Wait until August?

[Apparition]

I'm registered to take the MCAT next Saturday but now I'm seriously considering postponing until August, even though I really want to apply this year. Taking it in August would most likely force me to take a second year off. I've been studying as much as I could this semester (which is not that much). I'm not taking a prep course. My grades on practice tests have been:

TPR Diag: 23 (9V, 7BS, 7Ps) -- 1 month ago
3R: 26 (10V, 8BS, 8PS) -- 2 weeks ago
5R: 29 (11V, 10BS, 8PS ) -- yesterday

It seems that I'm improving on everything but PS and now it's too late. I studied only from the EK Complete Study Package (no 1001 series).
I'm worried that my real PS score will be 8 or worse. I guess I'd like some input on whether I should take it in August. Anyone with similar problem? Thanks.

 

[jxu66]

I don't know about anybody else. My average MCAT practice test is ~29 for 3R, 4R, 5R, 6R and 7. I know that there are quite a few 32-35 scorers on the SDN forum. Well, my goal is much more modest. I would be happy with 30 on the real thing.

It also depends on what you live. If you lived in New York or California, you may need to score 30 to get into medical school.

 

[blz]

If you're aiming high I would put it off till august or maybe next april. You're high verbal scores indicate that you have the potential to do really well.

 

[MeowMix]

It's hard to make a decision with limited information - if you had more full-length test scores, it would be easier to assess how you are doing. Given your practice scores, a 30 is attainable, but...

What is your target score? Where are you planning to apply?

and, are you disciplined enough to spend hours studying over the summer? Will you have more time during the summer? If you postpone to August, will you work really hard and score amazingly well?

August MCAT does not set you back a year, although it may be a disadvantage at very competitive schools with rolling admissions. Depends on the rest of your application.

You are the only one who knows all this info and can make a really good decision.