<p>now that its computerized and offered a lot more in a year (scores are received in a month i believe), when is the latest i could take it while still having my application 'early'?</p>
<p>Anytime DURING your junior year. Not after.</p>
<p>Would you recommend prepping for it the summer after sophomore year, then?</p>
<p>Only if you're taking it around then (August or Sept). Otherwise just balance prep with your schoolwork. Maybe dial down the courseload SLIGHTLY around that time.</p>
<p>Wait... but there are some people (like me) who might not go directly to med school right after undergrad... I'm thinking of taking a year off, so should I take it senior year?</p>
<p>Either year would be okay. Just remember: MCAT scores are only good for three years.</p>
<p>I tell people junior year because that's later than too early to take your courses but earlier than too late to apply.</p>
<p>If you're applying one year later, then you've just expanded your window by a year. So anytime works; whenever you feel ready.</p>
<p>Junior year is preferable. If you take it after sophomore year like I did, you run the risk of your MCAT not being valid by the time you apply (if you decide to take some time off). If you take it senior year, then that's late. Taking it junior year is on time and will permit you to take up to 2 years off and still have your MCAT score remain valid.</p>