Official 5/19/2012 MCAT thread

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Originally Posted by HitandRun

I'm a bit bummed out. I improved my score by 7 points from when I first took it but i still didn't break 30, which is what I wanted to do.

The first time around I got a 20R (I know, I was shocked too) and now I got a 27S.

Should I sign up for a retake? My gpa is a 3.61.

I'm probably going to sign up for the one in august or late july, but that means my apps go in later, or should i just submit with this score?

I'm really worried, bleh.

Don't retake. Apply broadly, and apply DO. You should be fine.

Originally Posted by mr chievous

What this guy said.

I know there are a lot of you that are reading this without posting your scores because you think you didn't do well. Keep in mind only 1 out of 5 test takers hits 30, and only 1 out of 2 hits 25. Regardless of what you got, keep your head up. If you have to retake, so be it. Not the end of the world

Yep, which means even assuming SDN is full of overachievers, only 1 out of 3 or maybe 4 readers in each MCAT thread is actually willing to post their score because they've gotten a "good" score.

Originally Posted by TheAvgPreMed

I just wanted to let people reading this forum that SDN is NOT the average on the MCAT. For everyone complaining about about getting over a 30, you should be proud about your score. I just looked at my score and I did TERRIBLE. This was my second time taking it and I did worse. I'm sure a lot of people who did poorly are afraid to post their score which is why the average seems so high but I'll post mine just to make this place seem more "normal."

I ended up getting a 24R vs my first time where I got a 25S. I got a 7/9/8R. I am extremely disappointed because my first time i got a 10/5/10S and I spent so much time on verbal this time around causing my sciences to suffer. I already have all my apps submitted so I have to really push hard the next two months and retake for my last chance at medicine. It sucks because I never got anything lower than a 29 on AAMCs (averaging low-mid 30s) and PS was actually my strongest where I always scored between 10-12. I actually never scored lower than a 27 on any of the TPR exams which are supposed to be significantly harder.

Anyways, I think time was a huge factor for me. I was also really nervous when I took the exam. I wasn't expecting so many calculation problems on PS which killed my timing and made me guess on a bunch. Although I'm pretty bummed right now, I'm still not going to give up. So those people who didn't do well, keep your chin up and those who did well and beat the beast, congrats to you.

Don't give up on your dreams! You can do it. You just have to perform on test day like you on your practice exams. PM if you have any questions or need advice.

Regards,
Vlad

32R (AAMC Avg 32)

That'll do, pig. That'll do.

Originally Posted by ORCON

32R (AAMC Avg 32)

That'll do, pig. That'll do.

Congrats!

Originally Posted by ridethecliche

So I guess I can make fun of the MCAT and still do okay in essays. Seriously, I had a blast with the essays talking about how inane things were and writing all sorts of ridiculous commentary. Talking directly to the reader, etc.

Can't paste the image here for whatever reason but.

05/19/2012 11 12 R 11 34R
05/20/2011 09 11 S 10 30S

VR/PS/BS

Took the tests almost exactly a year apart haha.

Congratulations dude you rocked it and are done!!!

Congrats to everyone who got the score they wanted, for those who didn't, keep your head up and figure out where to go from here.

14 PS 13 VR 13 BS: Total 40T!!!!!!

I have no idea where that T came from, since I only wrote essays for maybe 3 of my practice tests.

Average (and median) AAMC practice test was a 40, with a max of 43 and a min of 38, so I was feeling pretty good.

Also, for those of you saying not to retake anything over 30, I actually took the MCAT in 2010 and got a 35Q. I didn't get in that year (for lots of reasons, none of which were my MCAT, all of which I have improved), so I'm a reapplicant. In the spirit of improving every aspect of my application I decided to re-take my MCAT since I knew I could do better. I would not have gone in there if I had a single practice test anywhere near my original score or if there was even a shred of doubt in my mind. I even took the whole 5 minutes at the end to decide if I was going to void my score. If you decide to retake a high score, you better be damn sure that your score is going to go up a lot, and don't just do it for one or two points. My first time, I studied for 1 month for the MCAT (with a prep-course), this time I studied for 6 months. There is data on how many people do and do not improve on a re-take in the AAMC's Official MCAT guide. My improvement is definitely an exception and largely due to the 2 years in between.

