Does this sound like a bad idea?

[EarthtoneJon]

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Let me start off with my stats, so you can gauge my predicament.

3.98 GPA (4.0 non-science, 3.97 science)
25 P MCAT (9/8/8)
ECs: I've been told from most I've consulted that my work experience and extra curriculars are pretty good. You decide: 2 years working as nurse aide, 7 years working as camp counselor, hundreds of hours tutoring / mentoring, shadowing experience (complete with letter of recommendation), medical director of non-profit camp for blind youths, basketball player / coach, campus involvement, etc. I also recently won the Barnard Award, which is given to 12 students in the state of CT for academics and leadership.

Here is my idea. I want to apply to medical schools (a few MD and a few DO) this June. Then, while my applications are already in, I want to study all summer for an August retake. I am not applying to top tier schools (the most lofty being UCONN). The reason I want to do this is because my schedule is too rigorous for an April or May retake. And, if I don't devote the necessary time and energy, I'll likely end up with a similar score. The first time, I only studied for 40 days, and it showed. I know I can do better (28-32) with adequate preparation, as some of my practice tests showed.

So, the question is, is it OK to have one set of scores in to medical schools, and have them receive an improved set later in the cycle? Any advice greatly appreciated.

Edit: sorry if this is better suited for the "should I retake?" thread. Wasn't sure, since it raises a broader question.

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

Let me start off with my stats, so you can gauge my predicament.

3.98 GPA (4.0 non-science, 3.97 science)
25 P MCAT (9/8/8)
ECs: I've been told from most I've consulted that my work experience and extra curriculars are pretty good. You decide: 2 years working as nurse aide, 7 years working as camp counselor, hundreds of hours tutoring / mentoring, shadowing experience (complete with letter of recommendation), medical director of non-profit camp for blind youths, basketball player / coach, campus involvement, etc. I also recently won the Barnard Award, which is given to 12 students in the state of CT for academics and leadership.

Here is my idea. I want to apply to medical schools (a few MD and a few DO) this June. Then, while my applications are already in, I want to study all summer for an August retake. I am not applying to top tier schools (the most lofty being UCONN). The reason I want to do this is because my schedule is too rigorous for an April or May retake. And, if I don't devote the necessary time and energy, I'll likely end up with a similar score. The first time, I only studied for 40 days, and it showed. I know I can do better (28-32) with adequate preparation, as some of my practice tests showed.

So, the question is, is it OK to have one set of scores in to medical schools, and have them receive an improved set later in the cycle? Any advice greatly appreciated.

Edit: sorry if this is better suited for the "should I retake?" thread. Wasn't sure, since it raises a broader question.

Put yourself in an adcom's shoes. What would concern you most about the applicant profile you just presented?

I know the person would work hard in medical school (their GPA says so) and I know they'll be great with people (some bright shining stars in the activities list). Their MCAT score would concern me. I'd want to ask them during an interview what happened. Their answer to that question would be the single most important factor in my decision. Now I'm speculating here, but I'd guess the same will be true for most people reviewing your application.

You are retaking, which shows them that you understand the process and recognize the weakness in your application. Any adcom with common sense will see that you are a strong applicant that is retaking the exam, so hopefully they'll move your application forward so you don't fall behind. I think the trick for you will be maintaining communication with the director of admissions at the schools you're considering. Make it a personal choice for them, rather than a business decision.

Based on everything you've written, you have a good plan. Taking the MCAT earlier would be ideal, but if you absolutely can't do it any sooner, then August it is.

Best of luck and hopefully you knock it out of the park this sitting.

 

[pfaction]

You COULD do well in a DO but this is way more WAMC.

 

[typicalindian]

You have the potential to get into an MD school dude! Just bite the bullet, break a 30 on your mcat and you'll be fine.

 

[EarthtoneJon]

BerkReviewTeach,

thank you for the verification. I will take your advice to heart and make sure I stay in touch with the medical school once my primary application is in!

pfaction,

thanks, but what is WAMC?

typicalindian,

I hope you are right!

 

[typicalindian]

BerkReviewTeach,

thank you for the verification. I will take your advice to heart and make sure I stay in touch with the medical school once my primary application is in!

pfaction,

thanks, but what is WAMC?

typicalindian,

I hope you are right!

WAMC = "what are my chances" and you can find the forum here : http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=418

make a new topic there with the same information you provided in the first post in this thread. you'll have more people to help you out

 

[EarthtoneJon]

Great, thanks a lot. I'll post it there!