What's the MCAT's expiration date?

[TheElement]

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I was thinking of maybe using my undergraduate major for a couple years and see how that goes and when I get bored, I'll give medical school a shot. This would leave me with more options because once you're in medical school, you're pretty committed.

So in light of all this, how long would a MCAT be good for so that you could use it to apply again?

 

[Isoprop]

depends on the school but 3 years is a good rule of thumb.

 

[pingouin]

depends on the school but 3 years is a good rule of thumb.

Agreed. Also keep in mind that it never disappears off your record- it may not be "valid" anymore, but the schools will see it.

 

[Michelle823]

5 years for any TMDSAS school, and typically 3 for the AAMC schools, though some are 2 and others 4. Look on the school's websites to see. I live in texas, applied last year but took the MCAT the year before. Needless to say, I should've applied out of state. Took a year off to boost up the good-ole-GPA and now my MCAT is no good for out of state 🙁 so i have to take it again in January! BOO!!!

 

[cudasoccer5]

I know that the MCAT is generally valid for 3 years, but is this until matriculation date or application date?

i.e. Taking MCAT Jan 0'9, Application: Summer '11, Matriculation: Fall '12
It would actually be 3.5 years before matriculation, but only 2.5 before applying. Thoughts?? Has anyone personally experienced a similar situation?

 

[Mace1370]

I took the MCAT in August 2008 and got a 32Q. I would obviously rather not have to take the test again, but if I don't get in this year I will reapply next year. Will my scores still be good for next year's application cycle? I guess cudasoccer is basically asking the same question I am.

 

[SN2ed]

I know that the MCAT is generally valid for 3 years, but is this until matriculation date or application date?

i.e. Taking MCAT Jan 0'9, Application: Summer '11, Matriculation: Fall '12
It would actually be 3.5 years before matriculation, but only 2.5 before applying. Thoughts?? Has anyone personally experienced a similar situation?

I'm pretty it's when you apply and not when you would matriculate.

Mace1370: You have 3 years at most schools.