amcas-april/august mcat

[passion4atcg]

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hi all-

I took the April MCAT and I am not sure of how well I performed. My practice tests were around 28/29 and I will not apply to MSTPs with under a 30. If my score is under 30, I plan on taking the august MCAT and then applying next cycle, not this one. Should I wait until I get my scores to start on my amcas? or should I be starting on them now? My gpa is high, and I have excellent research and clinical experience. Basically, my MCAT is the last piece of the puzzle. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[ClarinetGeek]

hi all-

I took the April MCAT and I am not sure of how well I performed. My practice tests were around 28/29 and I will not apply to MSTPs with under a 30. If my score is under 30, I plan on taking the august MCAT and then applying next cycle, not this one. Should I wait until I get my scores to start on my amcas? or should I be starting on them now? My gpa is high, and I have excellent research and clinical experience. Basically, my MCAT is the last piece of the puzzle. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

When I had taken the KAPLAN practice tests, I was scoring in consistently in the 28/29 like you. For the real thing, I managed to pull off a 32. I am not suggesting that you follow the same pattern since we all perform differently under pressure; however, I have had several friends boost their scores on the actual MCAT. So don't count yourself out.

I would suggest starting to put your application together for AMCAS. Collect the information for the bio and the work/activities. The work/activities section can be tedious to fill out. Then perhaps once you get your score decide whether this is the right time to apply. Then do your essays. I agree with you that applying with an MCAT below 30 is not a good idea.

I am curious to see what others say. I wish you the best of luck.

 

[byong_soo]

Hey Passion

I'm in similar situation as your are. I have a target score and am waiting for the results. I may wait a year like you or I may only apply to MD programs with emphasis with research. With similar suggestions, I recently started putting app together albeit not all that much. I hope neither of us will have to take it again. =)

 

[dave613]

Unfortunately, I am in the same situation as you guys. However, I have decided to take off this year (2006-2007) to do more extensive research to boost my application. It's unfortunate that one score can completely wipe a person out of this process, especially, when individuals in these situations have great potential to be amazing research physicians.

 

[PBandJ]

i am in the same boat too! still waiting (anxiously) for the results. i, too, have decided that a score under 30 will mean taking the test again in august. i'm still planning on going for 2007 admissions though.

dave613...so you've already decided that you're definitely not applying this cycle?

 

[pasymuradd107]

i am in the same situation too, although i think i will most likely go with applying this year even if i have to take the august mcats. but i think i have a pretty decent record in the other selection categories (gpa, research & clinical experience, etc). so what are my chances of getting into some top programs? any advice would be helpful. thanks!

 

[SeventhSon]

it could still be possible to take the august mcat and apply this year. I don't think the time you turn in your app is as big of a factor for MSTPs.

I took the april MCAT, sent out all my secondaries in august and september, but was not complete anywhere until october because one LOR writer took 3 months to write the letter 🙁

In terms of getting interviews, i did fine. some schools might even check out your app w/o mcat score and pretty much decide they like you already... then they would be much more lenient at an "average" MCAT score.

i remmeber someone at the inteview at penn who took the august mcat told me that he got an interview at UCSF before his august mcat score was even out.... lol.

 

[pasymuradd107]

Ok, so here's my dilemma: I got a 12 on the phys section, 11 on the bio section, but only a 7 on the verbal. With an R in writing. I know my verbal is very bad and is on the low end (and is the reason for my barely passable total score of 30), but would you guys recommend retaking the august mcat? i am not sure it will be worth retaking it again... i would really appreciate any comments on this!

how did you guys do, btw?

 

[PBandJ]

Ok, so here's my dilemma: I got a 12 on the phys section, 11 on the bio section, but only a 7 on the verbal. With an R in writing. I know my verbal is very bad and is on the low end (and is the reason for my barely passable total score of 30), but would you guys recommend retaking the august mcat? i am not sure it will be worth retaking it again... i would really appreciate any comments on this!

how did you guys do, btw?

Speaking from my own experience...I took the test twice. My verbal score stayed exactly the same from August 05 to April 06 (8 both times...lower than any of my practice tests, but I still can't figure that one out). I improved in the sciences (10 on both PS and BS this time, up 3 points total from Aug!), and I think that's really the only place where you can expect improvement. While my score might be considered more balanced than yours, if schools only care about overall score, your 30 is better than my 28. You'll probably have to answer to that 7 in your interviews, but I think the fact that your writing score was high, that low VR score might just be considered a fluke.

