Taking the MCAT in September? HELP!!!

[breakdancerj]

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So I just got back my first MCAT attempt this past week and I bombed it ... 27R. I had been consistently scoring 30+ with my last few practice tests at 33 and 32. I don't think the fact that I was at the hospital all day the day before due to my wife having complications with her pregnancy helped. My first child was born exactly a week after I took the test. I also feel that in general I tried to do too much leading up the test and psyched myself out. Anyhow, enough excuses - time to move forward.

My questions are:
1) How much does it hurt your chances to take the test during one of the September dates? How does that even work? Do schools wait to determine if they will send a secondary until they get your second score? When do you actually have to submit your AMCAS (at the latest)?
2) I only have one AAMC practice test left. Anyone have any feeling of any tests that come close? TBR? I tried Kaplan and felt like they weren't representative at all but maybe I should try some more ... I also know of a library where I can get copies of old FL AAMC exams - like pre-CBT ... I wonder if that would throw my timing off though.
3) I mainly used examkrackers to prepare ... It seems like a lot of people feel that TBR is the way to go? Any feelings about this? Has anyone found that The Berkley Review (TBR) was more advantageous than other study materials or would I just be wasting my time?

Sorry I wrote so much but I would really appreciate any help. My GPA, extracurriculars, LOR's, research, etc are pretty good so I really want to take another stab at things and try to get my MCAT score up. THANKS - I hope to help others in this way someday!

 

[kautionwirez]

depending on your GPA, ill assume it lingers around 3.4-3.5

I would apply to DO schools unless you want to wait a year.

Also throw some money in the pot for schools that have stats around what you have.

September is really late, your crossing the thin red line.
I'd take it this month or latest in august knowing that I would get a 34+.

Good luck!

 

[Gaboon]

I submitted the primary in July and did an MCAT retake in early Sept. It can be done!

 

[breakdancerj]

depending on your GPA, ill assume it lingers around 3.4-3.5

I would apply to DO schools unless you want to wait a year.

Also throw some money in the pot for schools that have stats around what you have.

September is really late, your crossing the thin red line.
I'd take it this month or latest in august knowing that I would get a 34+.

Good luck!

My GPA is actually a 3.88 overall and 3.73 science at a pretty strong, reputable school ... The problem is I waited until my senior year to take the MCAT for various reasons so I haven't dealt with some general science classes for years (in addition I had a two year hiatus from school to serve a mission for my Church so I hadn't seen some of the material covered by the MCAT for 5+ years). I also had the busiest year I have ever had with working 20 hours a week, volunteering, and a heavy courseload. In retrospect, I probably didn't balance things too well.

I guess I wonder what the real consequences are of taking the test late. I understand the whole rolling admissions issue, but have never heard some quantify this disadvantage. I am debating between applying late this cycle and just waiting until next year so that I can give the MCAT the attention it probably deserves. I was consistently scoring 31-33 on the majority of practice tests, with the last few in the upper part of that range. Any more advice?

 

[kautionwirez]

do you prefer MD?

If you do, I would definitely suggest you retake your MCAT and bring it to at least a 31.

September is pulling teeth. If you'd be prepared for the july test, that would put you in the "a little late" pool but won't hurt your chances too much from the threads I seen.

people with great stats that took it september in previous years did not get in.

 

[breakdancerj]

do you prefer MD?

If you do, I would definitely suggest you retake your MCAT and bring it to at least a 31.

September is pulling teeth. If you'd be prepared for the july test, that would put you in the "a little late" pool but won't hurt your chances too much from the threads I seen.

people with great stats that took it september in previous years did not get in.

Thanks. That is a really helpful and honest insight. I appreciate your help!