Do I retake or not?? Advice needed soon - thanks!

[yanks26dmb]

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Getting my MCAT score back tomorrow and I need to know quickly if I should re-take, as I'm scheduled for my 2nd MCAT on July 25th.

Here's where I stand...

Non-trad (30 years old), great EC's, tons of volunteering, entrepreneur/loads of leadership experience, awesome DO letter.

3.5 sGPA/3.3cGPA/3.86 post-bacc GPA/very strong upward trend; 3.7sGPA/3.5 cGPA last 120 hours

29+: no brainer, I'm not going to re-take
27-28: this is where I'm not so sure...? Leaning towards rolling with the 27 or 28....
25-26: also not sure, I really just want a DO acceptance, but don't know if a 25 or 26 will land that for me.
<25: no brainer, re-take.

What do you guys say???? Advice MUCH appreciated.

 

[koan]

Your scale seems appropriate. It's a matter of whether you want any acceptance anywhere, versus specific programs. Overall with an MCAT >25 you probably have a good chance at a number of schools.

 

[yanks26dmb]

Thanks for your feedback - other opinions also welcomed!

 

[Dreamstoo]

Thanks for your feedback - other opinions also welcomed!

with your stats. A 26+ would do you good. A 28+, more power to you!

 

[yanks26dmb]

bumping for more opinions..

 

[hallowmann]

I agree with Koan. 25+ for ANY acceptance, 27+ for options. I wouldn't recommend retaking a 26-27-28, unless you are sure you can get at least a 3 point jump.

 

[yanks26dmb]

Just got my scores....nailed a 30!

I don't want to be over confident, but I feel pretty good about landed some of the tougher DO acceptances. Thinking about MD at this point....not sure about my chances there though..

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

Just got my scores....nailed a 30!

I don't want to be over confident, but I feel pretty good about landed some of the tougher DO acceptances. Thinking about MD at this point....not sure about my chances there though..

You could land an allo acceptance. State school is best. If your from Cali I would consider some mid to low tier schools. Buy an msar asap.

Congrats

 

[yanks26dmb]

You could land an allow acceptance. State school is best. If your from Cali I would consider some mid to low tier schools. Buy an msar asap.

unfortunately those stats are for DO with grade replacement...

Have the MSAR..looks like I'm 50th percentile on my MCAT for quite a few low tier private schools...if I could just get them to focus on my post-bacc/pre-req grades and not the crap from 2002-2003, I'd be in business...

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

unfortunately those stats are for DO with grade replacement...

Have the MSAR..looks like I'm 50th percentile on my MCAT for quite a few low tier private schools...if I could just get them to focus on my post-bacc/pre-req grades and not the crap from 2002-2003, I'd be in business...

Post bac will definetly help you. Worst case scenario you're gold for do. So not to shabby

 

[syk111]

I am in a very similar situation

I'd be happy with any DO, although I have strong preferences for certain locations. The earliest I could probably take it again is Sept/Oct but I don't know if schools will take scores that late. Any suggestions??

 

[Primo Beats]

I am in a very similar situation but i scored a 25 instead of a 30. So....should I retake???

I'd be happy with any DO, although I have strong preferences for certain locations. The earliest I could probably take it again is Sept/Oct but I don't know if schools will take scores that late. Any suggestions??

i dont think you should rush the retake cuz by the time you get your score it may be too late unless the rest of your app is spectacular. you could study for the january one and take it....then if you dont get in this cycle you could reapply next time w/ a stronger app

 

[syk111]

i dont think you should rush the retake cuz by the time you get your score it may be too late unless the rest of your app is spectacular. you could study for the january one and take it....then if you dont get in this cycle you could reapply next time w/ a stronger app

would it be better to not apply this cycle?? 🙁

 

[yanks26dmb]

would it be better to not apply this cycle?? 🙁

I'd follow the above advice. Apply now, see what happens. Then plan for a Nov retake. This way if you dont do so hot here, youll have one more chance in January to take the test before the new mcat drops..

 

[Primo Beats]

I'd follow the above advice. Apply now, see what happens. Then plan for a Nov retake. This way if you dont do so hot here, youll have one more chance in January to take the test before the new mcat drops..

it might be better just to study really hard until january to avoid taking it 3 times, but thats just my opinion

 

[Primo Beats]

would it be better to not apply this cycle?? 🙁

go ahead and apply to AACOMAS, AMCAS not so sure

edit: nvm just saw you never mentioned AMCAS

 

[Dreamstoo]

Just got my scores....nailed a 30!

I don't want to be over confident, but I feel pretty good about landed some of the tougher DO acceptances. Thinking about MD at this point....not sure about my chances there though..

Congrats!!! If you are applying now to MD, not a great chance. If you apply next year very early, you have a chance.

 

[keels99]

I applied (late) with a 26. I think anything over a 25 is fine.