Do Adcoms take into account when you took your test?
I'm not sure, but in my opinion they should. It is much more difficult to take during a semester than in a summer. I think that finding a way to take it in the summer, without it forcing you into applying too late would be one of my biggest pieces of advice to a future applicant.
I thought taking it in April was a good strategy because that would allow me to apply very early. To be honest that comes into play more for people that are expecting to score in the 27-31 range. These people need everything they can just to make sure they get in. If you're shooting for top tier schools, and are reasonably sure that you'll get in somewhere (you're solid everywhere) find a way to take it in the summer so you can "more easily" attain a 35+. The problem with cramming it into the semester is there is too much stuff out of your control as far as other classes go. You may have tests/papers in and around your MCAT, or just a hard semester in general that doesn't allow you to do your best.
I guess in short, if you think you're someone that's going to be getting a 27-31, then take it early and get your application in early.
If you're someone that expects to be getting a 33+, and competing for top tier schools, find a way to take it in the summer that allows you to get your primary in around the end of july/beginning of august. I felt like i was capable of a 36-37, but my semester just didn't allow me to get that score(I took it mid April). All my MCAT princeton review teachers were summer takers, and personally i believe that is the reason they all got 37+'s(obviously they are bright too, but i think that's why they got those scores instead of 33-35). Basically you're not going to get a higher score taking it during a semester than in the summer, so if you can afford to apply a slight bit later(i.e. you're a solid applicant), take it in the summer. The difference between a 33 and a 37 is worth it.
