I have been really busy this semester with stuff, and in the next two weeks I have a ton of crap due for my classes. I'm signed up to take the 'cat in April, but how much would it hurt to take it in August with several months of prep, assuming I still submit my app early? Discuss.
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I don't think it would hurt that much if you score a 28 or above. However, I would say you would maximize your chances by applying the earliest as possible. If you score below a 27 on the August MCAT, it may worsen your chances. So if you're going to take it in August, do well on it.
It may be a question of where you will get in vs if you will get in. If you apply later, you may not get into the schools you may have wanted to get into had you applied earlier.
It may be a question of where you will get in vs if you will get in. If you apply later, you may not get into the schools you may have wanted to get into had you applied earlier.
Well, if I delay then I can put both GPAs above a 3.40. Trying to fit in MCAT studying now will seriously hurt both GPAs. As long as waiting until August won't seriously hurt my chances of getting in at all, I'll be happy. The schools I have chosen to apply are all schools I would be happy attending if accepted.
If you aren't prepared now then I can't see you getting prepared in the next 2 weeks. So I would say take it in August. I mean, at this point you should be winding down the bulk of your studying and mainly working on practice tests. If you are still feeling like you have to madly study, then it is wise to wait.
However............ Ok, now I am sure people will disagree with my next point, but I am going to say it anyway. Have you done any practice tests? Have you studied for it at all? If you have then I would say take the April test. You may surprise yourself and score well enough to apply and then you would be done with it. If you don't do well, you will have another chance during the same application cycle.
Now, if you wait to take the August test and somehow do poorly since it is your first time, then you will be out of luck and will be applying with that score good or bad.
I know you aren't supposed to take the MCAT as a practice, but sometimes it is helpful because there is nothing that compares with the real thing.
Just my 2 cents.
However............ Ok, now I am sure people will disagree with my next point, but I am going to say it anyway. Have you done any practice tests? Have you studied for it at all? If you have then I would say take the April test. You may surprise yourself and score well enough to apply and then you would be done with it. If you don't do well, you will have another chance during the same application cycle.
Now, if you wait to take the August test and somehow do poorly since it is your first time, then you will be out of luck and will be applying with that score good or bad.
I know you aren't supposed to take the MCAT as a practice, but sometimes it is helpful because there is nothing that compares with the real thing.
Just my 2 cents.
Well, to be honest I think I can do alright with just two weeks' practice. I'm not shooting for a 38 or anything and am usually good at tests such as this.
Would it look worse to screw up once and retake it? Or does it not matter as much?
Would it look worse to screw up once and retake it? Or does it not matter as much?
I don't think it will look bad. If you show improvement that will help you. What Amy said makes sense. If you think you can do ok on the April test, take it and then you have a second shot in August if you don't do as well as you wanted.
No, I don't think it looks bad. I took April's test and my score was terrible. I then took August's test and thankfully improved my scores (well, all except PS which still stunk). It was commented about during every interview I have gone on. They all said... "Great your MCAT score went up. Good."
I would take it if I were you. Good luck on what you decide.
MUHAHAHAHAHHAHA! I am sorry man. I wish I had your confidence. I studied a ton for my tests and didn't crack 30 and I totally thought I would. I studied 6 months and got a 26. I give you all the props in the world if I just studied two weeks and knocked out a great score. Good luck
Amen, I was waiting for someone to say this. Do you honestly think that in two weeks you can be prepared for the MCAT? I too was a good test taker and that doesnt mean **** on this test in my eyes.Originally posted by Robz
MUHAHAHAHAHHAHA! I am sorry man. I wish I had your confidence. I studied a ton for my tests and didn't crack 30 and I totally thought I would. I studied 6 months and got a 26. I give you all the props in the world if I just studied two weeks and knocked out a great score. Good luck
Adrian
It's certainly possible to score sufficiently with only a couple weeks studying.
Personally, I just looked over some stuff the night before
, finished the test sections after about 20 min each 
, slept while everyone else finished 
and got a 32. 
I give you props then. I never said it wasn't possible, I just said I wish good luck. I just wouldn't recommend that strategy to anyone.Originally posted by (nicedream)
It's certainly possible to score sufficiently with only a couple weeks studying.
Personally, I just looked over some stuff the night before
My big thing would be your going to waste your money now. Obviously the small amount for the MCAT is nothing compared to the big picture, but even if you think you have a decent shot why not take it, I mean you paid for it. As far as timing for applications, I was an August applicant this year and was freaking out after reading some of the posts on here. I wasn't complete until November at the schools (after secondaries), but I had three interviews and three acceptances all by the end of January. So, although it is good to get your stuff in earlier, the process is set up so that if you make sure you get all your stuff done and your on top of things not taking the MCAT until August doesn't make a HUGE difference (maybe slight).
Josh
Josh
i am tired of people telling others to take the MCAT when they feel they are not actually ready. It is definately better to take the test in august and do well than take the test early and dont do well. You will just be wasting your time and money. It will be even harder to retake the test. Take the test when you are ready and do not listen to what other people are telling you.