3.76 cGPA 29P (11B 10P 8V) Retake MCAT?

[MD2Be88]

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Hi all,

I'm a Michigan resident.
3.76 cGPA at UMich
Took the MCAT in August: 29P (11B 10P 8V)
Have physician shadowing experience
Currently on the board of a large student-run non-profit org.
I'm in my second year of doing research, and I am taking a year after graduation to continue in research
Had a part-time job for 5 years
Should have good LRs

I am not sure it would be worth retaking the MCAT this summer or applying with what I have. If I were to retake it, it would most likely be in June and scores will be in by the time secondaries roll around.

Any thoughts?
Thanks

 

[teenmachinery1]

Hi all,

I'm a Michigan resident.
3.76 cGPA at UMich
Took the MCAT in August: 29P (11B 10P 8V)
Have physician shadowing experience
Currently on the board of a large student-run non-profit org.
I'm in my second year of doing research, and I am taking a year after graduation to continue in research
Had a part-time job for 5 years
Should have good LRs

I am not sure it would be worth retaking the MCAT this summer or applying with what I have. If I were to retake it, it would most likely be in June and scores will be in by the time secondaries roll around.

Any thoughts?
Thanks

Some q's i think will help the quality of feedback.

What's your major?
What kind of research? Published? Presentations? etc.
What will your position be for the year off? Research tech?
How much physician shadowing experience?
What's the student org you're on the board of?

Also, you'll probably hear that the VR8 might pose a problem. I got a PS8 so I feel ya' there.

 

[MD2Be88]

To answer some of your questions:

My major is Cellular and Molecular Biology with a minor in Near Easter Studies.

My research is in the department of neurology though my project is very molecular biology oriented. I've given a presentation at an undergraduate research forum and have a second-author publication on an abstract. No articles yet.

Yes, I will be a research tech in the summer.

I've shadowed doctors in multiple fields--hours wise not extensively. Around 50 hours so far. I will probably do much more of this after graduation.

My organization raises funds and awareness for pediatric rehabilitation. We fund therapies at hospitals for children with various disabilities (whether social, physical, neurological, etc.) that insurance companies don't cover. Much of my time goes towards this (over 20 hours/week).

Thanks for the quick reply and suggestion.

 

[eric51]

I think whether or not to retake depends on how well you think you can do. Most people generally say not to retake if you have a 30 or above, and you are right on that line. If you think you can get a 33+ then I'd so go for it, you have the time. If you think you'll only get a 30-31, then I don't think it's worth it.
How was the 29P in terms of your previous performance. Do you feel you could have done better? How were you doing on practice tests?

 

[J ROD]

I would think about a retake...but only if you think you can do 3+ pts higher.

 

[teenmachinery1]

To answer some of your questions:

My major is Cellular and Molecular Biology with a minor in Near Easter Studies.

My research is in the department of neurology though my project is very molecular biology oriented. I've given a presentation at an undergraduate research forum and have a second-author publication on an abstract. No articles yet.

Yes, I will be a research tech in the summer.

I've shadowed doctors in multiple fields--hours wise not extensively. Around 50 hours so far. I will probably do much more of this after graduation.

My organization raises funds and awareness for pediatric rehabilitation. We fund therapies at hospitals for children with various disabilities (whether social, physical, neurological, etc.) that insurance companies don't cover. Much of my time goes towards this (over 20 hours/week).

Thanks for the quick reply and suggestion.

50 hours is plenty, methinks. No?

 

[bravofleet4]

yeah, you're in a good place in that you have some time to think about whether or not you want to retake the test. Continue studying and taking practice tests. You're verbal score isn't the only section that can be improved. If you're stronger in physical sciences, you can work on those as well. 8 on verbal is barely scraping by though.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

Am I misreading your posts? I can't find any clinical experience in here...your other ECs sound great but I think you might want to get some clinical experience other than your shadowing. Unless your PT job is clinical?

 

[Catalystik]

You hit the nail on the head with my concern also, MightySmiter. OP, please satisfy us that you have the essential face-to-face interactions with patients. Shadowing, being passive, doesn't count toward that.

For the shadowing, to satisfy the expectations of a broad range of schools, I'd suggest aiming for a total of 60-80 hours. You've made a very good start.

I agree with the comments about an MCAT retake. If you really don't want to, consider adding some DO schools to your application list to increase the chance of acceptance in one cycle.

 

[gman33]

Lack of direct patient interaction is a problem.
I usually tell people to have at least 200 hours by the time they apply.
Shadowing is nice, but not as important in my opinion.

As for the MCAT, if you can put in the time to improve to a 32+, I'd retake.

 

[Catalystik]

Lack of direct patient interaction is a problem.
I usually tell people to have at least 200 hours by the time they apply.

And I usually suggest 150 hours gained over 1.5 years. I'd consider a year of clinical experience to be the minimum you should try applying with (though I see rare reports of applicants getting in with a bit less).

 

[J ROD]

Yeah, OP you have to have to some type of clinical experience.

With those stats, I would say you would need a strong amount. 200+hrs