Applying this cycle with a very unbalanced MCAT. Should I retake?

[squoje12]

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Hey all,

I am in the midst of applications (submitted primaries recently to ~15 schools and secondaries are starting to filter in) and have been doing more research and starting to get worried about my application...

My MCAT is 506 (125, 128, 123, 130). The low score of 123 BB (28% percentile rank) is very concerning and I'm kicking myself in the butt for not addressing it earlier. I honestly was very shocked when I received the score as I my practice scores were solid at 125-126 and I have a decent background in Bio. Should I retake to try to bump my CP/BB scores up? is it too late to do so given where I currently am in the cycle?

For more context, I am a few years out of school with years of clinical work experience, solid ECs and LORs. I have also taken 12 post-grad credits in biology with a 3.9 average. Overall cGPA/sGPA is 3.6/3.38. I know it's a bit late in the game to be asking but would appreciate some outside input. Thanks!

 

[Ell19]

I am also applying with a somewhat unbalanced MCAT, so I will only offer the minimal knowledge I have, I know some schools screen out applications who have below a 124/125 in each section. So I would research the schools you did apply to, and if any schools you applied to do that, I probably would not submit a secondary as it could be a waste of money.

You might want to consider retaking the MCAT if this cycle does not turn out well (as kind of a plan B, since it's too late this cycle for a retake then waiting for scores to be posted).

Just my opinion! It also does beg the question because biochemistry and biology is so important in medicine if you will be able to succeed in medical school. (again just thinking of potential issues that might arise when schools see a 123 in BB not necessary meant to attack you in anyway since you have a 3.9 post-grad GPA in bio).

 

[Goro]

Hey all,

I am in the midst of applications (submitted primaries recently to ~15 schools and secondaries are starting to filter in) and have been doing more research and starting to get worried about my application...

My MCAT is 506 (125, 128, 123, 130). The low score of 123 BB (28% percentile rank) is very concerning and I'm kicking myself in the butt for not addressing it earlier. I honestly was very shocked when I received the score as I my practice scores were solid at 125-126 and I have a decent background in Bio. Should I retake to try to bump my CP/BB scores up? is it too late to do so given where I currently am in the cycle?

For more context, I am a few years out of school with years of clinical work experience, solid ECs and LORs. I have also taken 12 post-grad credits in biology with a 3.9 average. Overall cGPA/sGPA is 3.6/3.38. I know it's a bit late in the game to be asking but would appreciate some outside input. Thanks!

You should be fine for any DO school, including mine.
Try your state MD school as well

 

[dial1010usa]

I will not re-take. What if you score lower than your current then it will look bad.
As Goro stated above you are fine for most schools except TOuro-CA, they look for high MCAT.
What schools have you applied so far?

 

[993444]

You should be fine for any DO school, including mine.
Try your state MD school as well

I'm a little surprised since you've stated before that your school cares most about the BB section.

 

[Goro]

I'm a little surprised since you've stated before that your school cares most about the BB section.

I was thinking the 123 was CARS. I'd have a lot of problems with a 123 Bio score.

 

[993444]

I was thinking the 123 was CARS. I'd have a lot of problems with a 123 Bio score.

In that case should OP retake hoping to improve the BB section score?

 

[Goro]

In that case should OP retake hoping to improve the BB section score?

OP should try an app cycle and retake in early 2020 if not getting any love.

 

[squoje12]

I appreciate the feedback & discussion. Thank you all!

 

[993444]

I will say, however, that there is an exam date on September 14. If you can challenge yourself to increase your MCAT score by 3-4 points (especially on the BB section) then you should go for it. A month and a half is a reasonable amount of time for many people to raise a score like yours. It's easy to raise a 123 compared to a 126 or a 129.

 

[squoje12]

I will say, however, that there is an exam date on September 14. If you can challenge yourself to increase your MCAT score by 3-4 points (especially on the BB section) then you should go for it. A month and a half is a reasonable amount of time for many people to raise a score like yours. It's easy to raise a 123 compared to a 126 or a 129.

I have been considering this as well. I am currently taking time off to put 100% towards applications and do have the time to study for a retake if necessary. I believe I could increase my score but I’m worried about the timing of it with respect to secondaries, etc.

Ideally, I would like to submit my secondaries within the next 2-3 weeks. If that happens, schools would probably review my application within the next 2 months and not wait for another MCAT score, right?

 

[993444]

I have been considering this as well. I am currently taking time off to put 100% towards applications and do have the time to study for a retake if necessary. I believe I could increase my score but I’m worried about the timing of it with respect to secondaries, etc.

Ideally, I would like to submit my secondaries within the next 2-3 weeks. If that happens, schools would probably review my application within the next 2 months and not wait for another MCAT score, right?

You can wait to submit secondaries until after you finish your MCAT.