I don't think I'm going to retake in August only b/c I have already taken it twice, and it's kind of iffy if I could improve in the verbal section. Plus, I think I will fare better in the application process the earlier I get my app out to schools. So while a 28 is definitely low compared to most MD/PhD applicants, I definitely want a career in research and medicine, so I'm going for it!

Good to you, whatever you end up deciding!

 

[pasymuradd107]

Also, I am applying to schools like UCSF, UCSD, UWash, etc. so I guess it also depends on the high competitiveness of these programs are... From what I see around, it seems like it's much better to have a good record in all selection factors, especially for schools like UCSF (and even then, it's not guaranteed that you'll get in), so I am really in a confused situation right now.

 

[pasymuradd107]

Oh, another quick question, if I do decide to take the august mcat again, does that mean I have to hold off on the application until those scores come in?

 

[confused-one]

I'm debating retaking it in August as well- it's PS that killed me!

PS: 9 VR: 11 BS: 11

Will schools consider me with these scores, and then if I opt to retake just get the update? Or should I decide if I'm definitely taking/not taking it in August, and be confident with that decision when I submit AMCAS?

I'm really worried about the delay.

 

[byong_soo]

Hey confused-one,

Almost same here.
PS 12 VR 8!! BS 12 WS O

As far as your question goes, I have been calling some schools recently and got some obvious answers; but basically they take a look at your entire application, so hard to answer your score based on just MCAT score. I'm debating whether or not to retake as well. I am concerned about verbal score especially along with my poor performance in WS. If there is any current MSTP students that are reading this post, may I ask you a question? I heard that overall balance in MCAT score is looked up upon, but what would you say about my MCAT score? I'm guessing many MSTP applicants may have hard time in verbal, but do fairly well in sciences. Is verbal not as important when looking at breakdowns? (My assumption is that this may be true, but so many applicants have 12+'s across the board, it doesn't come into a factor anyway.. =( ) Thanks for your help

I'm debating retaking it in August as well- it's PS that killed me!

PS: 9 VR: 11 BS: 11

Will schools consider me with these scores, and then if I opt to retake just get the update? Or should I decide if I'm definitely taking/not taking it in August, and be confident with that decision when I submit AMCAS?

I'm really worried about the delay.

 

[confused-one]

Hey confused-one,

Almost same here.
PS 12 VR 8!! BS 12 WS O

As far as your question goes, I have been calling some schools recently and got some obvious answers; but basically they take a look at your entire application, so hard to answer your score based on just MCAT score. I'm debating whether or not to retake as well. I am concerned about verbal score especially along with my poor performance in WS. If there is any current MSTP students that are reading this post, may I ask you a question? I heard that overall balance in MCAT score is looked up upon, but what would you say about my MCAT score? I'm guessing many MSTP applicants may have hard time in verbal, but do fairly well in sciences. Is verbal not as important when looking at breakdowns? (My assumption is that this may be true, but so many applicants have 12+'s across the board, it doesn't come into a factor anyway.. =( ) Thanks for your help

I don't think verbal is generally a weak spot for MSTP- it's about reasoning, not reading/writing, right? I honestly don't think that writing sample scores matter at all, I've talked a few adcom people and none have even asked about it!

The response I've gotten w/r/t my situation is that I should retake it, if I feel I can improve. My GPA isn't fantastic, but my post-bac GPA is pristine, and I'm mostly faulted by one rough semester years ago, so I hope they take that into consideration. However, I'm not sure I have enough lab experience and I recently have become pretty invested in my project right now. I'm thinking about giving it another year and getting more research in, possibly taking another course or two, and retaking the MCATs, even if it means taking it CBT.

Which schools have you called? (And 12s are way better than 11s!!)

 

[arsenicmercury]

Hey guys,

I'm also a hopeful MD/PhD applicant, and recieved my score from the April MCAT. I did worse than what I was doing on the practise exams (*sigh*) and so appealed to the MD/PhD students in my lab + my pre-health advisor + my P.I. for advise. Basically, what they informed me was that it would be to my benefit to withdraw from this year's admission process and apply next summer. But this might just be because I've decided to retake the MCAT in August.

