515 MCAT Retake?

[gkftndlTek]

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I scored a 515 (130/125/129/131) on 9/4, and I'm debating whether I should retake the MCAT or stick with my score.

I was scoring around 512–514 on my full-length practice exams, so I'm genuinely very happy with my actual score! However, I'm concerned about my 125 CARS and whether it could put me at a disadvantage when applying to MD schools.

I'm ORM with a 3.89 cGPA and 3.85 sGPA (3.96 cGPA / 3.93 sGPA for TMDSAS).

My ECs are pretty research-heavy because I'm interested in translational medicine and hope to continue doing research as a physician.

Here's a rough breakdown of my hours:

• Research: ~1,400 hours (1 poster, 1 abstract, 1 mid-tier author publication, and 1 first-author publication)
• Clinical experience: ~945 hours (clinical research, dermatology clinic volunteering, and urgent care volunteering)
• Shadowing: 80 hours (urgent care)
• Nonclinical volunteering: 200+ projected hours (200+ hours with Crisis Text Line and 50+ hours at a local thrift shop that supports underserved communities)

I'm a Texas resident and have heard that a 515 can make me competitive at many Texas MD schools. My dream school is Baylor, though, so I'm wondering whether improving my MCAT score could help my chances there.

Should I keep the 515 or retake it? Given my GPA, research-heavy ECs, and Texas residency, would a retake meaningfully improve my chances, or would my time be better spent strengthening other parts of my application?

I'd really appreciate any advice!

 

[wysdoc]

I scored a 515 (130/125/129/131) on 9/4, and I'm debating whether I should retake the MCAT or stick with my score.

I was scoring around 512–514 on my full-length practice exams, so I'm genuinely very happy with my actual score! However, I'm concerned about my 125 CARS and whether it could put me at a disadvantage when applying to MD schools.

I'm ORM with a 3.89 cGPA and 3.85 sGPA (3.96 cGPA / 3.93 sGPA for TMDSAS).

My ECs are pretty research-heavy because I'm interested in translational medicine and hope to continue doing research as a physician.

Here's a rough breakdown of my hours:

• Research: ~1,400 hours (1 poster, 1 abstract, 1 mid-tier author publication, and 1 first-author publication)
• Clinical experience: ~945 hours (clinical research, dermatology clinic volunteering, and urgent care volunteering)
• Shadowing: 80 hours (urgent care)
• Nonclinical volunteering: 200+ projected hours (200+ hours with Crisis Text Line and 50+ hours at a local thrift shop that supports underserved communities)

I'm a Texas resident and have heard that a 515 can make me competitive at many Texas MD schools. My dream school is Baylor, though, so I'm wondering whether improving my MCAT score could help my chances there.

Should I keep the 515 or retake it? Given my GPA, research-heavy ECs, and Texas residency, would a retake meaningfully improve my chances, or would my time be better spent strengthening other parts of my application?

I'd really appreciate any advice!

515 is above the median (511.7) for accepted Texas residents to TMDSAS schools. Your official score was higher than your practice tests! Don't mess with success. I see no need to retake the test.