Which MCAT date to take?

[mosel]

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I am applying to osteopathic med schools this year but have not yet taken the MCAT. I am thinking of either taking the June 15 MCAT (scores released July 15) or the July 13 MCAT (scores released Aug 12), since I am taking post-bacc classes from Feb thru May and have only a few weeks to study on both ends (jan and june mostly).

Question is, would it *hypothetically* be better to take the latter MCAT if I feel it will result in a higher test score of say, 3 points - i.e. a 27 vice a 24? Even if this means no scores to the schools until mid-August? Thanks.

 

[DoctorMom78]

I am applying to osteopathic med schools this year but have not yet taken the MCAT. I am thinking of either taking the June 15 MCAT (scores released July 15) or the July 13 MCAT (scores released Aug 12), since I am taking post-bacc classes from Feb thru May and have only a few weeks to study on both ends (jan and june mostly).

Question is, would it *hypothetically* be better to take the latter MCAT if I feel it will result in a higher test score of say, 3 points - i.e. a 27 vice a 24? Even if this means no scores to the schools until mid-August? Thanks.

Since it is no longer an issue of April vs August and a two month wait for the scores, I would take the July MCAT. That only puts you "behind" a month at the schools than where you would be if you took the June MCAT. Just have everything finished and submitted early so that they will only be waiting for your scores. I think the extra points are worth the wait. Good luck!😀

 

[Dr JPH]

Since it is no longer an issue of April vs August and a two month wait for the scores, I would take the July MCAT. That only puts you "behind" a month at the schools than where you would be if you took the June MCAT. Just have everything finished and submitted early so that they will only be waiting for your scores. I think the extra points are worth the wait. Good luck!😀

100% agree

👍

 

[jays2cool4u]

Since it is no longer an issue of April vs August and a two month wait for the scores, I would take the July MCAT. That only puts you "behind" a month at the schools than where you would be if you took the June MCAT. Just have everything finished and submitted early so that they will only be waiting for your scores. I think the extra points are worth the wait. Good luck!😀

Score releases will be approximately 1 month in 2007. Then, 14 days in 2008. I would take the early date so if you mess up you can always take it again sooner.

 

[momgracea]

Score releases will be approximately 1 month in 2007. Then, 14 days in 2008. I would take the early date so if you mess up you can always take it again sooner.

Agreed - - but only because I think the trend is going to be for applications to be in sooner and sooner, meaning the "late" applicant is now one who takes the July MCAT. And late really does hurt your chances.

 

[Dr JPH]

When do applications open online?

I think taking an additional month of prep time and applying with one good scores is better than applying with 2 scores.

No admissions committee likes to see multiple MCATs

 

[mosel]

When do applications open online?

I think taking an additional month of prep time and applying with one good scores is better than applying with 2 scores.

No admissions committee likes to see multiple MCATs

The main slew of MCAT test dates start April 7, with scores due out May 7th. That would mean my July test/August scores would be 3 months delayed. In this new world of computerized tests, does July/Aug really mean the new "late?"

 

[Dr JPH]

The main slew of MCAT test dates start April 7, with scores due out May 7th. That would mean my July test/August scores would be 3 months delayed. In this new world of computerized tests, does July/Aug really mean the new "late?"

Schools accept applications throughout the entire cycle.

While I agree having your application in early does make a difference, applying a monthy earlier with a score of 24 is not better than holding off a month and getting a 30.

 

[fkhan3]

I think going into the MCAT thinking that "I can take it again" is a BAD idea... I think everyone should take the first one as if THIS IS THE ONLY CHANCE I HAVE... if you have mentalities like "Oh i can ALWAYS take it again, or apply again..." you won't get far in life...


just my two cents...


but yea take the July one and make sure you destroy it... as in do good 🙂

 

[Dr JPH]

I think going into the MCAT thinking that "I can take it again" is a BAD idea... I think everyone should take the first one as if THIS IS THE ONLY CHANCE I HAVE... if you have mentalities like "Oh i can ALWAYS take it again, or apply again..." you won't get far in life...

👍