 

[confused-one]

Hey guys,

I'm also a hopeful MD/PhD applicant, and recieved my score from the April MCAT. I did worse than what I was doing on the practise exams (*sigh*) and so appealed to the MD/PhD students in my lab + my pre-health advisor + my P.I. for advise. Basically, what they informed me was that it would be to my benefit to withdraw from this year's admission process and apply next summer. But this might just be because I've decided to retake the MCAT in August.

Yeah, but are you sure your PI doesn't just want you in the lab for another year? Kidding, kind of.

Have you thought of retaking it later, since you're waiting another year?

I've been talking to a few program directors, trying to feel out what I should do. I've been told my MCAT (+a mediocre GPA from a great school) makes me competitive, but another year of research (and hopefully publications) and a higher MCAT score would make me a very competitive applicant.

 

[PBandJ]

Oh, another quick question, if I do decide to take the august mcat again, does that mean I have to hold off on the application until those scores come in?

I believe the consensus is this: You don't have to check the box "taking the august exam" on AMCAS unless you are absolutely certain that you don't want your application to be considered complete without those August scores. If you don't check the box but end up deciding to retake in August (and you should really decide that immediately to give yourself adequate time to review and prepare), the schools will get your application as if you weren't retaking in August, and unless you let them know you are retaking, they will consider your current scores only. I think you can send them a score report once you get your August scores, or they may get a copy automatically...this I'm not 100% sure about.

Generally speaking, it's advised that you not retake unless you are sure you can improve by 3 points or more.

 

[confused-one]

I believe the consensus is this: You don't have to check the box "taking the august exam" on AMCAS unless you are absolutely certain that you don't want your application to be considered complete without those August scores. If you don't check the box but end up deciding to retake in August (and you should really decide that immediately to give yourself adequate time to review and prepare), the schools will get your application as if you weren't retaking in August, and unless you let them know you are retaking, they will consider your current scores only. I think you can send them a score report once you get your August scores, or they may get a copy automatically...this I'm not 100% sure about.

Generally speaking, it's advised that you not retake unless you are sure you can improve by 3 points or more.

I've heard this a few times now- my question: How is anyone "sure" they can improve by >3 points?

I was performing consistently SIX points higher on mock tests (AAMC & Kaplan FLs) so I'm not sure how to begin to guage my performance now. I bought all of the EK books and I'm trying to work through them, but still, how does one know? Any suggestions on how to assess this? I signed up already, so I can hope to get my first choice for a testing center, but I don't want to make things worse with a retake.

Thanks.

 

[ClarinetGeek]

I've heard this a few times now- my question: How is anyone "sure" they can improve by >3 points?

I was performing consistently SIX points higher on mock tests (AAMC & Kaplan FLs) so I'm not sure how to begin to guage my performance now. I bought all of the EK books and I'm trying to work through them, but still, how does one know? Any suggestions on how to assess this? I signed up already, so I can hope to get my first choice for a testing center, but I don't want to make things worse with a retake.

Thanks.

No one ever really knows; however, from the sounds of things (and I could be completely wrong, since I don't know you from Adam), you probably suffer from test anxiety (I know I do when it comes to big, standardized tests). So continue to study hard, but also work on reducing your anxiety and stress in order to allow yourself to perform to your highest. This may give you the 3+ points you need, more so than study like mad for the next 6 weeks or so.

 

[pasymuradd107]

I believe the consensus is this: You don't have to check the box "taking the august exam" on AMCAS unless you are absolutely certain that you don't want your application to be considered complete without those August scores. If you don't check the box but end up deciding to retake in August (and you should really decide that immediately to give yourself adequate time to review and prepare), the schools will get your application as if you weren't retaking in August, and unless you let them know you are retaking, they will consider your current scores only. I think you can send them a score report once you get your August scores, or they may get a copy automatically...this I'm not 100% sure about.

Generally speaking, it's advised that you not retake unless you are sure you can improve by 3 points or more.

Thanks, Scientimint! I am sure that I can improve by >3 points if I retake it, but I am not sure that my current score is so bad that I want schools not to look at the current score and wait for the august scores. I am really worried that I will get too behind in the process. Any suggestions on how bad this overall score is and/or whether I should indicate that I am retaking the mcat? I have a 3.9 GPA with 1.5 yrs (inc 2 summers) research exp in the same lab with a bunch of teaching and medical experiences as well. And I am applying to almost all ivy league schools. Thanks!

