a 9 in verbal - advice please?

[faluri]

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hey all..

I was wondering if you had any advice for me. I scored a 9 in the verbal section on this past mcat-- my total composite was a 33, however, and I am wondering if I should retake -- I am OK with the bio/phys/writing, (13/11/R respectively). I know I shouldn't be complaining-- but ppl on this forum are always talking about even distributions and such and my score is anything but. I am afraid that my bio score may drop -- but am hoping that my score in PS may improve after taking Physics e&m [I took the mcat after my sophomore year with a half a year of physics] and of course want to pick up on the verbal but dont really know what that would entail. To give you some background -I am in one of those BSMD program things at my undergrad and my only real reason for applying out would be to go to cornell - my dream medical school- and would prob be applying to other schools of similar caliber. Of course, med school admissions factor in so much more than MCAT scores but do you think I even have a chance at being considered at such schools??

Sorry for the lame post -- I know it is almost nonsensical to try and make such [seemingly arbitrary] predictions but I thought a little outside perspective couldn't hurt.
faluri

 

[SensesFail]

hey all..

I was wondering if you had any advice for me. I scored a 9 in the verbal section on this past mcat-- my total composite was a 33, however, and I am wondering if I should retake -- I am OK with the bio/phys/writing, (13/11/R respectively). I know I shouldn't be complaining-- but ppl on this forum are always talking about even distributions and such and my score is anything but. I am afraid that my bio score may drop -- but am hoping that my score in PS may improve after taking Physics e&m [I took the mcat after my sophomore year with a half a year of physics] and of course want to pick up on the verbal but dont really know what that would entail. To give you some background -I am in one of those BSMD program things at my undergrad and my only real reason for applying out would be to go to cornell - my dream medical school- and would prob be applying to other schools of similar caliber. Of course, med school admissions factor in so much more than MCAT scores but do you think I even have a chance at being considered at such schools??

Sorry for the lame post -- I know it is almost nonsensical to try and make such [seemingly arbitrary] predictions but I thought a little outside perspective couldn't hurt.
faluri

In a similar situation, but I'm not going to re-write.

I have a 33 but an 8 in Verbal!

I think it depends on where you want to go and other factors, such as how strong you think the rest of your application is. But a 9 isn't so bad. I'm applying this year and am slightly concerned that my 8 in VR will put me out of contention at a few schools, but pretty confident in the rest of my application and hopeful that I will at least get a few interviews.

Was it your first time writing it? Personally, I wouldn't re-write. But if you're aiming for an Ivy league, or feel other parts of your app are weak (i.e. university grades) then maybe retake. But still, I probably wouldn't. Heck, as it stands, a 33 is 90th percentile! Good lcuk

 

[excalibur]

Do not retake the MCAT. Your score is great. I would not worry about the 9 in verbal. Some people would kill for a 9 in verbal b/c often that's the section holding them back. Say you retake it, and score higher, AND get it balanced out, like a 11 12 12. Even though you scored two points higher and balanced it out, I think it makes little difference. A few points higher on your test when you already have a 33 makes little difference in compairison to a few points higher if you have say a 27, where it could make a big difference.

In regards to your wanting to get into Cornell...first off I wish you luck, and I hope you do get in. Currently, I'm a third year at Tulane med, and my best advice to pre-meds, is it really doesn't matter where you get into med school. Those who are priveliged to have the pick of the litter, more power to them. However, there are many who only get accepted into one or two schools, and these schools are not their "dream" schools. Bottom line though is it doesn't matter, what matters is getting in. In the end, your colleagues judge you and critique you on your personal skills and your clinical reasoning. These attributes are really not enhanced by what school you went to, but by how much effort you put into med school. When I was a pre-med I would have killed for a 33. I got a 27, (9 9 9) and it took me two years to get into med school. In the end Tulane was the only school that accepted me. So quit being so worried about the 33 with a 9 in verbal. Enjoy it. Apply to many schools, schools you want to go to. If only one accepts you...great! If many accept you...even better you get to choose! If many accept you, but not Cornell...get over it...once your in med school, you'll realize no one really cares where you go to med school. I've been exposed to students from Tulane, LSU-NO, LSU-Shreveport, and now UT-Houston and Baylor. Simply put, all of these institutions have great educational programs (and some for much cheaper).

So to conclude, your main goal should be to get into med school, and secondly a particular med school. A 33 on the MCAT is a great step to get into med school, and I think it makes you just as competitive to get into Cornell. Just from a "most probable" point of view...if you retake the MCAT, you may get 2-3 points higher, you may not improve, or you may slightly go down. The chances of anyone going from a 33 to say a 38-39 are very tough IMHO, and for that reason is why I don't think it's worth retaking. I don't think a 34,35,36 really makes that much a difference honestly.

Again, good luck.

 

[thegymbum]

I haven't taken the actual MCAT yet, but on practice exams, I always do really well on the science sections but, err, not so great on the verbal 😉

Anyway, I've found that practice test after practice test really familiarizes you with the type and wording of question so that it can be applied to pretty much anything.. I'd say that if you're not happy, get some extra practice in and give it a shot. It can't hurt 🙂

 

[Saluki]

I'd say that if you got good enough to get into the MD program that's part of the program that you're in, then don't retake it. Go ahead and apply to Cornell, though- you never know....
With a 33, you probably shouldn't retake it- you might do better, but it's also possible you might do worse. Take the good score and run with it🙂

 

[uvapremed]

I'm in a similar situation as you, received an 8 on VR but other scores are drastically different. What I plan on doing is work on verbal and see how well I do come Jan/Feb. If my score doesn't see a noticeable improvement, I won't retake. If it does, I would retake. Plus, you have to take into account if you can keep the scores you had in the other sections.

