GAMSAT in 2nd year?

[Edmund]

I'm interested in applying for Medicine/Dentistry after my 3-year Science degree, so I'll be required to sit the GAMSAT in my third year. Would it be advisable to take it in my second year, then retake it in third year to get a better score?

[shinny]

6.2 Validity of Results
GAMSAT scores are valid for two years. This means
that candidates may apply for admission to the
graduate-entry schools up to two years after the
date on which they sit the test. For example, results
from GAMSAT 2009 will be valid for application to a
graduate-entry medical, dental or pharmacy program
commencing in 2010 and/or 2011, but not in 2012.
There is no restriction on the number of times a
candidate may sit GAMSAT.
If you have two valid GAMSAT scores, you may use
whichever you prefer in applying for admission to
medical, dental or pharmacy school. The University
Admissions Committees will not have access to your
GAMSAT scores from other years.
In making your decision you should bear in mind that
the Admissions Committees may set thresholds for the
Section scores as well as for Overall Scores. If you are
uncertain which score to use on your application, you
may wish to contact your preferred schools for advice.

Basically, I'd definitely advise it. You've got nothing to lose except the $300 registration fee.

[Edmund]

Holy crap I thought it was less that $100.

Shinny did you have to do it?

[shinny]

I'm in undergrad so nah, just UMAT. And well yeh, my advice is to do it next year and see what you get. If it's enough (check some of the med forums to see what's borderline), then leave it. If it's not enough, then consider where you went wrong and if it's in something you can fix or improve, then practise it some more and try again the year after. However, if you realise that it's unlikely you'll improve enough, then perhaps save your $300. If you're completely passionate about getting in though, then perhaps just give it a try anyway.