Originally Posted by mirimonster

14 PS 13 VR 13 BS: Total 40T!!!!!!

I have no idea where that T came from, since I only wrote essays for maybe 3 of my practice tests.

Average (and median) AAMC practice test was a 40, with a max of 43 and a min of 38, so I was feeling pretty good.

Also, for those of you saying not to retake anything over 30, I actually took the MCAT in 2010 and got a 35Q. I didn't get in that year (for lots of reasons, none of which were my MCAT, all of which I have improved), so I'm a reapplicant. In the spirit of improving every aspect of my application I decided to re-take my MCAT since I knew I could do better. I would not have gone in there if I had a single practice test anywhere near my original score or if there was even a shred of doubt in my mind. I even took the whole 5 minutes at the end to decide if I was going to void my score. If you decide to retake a high score, you better be damn sure that your score is going to go up a lot, and don't just do it for one or two points. My first time, I studied for 1 month for the MCAT (with a prep-course), this time I studied for 6 months. There is data on how many people do and do not improve on a re-take in the AAMC's Official MCAT guide. My improvement is definitely an exception and largely due to the 2 years in between.

Congratulations that's amazing - I am sure you will have no problem getting in this time. What were your feelings after the test? What did you genuinely think you would get during this month long wait?

Originally Posted by kasho11

Congratulations that's amazing - I am sure you will have no problem getting in this time. What were your feelings after the test? What did you genuinely think you would get during this month long wait?

Thanks! Oh my gosh it was hard, probably most similar in feeling to AAMCs 10 & 11 (which makes sense since they are the most recent). I was running behind schedule in both PS and verbal - ended both just on the wire, but confident in every answer except one which still bugs me. Finished early in bio. I was feeling straight 13's, but still nerve-wracking during the wait. With my first MCAT, 35 was actually the lowest of my practice tests, so I was preparing myself to get a 38. I'm so thrilled I crossed that 40 barrier!!! Now I just have to focus on my secondaries and hopefully that's enough.

Part of the reason I felt the need to up my MCAT was a mediocre GPA - 3.5, and my BCPM is more in the 3.4 range, (depending on if the AAMC accepts some of my creative categorizing ) albeit at a very good school and in a very tough major , so I really need the boost on my LizzyM. Hopefully this will be enough to get them to look past the GPA! I'm from California so the competition is tough!

.

A little disappointed: 31 (11/11/9) FL ave: 35. Hopefully that's enough. There will be a lot of finger crossing these next few months...

Congrats to everyone! The good news is it's still early enough in the cycle for those who feel they need a retake. Lots of positive energy in everyone's direction!

I don't particularly care to share my score here, but I'll say that I'm pleased, and won't be retaking! Now I'm off to go ceremoniously fling my MCAT books off a mountain! Or maybe just sell them on amazon...

35O (V/P/B: 12/11/12), one point below both my prediction and AAMC average (although both of my P and B are lower on this than on AAMC). Thought I scored higher on biology, but what really surprised me on test day was the physics section. Completely wrecked by nerves during the first section, so people, CALM DOWN before the test. Not really considering a re-take, but wanted to be in a better place for applying to a kind of dream school of mine. Anyhow, not complaining, as it's not a score to complain about.

Study strategies wise, seriously began studying 5 weeks before the test (but unofficially 3.5 months). Took all of the AAMC practice tests the last two weeks and re-read the material. Used mainly ExamKracker books. Daily MCAT questions are a great resource. Good luck to those browsing this link for advice and to everyone applying this round!!

27Q VR 10 PS 8 BS 9

GPA 3.48

Should I retake it? I can't stomach having to retake it, but perhaps it's a must. You all did wonderfully!

Originally Posted by Krusecar

27Q VR 10 PS 8 BS 9

GPA 3.48

Should I retake it? I can't stomach having to retake it, but perhaps it's a must. You all did wonderfully!

