Can 2nd MCAT score make adcom "forget" about 1st score?

[Irish Football]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I got a 29 on my MCAT in April and my retake scores come in in a few weeks. I was wondering, even if I get a great score that places me right in the range for some good schools, will my 29 effectively average out my new score and place me at a disadvantage?

I know some schools say they average multiple MCATs etc.. but do you think adcoms just want to see if you're capable of getting a high enough score, especially if the higher score is more recent? Or do they look at an average of the two scores and whatever that number is, that is "your score" that they will evaluate you according to?

 

[LittleDandelion]

This depends on schools. Some average them, some only take the most recent score, and some take the highest. Regardless, they want to see an increase in your score. So if your score goes up, don't worry too much about it.

 

[0919mmk]

This depends on schools. Some average them, some only take the most recent score, and some take the highest. Regardless, they want to see an increase in your score. So if your score goes up, don't worry too much about it.

Agreed. If your second MCAT comes back 34+, then I wouldn't be too worried (as far as just the MCAT goes). If it comes back a 31, I'd be worried. If it comes back a 29, I'd say you need to reset.

 

[Irish Football]

Agreed. If your second MCAT comes back 34+, then I wouldn't be too worried (as far as just the MCAT goes). If it comes back a 31, I'd be worried. If it comes back a 29, I'd say you need to reset.

I should be worried if it comes back a 31? I mean I think I got higher than 31 but you never know.

 

[Irish Football]

Sry, I should clarify. When I say "good schools" I don't mean top 20. "average schools" would be more accurate.

 

[0919mmk]

Sry, I should clarify. When I say "good schools" I don't mean top 20. "average schools" would be more accurate.

Yeah, I should clarify too. 31 is not a bad score, and maybe "worried" is too strong a word. But, adcoms will be looking for a "significant" improvement from a 29. A 2 point improvement is just OK is what I meant to say. 32 is, I think, what an adcom would hope for because this aint your first rodeo. If the rest of your application is in order, a 32 gives you a fighting chance at many schools. A 29 does not. In between=gray area.

 

[Haislip]

I don't know if forget is the word. Since you feel fairly better about it, You should get a 30+. Any gain is a gain to me but obviously a 5 point gain is better than a 2 point again. A low 30's mcat will make you competitive at a mid and lower tier school combined with a decent gpa. Just hope for a decent MCAT. I would spend more time polishing other aspects of my app such as personal statement and making sure I have strong letters of rec.

 

[Irish Football]

Thanks guys!

 

[BecksTriad]

.

 

[twizzlers713]

i have the same type of question. i got a 26 my first mcat and retook a year later and got a 33. what do u think ADCOMs will make of this?

you had experience with the real MCAT, studied hard for a year, and improved significantly in all (or two) areas. Shows dedication

 

[BecksTriad]

.

 

[theseeker4]

do u think my first score hurts my chances of getting in :\

also FWIW i went from 8 to 10 in VR, 8 to 11 in PS, and 10 to 12 in BS

You improved everything, demonstrated that you can score at least a 10 on each section. I am sure your application isn't quite as strong as it would be if you took the MCAT once for a 33, but it shouldn't break your application by any means. You are fine, you have no reason to worry about it, especially since you certainly aren't planning on retaking the MCAT AGAIN after scoring a 33, I hope....😱😱

 

[K M R]

A 29 is a good score in the first place. Improve by a few points and you'll be fine.

 

[0919mmk]

do u think my first score hurts my chances of getting in :\

also FWIW i went from 8 to 10 in VR, 8 to 11 in PS, and 10 to 12 in BS

Nope. If you don't get in, it wont be because of your MCAT. That's squared away bro, now you just have to make everything else beautiful.

 

[twizzlers713]

do u think my first score hurts my chances of getting in :\

also FWIW i went from 8 to 10 in VR, 8 to 11 in PS, and 10 to 12 in BS

Great improvement!! You should be good to go now

 

[NightGod]

do u think my first score hurts my chances of getting in :\

also FWIW i went from 8 to 10 in VR, 8 to 11 in PS, and 10 to 12 in BS

For schools that average? yes. For the rest, not really. It's not ideal, but I wouldn't expect it to be a major issue with that good of a bump.

 

[Davidasaurus]

A 29 should suffice if the rest of your application isn't lacking. Anything lower on your re-take and you'll definitely have shot yourself in the foot, hopefully that's not the case since you seem fairly confident you did better your second time around.

 

[BecksTriad]

Thanks for the encouragement guys! I can't wait till I finally get my first acceptance so I can relax 🙂

 

[BecksTriad]

For schools that average? yes. For the rest, not really. It's not ideal, but I wouldn't expect it to be a major issue with that good of a bump.

