I am pretty sure that this question is a bit neurotic, however I want to make sure that I have all my bases covered. Would taking the exam in July if my practice scores are not where I need them to be hurt my application? I am currently scheduled for 6/21. I will have everything else in the first week in May as this is for TMDSAS. I am just attempting to have a solid back up plan. I don’t know the dates the schools begin to review applications and wanted to get in as early as possible. However; if my scores are not where they need to be then it won’t matter when the application is in right?
I don’t think your primary is considered complete without your test score. Make sure you factor in the time it takes to actually get your results, because it’s not instantaneous. I want to say it’s on the order of weeks. The schedule should be on the AMCAS site somewhere. Even if your practice tests aren’t where you want them now, you still have 2.5 months to get to where you want to be. It’s up to you whether you think the extra time will really help or if you’re worrying too early in the game.
I wasn’t AMCAS complete until early September but still got a 33% interview invite rate, so late isn’t completely detrimental. I can’t say I would’ve had better if I’d completed earlier. For rolling admissions schools, early is obviously better but doesn’t mean later will kill your chances. Not sure if I would’ve been accepted anywhere I was wait listed at if I’d have submitted earlier. I do know march interviews at rolling schools may be for a wait list spot, but each school is different. I didn’t apply thru TMDAS so I can’t speak to it.
Thanks for the reply kennymac. I think maybe I am a bit anxious with the test date looming, and being a non-trad probably overly anxious about not having a “perfect” application. I have the grades, 3.9cGPA and 3.7sGPA, a ton (2000+ hours) non-medical volunteer time, some shadowing with 1 year as a CNA so hopefully that will help with the lack of the medical volunteer work. So in short, I have worked incredibly hard to get here and don’t want 4 weeks or so to put a wrench in my plans. In retrospect…I sound more than a bit neurotic, maybe because my dream is so close to becoming real and I’m having a last minute “oh my goodness” moment.
If it makes you feel better, your grades are better than mine, you have 2000+hrs more volunteer time than I had and a year more as a CNA! On paper, you already sound amazing. Just make sure you reflect on how your experiences formed you as a person, what motivated you to take all of the steps along your path, and be able to write about it. My first draft was so amazing that it took me 2 more months of edits before it was submission ready!
Being a non-trad makes you more interesting because you’ve lived life outside of school. If anything, I thought the interviewers appreciated talking to someone who has had unique experiences compared to the younger applicants.
I want to say “don’t worry too much about the test”, but I know how I felt leading up to, during, and after the MCAT, so I don’t feel qualified to give you such advice 