When should I apply?

[Butterlord]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I graduate in a couple weeks and I'm planning on applying to schools this application cycle. I took the MCAT twice last summer after studying (using only the examkrackers books) while taking summer courses and working two jobs and ended up with a lower score the first time and a 27 the second time (I'm not happy with this score). I am planning on taking it again in early August this summer, and I plan on focusing completely on studying for it this summer only participating in some random volunteer things. When do you think I should submit my application? Early on with my old score then submit my new score once I get it? Or should I just wait until I get my new score in early September(hopefully several points higher)?

If it helps, I have relatively excellent ECs and LORs.

I have the examkrackers books and TBR pdfs, so I plan on using those and also,
my parents have offered to pay for a study course such as Kaplan and TPR, have any of you had success with the Kaplan MCAT AdvantagePlus Anywhere course?

Thank you for any advice!🙂

 

[NickNaylor]

Most schools will ask you if you are planning on retaking the MCAT in their secondaries. While there are exceptions, most schools won't consider your app complete if they know that you're planning to retake the exam and they haven't received the score yet. At those schools it won't matter when you submit it - all of the information will be seen regardless.

As I said exceptions to this abound so you might want to check with individual schools, but that's the general way this is handled.

 

[Sabate]

It really depends on where you're applying and what you're changing in study habits and test prep from the last two sittings for the MCAT. If you have good reason to think you'll do substantially better, hold off on applying and let the dust settle. It's definitely possible to get in with your MCAT score to MD and DO programs but raising it would help a lot. Good luck in the process!