Thought about DO?

A bit, especially after getting the score back. Is it worth attempting to apply to other schools with that score?

Originally Posted by Krusecar

A bit, especially after getting the score back. Is it worth attempting to apply to other schools with that score?

Depends on alot bro. Your gpa isnt steller but it isnt horrible. What are your ec's like? What state are you in? In my home state a 27 will get you an MD acceptance for example.

Originally Posted by hopefulMD9

Depends on alot bro. Your gpa isnt steller but it isnt horrible. What are your ec's like? What state are you in? In my home state a 27 will get you an MD acceptance for example.

yeah I think mine will as well. I feel like I am gambling with so many odds and I don't like it one bit! Thanks for the chat

Originally Posted by Krusecar

yeah I think mine will as well. I feel like I am gambling with so many odds and I don't like it one bit! Thanks for the chat

Right on man. Goodluck.

Originally Posted by mirimonster

Thanks! Oh my gosh it was hard, probably most similar in feeling to AAMCs 10 & 11 (which makes sense since they are the most recent). I was running behind schedule in both PS and verbal - ended both just on the wire, but confident in every answer except one which still bugs me. Finished early in bio. I was feeling straight 13's, but still nerve-wracking during the wait. With my first MCAT, 35 was actually the lowest of my practice tests, so I was preparing myself to get a 38. I'm so thrilled I crossed that 40 barrier!!! Now I just have to focus on my secondaries and hopefully that's enough.

Part of the reason I felt the need to up my MCAT was a mediocre GPA - 3.5, and my BCPM is more in the 3.4 range, (depending on if the AAMC accepts some of my creative categorizing ) albeit at a very good school and in a very tough major , so I really need the boost on my LizzyM. Hopefully this will be enough to get them to look past the GPA! I'm from California so the competition is tough!

Let me ask, does applying outside of California make a difference? Or is it still tough? It's just hard for me to fathom how someone with a 3.5/35 stats who applied broadly and early could not get in somewhere. Does the California thing follow you out of state?

Well I am somewhat happy with the score.

Kaplan average: 28 (9 PS/ 9 VR/ 10 BS)
AAMC average: 28 (10 PS/ 8 VR/ 10 BS)

Actual: 30L (11 PS/ 10 VR/ 9 BS)

Happy with the 30 but not sure what to make of the L....... will it hurt my chances?

Originally Posted by will831

Well I am somewhat happy with the score.

Kaplan average: 28 (9 PS/ 9 VR/ 10 BS)
AAMC average: 28 (10 PS/ 8 VR/ 10 BS)

Actual: 30L (11 PS/ 10 VR/ 9 BS)

Happy with the 30 but not sure what to make of the L....... will it hurt my chances?

No.

Originally Posted by SoulinNeed

Let me ask, does applying outside of California make a difference? Or is it still tough? It's just hard for me to fathom how someone with a 3.5/35 stats who applied broadly and early could not get in somewhere. Does the California thing follow you out of state?

No, it doesn't follow you. You just don't have the state schools to fall back on. There is no safety school for a California applicant. I am the poster child for why you shouldn't apply late

* I applied neither early nor broadly. Learned that lesson.

Originally Posted by mirimonster

No, it doesn't follow you. You just don't have the state schools to fall back on. There is no safety school for a California applicant. I am the poster child for why you shouldn't apply late

* I applied neither early nor broadly. Learned that lesson.

When did you apply last year?

Originally Posted by SoulinNeed

When did you apply last year?

(2 years ago) Shamefully late. Like "but the deadline isn't until October 15!" late. Hadn't really discovered SDN yet, counselors were useless. I was flying blind.

Originally Posted by mirimonster

(2 years ago) Shamefully late. Like "but the deadline isn't until October 15!" late. Hadn't really discovered SDN yet, counselors were useless. I was flying blind.

