29Q MCAT 3.74 GPA, what should I do?

[Mets31]

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I just got my MCAT today: 29Q (8PS 10VR 11BS) and am not sure what I should do. My GPA is 3.74 and my science is a little above a 3.6. Real good EC's and LOR's. I am a NY state resident and would love to get into one of the four state schools in NY. The 8 in PS scares me, but I really feel there is no way I could put myself through studying for that monster again and even if I did I don't know how much I could improve my score. If I am going to stick with the 29, I would like to get my AMCAS sent in early. What do you guys think?

 

[RySerr21]

I just got my MCAT today: 29Q (8PS 10VR 11BS) and am not sure what I should do. My GPA is 3.74 and my science is a little above a 3.6. Real good EC's and LOR's. I am a NY state resident and would love to get into one of the four state schools in NY. The 8 in PS scares me, but I really feel there is no way I could put myself through studying for that monster again and even if I did I don't know how much I could improve my score. If I am going to stick with the 29, I would like to get my AMCAS sent in early. What do you guys think?

we have pretty much identical stats. I have 28R with 3.78 gpa and science 3.65, good ecs and LORs like yourself. i also feel the same way you do in terms of the beast....no way i could ever make myself take that test again.

i dont know too much about the NY state schools, but with out a doubt the key will be to apply as early as possible. have you started working on it? get it in ASAP so you can be verified and begin cranking out those secondaries.

 

[Mets31]

I have my AMCAS finished, but am still considering a few different things. If I were to submit now as is and then indicated that I was taking the MCAT again in August, would my application be set aside and not looked at until that score comes in September? I feel that this would put me at a disadvantage because most of the application pool would be in by that time. Also, would I be able to submit right now as is and if later I decided to retake the MCAT in August submit that score as an addendum to my application, without my application being set aside to wait for this score?

 

[RySerr21]

I have my AMCAS finished, but am still considering a few different things. If I were to submit now as is and then indicated that I was taking the MCAT again in August, would my application be set aside and not looked at until that score comes in September? I feel that this would put me at a disadvantage because most of the application pool would be in by that time. Also, would I be able to submit right now as is and if later I decided to retake the MCAT in August submit that score as an addendum to my application, without my application being set aside to wait for this score?

if you note on your ACMAS that you are retaking scores in August, most schools will put your app on hold. The only reason i say most is because i havent reseasrched every school, but everyone that I have looked at that has said "we will put your app on hold." so i wouldn't be surprised if all schools did that.

if you submit right now but don't notify them that you are retaking, they could reject you before your new scores come in. But that is your call...its kind of risky. If you dont tell them you are retaking, they assume your app is complete and they have everything necessary to make a fair evaluation of your application.

if you are going to retake, i'd vote that you put your app on hold, altho you are right in that it will put you behind most other people. the one thing you could do while waiting for scores is complete all secondaries so that you are ready to go and be evaluated for interview as soon as possible.

 

[abcabc1]

I think you should send in your application ASAP and do not indicate that you'll be retaking the test. You're right in the situation where it could go either way and neither would be a surprise. This might be odd, but maybe you could register for the MCAT later this year or early next year (as a contingency for reapplying). This way, your next MCAT will not interfere with your current applications.

It's a tough call. Definitely cover all the usual suspects: RFUMS, Drexel, NYMC, Tulane, GW, MC Wisconsin, Jefferson (this and MCW will be tough). Also apply to all SUNYs, Albany and Rochester.

Good luck!

 

[padres0629]

I just got my MCAT today: 29Q (8PS 10VR 11BS) and am not sure what I should do. My GPA is 3.74 and my science is a little above a 3.6. Real good EC's and LOR's. I am a NY state resident and would love to get into one of the four state schools in NY. The 8 in PS scares me, but I really feel there is no way I could put myself through studying for that monster again and even if I did I don't know how much I could improve my score. If I am going to stick with the 29, I would like to get my AMCAS sent in early. What do you guys think?

Stick with your score. A 29 isn't the end of the world. It's FAR BETTER to get your application in ASAP than hold out for the August MCAT. You'll really hurt yourself by having your primary complete and verified in late August/early September. The sooner your secondaries are in the Admissions Offices of the schools you're applying to, the better.

8PS > 8VR

I think you'll be fine.