Old MCAT or New MCAT test?

WayOutWestMom
Tue, 14 Jan 2014 11:38:24 +0000

AAMC has left the decision about which MCAT to accept up to the individual schools so each can act in accordance with its own policies.

Although AMCAS holds MCAT scores as valid for up to 3 years from date of testing, not all individual schools do. Some require MCAT scores (IIRC, about 40% of all allopathic schools) to be no more than 2 years old at the time of application.

If your son is applying for Fall 2015 admission with a MCAT score that is less 2 years old, it’s likely all US schools will accept his old MCAT as valid. However, he should always check the admissions webpages of the specific school he’ll be applying to for the most accurate and up-to-date information. (But please be aware that med schools won’t update their admission pages until after the current application cycle finishes up in May/June.)

I will note that several med schools (Duke, Indiana, Harvard, plus handful more) have already announced a change in pre-reqs for those entering in Fall 2015. Those changes include new requirements for biochemistry and one or more social science classes. Regardless of which MCAT he takes, your son must still fulfill all pre-reqs to be eligible for admission.