Should I go for it?

[Adam]

Well the big day is April 16th, which has approached at a faster rate than I thought it would and I am naturally feeling the anxiety begin to build. I have some uncertainty if I should follow through with the test that is in two weeks (!!). My practice scores have been descent, but not to the level that I hoped they would be at. So I pose the question, should I take the April 16th test or hold off till some time in the summer? My summer looks to be quite hectic, seeing that I will be in Peru for 3 weeks in May and I have an internship for the remainder of the summer. I will not have too much time to dedicate to studying if I do decide to take a later test. Thoughts? Comments?

[admin]

To answer properly, more info is required. What have been your scores on the GS exams and the AAMC exams and which ones of each have you completed?

[Adam]

The have only taken three GS CBTs. The first two were low 20's, and the third a 27. I will take an aamc practice test within the next couple of days and then another GS following it. My goal is to receive around a 32, give or take a point or two. I know I should have taken more practice tests, but due to my hectic schedule it was hard to fit in a 5 hour test. I would be happy with an acceptance into an in state school, but at the same tame would be more inclined to choose an out of state school if I receive multiple acceptances. I have a GPA of 3.96 (darn you philosophy!), and my extracurricular qualifications are, without sounding to pretentious, excellent.

[Adam]

*I apologize for the typos... it has been a long day and I have drudged through many MCAT practice problems.

[admin]

Your performance in 2 weeks is highly dependent on what you do in the interim. A 30 or higher is possible for you but you would have to be engaged in your MCAT prep at a very high level over the next 14 days.

Ideally, you would do that AAMC test within 48 h, no longer. Then update me because that is the data which is missing in order to best know whether you are ready. As long as you score within striking distance of a 30 and as long as you have time over the next 2 weeks to dedicate to MCAT prep then you should be fine.

I hope you've seen the Physics Equation List! There will be an addendum with diagrams within the next 2 days.

[Adam]

I did see the newly posted equations list, and I would like to thank you again. I will take the aamc practice test tomorrow and I will report my scores post haste. I am willing to dedicate all my spare time for the next two weeks to studying and reviewing. I do have to fit in time to complete a take home test and attend a research symposium the Saturday before the MCAT (ug!). Also, when should I stop studying for the MCAT? I have heard from fellow students that there should be no studying the day before the test, but would reviewing the equations be a reasonable exception?

[admin]

Exactly. The day before (and every day over the next 2 weeks!) should be used reviewing your equation lists and your supracondensed notes of high yield learning points you gleaned from your practice tests.

[Adam]

Well I just got done taking the AAMC 10 CBT and it my score is not where I would like it to be. But let me give a preface before I disclose my score. I was planning on taking my laptop over to the school library to take the test. After eating dinner I began to walk over to the library and it began to rain, and there was lightning and thunder. I overheard some people standing outside that there was a tornado warning, so I stood there and deliberated wether or not I should stay and take the test there or take it in my room. I ended up in my room. During the test I was interrupted on multiple occasions (four times during the VR section!). One of my friends stopped by to give me a birthday cake, so I could not just tell them to leave. My roommate next door was playing some funky music, which was somewhat distracting. So with all that I finally made it to the end of the test with a 25 (PS - 9, VR - 7, BS - 9). I am going to take another AAMC practice test tomorrow AT the library so there will be no interruptions. But briefly looking over the AAMC 10, I see that I made some silly mistakes--questions that I should have gotten right. I really want to get the test over with on April 16th, but I will not take the test if I feel that there is a good chance my score will be less than satisfactory.

[admin]

Given the whole picture, I think that chances are, you can make the turnaround and get the 30 (possibly a bit more) that would nicely round out your application. The time and energy that you devote over the next few days will be telling. Don't forget to review notes and past exam mistakes prior to each new practice test, and of course, prior to the real thing.

[Adam]

I just got done taking the AAMC 8 CBT and made a 29 (PS - 8, VR - 10, BS - 11). I know that I can bring the PS science up in a week--I just have to review some general chemistry and do practice problems. I will most likely take another practice MCAT tomorrow and then make the final decision if I will continue with the real deal on the 16th. But as of right now it looks promising!

[admin]

I agree. The PS seems more of an anomaly; the key was bringing up the VR.

Be sure to pour over that test and all your practice tests (hopefully you have developed highly condensed notes on your testing experiences) before you try the next one. You are on track and you are peaking at the right time.

[Adam]

Well I went for it... and it is over... and now I am going to cry myself to sleep...

[admin]

Sleep sounds good, you deserve it. No matter how you scored, almost all students who have done well thought that it was a disaster after it was done! When you find out, please share the news!

[Adam]

I will be sure to report back on how the MCAT went, what my score is, and all my toils, tribulations, and achievements are along my way to medical school. I do really appreciate the support and advice that you have given thus far. But tomorrow morning I have to wake up to a lab and a full day of classes. Apparently life continues after the MCAT. Go figure.

[admin]

If you apply to medical school and if you are not accepted, both statistically and from reports from admissions committees, it has no negative impact on your chances of getting into that medical school in the future. Certainly apply to your instate schools of choice but, as long as you don't have any scores below 8, also apply to your desired medical school programs anywhere. Put together the best autobiographical materials you can and submit. What do you lose except for a few bucks?

It is a game of probabilities. I remember a student who tried 2 years in a row to get into the med-school of his dreams with a 42 on the MCAT and could not get in. I am certain there was at least one student with a 27 who got into that same school in each of those 2 years (clearly they would have to have a very good GPA as well as impressive autobio info and interview).

This is just the first quarter, it's far too soon to start preparing for the next game. By January you will have a clearer idea as to if or how the MCAT would figure into your plans.