30 MCAT (10/8/12)-should I retake?

[TunnuS]

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I am a reapplicant who did not get any MD interviews in New York last year with a 30 MCAT (10/8/12). This 30 was achieved on the second attempt, the first landing me only a 28. My GPA was 3.5 total (3.4 science, 3.55 non science). I applied late last cycle for both MD and DO schools in New York. Due to family problems, my secondaries didn't go in till December-January. Considering the above, is it advisable for me to retake the MCAT or simply apply earlier to improve my chances of getting into MD? I got in state interviews for DO, but no acceptances last cycle.

Thanks everyone for their input.

 

[el_duderino]

Your numbers are pretty weak for MD in my opinion, particularly your GPA. They're OK for DO though.

What are your ECs like? What are your plans for the next year? What were your grades in the prereqs?

If you apply early in the cycle and apply much more broadly (not just NY) you'll probably have more luck this time.

 

[TunnuS]

I have decent EC's, with 700+ total hours volunteering in hospitals, doctor's clinic and senior center. I plan on taking Biochem 2 and Human Physiology 1 and 2 next cycle, though these can only go so far to improve my overall science GPA. As for my premed classes, here's the breakdown:

physics 1:A
Physics 2:A+
Biology 1:B+
Biology 2:B-
Chemistry 1:B
Chemistry 2:A-
Orgo 1:C-, retake:A+
Orgo 2:C, retake: A

Orgo killed my undergrad GPA, but am hoping the retakes act as some type of retribution for me?

 

[el_duderino]

AACOMAS will only count the latest grade from retakes, while AMCAS counts the original grades as well. Do you have any shadowing? What about DO shadowing in particular?

 

[Qester]

If you retook the MCAT what do you realistically think you would obtain score wise?

 

[TunnuS]

If you retook the MCAT what do you realistically think you would obtain score wise?

Realistically speaking, nothing higher than a 32. Still worth it?

 

[DrMidlife]

Biggest solvable problem: being really late.
2nd biggest solvable problem: 28-30 in a very competitive state.
3rd biggest semi-solvable problem: GPA a bit below average.

How do you know you can't break 32? I mean, that's a rational belief, but is there something specific that makes you think you can get another 2-3 points?

AMCAS opens in a couple of days and you're not ready, so you're skipping MD apps this year. You know you're skipping this year, right? Don't go crazy thinking you can reapply without having done anything to get ready to reapply.

Either focus on DO schools, or do some work. If you want MD, you should be looking at more school and more points on the MCAT. And don't let your family trash your career.

Best of luck to you.

 

[TunnuS]

AMCAS opens in a couple of days and you're not ready, so you're skipping MD apps this year. You know you're skipping this year, right? Don't go crazy thinking you can reapply without having done anything to get ready to reapply.

Why would I skip MD apps if the main reason I gave up DO interviews was so I could get MD admission this cycle. I know I'm late, but not late enough to skip the cycle altogether. I can put in my primary app with my 30 MCAT score and then update my score (hopefully higher) by July-August. Why be so negative towards someone who's already down?

 

[Czarcasm]

I am a reapplicant who did not get any MD interviews in New York last year with a 30 MCAT (10/8/12). This 30 was achieved on the second attempt, the first landing me only a 28. My GPA was 3.5 total (3.4 science, 3.55 non science). I applied late last cycle for both MD and DO schools in New York. Due to family problems, my secondaries didn't go in till December-January. Considering the above, is it advisable for me to retake the MCAT or simply apply earlier to improve my chances of getting into MD? I got in state interviews for DO, but no acceptances last cycle.

Thanks everyone for their input.

A 30 is a solid score. There's no need to risk re-taking if you feel like there's a chance you can do worse. I think the primary issue with your application is that you're applying late. Also, it doesn't help that your GPA is mediocre, but it's not terrible, as others are making it seem. There's no need to do an SMP or post-bacc, it would be a waste of time and money. My recommendation is, if you do intend to apply this year, make sure you apply early and the rest of your application is polished (including great PS and LORs). Also, be realistic with where you're applying. Also, despite what others are saying, I think you do qualify for an MD and stand a fair chance. But, it really depends on your entire application. Sometimes a stellar PS, ECs, and LORs can make up for a lackluster GPA.

 

[DrMidlife]

Y'all are talking like New York is Louisiana where instate means something.

Please, spare yourself the misery of multiple cycles and educate yourself about your odds. Apply with your best possible app. Fix what is fixable. Respect your competition. You can hate me now for throwing tough love at you but understand that I don't come to SDN to be malicious or petty or stupid. I come to SDN to share what I learned the hard way so people can avoid the pain.

National numbers are on AAMC, and you can find out specifics about each school on their website. Pay attention to how many total apps a school gets and picture your app in that pile.

Here's a good place to start to compare your NY odds with other states: https://www.aamc.org/download/321502/data/2012factstable21.pdf

Best of luck to you.

 

[occams_razor]

Y'all are talking like New York is Louisiana where instate means something.

Please, spare yourself the misery of multiple cycles and educate yourself about your odds. Apply with your best possible app. Fix what is fixable. Respect your competition. You can hate me now for throwing tough love at you but understand that I don't come to SDN to be malicious or petty or stupid. I come to SDN to share what I learned the hard way so people can avoid the pain.

National numbers are on AAMC, and you can find out specifics about each school on their website. Pay attention to how many total apps a school gets and picture your app in that pile.

Here's a good place to start to compare your NY odds with other states: https://www.aamc.org/download/321502/data/2012factstable21.pdf

Best of luck to you.

Drmidlife is right. NY is a very competitive state.

The OP isn't super below average for NY though, with the 3.5/30 but will need above average ECs, LORs, etc to make up for the slightly below average stats. Also applying early and broadly is very important. IMO the fact that OP applied so late in the cycle is the biggest problem, but it can easily be fixed

 

[Goro]

I suspect that you have plateaued out in your MCAT score. Your 30 should help now IF you reapply nice and early. I recommend only bottom tier and new MD schools, and more DO schools. Work on interview skills as well.

I am a reapplicant who did not get any MD interviews in New York last year with a 30 MCAT (10/8/12). This 30 was achieved on the second attempt, the first landing me only a 28. My GPA was 3.5 total (3.4 science, 3.55 non science). I applied late last cycle for both MD and DO schools in New York. Due to family problems, my secondaries didn't go in till December-January. Considering the above, is it advisable for me to retake the MCAT or simply apply earlier to improve my chances of getting into MD? I got in state interviews for DO, but no acceptances last cycle.

Thanks everyone for their input.