Are you studying for the MCATs now with a test date later this month or in August? Most applicants in this position should wait and apply next year for 2011. There are several factors that must be considered when making this decision.
(1) If you have never taken the MCATs it is wise to wait to apply since you are really investing a lot of time and money applying through AMCAS without knowing the result of a very large part of your application. Having a solid MCAT score and applying early for 2011 is the right choice.
(2) If you have a solid MCAT score, in the 28-30 range, and you are retaking the MCATs to improve your score then you could apply this year for 2010. Ideally you will get your application in as early as possible and your application will start being reviewed with your past MCAT score. Before you apply, be honest with yourself, think about your application and ask yourself if the rest of your application is competitive. If so, then applying is a good idea. If not, wait and spend the next year improving your credentials.
(3) If you have taken the MCATs before but scored badly, mid 20’s or less, then you should definitely wait until you have received a solid, competitive, MCAT score before applying. You do not want to apply with two low scores on your application, it doesn’t show good judgment.
(4) Lastly, if you are taking the MCATs later in the summer and are waiting to submit your application to AMCAS until after you take the MCATs then the best choice is to wait to apply. You have already put yourself at a severe disadvantage – applying mid-late August is just too late even if you score a 35 on your MCATs.
In most cases, unless you are in group (2), the answer to “Should I Apply if I’m Taking the MCATs in Late Summer” is NO.
By guest blogger Theresa Davies-Heerema, Ph.D., who has advised many medical and dental school applicants during her career in post-graduate education.
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