Which of these two is seen as better/is more advantageous?

[cryhavoc]

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Say you are applying to an MD school with a lower MCAT score.

Is there any difference between these two methods, money aside. Is one seen as earlier?

1) Apply to MD schools on June 1st, indicated retaking the MCAT in July. Send score in right away in August.
2) Already be verified (because you did one app early), but apply to all your schools in August with your new MCAT.

Option two would save me money, as if my score was the same, I'd not be applying to MD schools. However, would option one be seen as earlier, providing a better chance of admission?

Also, if an initial MCAT is low but you indicate it will be retaken, do they still throw your app out if your initial score is too low?

Thanks!!

 

[ridethecliche]

You're complete when everything is into the school. The school will not mark you as complete until they have your MCAT score.

If you send in one 'dud' app, your primary is verified already which can save time, but your primary app submission isn't contingent on MCAT score anyway.

Personally, I'd submit the primary and then add schools once you get your score back. You need to have all your secondaries pre-written and ready to go if you want to do what you're planning. Mid august completions aren't optimal.

 

[MrChance2]

If you indicate you will retake then they won't look at you they have your new MCAT. If you think you can do well taking the MCAT before July is a good idea. If you have a borderline app Not being complete til Aug may be the kiss of death. Most important is make sure you are scoring what you need on practice exams before taking the actual MCAT though.

 

[Goro]

#2.

If your score is "lower", is it still competitive? If so, why retake? If not, why do you think you have a better chance of admission?

Option two would save me money, as if my score was the same, I'd not be applying to MD schools. However, would option one be seen as earlier, providing a better chance of admission?

It depends upon how low. At my school, we have a stated minimum, but we also a working floor, which is about from 4-5 points below their our median score. If you look at MCAT spreads of the 10th-90th percentiles, the spread thins the more competitive the school (compare Rosy Franklin with Mt Sinai, for example).

So, yes, if it's too low, they'll throw it out. it's not like they'll have a shortage of candidates.


Also, if an initial MCAT is low but you indicate it will be retaken, do they still throw your app out if your initial score is too low?

 

[songl4a]

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