Deciding to take the MCAT on Jan. 29th

Hey Alex,

I am currently planning on taking the MCAT on Jan 29th. My highest cumulative score is currently 4 points below my "worst case scenario" score and my highest in each section adds up to one point below. I plan on taking 6 more full lengths before test date. I guess I am just looking for advice as to whether or not I should actually go through with taking the MCAT when I am scheduled to.Thanks!
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This is, of course, just as hard a question to answer as it is to ask.  While I don't think there is any definitive answer, here's some advice and what I've seen in the past.


Let me also preface this by reminding you all what AAMC's policy is regarding changing test dates and registration costs.  This info can also be found in the MCAT Essentials guide:
https://www.aamc.org/students/download/63060/data/mcatessentials.pdf
If it is at least two weeks from your test date, you can change your test date for $60.  If it is within two weeks of your test date, you forfeit the ability to change your test date.  You can register for another MCAT for $235.  If you cancel your original test date, you can register right away.  If you still go to that test date, you will have to wait until the day after that MCAT.  My advice is not to cancel your original test date.  You should still go and feel out the test.  It will give you a chance to take the test in an actual testing center, and see exactly what procedures are like.  Hopefully you end up feeling like you did well and keep that score.  If you decide the test really didn't go well, you do have the option to void your score the day of your test.  In any case, you pay the same amount of $235 if you take the test again.


So in summary, if it's >2 weeks before your test, choose to either keep the original test date or change it for $60.  If it's <2 weeks, definitely keep the original test date.  Wait until after the test to decide if you want to register again for $235.


(This is going to be a long response -- but I'm sure I will be referring other students to it in the future, too.)


So let me answer your original question.  I'll stratify it by how far you are from your target score.  Also, to remind you, the average MCAT score is right around 25, the average applicant is around 28, and the average matriculant is near 31.  This is school-dependent, of course.  Top schools tend to average around 37.


If you are >5 points from your target score, this is difficult to accomplish in two weeks (but possible).  You should strongly consider taking a later test date.
If you are 3-4 points from your target score, this is very doable but it will require you to work hard.  I describe how to do that below.
If you're 0-2 points from your target score, I expect you to get there.  Don't rest on your laurels -- keep taking practice tests and reviewing them, and you should do solid.


So, how do you get from the few points away to your target score?  Full-lengths, of course; however, active review is really key to getting that score up.  What that means is when you finish a full-length, don't just look at the numbers.  Look at the breakdown by topics and question types on SmartReports.  Make those Why-I-Missed-It Sheets.  Use the test to gain more than just practice.  Allow it to guide what you need to know.  Learn everything you didn't know on that test for next time.  Analyze your timing and use of the methods.


When do you take them?  Well, I suggest doing Mini-Diagnosis cycles.  That  means taking a full-length (or three to four section tests, if there's one section in particular that needs working) on one day, and alternating it with a day of active review, reading and lighter passage work (maybe a topical test or two).  Do three cycles per week, making sure to take a day off.  (No matter how stressed you are, you need to take a day off or -- I promise you -- you will burn out.  I have taught over 1000 students, and any of my students who tried to study every single day for multiple weeks were too exhausted come Test Day.)


My experiences with students in the past generally shows an improvement in the last two weeks.  I should note that a number of people have a syndrome of going down a few points at the very end (on the last full-length or two they took).  This should not cause you to panic; the vast majority of people who had this occur did just fine on the test, and jumped back up to where they were.


I have also noted that people tend to go up 1-2 points on the actual MCAT from their top scores on the full-lengths.


You also need to think about how this fits into your med school application cycle.  Remember that the application opens in May, and you can submit in June.  You do not want to hesitate on it.  That means that you should try to take your MCAT in April or earlier.  May and June are still fine, but July and August start making it a bit more challenging to get in (they've already considered a number of applicants, so you need to be that much more competitive to make it).


One other important point.  If you do decide to push back your test date, or register again, do not stop studying.  You can certainly relax some (you shouldn't do alternating full-lengths and study days for another three months!), but don't allow yourself to say "Well, now I have a few months.  I'll take a week or two off and then start up again."  You're running a marathon.  You can run a bit slower, but you don't just go sit on the sidelines for an hour to cool off, right?


I've come to realize I'm quite verbose.  But I hope you all find this helpful!