URGENT: Need advice on retake

[Shirafune]

Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: Male
Residence: California
c/sGPA: 3.94/3.99
Undergrad: Top UC

Extracurriculars: 1 year research (15 hrs/wk)
1 3rd author publication
160 hrs clinical volunteering
1 year club officer

I just got my MCAT score back, 33 (14 PS/8 VR/11 BS) from the 9/12 test.

My average practice test score was 37 (13-14 PS/9-11 VR/13 - 14BS) with steady improvement. The only test date left for the old MCAT is 10/25. I'm wondering if I should risk taking the test again and on such short notice. I think the big difference between my average and my actual score was because of testing conditions. The test center was loud and the headphones gave me a headache later in the test.

I'm very interested in pursuing an MD/PhD program, but probably won't apply with this score. I'd also like to stay in California. I'd also like to specialize in something in the future and know that the name of your med school carries some weight in the more competitive residencies. So my concern is that with my score, especially VR, will preclude me from even being considered at mid/top tier programs. I'm wondering what's the best strategy for my situation.

1) Retake MCAT and hope for the best because applying with 33 puts me at a big disadvantage for top California schools.
2) Apply with 33 and work on other parts of my application.

I have 2 more years of undergrad and will be taking a gap year to apply while I work as a junior specialist somewhere. I can cut back on my course load to put more time towards ECs if necessary.

I need to make a decision tonight so I will appreciate all the suggestions I can get!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[PlaqueBuster]

Apply with 33. October 25 is not enough time to make a significant improvement. Don't waste money and time. 33 is a solid MCAT score. If you maintain GPA 3.8+ then focus on doing research and getting another publication for next cycle. I think you have a very strong shot at MD/PhD programs with those scores. Add shadowing and maybe Teaching assistant to that list of EC and I think you will have a stellar application

 

[claduva94]

Retaking a 33 won't help your case. Especially in Cali schools. It comes off as hubris.

 

[gyngyn]

There is no school with a median MCAT of 33 that will impair your ability to specialize in anything.

 

[acquiescing]

MD/PhD perspective:

MCAT is actually LESS important for most MD/PhD programs. They are less concerned with how you can perform on a standardized test and more concerned with your commitment to research and success in that arena. I would say work so that by the time you are submitting AMCAS you can say you have either published or are working on a first author manuscript. That's a high goal, but a good place to aim. You definitely don't need to that to apply MD/PhD though, don't get me wrong. For MD/PhD you should understand your research well and be able to speak about it at a relatively high level. What sets candidates apart are those who can design and carry out a research project, while understanding it well enough to adapt and think critically about how to improve data or interpret data at a high level. Publishing ability is hit and miss as an undergraduate researcher, and they understand that.

MD perspective:

A 33 is a great score. I personally believe that MCAT and GPA are boosts up to a point, but ECs are really what make or break applications, and a 33 certainly isn't going to hold you back. Excuse my borderline pontificating in this post, I am just trying to throw as much info at you as I can. I know this is a stressful decision for you!

TL;DR - Your MCAT score is fine. If anything just devote yourself even more to research.

 

[Shirafune]

MD/PhD perspective:

MCAT is actually LESS important for most MD/PhD programs. They are less concerned with how you can perform on a standardized test and more concerned with your commitment to research and success in that arena. I would say work so that by the time you are submitting AMCAS you can say you have either published or are working on a first author manuscript. That's a high goal, but a good place to aim. You definitely don't need to that to apply MD/PhD though, don't get me wrong. For MD/PhD you should understand your research well and be able to speak about it at a relatively high level. What sets candidates apart are those who can design and carry out a research project, while understanding it well enough to adapt and think critically about how to improve data or interpret data at a high level. Publishing ability is hit and miss as an undergraduate researcher, and they understand that.

MD perspective:

A 33 is a great score. I personally believe that MCAT and GPA are boosts up to a point, but ECs are really what make or break applications, and a 33 certainly isn't going to hold you back. Excuse my borderline pontificating in this post, I am just trying to throw as much info at you as I can. I know this is a stressful decision for you!

TL;DR - Your MCAT score is fine. If anything just devote yourself even more to research.

Thank you for the MD/PhD perspective. I don't think I have the opportunity at scientific autonomy mainly because it's pretty much unheard of. The farthest undergrads get is to fully understand the project they are working on and the data coming out of it. Usually really involved UG researchers will speculate on future interesting experiments at lab meeting, but not get the chance to carry things out. I believe I am fairly good at experimental design now, though hunting for a project is a little more challenging. I fully intend to continue research until I actually matriculate.

 

[MrLogan13]

Don't retake a 33. All of the ADCOMs I have seen on here have said they frown upon the retaking of a solid MCAT score.

 

[Shirafune]

I have been getting conflicting advice. On one hand, SDN has been telling me to not retake. The friends who are very well qualified applicants (36+ MCAT, 3.9 - 4.0, tons of other stuff) have told me to retake if I want a decent shot for California MD/PhD programs. Would the retake for certain California MD/PhD programs be justified in the eyes of MD only programs?

But in any case, I already registered for the 10/25 exam. MD/PhD is what I want to do. I planned on taking it, but I will cancel the score if I am not very confident.

And is 8VR really not that bad? I was under the impression that some top schools do not even consider your application if you have an 8 in VR.

 

[blackroses]

I have been getting conflicting advice. On one hand, SDN has been telling me to not retake. The friends who are very well qualified applicants (36+ MCAT, 3.9 - 4.0, tons of other stuff) have told me to retake if I want a decent shot for California MD/PhD programs. Would the retake for certain California MD/PhD programs be justified in the eyes of MD only programs?

But in any case, I already registered for the 10/25 exam. MD/PhD is what I want to do. I planned on taking it, but I will cancel the score if I am not very confident.

And is 8VR really not that bad? I was under the impression that some top schools do not even consider your application if you have an 8 in VR.

Retaking in 10 days is a very bad plan. 10 days is not enough to improve your score, and counting on pure luck to score higher is really not a sound plan, regardless of your average practice test scores (which were taken in very different conditions, no matter how much you tried to replicate actual testing conditions). Retaking and scoring lower, even if only by a point or two, could very well be devastating to your application. Is it really worth the risk?

 

[MrLogan13]

I have been getting conflicting advice. On one hand, SDN has been telling me to not retake. The friends who are very well qualified applicants (36+ MCAT, 3.9 - 4.0, tons of other stuff) have told me to retake if I want a decent shot for California MD/PhD programs.

Do you want to listen to other applicants or to actual ADCOM members that have posted their view of the matter here?

 

[moop]

Lol you have a dilemma it seems. Trust your buddies who have higher scores (and this must know everything right?) or trust @gyngyn, who is an admissions committee member AT A CA SCHOOL? Really hard to decide huh

 

[gyngyn]

Your validated excellence in research will be the determining point in your MD/PhD application, not the 33 MCAT.

For MD, you will likely get in with a strong strategy, as is.