake plan.
Click to expand...

when you initially select schools, it's $25 for each additional school. when you add more, it's between $50 and $30, depending on how many you add. http://www.aacom.org/InfoFor/applicants/Pages/Instructions.aspx it's the second table on the page. could you tell us which schools you called? because if these are schools that say they don't have minimums, or post minimums that are below what they told you, i bet a lot of people would be unpleasantly surprised. and how much did you tell them? your gpa and stuff? or just asked about the mcat? please share!
 
I was unpleasantly surprised as well. I told them my MCAT (21) and GPAs (3.48).

WVSOM: "We will definitely not be close to full capacity by Oct/2009. You will not be at a big disadvantage. You should be fine applying now with the understanding that you will be taking the MCAT again in August.

New England: "Last year's class had an average MCAT of 27. The Committee prefers candidates have at least a 24 with at least 8 in each section. You should plan on taking the MCAT again and indicate so on your AACOMAS. We begin interviewing in September and offering seats in October."

PCOM: "The admissions committee looks for an 8 on each section or higher in order to stay competitive. The average MCAT score is a 26."

TOURO: "Your application will be placed on hold until your increase your MCAT" <<< very straightforward, clear-cut answer @_@

UMDNJ: "Our average MCAT score is 27. Our committee would like to see at least a 21 total score on the MCAT; however, that is also taking into consideration your academic ability and other aspects of your application..."
 
I think I'm going to call some admission offices and ask about indicating retaking vs not and if certain schools will still grant interviews if they find your MCAT high enough, even if you say retaking.

Any thoughts on having an MCAT as high if not higher than any DO school, but with one section below an 8 and being okay?? I was just wondering how they would handle (example, not my real scores) a 28, but with a 7 in PS, vs someone with a lower score but an 8 in PS. Any thoughts??

Also, is it okay just to call an admissions office and remain anonymous while asking questions??
 
JaggerPlate said:
So you faxed it to them only or did you send it to aacomas also?? Also, just so I'm clear ... the schools were unaware that you were sending in a new MCAT, correct??
Click to expand...

yup! i faxed it to the schools. i called/emailed them explaining i have new MCAT scores to update them with and they explained to me what exact form they wanted fax. some schools indicated that the fax was not necessary, just to update my primary app...sooo i did both! contacting the schools when the time comes is prob ur best bet.

and yes, my primary app only had one MCAT score on it so there was no reason to believe I would be sending in another one.
 
This may not be the best thread to post this in, but in reading the info here I wanted to present my scenario and get some honest opinions. I have a 3.56 sci gpa, a 3.57 overall gpa and a 22R MCAT. I also have a masters degree, tons of extracirriculars and 4-5 years of research experience. I just got the MCAT scores back last week...it's much lower than my practice tests...needless to say I was a bit disappointed.

I am scheduled to retake the MCAT July 31st. I plan to apply to mostly DO schools, so would it be wise to apply now or should I wait until the scores of my retake come back? Personally, I really would like to apply now...but I'm not sure if it's the wisest thing to do. Thoughts?
 
Rtrn2sndr said:
This may not be the best thread to post this in, but in reading the info here I wanted to present my scenario and get some honest opinions. I have a 3.56 sci gpa, a 3.57 overall gpa and a 22R MCAT. I also have a masters degree, tons of extracirriculars and 4-5 years of research experience. I just got the MCAT scores back last week...it's much lower than my practice tests...needless to say I was a bit disappointed.

I am scheduled to retake the MCAT July 31st. I plan to apply to mostly DO schools, so would it be wise to apply now or should I wait until the scores of my retake come back? Personally, I really would like to apply now...but I'm not sure if it's the wisest thing to do. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
I think you have a great GPA and very strong extracurriculars. If you can, drop everything else you're doing (take a leave of absence or something), and just study hardcore 24/7 for the the MCAT. 22 is a bit too low, and you might get washed out by the primary screening. I would apply to schools that automatically send out 2ndaries, and send those 2ndaries in only when your new scores would come out really soon, in time for the admissions to see them when evaluating your app. I would hold off on applying to those schools that does primary app/pre-secondary screening until your new scores come out. Do make sure you check you're retaking the MCAT.

Personally, I have GPA real close to yours, and I got a 30 on MCAT. I think where you stand now, it is much more likely your score will go up, statistically speaking, since 22 is kind of low. However, make sure you score consistently higher on practice MCATs before taking a real MCAT again.

I think even if you apply in Sept and your credentials are quite strong, you can still get in to an osteopathic school. I thought most osteopathic schools are primary care-oriented, so if you convey that you can bring research expertise to the school, that might be a real appeal.

Hope this helps.
 
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Thanks! I went back into full MCAT prep mode after my scores came back last week. I've got about 6 1/2 weeks until I take it again, so hopefully that's enough time to boost my score a bit. Honestly, my practice scores were consistently between 27-32, so I'm not quite sure what happened to me that day...At this point I'm shooting for a 25 and hoping that the rest of my application makes up for it.
 
Rtrn2sndr said:
Thanks! I went back into full MCAT prep mode after my scores came back last week. I've got about 6 1/2 weeks until I take it again, so hopefully that's enough time to boost my score a bit. Honestly, my practice scores were consistently between 27-32, so I'm not quite sure what happened to me that day...At this point I'm shooting for a 25 and hoping that the rest of my application makes up for it.
Click to expand...

That's great! I realized my post is a while since you've posted your question. If you getting 27-32, sounds like you'll do great! Keep up the good work.
 
Do I have to include every MCAT score taken to AACOMS or is it possible to send them the score of your choosing(the best score)?
 
dannydance said:
Do I have to include every MCAT score taken to AACOMS or is it possible to send them the score of your choosing(the best score)?
Click to expand...

I don't think you have any control over which one to give them since you gave them the ID #, everything will show on your app. once you allowed AAMCAS to release your scores to AACOMAS.
 
So just a clarification for my situation:

I got a 29 on my first MCAT ( 10PS 9V 10BS). It's not very competitive for MD schools so I'm retaking July 17th.

I indicated on AACOMAS that I was retaking the MCAT.

So, all things considered, I will receive secondaries and/or interviews before my 2nd score is released (last Aug)?
 
JaggerPlate said:
I think I'm going to call some admission offices and ask about indicating retaking vs not and if certain schools will still grant interviews if they find your MCAT high enough, even if you say retaking.

Any thoughts on having an MCAT as high if not higher than any DO school, but with one section below an 8 and being okay?? I was just wondering how they would handle (example, not my real scores) a 28, but with a 7 in PS, vs someone with a lower score but an 8 in PS. Any thoughts??

Also, is it okay just to call an admt issions office and remain anonymous while asking questions??
Click to expand...

Well even though it was posted that pcom wants an 8 in each section, I got in with a very unbalanced 31 which included a 7 in one section. So clearly such scores are considered.
 
Someone mentioned that some schools dont accept the sept mcat, does anyone know which schools these are?(im retaking sept 4th)
 
dannydance said:
Someone mentioned that some schools dont accept the sept mcat, does anyone know which schools these are?(im retaking sept 4th)
Click to expand...

You can look into the CIB to see the latest MCAT taken by each school.
 
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