What is better?

[drshark]

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[Dr.TurkandJD]

I think the first option is better. Take it in August, get a high 20's and apply ASAP.

 

[advair250]

Depends what your first mcat is

 

[drshark]

q

 

[Temperature101]

I'm starting to feel as if applying ASAP is not always the best option, when you can make your app more appealing by holding off a little. I noticed a lot of average stats had their applications on hold by mid fall, but those who began applying mid fall with better stats got interviews before these people without having to be placed on hold. Call me crazy but I think having your app processed early at one school, but waiting to apply broadly doesn't disadvantage an applicant like I used to think last cycle.

I think the first option is better since August is not that late...

 

[Goro]

Take it only when you're ready. If it means applying later, then so be it, because taking it early and either not improving, or doing worse will be far worse than applying later. It's a long cycle, so you have time.

So I have average gpa around 3.4 cum and 3.5 sci, Above ave EC's, great LOR. I have been debating whether to retake my MCAT in aug or sept. I will have my app already processed before this time but what is a smarter move, having an extra month to study means I may receive a higher mcat by a few points, so is it better to take the aug test and get say a 27-29 and send my score in, or take it in sept and get a 30+ (just estimating) and then have it sent in October to the schools (COMP, AZCOM, CCOM) are my top 3. (assuming I don't get off the wait list this year, which is not looking promising).

So what's better an earlier app with a ok mcat or a later app with a better mcat. Thanks 🙂

 

[darklabel]

I'm starting to feel as if applying ASAP is not always the best option, when you can make your app more appealing by holding off a little. I noticed a lot of average stats had their applications on hold by mid fall, but those who began applying mid fall with better stats got interviews before these people without having to be placed on hold. Call me crazy but I think having your app processed early at one school, but waiting to apply broadly doesn't disadvantage an applicant like I used to think last cycle.

You have a 3.4/3.5, an MCAT of 28 - 29 will not make you less competitive than an MCAT of 30 - 31. With those stats, you're competitive at every DO school.

If you feel waiting will definitely get you an MCAT of at least 33 (so you're practice tests average is 34 - 36) then I'd say wait (since it will be beneficial for MD schools as well). But if you're just averaging ~30 and don't see yourself getting much higher, than just shoot for high 20's.

Average MCAT for DO matriculants is ~26 so a 28 - 29 and your GPA will definitely not have schools hold off on your application. And call me crazy, but I've also heard people with really good stats (such as an MCAT of 35-36) get their app on hold at some DO schools since it is assumed that they are probably holding out for a better school. Even MD schools will do this for super star applicants some times.

In reality, no one can predict what Adcoms will do with an app, but I've always heard the mantra of "Apply early and broadly" and it seems to work for most people.

 

[deleted480308]

I think thw mistake is assuming you will have a 28 a few months from now and a 30 a month later......take an assessment test to see where you are at

 

[as1212559]

If you can't improve to 30 by August what makes you think you will by October? That's 4 months away. Are you going to study for 4 months? We're missing background here.

 

[drshark]

q

 

[Dr Dazzle]

More time to study doesn't always mean a significantly higher score.

 

[dollarbill]

Like others have stated, take the mcat when you feel you're prepared to get the best score possible... As far as ccom is concerned the earlier the better as this school received over 6,500 applications last year but also you are probably looking at an average mcat score of 30 for the incoming class

 

[Dr.TurkandJD]

I'm starting to feel as if applying ASAP is not always the best option, when you can make your app more appealing by holding off a little. I noticed a lot of average stats had their applications on hold by mid fall, but those who began applying mid fall with better stats got interviews before these people without having to be placed on hold. Call me crazy but I think having your app processed early at one school, but waiting to apply broadly doesn't disadvantage an applicant like I used to think last cycle.

I get what you're saying. I was in the same situation as you. I applied to just one school, to get the app verified. I received my MCAT results in September, as soon it was posted on AACOMAS, I added all the other schools. The nice thing was that it was already verified and the next day I received a bunch of secondaries. Hope it helps, good luck!