<p>I just finished registering for the MCAT, my date is May 28th 2009. However, I have read a lot about do not take the test later than May 1st but many of these sites refer to not taking the test in August. I understand that the 1st day of the AMCAS application is June 1st, but is this the first day you are allowed to submit or the first day it is available? Next, my advisor explained to me that the AMCAS application may not actually be sent to the schools you select until 2 or 3 weeks into June, and by that time my MCAT scores will be about to be released and I may only be a week behind. </p>
<p>As a non-traditional applicant who hasn't taken Physics and General Chem in years (although I'm taking the 2nd semester this upcoming semester so I should get a good refresher) it is more important that I use the month of May as a chance to "freshen up" and re-familiarize myself with some of the older material to be sure that I do well rather than rush it and take it May 1st.</p>
<p>Anybody feel that the May 28th date I am registered for is going to put me at any disadvantage at all as far as applying early? Is my adviser correct in his statements of the 3 week latency between filing the AMCAS application and actual submission to the selected schools?</p>
<p>Thanks for the opinions/feedback.</p>
<p>Early June is usually the first day in which you can submit the application (you can submit the application without a MCAT score). This is relevant because your application needs to be verified before it can be made available to med schools. Typically, in early June, the verification process takes at most a few days. You'll want to make sure the AAMC has your transcripts by early June so that they can verify your grades.</p>
<p>Your adviser is correct that the AMCAS application (regardless of how early it is verified) will be made available to med school only after June 21st or so. So, your May 28th MCAT date should present no disadvantages.</p>
<p>1) deferred to NCG's response. </p>
<p>2) early is better, but it's not the end of the world if you're not finished with things on July 1st. Generally, if you can get everything in by mid-July, you're absolutely fine...and after that you're simply a little less fine. It's not like there's some magical date (other than the application deadlines in mid-october or november) where you're screwed, just a gradual trailing off of being okay.</p>
<p>3) Why wouldn't you trust your advisor? yes, AMCAS has to certify your application and particularly towards August, there are a lot of applications to certify so it takes time - often more than 3 weeks at peak periods. You might also run into the issue that your colleges take longer than you expect to send in your transcripts.</p>
<p>4) Always take the MCAT when you can get the best possible score. You don't want to take that exam twice. If you believe a month is sufficient and will result in a significant change in your score, then absolutely take the month to study. The idea that applying early will make up for a couple of MCAT points is so laughable that I can't imagine you're actually (when you truly think it through) entertaining the thought as a legitimate consideration.</p>
<p>I'm not saying that I would take it earlier if it would jeopardize my score. However, if I get on my grind and prep so I am ready by May 1st I would do so if it would matter as far as being early. I am taking BioChem, Genetics, and the 2nd semester of General Chem, just got finished with 4.00 my Physiology, Organic Chem II, and non-MCAT courses last semester so most of the material will be fresh in my mind and I understand it very well. I am also an Electrical Engineer (MSE, BSE) so I have a solid understanding of half of the physics section, I really only need to refresh my memory on Mechanical Physics, some of the first General Chem that I haven't seen in years and maybe some topics in Biology that I have either never seen or haven't in a while. But if it doesn't hurt in any way (from what you and norcalguy have said) then I would of course welcome the additional month after my semester that I can just completely dedicate to studying to achieve the highest grade possible.</p>
<p>Thank you for your responses.</p>