I applied to one school that averages
(Jefferson). Do schools take the straight average or do they weigh one set more heavily

 

[235788]

don't apply to schools that average them! do not fill out that secondary if you didn't already. Send your money elsewhere.

 

[BecksTriad]

I think it's stupid when schools average scores. Its the least representative of what an applicant is capable of IMO....

 

[FattySlug]

If you have multiples MCAT score then getting the highest score in the most recent take is the best thing you can do. Choose the school you like then ask them about their policy on multiple MCATs. Go from there. I took it 3 times. Got in on the first try.

 

[K M R]

I think it's stupid when schools average scores. Its the least representative of what an applicant is capable of IMO....

Care to explain? Do you feel the same way about allopathic schools averaging multiple grades for the same course, or do you like the DO policy better?

 

[BecksTriad]

Care to explain? Do you feel the same way about allopathic schools averaging multiple grades for the same course, or do you like the DO policy better?

I just feel like by averaging scores your putting equal weight on both sets. At least in my case I don't think that's fair because i dont think my first score is representative at all of what kind of student I am.

 

[rubisco88]

I think as long as your not taking the MCAT more than 3 times with little or no improvement you should be fine. Most will look at your most recent score. As long as you improve each time you take it there should be no need to worry.

 

[K M R]

I just feel like by averaging scores your putting equal weight on both sets. At least in my case I don't think that's fair because i dont think my first score is representative at all of what kind of student I am.

So MD schools should use the DO grade forgiveness policy? Since a person's first grade in a course may not be representative of what kind of student that person is?

 

[cgk]

I applied to one school that averages
(Jefferson). Do schools take the straight average or do they weigh one set more heavily

Does anyone have a list of the schools that average MCAT scores?

 

[BecksTriad]

So MD schools should use the DO grade forgiveness policy? Since a person's first grade in a course may not be representative of what kind of student that person is?

no because a class is a larger body of work. there is (usually) multiple tests where if a student doesnt do well on exam 1 they still have 3 more to improve upon that. whereas with the MCAT it's a single snapshot of what a student is capable of.

 

[alerk323]

i was going to start my own thread but it seems appropriate here.

For schools that take the best score from each section (i think BU does this) does that put people who did well ONCE at a disadvantage? I'm not really worried about this or think it's THAT unfair, just playing with the scenario.

But wouldn't a student who scored well the first time now be competing with applicants who have artificially better scores than they would if they were competing under another school's policy, thus putting them at a disadvantage compared to other schools? Or do even these schools look at a one try mcat score as slightly "better".

 

[Freakfarm0]

Everyone in this thread even hinting that a 29 is not a sufficient score to get into an average med school should just leave now. You obviously have no idea what you're talking about.

If you have a 29 on the MCAT and the rest of your application is solid, you have a good chance of getting in. You do not need a 33.

 

[alerk323]

Everyone in this thread even hinting that a 29 is not a sufficient score to get into an average med school should just leave now. You obviously have no idea what you're talking about.

If you have a 29 on the MCAT and the rest of your application is solid, you have a good chance of getting in. You do not need a 33.

You don't NEED a 33 but its better than a 29. And a 33 is no shoe in either... (as my 0 for 22 record can attest to with that score last year...)

 

[BecksTriad]

You don't NEED a 33 but its better than a 29. And a 33 is no shoe in either... (as my 0 for 22 record can attest to with that score last year...)

if you don't mine me asking what was ur c/s GPA?

 

[alerk323]

if you don't mine me asking what was ur c/s GPA?

3.71/3.75

I got 2 interviews so there weren't any big red flags, but I made other mistakes. Wayyyy too top heavy and submitted secondaries in late august early September.

 

[09ine]

I was told my an Adcom that a 30 looks better than a 29 superficially even for a retake. I'd imagine that even a 2 point bump is modest and good enough but 32 would be just fine.

 

[alerk323]

I was told my an Adcom that a 30 looks better than a 29 superficially even for a retake. I'd imagine that even a 2 point bump is modest and good enough but 32 would be just fine.

Also remember mcat is curved. The difference between a 29 and 31 requires many more questions answered correctly than between a 34 and 36 (those scores could literally be the difference of 4-5 questions)

 

[La Presse]

I got a 29 on my MCAT in April and my retake scores come in in a few weeks. I was wondering, even if I get a great score that places me right in the range for some good schools, will my 29 effectively average out my new score and place me at a disadvantage?

I know some schools say they average multiple MCATs etc.. but do you think adcoms just want to see if you're capable of getting a high enough score, especially if the higher score is more recent? Or do they look at an average of the two scores and whatever that number is, that is "your score" that they will evaluate you according to?

