When To Take The MCAT? Balancing Preparation And Opportunity
When should you take the MCAT? This decision can significantly impact your medical school journey. While preparation is essential, timing is equally crucial. So, when exactly is the right time? In this article, we'll delve into key considerations to help you pinpoint the optimal window for your MCAT test.
Understanding The MCAT Test Dates 2023
The medical college admission test (MCAT) is offered 30 times in a year. It’s up to you when you’re willing to take the test. Keep in mind that a test-taker only takes 3 tests in a year. But in a lifetime, you can take the MCAT test 7 times. You can take these tests from January to September. Here’s a general illustration:
Most students preferred to take MCAT after junior year (3rd year) of college. But most think it’s perfect to take the test in sophomore year (2nd year). But it’s advisable to wait until you’re fully prepared and focused to take the test.
Although MCAT is offered from Jan to Sep, the best months for MCAT are March, April and May of your junior year. Because, during these months, you have taken the pre-req class materials and are on-time for the application cycle.
If focusing on school and the the MCAT is not ideal, then late summer or early fall are your best choices. Although you'll be on-time for the MCAT registration process, you will be late for the application cycle and may need a gap year.
You should know that taking a gap year before medical school is normal. The median incoming student age at US medical schools is 24.
Note that each medical school follows a different procedure of retaking the MCAT and views differently on MCAT scores. Most schools don’t accept scores that are older than 2 to 3 years.
MCAT Annual Testing Windows
Here’s a general overview of MCAT annual testing window:
Winter Window (Late January to March): This window is often chosen by students who spent their winter break studying. It allows them for potential retakes in the summer before application deadlines.
Spring Window (April to Early June): It’s a popular window, especially for students taking a gap year. It provides a balance between ample preparation time and early application submissions.
Summer Window (Late June to August): It’s the ideal window for students wrapping up their junior year or those who need more spring semester preparation time. It’s the last chance for scores to be ready for the current application cycle.
Early Fall Window (Early to Mid-September): The latest possible testing window for scores to be considered for most medical school application cycles in the same year. It requires prompt secondary application responses due to tighter timeframes.
How Should You Decide When To Take The MCAT?
When deciding to take the MCAT, here are several factors to consider:
Academic Preparation: It’s essential to consider academic preparation for instance (have you completed your prerequisites courses?). It’s important to have a solid foundation on these subjects before taking the MCAT.
Study time: How to study for the MCAT? Most students spend 3 to 6 months. But it’s up to you to assess your study time or make the best MCAT study schedule.
Application Timeline: Take the MCAT a year before applying to med school to align with the application timeline.
Personal Readiness: Assess your mental and emotional health (are you ready for the MCAT test). After that, go with the flow.
Life Events: Consider any significant commitments or events in your life, like graduation, job commitments, family events, or travel plans.
Gap Year: If taking a gap year, choose between the MCAT post-undergrad or during the gap for focused preparation.
Retake Buffer: If you're concerned about your performance, schedule the exam early enough to allow for a retake before application deadlines.
When To Take MCAT Gap Year?
A gap year is a year when a student takes a long break graduating from undergraduate work and applying to medical school.
It is best to take the MCAT by early May of your senior year to get your score before submitting applications in June. This will also give you an opportunity to retake the MCAT if necessary. Taking a MCAT gap year is considered advantageous because you have enough time to manage your preparation without taking any stress of studies.
What Are The Advantages Of Early MCAT Testing?
When you take the MCAT early in your graduate education, you will have several advantages, some of which are illustrated below:
Momentum from undergraduate education: Due to being a fresh undergraduate, it will be helpful to take the test.
Reduced Stress: If you take tests earlier, it will reduce your stress and anxiety during education.
Opportunity For Retaking: If you weren't satisfied with your scores, you have the opportunity to retake the test.
Clearer Focus: After taking the test, you have now been more focused on what should do next. Like personal statements or securing recommendations.
Earlier Application Submission: If you submit med school applications early, it can be beneficial in rolling admissions processes.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Late MCAT Testing?
Potential problems with waiting until the last minute to take the MCAT include:
Few Second Chances: There is not enough time to retake the exam and still meet application deadlines if results are subpar.
Submitting Your Application Too Late: Medical school applications that are held up waiting for late MCAT scores may not be considered for rolling admissions.
Added Pressure: Anxiety levels tend to rise as the application deadline draws near.
Less Novel Information: A longer time has passed since the appropriate curriculum was completed, therefore extra review may be required.
Convergence Could Happen: It can be difficult to find a happy medium between studying for the MCAT and the other parts of the application process, such as interviews and getting references.
So When Should I Take The MCAT For The First Time?
When is it appropriate to take the MCAT for the first time?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach that will be successful for all test takers, therefore the best advice is to take the exam when you feel most prepared. But before you make that choice, consider these three things:
When would you like to start medical school?It's a good idea to consider when you want to matriculate to medical school and then work backwards, regardless of whether you want to go straight from your undergraduate degree to medical school or take a break in between.
Is there a chance I'll have to retake the test?
Although it's something neither of us want to consider, many test takers take the MCAT more than once. Consider taking the test early in a testing year if you anticipate needing to retake it and want to give yourself that choice.
Do I understand the material covered in the exam?
The MCAT exam assesses knowledge from introductory-level courses in biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, first-semester biochemistry, psychology, and sociology, which are offered at the majority of undergraduate universities. Although you do not need to attend any particular courses in order to register for and pass the exam, it is crucial that you be familiar with the material and abilities examined.
Final Thoughts
Your MCAT test preparation is the best exposition of your scores and also your admission in medical college. So, it’s vital to clear your thoughts, prepare hard and be focused on your studies to mark your identity in med school.
