Will medical schools see that I'm retaking MCAT even I already had an interview?

[wahoo2010]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I had a few interviews, but the cycle isn't looking good. I was constantly asked about my MCAT score, and I didn't get a positive impression from interviewers. I was already wait-listed at one of the schools. I'm sure that my MCAT score was the primary reason why I didn't get accepted. So I signed up for another MCAT, but I'm wondering if AAMC automatically update this to schools where I already had an interview? If so, will retaking MCAT affect their final admission decision (putting me on hold to see my score)? Or they will ignore the fact that I'm retaking it and make the decision based on my application and interview?

 

[GoSpursGo]

Most schools won't consider a January MCAT for this season, though a few will. It's really on a school-by-school basis. I think you have to personally send an update letter.

 

[flip26]

Don't rush into a retake in January thinking it will help you this cycle - it won't.

Better to take your time and do a thorough prep for say April, and you may get lucky with an acceptance and get to cancel it.

 

[apumic]

Don't rush into a retake in January thinking it will help you this cycle - it won't.

Better to take your time and do a thorough prep for say April, and you may get lucky with an acceptance and get to cancel it.

I'd tend to agree w/ this. They're likely to make their decision shortly following your interview and once they've made that decision, any updates would be futile. Take your time and kill the MCAT this time around.

 

[biophysicianai]

What about MCAT scores taken shortly after you've submitted your AMCAS app? Can we update schools with a new score? If so, I may try it.

I am considering this because I only prepared for about 3 weeks 😱 before my MCAT (I know, I know... I seriously didn't have any time in the months leading up, as my course load has been VERY heavy and I was focusing on my grades first). I did decently, but I know that I can do much better.

I intend to start my app cycle this upcoming spring. I will also be graduating this winter (one semester early). I will be out of the country for the 6 months immediately after graduation, as I've been given a fellowship that allows me to spend that time working in hospitals / clinics and doing other volunteer work in Guatemala 😀. As such, I wont be able to take another MCAT until late June at earliest.

I'd prefer to get my apps in early with a decent score than significantly later with a score that might differ by only a few points.

If I were to submit my apps earlyish (June / early July), and then take an MCAT that summer (July / August), would schools consider my new score? T'would be sha-weet.

 

[GoSpursGo]

What about MCAT scores taken shortly after you've submitted your AMCAS app? Can we update schools with a new score? If so, I may try it.

I am considering this because I only prepared for about 3 weeks 😱 before my MCAT (I know, I know... I seriously didn't have any time in the months leading up, as my course load has been VERY heavy and I was focusing on my grades first). I did decently, but I know that I can do much better.

I intend to start my app cycle this upcoming spring. I will also be graduating this winter (one semester early). I will be out of the country for the 6 months immediately after graduation, as I've been given a fellowship that allows me to spend that time working in hospitals / clinics and doing other volunteer work in Guatemala 😀. As such, I wont be able to take another MCAT until late June at earliest.

I'd prefer to get my apps in early with a decent score than significantly later with a score that might differ by only a few points.

If I were to submit my apps earlyish (June / early July), and then take an MCAT that summer (July / August), would schools consider my new score? T'would be sha-weet.

Yes that would work; there is a part on the AMCAS that asks if you intend to re-take the MCAT during your application cycle, and if you say that you do they won't review your app until they get your new score. But seriously, if you're this far out, why don't you just start studying now and take it in March or April and be ready to submit and be complete on June 1? If you submit on June 1 with the box checked that you're planning on retaking the MCAT, they won't touch your app AT ALL until you get your new score, meaning you'd be kind of late.

 

[biophysicianai]

But seriously, if you're this far out, why don't you just start studying now and take it in March or April and be ready to submit and be complete on June 1?

I'll be in Guatemala during March / April. As clean water will be scarce where I'm going, I doubt there will be Prometric testing centers available to administer the MCAT.