Lol what? They do not forget it, but they evaluate relative improvement in conjunction to the number of times taken. Scores are not forgotten.

 

[Poop1234]

I got a 29 when I tested in August last year without having taken orgo II. I've put off studying because I didn't think I was going to retake (a pre-med advisor told me not to retake for the possibility of dropping in score). Now I'm starting to second guess. My GPA is piss - 3.51 from a school known for grade deflation, but I have good ECs and LORs. I'm obviously not putting my eggs into a top tier basket, but would it be a good idea to retake?

Just worried that taking an August/September MCAT would lower my chances even more because of the schools having to wait on scores. Thoughts?

 

[rubisco88]

I got a 29 when I tested in August last year without having taken orgo II. I've put off studying because I didn't think I was going to retake (a pre-med advisor told me not to retake for the possibility of dropping in score). Now I'm starting to second guess. My GPA is piss - 3.51 from a school known for grade deflation, but I have good ECs and LORs. I'm obviously not putting my eggs into a top tier basket, but would it be a good idea to retake?

Just worried that taking an August/September MCAT would lower my chances even more because of the schools having to wait on scores. Thoughts?

If you are planning on applying this cycle I would just apply broadly to A LOT of schools. Retaking in August/September is super late. I have a feeling they may not even get to look at the new score. If you are from a state with more forgiving state schools like TX or FL, I think you should get some interviews with a 29 at your state schools. If you are from California or somewhere more competitive, I don't think anything is a sure thing with your numbers. You should have retaken earlier or just waited until next cycle to apply with a 30+ MCAT because your GPA is decent, but on the lower end.

 

[K M R]

no because a class is a larger body of work. there is (usually) multiple tests where if a student doesnt do well on exam 1 they still have 3 more to improve upon that. whereas with the MCAT it's a single snapshot of what a student is capable of.

Nope sorry. One's MCAT score represents months of studying and preparation. It is a much larger body of work than a single class, or even two or three classes. Likewise, a poor score on one section of the exam can be offset by a strong performance in another section, just like you can atone for a poor test grade in a course by doing better on the next one.

 

[BecksTriad]

Nope sorry. One's MCAT score represents months of studying and preparation. It is a much larger body of work than a single class, or even two or three classes. Likewise, a poor score on one section of the exam can be offset by a strong performance in another section, just like you can atone for a poor test grade in a course by doing better on the next one.

Lol so you'd say the average of two MCAT scores represents the actual ability of an applicant instead of the highest composite

 

[brandonh4]

Lol so you'd say the average of two MCAT scores represents the actual ability of an applicant instead of the highest composite

If I botched one surgery but did great on another, am I great surgeon?

I THINK NOT

 

[09ine]

If I botched one surgery but did great on another, am I great surgeon?

I THINK NOT

Well if you by botched you mean did average and kept the person alive, and by great you achieved what only 1% of surgeons do by increasing their life expectancy by 10 years...then yeah, I'd say you're a great surgeon.

 

[brandonh4]

Well if you by botched you mean did average and kept the person alive, and by great you achieved what only 1% of surgeons do by increasing their life expectancy by 10 years...then yeah, I'd say you're a great surgeon.

No, I would be better than average but not great. If that's great then what is the guy who never botched any surgery? Super great? Give me a break...

 

[09ine]

No, I would be better than average but not great. If that's great then what is the guy who never botched any surgery? Super great? Give me a break...

Give me a break with trying to overextend the applicability of MCAT scores.

 

[alerk323]

Give me a break with trying to overextend the applicability of MCAT scores.

haha yea this is pretty absurd. You take the mcat once, maybe twice, mayyyybe three times. A surgeon does multiple cases a day. The situation would be analogous if a surgeon did a surgery. Then practiced the same surgery for months and months, maybe got a private surgeon-tutor, got some surgeon-surgery-review books, practiced some more, than tried again. In that case, you would take his most recent surgery as the indicator of their ability, just like for the mcat.

I think averaging happens so as not to reward those who did well the first time. Someone who gets a 29 and then a 33 shouldn't be rated higher than someone who just got a 33, but maybe higher than someone who got a 31.

 

[Irish Football]

Just got my second score back: 35!!!!!!! So now is my effective score an average of 29 and 35, for a 32? Or will a 35 be weighted more heavily?

 

[eggs13]

Just got my second score back: 35!!!!!!! So now is my effective score an average of 29 and 35, for a 32? Or will a 35 be weighted more heavily?

congrats! I know the feeling, I went from a 28 to a 35!

a majority of schools look at your most recent score, some look at both and weight the most recent one more heavily, few average and very few take your best subsection scores and add them up.

good luck!