When to take MCAT?

[mamacitamd]

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Hello,
I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on when I should take the MCAT. My expected graduation date is December 2012, and I hope to matriculate into medical school in the following Fall. I'm a little concerned on when I should take the test. I was advised to take it in the summer, a year before you plan to apply. In that case, I plan to prepare this year and take it Summer 2012. Any suggestions?

 

[sc4s2cg]

Traditionally, people take it the year they apply. So if you apply this year to get in by next fall, people take the MCAT this summer.

I'm taking this summer and applying next year, just because I can. 😛

 

[SN2ed]

Yes, I would suggest you take it the year before you apply as long as you have ALL of your pre-reqs finished AND you have a free summer. If you can get your materials quickly, you might be able to fit in an early September MCAT date and study this summer.

If you can't, then you may want to wait until you graduate to take the MCAT. Then, submit your application that summer. You won't start in the fall after you graduate, but you'll likely have a much stronger application given the extra time for your MCAT and ECs.