gopherpig Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 I was going to attach my MCAT scores to my application - and I went to AMCAS to have them released to CASPA. It seems as though if I agree to release, then all of my scores will be available to CASPA? I did poorly the first time around, and was interested in including my second time score that was much improved. Does anyone know if agreeing to release my scores will make both of my attempts available to schools, or just the score that I self-report on the application? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator rev ronin Posted May 8, 2016 Administrator Share Posted May 8, 2016 Do not release MCAT scores to CASPA. Why would you? It marks you as someone who was VERY SERIOUS about going to med school, and will make all of the "Why not med school?" questions that much tougher for you to answer in a manner which will get you into PA school. PA school admissions process is NOT just about picking the most capable candidates--it's also about excluding those who will be unhappy as PAs and should more appropriately be in med school instead. Don't set yourself up for failure by disclosing MCAT scores. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gopherpig Posted May 8, 2016 Author Share Posted May 8, 2016 http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/pa/admissions/ Here, it says they strongly encourage submission... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cop to pa Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 During the medical school application process it is advisable to take the MCAT as early as practically possible; however you want to take the MCAT when you feel well prepared. The MCAT is not a test to take “for practice” because all MCAT scores are released to medical schools when you submit an application. There is no option to withhold any MCAT scores from release to medical schools. From: http://www.brynmawr.edu/healthpro/medicine/MCATinfo.html via 2 minute Google-fu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator rev ronin Posted May 9, 2016 Administrator Share Posted May 9, 2016 http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/pa/admissions/ Here, it says they strongly encourage submission... And? In briefly scanning that page, I don't see anywhere where it said a strong MCAT would actually HELP your admission process. Why wouldn't they want to know that you're potentially "not that serious" about applying to PA school? Pretty sure they can't compel you to disclose MCAT scores, since they're not for PA program admission. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MT2PA Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/pa/admissions/ Here, it says they strongly encourage submission... UIowa is a unique situation because (supposedly) the PA program is run very parallel/combined with their MD program. If that's the only school you want to apply to, go for it. If you plan on applying to several other programs, heed Rev's advice - you WILL get questions about why not med school much harder than normal candidates. Most PA candidates have that time where they decide which route to go but very few are ever serious enough to attempt taking the MCAT. That you made it that far in the process means you probably considered med school more seriously than most. FWIW, NOT having an MCAT score absolutely will not hurt you anywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ONE40pt6 Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 Iowa will allow you to submit the scores to them. When they send the supplemental app, there is a form letter explaining that they "value" MCAT scores and request that you send them if applicable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loliz Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 Unless you did really, truly amazing on your second try, I would leave it out. Just showing improvement on a non-required exam is not impressive enough to include unless otherwise required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gopherpig Posted May 9, 2016 Author Share Posted May 9, 2016 Okay, I see your points. I just thought it might be beneficial because I did well on the science portions, which would be equally relevant to the courses for PA programs. But I understand what you're saying and will think it over. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loliz Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 To be honest, I don't know if it would hurt you to include the scores, but I don't see how it would help you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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