Dang. Well, at least you'll have no trouble getting in now.

whats up everyone, I've been following sdn on and off for the past year or so but never made an account until now

I ended up taking the 5/19: 34S: 14PS, 10VR, 10BS. it was a retake for me, up 4 points from a 30R. I think I am too tense during test day conditions but was much more relaxed on this retake. still a tad lower than my aamc avg but glad to have hit double digits in each section this time around. time to roll out this application hopefully sometime this week

congrats to all 5/19-ers. this test is a definitely a hurdle to climb but not going to let us hold us back from what we want to do!

Originally Posted by Wolverine91

whats up everyone, I've been following sdn on and off for the past year or so but never made an account until now

I ended up taking the 5/19: 34S: 14PS, 10VR, 10BS. it was a retake for me, up 4 points from a 30R. I think I am too tense during test day conditions but was much more relaxed on this retake. still a tad lower than my aamc avg but glad to have hit double digits in each section this time around. time to roll out this application hopefully sometime this week

congrats to all 5/19-ers. this test is a definitely a hurdle to climb but not going to let us hold us back from what we want to do!

Haha, we're so similar in our totals!

I retook a 30 as well. Felt WAY more relaxed this test as well, atleast till bio... BUT I kept it together. My score was lower than my average as well, but I think it more than compensates for my gpa. I'm so so so psyched to be dunzo!

Congrats!

Those that have to retake, don't fret! Seriously, I felt so much better prepared to take the test once I'd gone through everything once.

Just read this thread. Congrats you guys did excellent! Those of you who didn't do so well, keep your head up and do better next time.

Also...someone sell me a tbr set!!

Hey guys...so i wanna ask for some input...i'm and Anthropology major doing pre-med. i got a 31M on this mcat. here is my break down:
physical: 11
Verbal: 10
Bio: 10
gpa: 3.6 (science) and 3.64 (overall).
- So i already applied and waiting on transcripts. I've had alot of friends that had to resort to going to med schools in the islands. what are my chances of getting into a US med school with lots of volunteer and shadowing experience and no research?

Originally Posted by anandpatel24

Hey guys...so i wanna ask for some input...i'm and Anthropology major doing pre-med. i got a 31M on this mcat. here is my break down:
physical: 11
Verbal: 10
Bio: 10
gpa: 3.6 (science) and 3.64 (overall).
- So i already applied and waiting on transcripts. I've had alot of friends that had to resort to going to med schools in the islands. what are my chances of getting into a US med school with lots of volunteer and shadowing experience and no research?

It all depends on who you are as a person. If you are friendly, compassionate, and have a strong desire to become a physician and can express that in your interviews you will get in somewhere. Your stats are good enough to get your foot in the door, you have to be good enough to walk through that door.

Originally Posted by TheAvgPreMed

I just wanted to let people reading this forum that SDN is NOT the average on the MCAT. For everyone complaining about about getting over a 30, you should be proud about your score. I just looked at my score and I did TERRIBLE. This was my second time taking it and I did worse. I'm sure a lot of people who did poorly are afraid to post their score which is why the average seems so high but I'll post mine just to make this place seem more "normal."

I ended up getting a 24R vs my first time where I got a 25S. I got a 7/9/8R. I am extremely disappointed because my first time i got a 10/5/10S and I spent so much time on verbal this time around causing my sciences to suffer. I already have all my apps submitted so I have to really push hard the next two months and retake for my last chance at medicine. It sucks because I never got anything lower than a 29 on AAMCs (averaging low-mid 30s) and PS was actually my strongest where I always scored between 10-12. I actually never scored lower than a 27 on any of the TPR exams which are supposed to be significantly harder.

Anyways, I think time was a huge factor for me. I was also really nervous when I took the exam. I wasn't expecting so many calculation problems on PS which killed my timing and made me guess on a bunch. Although I'm pretty bummed right now, I'm still not going to give up. So those people who didn't do well, keep your chin up and those who did well and beat the beast, congrats to you.

The first time I took the MCAT I got a 25M. 9 physics 9 bio 7 Verbal. I was very disappointed, and that was after taking a Kaplan course!

