Bombed MCAT

[lifesavor1234]

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I just got my MCAT results and I bombed it at a 491. My gpa is a 3.91. Should I even try to apply this round or just wait until next year? Should I try and retake and hope to get a better score but submit my application way later than ideal? Feeling really hopeless right now.

 

[gyngyn]

Let this cycle go.
Re-take when you are confident of a score consistent with success.
Take all the time you need.
We'll still be here when your application is ready.

 

[Lawpy]

Agree with @gyngyn . OP sorry to hear the MCAT didn't go well but you can always do a lot better on the retake by giving 100% effort and focus on the exam using good practice resources and strategies. The following may be helpful: A Directory of SDN MCAT Strategies

Take the MCAT when you are 100% ready. Applying to medical school can wait until you get a good score optimal for success.

 

[Kkshake]

I bombed my first one, then changed my study methods and increased my score by 8 points in only one month and was accepted...
Not recommending that at all, I just know that many, like I was, are unwilling to wait an extra year to get in even if it would be the better option

 

[ThoracicGuy]

I bombed my first one, then changed my study methods and increased my score by 8 points in only one month and was accepted...
Not recommending that at all, I just know that many, like I was, are unwilling to wait an extra year to get in even if it would be the better option

What was your reason for being unwilling to wait an extra year?

 

[DBC03]

Unless you are much older (35, etc.) and you want to make it in for the military scholarship, I think a full year off could do nothing but help! I've heard of a few students scoring below 500 then getting over a 508 the next time around, so take as much time as you need to really nail it down the next time.

BTW - did you take practice exams? If so, how did your practice scores compare to your official score?

 

[Kkshake]

What was your reason for being unwilling to wait an extra year?

Just felt like it was delaying my life. It was probably a stupid move at the time, but in the end worked out

 

[lifesavor1234]

Unless you are much older (35, etc.) and you want to make it in for the military scholarship, I think a full year off could do nothing but help! I've heard of a few students scoring below 500 then getting over a 508 the next time around, so take as much time as you need to really nail it down the next time.

BTW - did you take practice exams? If so, how did your practice scores compare to your official score?

Yes I did, scored higher on them but I had a family emergence that happened a few days before and I probably wasnt in the right mindset to take it and I was already taking it kind of late. I think I am just going to take another year, going in at 24 is not the end of the world by any means, just had my hopes crushed of getting in in 2018.

 

[rolliespring]

OP what were you practice scores?

 

[Dr. Stalker]

I just got my MCAT results and I bombed it at a 491. My gpa is a 3.91. Should I even try to apply this round or just wait until next year? Should I try and retake and hope to get a better score but submit my application way later than ideal? Feeling really hopeless right now.

OP - I'm sorry to hear that. It happens. Sometimes, in life, we just gotta roll with the punches.

If you apply anywhere right now, you will be immediately rejected. Then, you will be forced to retake and apply again. Only, there will be a big issue, which is that all those medical schools you applied to this cycle will have your old application and compare the two. You have a marvelous GPA and I'm guessing fantastic extracurriculars. Instead of shooting yourself in the foot, just take the MCAT again, and apply next cycle.

 

[DBC03]

Yes I did, scored higher on them but I had a family emergence that happened a few days before and I probably wasnt in the right mindset to take it and I was already taking it kind of late. I think I am just going to take another year, going in at 24 is not the end of the world by any means, just had my hopes crushed of getting in in 2018.

One of my friends voided his exam this weekend for a similar reason. It's a hard place to be. I hope everything got settled with your family! I would take a year off and work on ECs and really nailing the MCAT. Good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[tantacles]

Yes I did, scored higher on them but I had a family emergence that happened a few days before and I probably wasnt in the right mindset to take it and I was already taking it kind of late. I think I am just going to take another year, going in at 24 is not the end of the world by any means, just had my hopes crushed of getting in in 2018.

I went in at 25, and I did not die during medical school nor intern year.

 

[AdaptPrep]

I just got my MCAT results and I bombed it at a 491. My gpa is a 3.91. Should I even try to apply this round or just wait until next year? Should I try and retake and hope to get a better score but submit my application way later than ideal? Feeling really hopeless right now.

Bummer that you got below a 500 on your MCAT. My advice, unless you're going to do something dramatically different and retest, you may want to sit this application round out.