May 16 vs July 13 MCAT CBT

[Matthew]

Dr. Ferdinand,

I understand that it has been a while since you went through this process, but you must have heard many stories of recent students with maybe similar situation.

I understand about the rolling admissions, but given this situation what outcome would you choose?

Student A has the option of taking the MCAT in May or July. On July student scores a 35 mcat. On May he scores a 29. Given that Student A applies to mostly his in state schools in Texas, and submits LORs by August, and AMCAS processed by mid June, which Student's route would you choose?

You have a lot of experience in this, so I wanted to ask an expert, friend to friend.

p.s. This student has been studying everyday since Dec 15. This student also has a cumulative GPA of 2.93.

[admin]

Despite rolling admissions, in-state schools in Texas, etc, no doubt about it: the July situation is exponentially better. You have chosen numbers where 6 points makes the biggest difference!

There is no difference between a 10 and a 16: no acceptance. There is no difference between a 45 and a 39: acceptance at many, many schools unless the person has no personality and lives on another planet! But the difference between 29 (which is an average acceptance score at many schools; however, given your GPA, your aim must be a higher MCAT score than average for acceptance for balance purposes) and 35 which, quite frankly, is an average acceptance score at IVY League med-schools, creates a HUGE difference.

But if you decide to put it off, don't lower your preparation energy. Stay engaged. One exam: do it right so you'll never have to think about it again.

[Matthew]

I am glad I talked about this first with you.


I am currently on AAMC site making the changes to the test site from April 12 to July 13 for 8:00 a.m.

[Matthew]

P.S. Even 1 hour away from my MCAT (exception; if I am not at my work) than I already begin feeling guilty, because there is no excuse. I don't know if this makes sense but I think I now know what a mother feels who hasn't seen her baby for a while. Strange, but true.

In other words, everything is here in this book, and in these practice problems, and I don't want to miss a moment.