 

[confused-one]

Thanks, Scientimint! I am sure that I can improve by >3 points if I retake it, but I am not sure that my current score is so bad that I want schools not to look at the current score and wait for the august scores. I am really worried that I will get too behind in the process. Any suggestions on how bad this overall score is and/or whether I should indicate that I am retaking the mcat? I have a 3.9 GPA with 1.5 yrs (inc 2 summers) research exp in the same lab with a bunch of teaching and medical experiences as well. And I am applying to almost all ivy league schools. Thanks!

If you check that you're taking the Aug exam, many schools may not consider your application at all until the Aug scores are released. From what I've heard, MSTP programs aren't as "rolling" as other programs, so it might not set you back as severely.

Why are you only applying/mostly applying to ivy leagues?

I would def inidicate you are retaking it- your application might not get seriously reviewed with a VR 7, and this way they won't review it (or probably won't, I've gotten mixed messages from ad coms) until October. If you're wavering, don't say you're retaking it.

From what I have heard, research experience, maturity, consistent motivation to pursue the degree, LORs etc can compensate for a lower than average MCAT, but it's hard to say. Esp when some schools have 2-3 students/year, getting an average MCAT is somewhat meaningless.

Good luck.

 

[PBandJ]

Thanks, Scientimint! I am sure that I can improve by >3 points if I retake it, but I am not sure that my current score is so bad that I want schools not to look at the current score and wait for the august scores. I am really worried that I will get too behind in the process. Any suggestions on how bad this overall score is and/or whether I should indicate that I am retaking the mcat? I have a 3.9 GPA with 1.5 yrs (inc 2 summers) research exp in the same lab with a bunch of teaching and medical experiences as well. And I am applying to almost all ivy league schools. Thanks!

I definitely think you should consider broadening your list of schools to include some non-ivy schools and schools from a range of tiers, regardless of whether you decide to retake or not. You never know which schools are going to accept you, so it's good to apply broadly. If you only apply to ivy schools, you'd be putting all your eggs in one basket. That's just my $0.02 based on what I've seen.

Good to you!

 

[pasymuradd107]

Thanks for the suggestions, confused_one and scientimint. I did add a few more (non-ivy league) schools to my list, and I am retaking the August MCAT for sure now. I just hope everything goes well even with this delay.
Good luck to you guys too.

 

[QofQuimica]

Thanks, Scientimint! I am sure that I can improve by >3 points if I retake it, but I am not sure that my current score is so bad that I want schools not to look at the current score and wait for the august scores. I am really worried that I will get too behind in the process. Any suggestions on how bad this overall score is and/or whether I should indicate that I am retaking the mcat? I have a 3.9 GPA with 1.5 yrs (inc 2 summers) research exp in the same lab with a bunch of teaching and medical experiences as well. And I am applying to almost all ivy league schools. Thanks!

Why on earth would you do this??? Listen, I applied to med school with a 43 MCAT and a 4.0 GPA for my PhD, and I didn't apply to "almost all ivy league schools." I'm not saying that you shouldn't apply to some reach schools if they are your dream schools. But you need to realize that those programs are so competitive that no one can count on getting accepted to them, even applicants with stellar stats. Do you have a pre-med advisor, and does this person know what you are doing??? I can't believe that any pre-med advisor would encourage you to do something like this. I hope you will seriously reconsider your list of schools. If you must apply to a ton of top tier schools, then at least add on the same number of low and medium-tier schools also. Apply to your state schools, and schools in states near to yours. Apply to several non-MSTP MD/PhD programs. If you wind up doing well at your top choice schools, you can always decline interviews and withdraw from the lower tiered schools later. But geezus, don't only apply to the top schools. I don't care how well you do on the MCAT this August; that's a d*** foolish thing for anyone to do.

 

[MasonPrehealth]

How many schools overall are you applying to? Why are you taking the "I'm only applying to Ivy-level" strategy? What curricula and modes of learning attract you to those schools compared to others (testing your MSAR knowledge)? Please talk to your institutional premedical advisor. Adding a few non-Ivies is great, depending on what your definition of "non-Ivy" is. The process is competitive out there, so do not underestimate everyone else and how you are perceived compared to them.