Why do you need MCAT scores so early?

[chiapet874]

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I"ve been reading several threads and doing a bit of research regarding when you should get your MCAT scores back. I seem to come across alot of people saying that you should get your MCAT scores by late June.

Why is that? As far as I am aware, one can submit their AMCAS primary for verification as long as they have their transcript sent in (and thats all you need). Once it gets verified, AMCAS sends your primaries to the medical schools, whom will usually simply send out a secondary, earliest being early-mid July (the exception being schools who screen MCAT scores).

If my understanding is correct, than technically, one doesn't have to have the MCAT scores back until one sends out their secondaries cause AMCAS takes very little time to get your MCAT scores and pass them along to the medical schools.

So for example, for this coming application cycle, taking the JUNE 17th MCAT (release date ~July 15th) should be no problem as you will be be getting that score right when you are submitting your secondaries (at the earliest possible time).

Maybe I'm missing something? 😕

 

[rhcarolina]

Some people would like to know what they got on the MCAT before spending a lot of money on submitting the application. It helps one figure out for which schools one is competitive.

 

[chiapet874]

Some people would like to know what they got on the MCAT before spending a lot of money on submitting the application. It helps one figure out for which schools one is competitive.

That makes sense, but beyond that, is there any additional reason to get that MCAT score in before you either a). submit the primaries or b). AMCAS submits your primary to the medical schools

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

I"ve been reading several threads and doing a bit of research regarding when you should get your MCAT scores back. I seem to come across alot of people saying that you should get your MCAT scores by late June.

Why is that? As far as I am aware, one can submit their AMCAS primary for verification as long as they have their transcript sent in (and thats all you need). Once it gets verified, AMCAS sends your primaries to the medical schools, whom will usually simply send out a secondary, earliest being early-mid July (the exception being schools who screen MCAT scores).

If my understanding is correct, than technically, one doesn't have to have the MCAT scores back until one sends out their secondaries cause AMCAS takes very little time to get your MCAT scores and pass them along to the medical schools.

So for example, for this coming application cycle, taking the JUNE 17th MCAT (release date ~July 15th) should be no problem as you will be be getting that score right when you are submitting your secondaries (at the earliest possible time).

Maybe I'm missing something? 😕

I got three secondaries on 26 June (or whenever the AMCAS release date was)...just saying. It doesn't hurt to have it early since you could have secondary application submissions starting late June (and with the 2012 cycle, MID June)

 

[chiapet874]

I got three secondaries on 26 June (or whenever the AMCAS release date was)...just saying. It doesn't hurt to have it early since you could have secondary application submissions starting late June (and with the 2012 cycle, MID June)

That simply means, those schools sent everybody who sent them primaries a secondary.

In addition, although AMCAS claims to be sending med schools your verified primary on June 10th this year, that doesn't necessarily mean that med schools will begin processing them any earlier (quoting this information for a previous thread regarding these new changes)

 

[EpicBearMan]

That simply means, those schools sent everybody who sent them primaries a secondary.

It also means that they are very likely reviewing secondaries before mid July. You don't NEED to be on the very top of the pile, but most applicants will be looking for any and all advantages they can get.

The med school selection factor is a pretty big deal. You won't know where to apply until you have your MCAT scores. Some people just add a few schools like their state school where they know they will apply, and just add the rest of the schools after they get scores. This can cause some delay in receiving secondary and getting reviewed though.

Having your scores earlier means you will have time for a retake and still have your scores by mid July and be in pretty good shape.

There is a fair amount of schools that screen before sending secondaries. The secondary screen is pretty competitive at some schools like UCLA and Vanderbilt. The Vandy secondary comes with an interview invite.

Summary: Getting earlier scores has the potential to help you, so you might as well do it if you aren't pressed hard for study time.

 

[ZeusonRoids]

Lol newb.

The whole game is getting things in early. The earlier you are TOTALLY complete with EVERYTHING the faster you will be selected to interview. You WILL get more interviews if you are totally complete in June vs. if you become complete in late Aug/September.
It worked for me and I am a complete ******* with very few redeeming qualities. I did absolutely no research and had fairly weak ECs...But guess what. I was complete REALLY early and had like 2-3day turnarounds for secondary apps.

I"ve been reading several threads and doing a bit of research regarding when you should get your MCAT scores back. I seem to come across alot of people saying that you should get your MCAT scores by late June.

Why is that? As far as I am aware, one can submit their AMCAS primary for verification as long as they have their transcript sent in (and thats all you need). Once it gets verified, AMCAS sends your primaries to the medical schools, whom will usually simply send out a secondary, earliest being early-mid July (the exception being schools who screen MCAT scores).

If my understanding is correct, than technically, one doesn't have to have the MCAT scores back until one sends out their secondaries cause AMCAS takes very little time to get your MCAT scores and pass them along to the medical schools.

So for example, for this coming application cycle, taking the JUNE 17th MCAT (release date ~July 15th) should be no problem as you will be be getting that score right when you are submitting your secondaries (at the earliest possible time).

Maybe I'm missing something? 😕

 

[Torr]

Some people would like to know what they got on the MCAT before spending a lot of money on submitting the application. It helps one figure out for which schools one is competitive.

 

[rhcarolina]

👍