 

[Gonzo12164]

Do not retake the MCAT. Your score is great. I would not worry about the 9 in verbal. Some people would kill for a 9 in verbal b/c often that's the section holding them back. Say you retake it, and score higher, AND get it balanced out, like a 11 12 12. Even though you scored two points higher and balanced it out, I think it makes little difference. A few points higher on your test when you already have a 33 makes little difference in compairison to a few points higher if you have say a 27, where it could make a big difference.

In regards to your wanting to get into Cornell...first off I wish you luck, and I hope you do get in. Currently, I'm a third year at Tulane med, and my best advice to pre-meds, is it really doesn't matter where you get into med school. Those who are priveliged to have the pick of the litter, more power to them. However, there are many who only get accepted into one or two schools, and these schools are not their "dream" schools. Bottom line though is it doesn't matter, what matters is getting in. In the end, your colleagues judge you and critique you on your personal skills and your clinical reasoning. These attributes are really not enhanced by what school you went to, but by how much effort you put into med school. When I was a pre-med I would have killed for a 33. I got a 27, (9 9 9) and it took me two years to get into med school. In the end Tulane was the only school that accepted me. So quit being so worried about the 33 with a 9 in verbal. Enjoy it. Apply to many schools, schools you want to go to. If only one accepts you...great! If many accept you...even better you get to choose! If many accept you, but not Cornell...get over it...once your in med school, you'll realize no one really cares where you go to med school. I've been exposed to students from Tulane, LSU-NO, LSU-Shreveport, and now UT-Houston and Baylor. Simply put, all of these institutions have great educational programs (and some for much cheaper).

So to conclude, your main goal should be to get into med school, and secondly a particular med school. A 33 on the MCAT is a great step to get into med school, and I think it makes you just as competitive to get into Cornell. Just from a "most probable" point of view...if you retake the MCAT, you may get 2-3 points higher, you may not improve, or you may slightly go down. The chances of anyone going from a 33 to say a 38-39 are very tough IMHO, and for that reason is why I don't think it's worth retaking. I don't think a 34,35,36 really makes that much a difference honestly.

Again, good luck.

Very good post!!!

 

[Gonzo12164]

Oh yea, I'm someone who wishes I got your 9 in verbal. I freaking got a 7 in verbal but a 33 overall. However, I cannot imagine losing 3 months of my life again to retake it. Instead I'm going to concentrate on strengthening my application and try to get a couple publications.

 

[faluri]

just wanted to thank you all for the insightful/supportive advice. def lots of things to consider. and oh yeah - i dont think I was clear before - but to clarify -- I didn't actually have to take the MCATs for the program that I am in so it isn't a conditional sort of acceptance based on the score[this is the kind of program that you apply to as a senior in high school - and yes, I know, many have issues with this sort of program and I will be the first to acknowledge that there are def pros and cons]- so anyhow, I took the MCAT as a measure in case I decide to apply out - and another clarification - in case I do - they don't take away my spot or anything. Given these circumstances, I initially went into this with a "What do I have to lose" mentality which in some ways is true but in a lot of ways this whole process is a huge pain and sometimes don't even know if its worth the trouble. 🙄

 

[fun8stuff]

hey all..

I was wondering if you had any advice for me. I scored a 9 in the verbal section on this past mcat-- my total composite was a 33, however, and I am wondering if I should retake -- I am OK with the bio/phys/writing, (13/11/R respectively). I know I shouldn't be complaining-- but ppl on this forum are always talking about even distributions and such and my score is anything but. I am afraid that my bio score may drop -- but am hoping that my score in PS may improve after taking Physics e&m [I took the mcat after my sophomore year with a half a year of physics] and of course want to pick up on the verbal but dont really know what that would entail. To give you some background -I am in one of those BSMD program things at my undergrad and my only real reason for applying out would be to go to cornell - my dream medical school- and would prob be applying to other schools of similar caliber. Of course, med school admissions factor in so much more than MCAT scores but do you think I even have a chance at being considered at such schools??

Sorry for the lame post -- I know it is almost nonsensical to try and make such [seemingly arbitrary] predictions but I thought a little outside perspective couldn't hurt.
faluri

i had practically the same score 13/11/9 (p/b/v) last cycle. i ended up getting 5 acceptances- a couple of them at top tier schools. but, i chose my state school bc they made me a nice offer...... so don't worry. mcat/gpa only get you in the door. as long as you are above a 30, you're golden. the rest is up to you and how you interview and how you write your essays (and extracurrics).

 

[JustR]

Oh yea, I'm someone who wishes I got your 9 in verbal. I freaking got a 7 in verbal but a 33 overall. However, I cannot imagine losing 3 months of my life again to retake it. Instead I'm going to concentrate on strengthening my application and try to get a couple publications.

I am almost in the same boat as you are. I know I did so horrible on the verbal reasoning, and I trying to get any advice I can get from people. I was talking to one of my friend, and she said I should try to elute the main idea of ever passage and get the main concepts down die hard, then do the questions; it may help.

 

[Gonzo12164]

I am almost in the same boat as you are. I know I did so horrible on the verbal reasoning, and I trying to get any advice I can get from people. I was talking to one of my friend, and she said I should try to elute the main idea of ever passage and get the main concepts down die hard, then do the questions; it may help.

Well I don't plan to take it anymore. I know that the verbal is really low, but hopefully I have a chance of getting into at least ONE school.

 

[SensesFail]

i had practically the same score 13/11/9 (p/b/v) last cycle. i ended up getting 5 acceptances- a couple of them at top tier schools. but, i chose my state school bc they made me a nice offer...... so don't worry. mcat/gpa only get you in the door. as long as you are above a 30, you're golden. the rest is up to you and how you interview and how you write your essays (and extracurrics).

Thank you! I needed to hear a post like this!