I decided to retake the Kaplan course more seriously (which they allow you to do for free, I did online so I could be comfortable at home), and allotted time in my schedule every day for studying, totaling about 23 - 27 hours per week for 3 months. The last two weeks I backed off to about 15 hours a week, and I didn't study the day before really except looking at their quick sheet.

Every day I also had a routine, that without fail I would never skip:
1 - Pump up song ('Til I collapse by Eminem for me) Build up confidence and just be excited! Think about the MCAT as your last hurdle before submission, that one thing that's stopping you from your dream. This was the biggest change for me, treating the test like a fun challenge instead of a test.
2 - 30 Kaplan MCAT flashcards
3 - One verbal passage
4 - Personal PS flashcards made from the quicksheet
5 - MCAT question of the day

This daily routine was really the only thing I added, and I did NOT count this towards my time per week. The confidence and forced study time really brought up my score. I took the exam again, walked out feeling like crap, and ended up with the following:
12 - Verbal
11 - PS
10 - BS
= 33Q, 8 points higher than previously, something I dreamed about

Trust me when I say I'm not the smartest, and my Kaplan practices weren't terribly promising (26/29/33/32/30/29/30, not counting that ridiculous diagnostic test at the beginning)

The MCAT is a test to see how much you can blend what you had learned. For me, when I took it the first time, it was clear that even as a Junior in college I had not paid attention enough, so I had to re-teach myself everything. I chose the hard route, as have you.

What you really need to do, if I may be so bold, is to pick between three options:
1. Stop taking the MCAT and apply DO. You can still be a doctor, especially if you have a good GPA! Shadow a DO and see what it's all about. Less competitive, and yes, harder to find an accepting hospital, but there are many especially in the South that do.

2. Rethink being a doctor (please read on!). If you think this is difficult, remember that your Step 1 USMLE is basically an entire test like Verbal reasoning! It is weighted heavily against you and is brand new info the entire time where you can't make assumptions (EXACTLY like Verbal on the MCAT). Also, doctors study and work all week with next to no free time. And the money? Dropping, especially with the new Obama healthcare plan if it is accepted. Many pre-meds have been telling family and friends their whole life that they want to be a doctor (most likely for the prestige of it), so it becomes a real hit to their pride if they have to change to not doing it. I had a friend do this recently when he re-took and scored a 24 (similar to you!). He realized that that was the best he could do, and maybe he just wasn't in it for the right reasons (you have to love this subject matter!). Many people say "Oh but I'm good at the health sciences like Anatomy and genetics, who needs calc and physics and verbal when I'm a doctor? Trust me, YOU'LL NEED IT! You need to understand all the facets of science to truly grasp being a doctor. This isn't like movies or tv; being a doctor in the U.S. is one of the hardest jobs there is, and you only have one life. Make sure you don't tear yourself apart for nothing! My friend has decided on being a teacher for math (he's very good at it) and his family and friends think it's a much better match for him. You have to go to your calling, even if it's not what you originally wanted.

3. Retake the MCAT, and study for real this time. Trust me when I say I know where you are coming from. Having scored so low the first time I was devastated. But I hunkered down, and really studied my butt off, and that daily routine made me even stronger, especially the part about boosting confidence. Don't give up, but remember: If you score a 24 - 26 again, your chances are ruined. MDs won't really want to look at you, and DOs will think "He was ok to apply before to us, why did he keep taking it? Oh must have wanted MD, we must be consolation prize." This will put your scant interviews at a bad start compared to those who got a 26 once and said "DO is my real calling, I like their philosophy."

It comes down to you. Introspect, meditate, really think. Talk to your health committee adviser or equivalent, learn about students they have had in the past who have been in your shoes, maybe talk to them too. However, take this post seriously. Really, really, think about who you want to live as, and don't just say doctor because it's what you've always said; you're only hurting yourself and your happiness!

Hope I was direct but not insulting. Message me if you'd like to talk more.

Originally Posted by Monkeyfry180

The first time I took the MCAT I got a 25M. 9 physics 9 bio 7 Verbal. I was very disappointed, and that was after taking a Kaplan course!

