When to take and re-take MCAT?!! That is the question...

[skyblue2000]

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Hey everyone...

I thought my following question would have been asked many times before, but I can't seem to find any threads specific to the question...

Anyway here it goes:

I haven't taken the MCAT yet and I was planning on taking it early next spring so I could apply in June when AMSAS opens up. However, i'm worried that my score won't be good enough the first time around.

But I read on another post that secondaries are normally asked to be completed and returned within 2-3 weeks of getting them. So if I only have like a month or 2 MAX. between sittings...I would be spending a LOT of that time completing my secondaries.

So i'm trying to find two dates that would:

a) provide me enough time to boost my score between examinations?
b) not take away from completing my secondaries?
c) not make me too late in applying (I want to ideally have a completed application by july end latest)

What do you guys think?

 

[BlueElmo]

You take the MCAT after having completed all the prereq courses and after studying for the exam itself. If you feel comfortable with the exam, that's when you take it. You should aim to take the test once and only once, it's not an exam you want to take multiple times.

 

[skyblue2000]

I for sure don't want to re-take it...I'm just thinking ahead to IF I do have to, then I want my bases covered. Just in case....

 

[cubssox2000]

As long as you have completed all of the pre-reqs and fell that you are prepared to take the test, then I advise taking it in April. This way, can start your primaries in May and just wait for the score to come back. If you get a score you like, then send in the primaries when it opens. If you want to retake it, retake at the end of June. This will give you a month to prepare for the test. You will get this score in July, and will be able to finish your secondaries at a pretty early time. Just my advise, but it worked for me.

 

[umw2010]

I am agreeing with Blue,
Just make up ur mind to take it once and give ur BESTTTT shot. i took it twice and trust me you dont want to go thru all that psychological stress. Dont even think about it.

 

[Myuu]

I for sure don't want to re-take it...I'm just thinking ahead to IF I do have to, then I want my bases covered. Just in case....

Hmm. If you end up in a scenario where you need to the re-take the MCAT that is not a fluke (test center hit by terrorists, sudden onset of shigellosis, etc), you'll probably need more time than is available to blow the first one out of the water (which is what you have to do, really). By that time, your application may no longer be competitive.

I would say do it right the first time. You can push it back to late June or July if you have to and still in a reasonable position, as far as completion goes.