Which should I take- New vs Old MCAT

[kcgrl1124]

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Option 1: Old MCAT
I would start studying this September and take it end of January. I'm taking 4 classes (Personal Finance, Biological Psychology, Software and Statistics, and Animal Behavior) in the Fall so I would have to be studying for the MCAT while in classes. Also I would start co-op (paid internship) in January where I would probably work from 9-5.
Pros: Would stick to the old MCAT test/format (thus, shorter testing time, less material, more familiarity). Would also receive scores in time to apply for med school for 2016.
Cons: Less time to study, may be rushed.

Option 2: New MCAT
I would start studying this September and take the first 2015 test in April. Same situation as above except I would simply continue co-op in the Spring.
Pros: Slightly more time to study, get $150 for Amazon gift card for taking test in April, would be among first to take the new test- may be a slight advantage/disadvantage since no one really knows what the test will be like. Would also receive scores in time to apply for med school for 2016.
Cons: New test format- longer, more material, less familiarity/study materials. Also not sure if would be enough time to study for new MCAT considering the additional material being studied.

Option 3: New MCAT
I would start studying this September and take the 2015 test at the end of the summer. In addition to this fall and this coming Spring I would have basically the whole summer to study (I would also be doing research during the summer but not intensely, just so I would be doing something other than studying for the summer)
Pros: Would have a lot of time to study. Wouldn't be the first to take the new MCAT so there may be more study aids/full tests to study.
Cons: New test format- longer, more material, less familiarity/study materials. Possibly wouldn't be able to apply for entry to 2016/application may be late considering a lot of med schools are rolling? (Let me know if I'm wrong). Note: I'm mostly concentrating my med school apps in Texas.

Any suggestions for other options or ideas/input on the options I presented above are much appreciated!

 

[claduva94]

You should have plenty of time to study for an exam in January. If possible, I'd shoot for that.

 

[Aerus]

It doesn't sound like you're giving yourself adequate time to study during the school year. A full load of lasses and an internship is a lot to add on to studying for the MCAT. Remember that adding more months to studying will not help your score improve if you're half assing your studying.

I would choose option 3, except modify it so you're NOT studying for the MCAT during the school year, and instead, focusing fully on your grades and extracurricular activities. Take the prerequisite classes (Biochemistry, Sociology, Psychology). Then, focus your whole summer to studying for the MCAT, do well, and apply the cycle after (not next year but the one after). Doing research during the summer is fine as long as the hours are flexible to your study time.


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