3.95 gpa 31 MCAT (retake)

[cep296]

Hi guys.

I have a 3.95 GPA but a 31 (10PS,11VR,10BS) MCAT. However this is a retake (first score was a 29(10,10,9)). The first time I was just unprepared: I was given a great opportunity to travel for research, which required finishing my project at my university as well as setting up the new project so I had little time to fully prepare.
For the second time around, my practice exam average was 35+ but when it came to test day there was just bad timing issues for my best section (PS).

How much will this hurt me/will I have a chance to talk about it?

2.5+years research--honors project (received multiple thesis awards)
poster presentation at international conference (and soon publication as 1st author)
summer research--human computer interaction
3+years ER volunteering
Hospice volunteer
Grant Committee Member
multiple employments, honors/awards, mission trip, will be working this coming year as a grant coordinator/researcher on a project looking at early predictors of autism, Honor Societies & Premed Frat member.

I'm currently planning on applying to all chicago area schools, Wisconsin, but also some NYC schools (including NYU-where i did my undergrad).

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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[Ironmandoc]

What's the problem you're asking about? I don't see one

 

[cep296]

What's the problem you're asking about? I don't see one

retaking and only scoring 2 points higher, and not really in the range that would be expected for my GPA (and what I expected).

...clearly I've been spending a lot of time on sdn looking at what is "good enough."

 

[Ironmandoc]

It doesn't matter. Apply with what you have

 

[Verum]

What are your projected schools? That mcat could keep you out of the top tier but your research could pull you back in.

 

[Ironmandoc]

Your chances are going to vary significantly based on which schools you apply to

 

[MedBound1]

retaking and only scoring 2 points higher, and not really in the range that would be expected for my GPA (and what I expected).

...clearly I've been spending a lot of time on sdn looking at what is "good enough."

There are plenty of people with 4.0 GPA's that score between 25-30 on the MCAT. It is no a surprise at all to adcoms to see this happen. The MCAT tests a different skill set than coursework. Scoring 2 points better is a great improvement and your combo of 3.95/31 will give you a great chance at a wide range of schools.