Decent Composite, Low BS MCAT

[als130]

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Hello All,

I am considering retaking the MCAT in the end of August/Early September, but would like to know which of my options I should consider. My predicament is this: My composite was decent (30P), but my section scores were not distributed as nicely as I would like them: 11PS 11VR 08BS. The 8 in BS really worries me because it's typically the highest of the three scores, and averages between 10-12 for the schools I am looking at. So my three options (as I see them) are:

1. Submit my application now. Don't retake the MCAT.
2. Retake the MCAT. Wait for scores to come back. Decide then to apply or not.
3. Apply now. Retake the MCAT. List it as a pending score.

Background Information:
3.91 cGPA
30P MCAT
Spanish Major/Chem Minor
Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese
Economically Disadvantaged Female
2 Study Abroad Programs in Undergrad
~60 hours shadowing experience
Volunteer experience not-so-hot, but still viably existent (1 year in hospital, 5 months @ 20 hrs/wk in a Genetics Lab), tutoring, etc.
2 years Full-Time research experience in healthcare-related field on CDC grant
18 credits graduate coursework (Epidemiology) complete--3.8GPA
PA Resident

Schools I'm Interested In:
Temple
Drexel
Jefferson
UPenn (long shot)
Pitt (long shot)
UMDNJ
Penn State

So basically, I believe that by retaking the MCAT, I can get my BS score up. I can keep the verbal score high, but I'm not sure if I could score an 11 again on the PS.

Taking all of this into consideration, which of my options should I pursue? Are there any others to suggest? What are my chances of getting into the schools I have chosen?

 

[als130]

bump! (please help!) 🙂

 

[msj6403]

I also received 30P with 8 BS (what a coincidence!). I am not fluent in Spanish or Portuguese, so you might be in a better position, but people told me mixed comments. I heard that retaking MCAT for this cycle could be too late, so if you have been getting 10+ on practice exams, you should aim to retake it for the next cycle.

For now, I would go ahead with what you have and apply broadly. I also want to hear what others suggest...

bump! (please help!) 🙂

 

[als130]

Thanks for your response! I would be great if it was 10-10-10, but the distribution is so weird! I'm happy with the score, but I'm afraid that schools will see the low bio score and balk. I would have no qualms about taking it again, except that it's already late....

 

[Charles Darwin]

I'd take option 3. If you happen to score higher on your next MCAT, update the schools you applied to with your new scores. Also add TCMC to your school list as a safety.

 

[msj6403]

But if the score turns out to be lower, it still needs to be reported, though.. I thought the schools will hold the application until the new score is released, which might be too late by then..

Or did you mean update each school only when the score gets higher? Thanks for your comments btw! I'm in the same situation so I wasn't sure what to do..

I'd take option 3. If you happen to score higher on your next MCAT, update the schools you applied to with your new scores. Also add TCMC to your school list as a safety.

 

[Goro]

Suggest #3, it will definitely tell you how competetive you are. Also, call your top 2-3 schools and ask them about how competetive you are as well. STRONGLY suggest not applying to Pitt or UPenn, that's throwing money away, and magic thinking isn't going to help.

You do have really good stats all around, and you should be able to get interviews somewhere.

If you're not dead set on staying in PA or nearby, suggest adding some of the low-tier schools, such as NYMC, perhaps Georgetown as well? Try PCOM or LECOM while you're at it, you're be a lock for those.

Good luck!

Hello All,


1. Submit my application now. Don't retake the MCAT.
2. Retake the MCAT. Wait for scores to come back. Decide then to apply or not.
3. Apply now. Retake the MCAT. List it as a pending score.

Volunteer experience not-so-hot, but still viably existent (1 year in hospital, 5 months @ 20 hrs/wk in a Genetics Lab), tutoring, etc.
2 years Full-Time research experience in healthcare-related field on CDC grant
18 credits graduate coursework (Epidemiology) complete--3.8GPA
PA Resident

Schools I'm Interested In:
Temple
Drexel
Jefferson
UPenn (long shot)
Pitt (long shot)
UMDNJ
Penn State

So basically, I believe that by retaking the MCAT, I can get my BS score up. I can keep the verbal score high, but I'm not sure if I could score an 11 again on the PS.

Taking all of this into consideration, which of my options should I pursue? Are there any others to suggest? What are my chances of getting into the schools I have chosen?

 

[kfsa1]

Do not apply to UMDNJ. They are very heavily in-state (something around a 90% for both applicants interviewed and accepted are in-state)