Do I need to retake MCAT???

[D0cHopeful]

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Hey guys,

I took my MCAT for the second time last month, but didn't feel so great about it so decided to continue studying for the test on September 2nd (this Friday) as I am applying DO this cycle. I took the MCAT last year and got a 21Q (7/7/7). I just received my scores back from the 7/28 test and got a 27S (12/6/9). This is a significant increase, however, my scores are really unbalanced with a 6 for VR. I have been studying and have been scoring consistently between 8-10 on my VR section after the last test (changed up strategy, getting through passages quicker). Also, my practice scores before the last test ranged between 24-28, and my practice scores AFTER the 7/28 test ranged from 28-30 (about 10/9/10 average). Is my score OK for the admissions cycle this year or should I still take the test on Friday, and take a chance at not scoring much higher, or cancel it so I don't have another retake on my plate?

I have great EC's, but my cGPA is 3.5 and sGPA is 3.45. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!

 

[Iliketoytles]

All your stats are competitive. The 6 in VR may screen you out of a couple places (that require 7 or more) presecondary, not sure though.

But everything looks good.

 

[D0cHopeful]

All your stats are competitive. The 6 in VR may screen you out of a couple places (that require 7 or more) presecondary, not sure though.

But everything looks good.

Do you know if there are many schools with a 7 cutoff for each section? If I have received a 7 on my VR on my previous MCAT, will schools take that into consideration, or is it solely based on my latest test?

 

[D0cHopeful]

I would not be so flustered about this, except for the fact that I rescheduled for 9/2 (this Friday) and have no idea as to whether I should retake or not, as I may decrease in the sciences and slightly increase in the verbal. This test partially based on luck too, which is why I'm not sure if I should take my chances..

 

[DrWily]

Everything looks good except for that lopsided MCAT. What I would do is call your top choice schools and ask them about the 6 in VR. They would be more able to tell you if you should retake.

 

[Goro]

You're fine; quit fussing and start applying.

Hey guys,

I took my MCAT for the second time last month, but didn't feel so great about it so decided to continue studying for the test on September 2nd (this Friday) as I am applying DO this cycle. I took the MCAT last year and got a 21Q (7/7/7). I just received my scores back from the 7/28 test and got a 27S (12/6/9). This is a significant increase, however, my scores are really unbalanced with a 6 for VR. I have been studying and have been scoring consistently between 8-10 on my VR section after the last test (changed up strategy, getting through passages quicker). Also, my practice scores before the last test ranged between 24-28, and my practice scores AFTER the 7/28 test ranged from 28-30 (about 10/9/10 average). Is my score OK for the admissions cycle this year or should I still take the test on Friday, and take a chance at not scoring much higher, or cancel it so I don't have another retake on my plate?

I have great EC's, but my cGPA is 3.5 and sGPA is 3.45. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!

 

[Everglide]

My advice is to hurry up and finish your applications because it's late to be just starting on them (I assume you haven't even started primaries if you're stressing about mcat scores)

 

[scummie]

Yeah, like other people said, just get it done! You will get screened out of some places, but your GPA looks solid. Search the threads and call schools. The underdog thread will have some good info for you too.

 

[D0cHopeful]

My advice is to hurry up and finish your applications because it's late to be just starting on them (I assume you haven't even started primaries if you're stressing about mcat scores)

Nope, primary is already completed (8/7). Now I'm just waiting to get verified. I hope my timeline is decent enough to get enough consideration. I'm now considering my re-take for this Friday as that will also delay some schools from looking at my application and a chance that I score lower...but still in the consideration process.

 

[dboys23]

Unless you are seeking MD, don't retake the test. You are risking a lower score and that will reflect much worse than your score right now.

 

[D0cHopeful]

I have one day to decide whether I should take this test tomorrow or not. Any further advice would be greatly appreciated! Once again, I have already submitted my primaries which hopefully will be verified within the next weekish. I have been studying since my last MCAT (July 28), however, taking this MCAT tomorrow would be my 3rd. Thanks for those who have responded!

 

[stewartritt]

I think you should go forward with your current score. If you applied broadly, there's enough schools that will take your 27 spread. If you have 1 or 2 schools you absolutely want, then I'd be calling and asking if you need to retake with a 6. I don't think retaking in September is going to benefit you that much, it'll just keep shoving you back later into the season.