 

[GoSpursGo]

I'll be in Guatemala during March / April. As clean water will be scarce where I'm going, I doubt there will be Prometric testing centers available to administer the MCAT.

... fair point!

In any case, try and take it as soon as you can when you get back. Late applications kill almost as bad a bad stats. Keep in mind that's just ALMOST, because you don't want to rush through this again, but don't drag your feet anymore than you need to; if you can study at all in Guatemala, do so.

 

[Rawls87]

Don't rush into a retake in January thinking it will help you this cycle - it won't.

Better to take your time and do a thorough prep for say April, and you may get lucky with an acceptance and get to cancel it.

+1

Change the picture Flip, it's creepy!

 

[zinki949]

At your point in time, it will be almost impossible to have your new scores ready for a re-submission. Chances are you are looking at a round two.

 

[premedchelli]

At your point in time, it will be almost impossible to have your new scores ready for a re-submission. Chances are you are looking at a round two.

But when you take the MCAT I thought you could designate where to send your scores... i know a kid who took the mcat after being waitlisted and sent in his scores and was offered admission soon after (score improved).

OP what were your scores on the MCAT (if you don't mind sharing).

 

[zinki949]

But when you take the MCAT I thought you could designate where to send your scores... i know a kid who took the mcat after being waitlisted and sent in his scores and was offered admission soon after (score improved).

OP what were your scores on the MCAT (if you don't mind sharing).

I never said you could not designate you scores.. of course you can. Also, if you can remember there is a section that asked if you are retaking the mcat during the cycle. If you check that, then your file is temporarily on hold until the scores are in. But you claim you have already interviewed and you are in process, so by the time you get your new scores and have them submitted... you will be late.

 

[cher25]

I had a few interviews, but the cycle isn't looking good. I was constantly asked about my MCAT score, and I didn't get a positive impression from interviewers. I was already wait-listed at one of the schools. I'm sure that my MCAT score was the primary reason why I didn't get accepted. So I signed up for another MCAT, but I'm wondering if AAMC automatically update this to schools where I already had an interview? If so, will retaking MCAT affect their final admission decision (putting me on hold to see my score)? Or they will ignore the fact that I'm retaking it and make the decision based on my application and interview?

According to some of your other posts it looks like you scored a 34 on your latest MCAT? Unless your score is terribly unbalanced, retaking may not be necessary. If I were you, I'd schedule to meet with the ADCOMS to get feedback on why you weren't accepted. It just seems strange that a 34 MCAT score would be a hindrance.

 

[wahoo2010]

According to some of your other posts it looks like you scored a 34 on your latest MCAT? Unless your score is terribly unbalanced, retaking may not be necessary. If I were you, I'd schedule to meet with the ADCOMS to get feedback on why you weren't accepted. It just seems strange that a 34 MCAT score would be a hindrance.

You probably misread one of my posts. I got 28 on MCAT (6 on verbal), and 33-34 is the average MCAT score at the medical school that recently waitlisted me. Deans of some schools and my faculty interviewers informed me that I have a strong application but my MCAT verbal score can hinder me from getting an acceptance.

 

[cher25]

You probably misread one of my posts. I got 28 on MCAT (6 on verbal), and 33-34 is the average MCAT score at the medical school that recently waitlisted me. Deans of some schools and my faculty interviewers informed me that I have a strong application but my MCAT verbal score can hinder me from getting an acceptance.

Ok, thanks for clarifying. I did misread. I thought you took it three times with your latest score being a 34. If interviewers informed you that your verbal score is a hindrance, definitely retake if you don't get in this year. I'm sure you've gotten plenty of verbal advice but I'll throw mine in for the sake of it. I raised my verbal score from 7 to 10 between MCATs. The key was to do the EK 101 and practice AAMC verbal. I did an average of 2-3 verbal passages daily on days when I wasn't doing full on practice exams. It gets you used to passage style and question/answer patterns.

Good luck