Chances? :(

[happy medium]

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School: UCLA (CA Resident)
Major: Biology
Minor: Public Health
cGPA: 3.75
sGPA: 3.7
MCAT: 32T (10B, 10P, 12V) ...I might retake it before this is over

Extracurriculars:
- Hospital volunteering for 2 yrs
- Physician shadowing for a day
- Community based research for a year
- Laboratory research for a year
- Coordinator/member of student org for 2 yrs (works in clinical setting)
- Grant writer for community org

I was thinking of just submitting the AMCAS app w/ my current MCAT score and indicating that I will retake. But I don't know if schools will even look at my app in the mean time or if they'll wait for the new MCAT score. As is though, do I have a fighting chance...anywhere? ...or maybe I should just wait another year to strengthen my stats.

I'm so freaken confused. 😕

 

[Mobius1985]

If you apply broadly, according to AMCAS stats from the last three years, those applying with your numbers had a 76.8% chance of an acceptance somewhere. If you retake the MCAT and score a 35, you chances rise to 83.7%. With a 38 it's 86%. You ECs look pretty good. If you submit and check the retake box, schools will hold your application until the new score comes in, which would make your consideration later and lower your chances. And what if the score goes down? Personally, I'd apply as you are.

 

[happy medium]

Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it.

Hypothetically speaking, if I were to not indicate that I was going to retake the MCAT on the AMCAS app, but I took it anyways and did well...would it be possible for me to then go back to the app and add more schools (i.e., schools w/ non-rolling admissions)?

 

[Krisss17]

One, it is a good score and over 30, and two, what if you have a bad day and get lower...that could be really disasterous.

If you look at the MCAT thread, they really stress not retaking the MCAT if you have over a 30.

With your GPA, MCAT and ECs, you should have a good chance at getting into medical school as is. Just apply broadly.

Had you received an unbalanced score with a real low score in one of the areas, maybe I would say differently, but your scores are pretty balanced, and not one of them is less than 10.

 

[Krisss17]

If you apply broadly, according to AMCAS stats from the last three years, those applying with your numbers had a 76.8% chance of an acceptance somewhere. If you retake the MCAT and score a 35, you chances rise to 83.7%. With a 38 it's 86%. You ECs look pretty good. If you submit and check the retake box, schools will hold your application until the new score comes in, which would make your consideration later and lower your chances. And what if the score goes down? Personally, I'd apply as you are.

Unless the OP has been doing a bunch of practice tests under testing conditions and getting higher scores like this, I would not suggest retaking the MCAT.

 

[canjosh]

I would NOT retake the MCAT.