I decided to retake the Kaplan course more seriously (which they allow you to do for free, I did online so I could be comfortable at home), and allotted time in my schedule every day for studying, totaling about 23 - 27 hours per week for 3 months. The last two weeks I backed off to about 15 hours a week, and I didn't study the day before really except looking at their quick sheet.

Every day I also had a routine, that without fail I would never skip:
1 - Pump up song ('Til I collapse by Eminem for me) Build up confidence and just be excited! Think about the MCAT as your last hurdle before submission, that one thing that's stopping you from your dream. This was the biggest change for me, treating the test like a fun challenge instead of a test.
2 - 30 Kaplan MCAT flashcards
3 - One verbal passage
4 - Personal PS flashcards made from the quicksheet
5 - MCAT question of the day

This daily routine was really the only thing I added, and I did NOT count this towards my time per week. The confidence and forced study time really brought up my score. I took the exam again, walked out feeling like crap, and ended up with the following:
12 - Verbal
11 - PS
10 - BS
= 33Q, 8 points higher than previously, something I dreamed about

Trust me when I say I'm not the smartest, and my Kaplan practices weren't terribly promising (26/29/33/32/30/29/30, not counting that ridiculous diagnostic test at the beginning)

The MCAT is a test to see how much you can blend what you had learned. For me, when I took it the first time, it was clear that even as a Junior in college I had not paid attention enough, so I had to re-teach myself everything. I chose the hard route, as have you.

What you really need to do, if I may be so bold, is to pick between three options:
1. Stop taking the MCAT and apply DO. You can still be a doctor, especially if you have a good GPA! Shadow a DO and see what it's all about. Less competitive, and yes, harder to find an accepting hospital, but there are many especially in the South that do.

2. Rethink being a doctor (please read on!). If you think this is difficult, remember that your Step 1 USMLE is basically an entire test like Verbal reasoning! It is weighted heavily against you and is brand new info the entire time where you can't make assumptions (EXACTLY like Verbal on the MCAT). Also, doctors study and work all week with next to no free time. And the money? Dropping, especially with the new Obama healthcare plan if it is accepted. Many pre-meds have been telling family and friends their whole life that they want to be a doctor (most likely for the prestige of it), so it becomes a real hit to their pride if they have to change to not doing it. I had a friend do this recently when he re-took and scored a 24 (similar to you!). He realized that that was the best he could do, and maybe he just wasn't in it for the right reasons (you have to love this subject matter!). Many people say "Oh but I'm good at the health sciences like Anatomy and genetics, who needs calc and physics and verbal when I'm a doctor? Trust me, YOU'LL NEED IT! You need to understand all the facets of science to truly grasp being a doctor. This isn't like movies or tv; being a doctor in the U.S. is one of the hardest jobs there is, and you only have one life. Make sure you don't tear yourself apart for nothing! My friend has decided on being a teacher for math (he's very good at it) and his family and friends think it's a much better match for him. You have to go to your calling, even if it's not what you originally wanted.

3. Retake the MCAT, and study for real this time. Trust me when I say I know where you are coming from. Having scored so low the first time I was devastated. But I hunkered down, and really studied my butt off, and that daily routine made me even stronger, especially the part about boosting confidence. Don't give up, but remember: If you score a 24 - 26 again, your chances are ruined. MDs won't really want to look at you, and DOs will think "He was ok to apply before to us, why did he keep taking it? Oh must have wanted MD, we must be consolation prize." This will put your scant interviews at a bad start compared to those who got a 26 once and said "DO is my real calling, I like their philosophy."

It comes down to you. Introspect, meditate, really think. Talk to your health committee adviser or equivalent, learn about students they have had in the past who have been in your shoes, maybe talk to them too. However, take this post seriously. Really, really, think about who you want to live as, and don't just say doctor because it's what you've always said; you're only hurting yourself and your happiness!

Hope I was direct but not insulting. Message me if you'd like to talk more.

Well put!!