Can you get secondaries without MCAT scores?

Most schools don't require MCAT scores or letters of recommendation before issuing secondaries. The exceptions are schools that use any of these components as part of their initial screening process.

Can I submit application without MCAT score?

Yes, it is possible to get into certain medical schools without taking the MCAT. Though, you must keep in mind that the vast majority of schools require you to take the MCAT. As a result, your options become more limited should you choose to skip the exam.

Should I submit secondaries before MCAT?

The short answer is: probably. Few schools turn down applicants before the secondary application stage. For the most part, an application is not really considered “complete” until the secondary has been received, and thus will not be reviewed until that point.

Should I explain low MCAT score in secondary application?

You can use your personal statement to briefly explain why your MCAT is not as great as the rest of your application components. If you have a reason other than “I just didn't study enough,” this extenuating circumstance can be incorporated into your medical school personal statement.

Do medical schools care if you take the MCAT twice?

If you're able to show an appreciable score jump from one test to the next, the majority of medical schools won't see having retaken the MCAT as an issue. (Note: This answer also applies to the question, “Do medical schools care if you take the MCAT twice?”)

Admissions To Medical Schools Without MCAT Requirement

Is taking the MCAT 3 times a red flag?

Retaking the MCAT isn't a red flag, and even three attempts may not impact your admissions decision, although we recommend performing your best on the first two tests.

Has anyone taken the MCAT 7 times?

As someone who took the MCAT seven times, whose medical school application was rejected 129 times before finally earning an acceptance, I know firsthand how hard the road is to becoming a doctor. But through the difficult and frustrating times, I ask candidates to have faith in themselves.

What is a bad first MCAT score?

So, technically speaking, a bad MCAT score would be anything below 500. However, in order to be a competitive applicant, you should aim to score much higher than 500. A good MCAT score largely depends on the schools you are applying to.

What is the lowest acceptable MCAT score?

Medical institutions in the U.S. and Canada that necessitate the MCAT typically accept scores ranging from 490-495 at the minimum. Scores below 490 are rarely if ever, accepted. Interestingly, a vast majority of individuals score above this range. Recent data suggests that the average score hovers around 506.5.

Do med-schools reject before secondaries?

After reviewing your AMCAS file, the admissions committees at your med schools will either reject you or send you a secondary application . Some schools send all of their applicants a secondary. Others go through an initial cut that is usually based entirely on GPA and MCAT scores.

What is the 2 week rule for secondaries?

The rule of thumb is to send back within two weeks of receipt of a secondary. Schools date stamp everything in your file, and if you take longer than that, we have heard that it can cause concern that you're either not that interested in the school, or that you're managing your time poorly in the application cycle.

Is it bad to submit AMCAS without MCAT?

No, your AMCAS can be submitted and verified before you have an official MCAT score.

What is the two week rule for secondaries?

Generally it is best to turn in the secondary at least within two weeks after you received it. If the school gives you a submission deadline, try to submit at least two or three days before that deadline. You can imagine that it is extremely difficult and time-consuming to fill out each secondary application.

Can you apply to med school while waiting for MCAT score?

Most schools won't even complete a review of your application without an MCAT score. If you were sending in your application early—to take advantage of rolling admissions, for example—not having your MCAT score to send can greatly delay a review of your application.

Can you apply to medical school with a pending MCAT score?

Not Required for AMCAS Verification

We often advise students to submit a full school list, for example, if the student has a pending MCAT score. MCAT scores will be sent automatically to all medical schools you apply to be they ARE NOT required for your application to be verified.

Is taking the MCAT in April too late?

Taking the MCAT senior year is usually the last time students will take the test. If you're wondering when to take the MCAT with no gap year, medical schools normally begin accepting applications in June, so you can take the MCAT anywhere from January to May of your application year.

Is a 517 MCAT too low?

To get an excellent MCAT score means to score in the overall 90th percentile or higher, which currently means a score of 515 or greater. With an MCAT score of 515 or above, you have a significantly better chance of getting accepted. Anything above the score of 517 is considered outstanding.

Is a 480 bad on the MCAT?

Attaining a score of 480 on the MCAT means you performed in the 3% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred. For example: 123 (C/P) 118 (CARS) 118 (B/B) 121 (P/S).

Should I retake a 515 MCAT?

Should I Retake The MCAT If My Score Is 515? Generally, we recommend retaking the MCAT if the MCAT score is not balanced among the four sections of the MCAT or your target med-school has a higher cut-off. For example, if you scored 126/130/130/129, the 126 sticks out and can be a red flag to med-schools.

Does retaking the MCAT look bad?

Similar to reapplying to medical school, retaking the MCAT does not inherently look bad. However, you should aim to take the MCAT as few times as possible. For this reason, you should study each time diligently before taking or retaking the test.

Should I retake a 508 MCAT?

If you want to maximize your chances of achieving medical school acceptance, and if your overall application is not strong, we recommend you retake the MCAT if your score is 508.

Should I retake a 507 MCAT?

If you want to maximize your chances of achieving medical school acceptance, and if your overall application is not strong, we recommend you retake the MCAT if your score is 507.

How rare is a 528 MCAT?

Since this method is not perfect, we'll leave you with a range; between 30 and 70 students every year achieve a perfect 528 MCAT. This is out of the nearly three hundred thousand students who take the exam.

How many people get a 528 on the MCAT every year?

According to the AAMC, out of the approximately two hundred thousand students who take the exam each year, between 30 and 70 achieve the highest score of 528 on the MCAT.

Can schools see how many times you took MCAT?

Also keep in mind, medical schools will be able to see all of your scored exams, and there are limits on the number of times you can take the exam. See the MCAT Essentials for more information about viewing your scores, releasing your scores to programs and lifetime limits.