When to take the MCAT??

[uclabound2010]

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Hey guys,

Is there a difference in taking the MCAT in April/May versus August/September? I heard that it's better to take it in April/May because it is usually when everyone else is taking it for the first time rather than people who take it in August/September have lost their MCAT virginity!

I don't know if this notion is completely true but tell me what you guys think.

 

[JediZero]

Hey guys,

Is there a difference in taking the MCAT in April/May versus August/September? I heard that it's better to take it in April/May because it is usually when everyone else is taking it for the first time rather than people who take it in August/September have lost their MCAT virginity!

I don't know if this notion is completely true but tell me what you guys think.

In all honesty, it shouldn't matter. Make your decision on when to take it based on when you be able to best prepare yourself for the test. If you're sitting there trying to game the system, then you're just missing the point.

 

[uclabound2010]

In all honesty, it shouldn't matter. Make your decision on when to take it based on when you be able to best prepare yourself for the test. If you're sitting there trying to game the system, then you're just missing the point.

I will be committed either way. I just want to give myself any advantage I can have.

 

[zinki949]

...the earlier the better... that way "all your ducks are in line"

I think that's the phrase... lol

 

[KTD]

Hey guys,

Is there a difference in taking the MCAT in April/May versus August/September? I heard that it's better to take it in April/May because it is usually when everyone else is taking it for the first time rather than people who take it in August/September have lost their MCAT virginity!

I don't know if this notion is completely true but tell me what you guys think.

Depends more on your study schedule and when you are applying I think. If you are applying for the cycle next year, I would take it as early as possible so your application is not delayed waiting for your score. On the other hand, if you are not applying next year, I would think about taking it when you have the most time to study. I studied all summer and took the test in August before school started.

 

[Parts Unknown]

Hey guys,

Is there a difference in taking the MCAT in April/May versus August/September? I heard that it's better to take it in April/May because it is usually when everyone else is taking it for the first time rather than people who take it in August/September have lost their MCAT virginity!

I don't know if this notion is completely true but tell me what you guys think.

If you are applying in 2010 you should take it in April/May of 2010.

If you are applying in 2011 you may take it in either August/September of 2010 or April/May of 2011. Taking it in August/September gives you time for a retake, if necessary, without delaying your AMCAS application.

Whatever you do, don't hold up your application because you're waiting on your MCAT score.

 

[J ROD]

Hey guys,

Is there a difference in taking the MCAT in April/May versus August/September? I heard that it's better to take it in April/May because it is usually when everyone else is taking it for the first time rather than people who take it in August/September have lost their MCAT virginity!

I don't know if this notion is completely true but tell me what you guys think.

Best to take it when you are ready...if apply then, you need to take it by mid July to be on "time" for that cycle. (2010)

 

[cheekiemunky]

Hey guys,

Is there a difference in taking the MCAT in April/May versus August/September? I heard that it's better to take it in April/May because it is usually when everyone else is taking it for the first time rather than people who take it in August/September have lost their MCAT virginity!

I don't know if this notion is completely true but tell me what you guys think.

This comment confuses me.... this might be a stupid question, but is the scoring system based on a curve? If so, I was completely unaware.

 

[uclabound2010]

If you are applying in 2010 you should take it in April/May of 2010.

If you are applying in 2011 you may take it in either August/September of 2010 or April/May of 2011. Taking it in August/September gives you time for a retake, if necessary, without delaying your AMCAS application.

Whatever you do, don't hold up your application because you're waiting on your MCAT score.

I plan on applying for the 2011 year so that I start (hopefully!) med school in 2011. I plan on taking classes this spring semester and take summer off to write my MCAT. I'll have all of May, June, and July to study for the MCAT and I'll write my MCAT either last week of July or first week of August. How does this sound?

 

[uclabound2010]

Best to take it when you are ready...if apply then, you need to take it by mid July to be on "time" for that cycle. (2010)

When you mean cycle, do you mean I apply to start med in 2011?

Also, are there any med schools that will allow me to take the MCAT in April and apply to start in 2010??

 

[J ROD]

When you mean cycle, do you mean I apply to start med in 2011?

yes

Also, are there any med schools that will allow me to take the MCAT in April and apply to start in 2010??

none that I know of. Classes are almost completely filled by then. Research this alot more...

Submit AMCAS in beginning of Jun 2010 for Aug 2011 start.

Apply later than Aug 2010 would be late....applying Jun is very important unless you have killer stats....it is how those without get in!!

Apply early is very key!!

 

[just one]

This comment confuses me.... this might be a stupid question, but is the scoring system based on a curve? If so, I was completely unaware.

It is a "scaled" score, so in a way yes. That helps to even out the scores in case of an easy or hard exam

 

[uclabound2010]

Submit AMCAS in beginning of Jun 2010 for Aug 2011 start.

Apply later than Aug 2010 would be late....applying Jun is very important unless you have killer stats....it is how those without get in!!

Apply early is very key!!

I do not have killer stats by any means. That's why I want to take classes in the spring to help me out. I plan on taking the MCAT Around August (before 1st week for sure). What do you think of this?? I'll send all my stuff in in June 2010 but then I'll submit my MCAT stats later once I get the results. Does this seem like a good idea?

Thanks!

 

[Sammich117]

I signed up for April, pushed it back to May, pushed it back again to June. I don't think I'd wait any later than that though so it can get into AMCAS at a decent time.

 

[Parts Unknown]

I do not have killer stats by any means. That's why I want to take classes in the spring to help me out. I plan on taking the MCAT Around August (before 1st week for sure). What do you think of this?? I'll send all my stuff in in June 2010 but then I'll submit my MCAT stats later once I get the results. Does this seem like a good idea?

It's certainly not optimal. An August MCAT means a September score, which puts you (at best) three months behind the glut of people who will have their apps ready in June. If it were me I'd just buckle down and take it in April. But then I took the MCAT in April of 2000, when prep classes and months of dedicated study time were probably less common.

 

[Express7]

Ok, so according to what you guys are saying, if MCAT is taken at end of summer (August 2012 hypothetically) then it would be too late to matriculate on time in 2013?

My plan is to use my summer to prepare for MCAT but I also want to matriculate on time. Is it possible for both?

 

[just one]

Ok, so according to what you guys are saying, if MCAT is taken at end of summer (August 2012 hypothetically) then it would be too late to matriculate on time in 2013?

My plan is to use my summer to prepare for MCAT but I also want to matriculate on time. Is it possible for both?

No, it just reduces your chances because other people have already interviewed and been accepted. Taking it in August means you won't get a score until September almost October. Schools won't even be seeing your application until October.

 

[noday42]

im not trying to hijack the thread or anything....but is it rare for people to take their MCAT in January? I planned on taking mine then (figured I could do the bulk of my studying over winter break), but I'm reconsidering, especially if there's a reason why people wait until a few months later.