<p>Hi, I'm planning to write the MCAT next year. However, I'm deciding on which month i should write the exam in. I don't have to worry about any of the application processes yet, since it will be my first year of university. So which month will I have the advantage in? </p>
<p>In April, people will not only be preparing for the MCAT, but for their other exams as well. Does this mean that the MCAT curve can be lower for the April exam as compared to the one in August? </p>
<p>However, if i was to write the exam in August, I will have time to prepare and concentrate solely on the exam. But this also means other people will have time to study and prepare for the MCAT as well. So shouldn't the curve be higher, thus harder to achieve a higher MCAT score in August?</p>
<p>I know people say that it doesn't matter which month you write it in, because the MCAT scores are relative. I believe the reason to this is because if everyone prepares for it in August, their scores should be the same relative to everyone's as compared to their scores in April. So if I prepare for the MCAT this year, and write it in April of next year, shouldn't I have the advantage?</p>
<p>It really doesn't matter when you take the MCAT.</p>
<p>My advice is to take it in August as you'll have a free summer to prep for it. If you believe you can handle juggling school work and MCAT studying, then April might be better for you.</p>
<p>The disadvantage of taking it in August is that it is too late to do a retest if the scores are not good. But you do have that summer to study for it. Both of my girls took it in August for the study time.</p>
<p>Since he's in his freshman year, he should have plenty of time to retake it if he does poorly.</p>
<p>I would actually recommend waiting another year. Probably not a smart idea to take it so early and not have the necessary classes under your belt.</p>
<p>thanks for your replies. I have already taken most of the courses needed, since I've just finished the AP program.... But i'm still deciding...</p>
<p>Just curious as to why you are taking the MCATs right out of highschool.</p>
<p>Unless your school offers AP organic chemistry and AP physiology, you are going to be at a huge disadvantage over people who normally take the MCAT in their junior year.</p>
<p>Are you in an accelerated BA/MD program and must complete the MCAT in 2-3 years? That would be the only reason I could envision someone taking it so early.</p>
<p>I'm not even sure if there's an accelerated program at the University. But i can just obtain a BSc. General which would normally take 3 years to complete. And yes, because of this 3 year program, i think it's best to give the MCAT a try after my first year of University. All i would need is to write the MCAT after that and hope for the best. </p>
<p>No the organic chemistry is not offered at my school. However, I am trying to learn it myself. In my AP chemistry course, we barely skimmed over the topic about the different functional groups and naming the organic compounds. But i'm sure there's more to learn. Besides that, I'm planning to take Organic chemistry next year, because I will be able to claim my University credit from my AP chemistry exam, allowing me to go into second year courses. So by April or August of next year, i should be ready for the MCAT.</p>
<p>I think the real question isn't how high the curve is. Rather, would you <em>remember</em> more if you took in August.</p>
<p>Assuming that you finish all of your premed requirements by the end of sophomore year, if you wait until April of junior year to take the MCAT, you may have forgotten a lot of the material.</p>
<p>That's actually a good question. Hmm... I'll be continuously reviewing my notes and the topics anyways because of my courses.... I don't think it will matter which month I write the MCAT in. I was thinking of taking an MCAT preparation course too, which runs from May - MCAT date. So writing the MCAT in August will be most logical for me. As far as i've heard, the curve does not vary much between those 2 months, but I'm still not sure. </p>
<p>I have about a year or so to decide still, so please offer more comments. Thanks.</p>
<p>What you were thinking about doing is what I would recommend. I'd spend the summer studying by taking a Kaplan course and then I'd take the MCAT in August.</p>