Taking MCAT too early... Should I void?

[lilmadge]

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thanks 🙂

 

[pithy84]

the average at the private schools I'm hoping to apply to is around 36.

That statement is a bit worrisome. Even if you score a 36, you should apply to a bunch of schools with averages more like 33. The average applicant applies to 20 schools, and you need a bunch of those to be safeties. Any school with a 36 median is a reach for everyone, regardless of your score and GPA.

On to the main question: I would take the January MCAT and then definitely void it. Why take it? Because you already paid for it, and because it is helpful to experience the testing environment. You will know what's up when you do the real deal. Why to definitely void it? Because you definitely need to take the 2015 MCAT (as you said), and even if you get great scores on both, having just one MCAT score looks better than having two scores. If you have two scores, you may have to explain about your early graduation plan, and then ditching that plan.

I would take the test and then void it, no matter how good I felt. That's just me.

 

[graden]

Hmm, are you mistaking "guessing" with intuition? The probability of you being able to score 33 and 34 on 2 practice tests by solely guessing is pretty low.

What practice tests were they? Take 1-2 other ones (preferably AAMC ones) to further gauge where you stand.

 

[lilmadge]

Hmm, are you mistaking "guessing" with intuition? The probability of you being able to score 33 and 34 on 2 practice tests by solely guessing is pretty low.

What practice tests were they? Take 1-2 other ones (preferably AAMC ones) to further gauge where you stand.

They were AAMC 4 and 8. I was planning on doing 10-11 later this week, but if I'm definitely going to void then maybe not haha.

 

[lilmadge]

That statement is a bit worrisome. Even if you score a 36, you should apply to a bunch of schools with averages more like 33. The average applicant applies to 20 schools, and you need a bunch of those to be safeties. Any school with a 36 median is a reach for everyone, regardless of your score and GPA.

On to the main question: I would take the January MCAT and then definitely void it. Why take it? Because you already paid for it, and because it is helpful to experience the testing environment. You will know what's up when you do the real deal. Why to definitely void it? Because you definitely need to take the 2015 MCAT (as you said), and even if you get great scores on both, having just one MCAT score looks better than having two scores. If you have two scores, you may have to explain about your early graduation plan, and then ditching that plan.

I would take the test and then void it, no matter how good I felt. That's just me.

Thank you so much for the advice!! I guess I should clarify that my #1 absolutely top choice has an average of 36, and admittedly I need to do a lot more research on individual schools and the application process. Good thing I'm not graduating early after all 🙂

 

[TheOneAndOnlyJamesFranco]

and even if you get great scores on both, having just one MCAT score looks better than having two scores. If you have two scores, you may have to explain about your early graduation plan, and then ditching that plan.

I would take the test and then void it, no matter how good I felt. That's just me.

Can anyone confirm if this is actually true?

I am in a similar situation, in that I started studying for the MCAT a little late (although I am a senior and will be applying this Spring), and I feel like I can perform so much better on MCAT 2015 just because of the following:

1) I have a psych background
2) I am taking biochem in January
3) I am finally learning how to study for the MCAT, albeit it is the 'Old MCAT'

Will having 2 scores of different tests really hurt ? (Obviously if planning to improve on MCAT 2015)