When to submit primary after MCAT retake?

[tenma_dr]

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I submitted my AMCAS to one school on 7/6, and from the looks of it I likely won't get verified for another 2-3 weeks.
My MCAT score last cycle was a 508 and this did not get me screened out by any schools (I received secondaries from all), and I will receive my new score on 7/29. I'm wondering if there are any drawbacks to adding more schools before 7/29. I've heard some people say that they can just choose to evaluate my old score? But if I will not be verified by then, won't they have to wait to look at my application anyway?

Do I wait until 7/29 to add more schools?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Previously

T

Thread 'WAMC/School list help after SMP'

Aug 28, 2024

*Reposting from about a month ago with my new MCAT score

1. cGPA: 3.06 sGPA: 2.70 smpGPA: 3.85
2. MCAT: 502 (April 2024), 508 (July 2024)
3. State: New York
4. Race: South Asian
5. Undergraduate: Stony Brook Graduate: SMP at Rutgers RWJ
6. Clinical Experience: Medical Assistant/Anesthesia Tech (hybrid role) - 230 hours, ED Scribe - 510 hours, Patient transport volunteer - 75 hours
7. Research experience: wet lab research at my SMP med school - 60 hours
8. Shadowing experience: Endocrinology - 25 hours...

• tenma_dr
• Replies: 11
• Forum: What Are My Chances? WAMC Medical

 

[tenma_dr]

@LizzyM @GoSpursGo @Goro if any of you have the time, I would love to get your thoughts on this 🙂

 

[LizzyM]

I guess it's only money. What is the advantage of applying to more schools sooner than later? We're only talking 10-11 days.

I hate to say it but secondaries can be a money-grab by med schools and a tax on overly optimistic students. The schools love the secondaries because that moves the applicant into the "considered for admission" pile and then is part of the denominator when determining how competitive the school is (percentage of applicants who are admitted). Don't give them that satisfaction if your application is going to be, in essence, a donation.

 

[Goro]

@LizzyM @GoSpursGo @Goro if any of you have the time, I would love to get your thoughts on this 🙂

7/29 is not to late to apply to more schools.

BUT be realistic with your new score. MSAR Online is your friend. Do NOT apply to a school that you would not consider attending.

 

[NativegirlMD]

I submitted my AMCAS to one school on 7/6, and from the looks of it I likely won't get verified for another 2-3 weeks.
My MCAT score last cycle was a 508 and this did not get me screened out by any schools (I received secondaries from all), and I will receive my new score on 7/29. I'm wondering if there are any drawbacks to adding more schools before 7/29. I've heard some people say that they can just choose to evaluate my old score? But if I will not be verified by then, won't they have to wait to look at my application anyway?

Do I wait until 7/29 to add more schools?

Apply to just one school you don't care for because it takes a month to verify your app. Once you get your new score back, then you add schools that align with your stats. If you submit your primary when you get your new score back, you will have to wait a month for it to verify and you won't be able to do secondaries until like mid august, compared to submitting it early and getting secondaries right when you submit your new score in mid July. Also....some schools if they knowyou have an MCAT pending may not even look at your app. I also want to say that a 508 IS BY NO MEANS a low score. when you apply this cycle be proactive and make sure your lists includes DO SCHOOL AND MD schools. Rowan Virtua sometimes loves when students call them and meet with them esp if they have lower mcat scores, although again a 508 is a solid score for DO and some MDs. I don't think a month late application will kill your chances. Apply strong with a strong MCAT and any school will be willing to take you. Also, one last thought make sure there is no error or issues with your writing. When applying, the 508 should have gotten you some interviews, if not, this could mean your writing was weaker or your Work activities were not as strong. If you interviews, try to reflect on how you answered and look to do more mock interviews to improve the way you went about those. If you go in with a higher MCAT + better Work activties descriptions im sure you will go far. Reach out to admissions at diff school and be PROACTIVE. ROWAN VIRTUA, NJMS, LECOM and some others loveeeeeee those who reach out and ask about input/ask to meet. It will add more work for you but i can name 4 people who got into these schools by simply calling and asking to meet.