How did Multiple MCATs affect you?

[EasternMer]

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Hi,

My question is mainly for MCAT retakers or adcoms. Is it very common to be brought up during interviews? Do you think you *didn't* receive interviews because of your multiple MCAT's?

I am personally going to have taken it 3 times after May. My first two were within a few weeks of each other, two years ago, and I never opened a book. They were both low 20's. But my current AAMC FL's are 35-37, I knew if I applied myself this time, I'd be able to do it. But I'm a bit discouraged because I hear some schools don't even field apps from students who have taken it more than 2x.

 

[jqueb29]

Multiple MCATs is not inherently bad. Multiple scores in the low 20s are a different story.

 

[gyngyn]

But I'm a bit discouraged because I hear some schools don't even field apps from students who have taken it more than 2x.

But many do.

 

[HCHopeful]

Hi,

My question is mainly for MCAT retakers or adcoms. Is it very common to be brought up during interviews? Do you think you *didn't* receive interviews because of your multiple MCAT's?

I am personally going to have taken it 3 times after May. My first two were within a few weeks of each other, two years ago, and I never opened a book. They were both low 20's. But my current AAMC FL's are 35-37, I knew if I applied myself this time, I'd be able to do it. But I'm a bit discouraged because I hear some schools don't even field apps from students who have taken it more than 2x.

Just find medical schools that either superscore or take the most recent. I have already found 10 schools in my range (3.91 cGPA/31 MCAT retake from 27) that take the most recent or superscore.

All it takes is some dedication to calling around and finding the right information.

 

[gyngyn]

Just find medical schools that either superscore or take the most recent. I have already found 10 schools in my range (3.91 cGPA/31 MCAT retake from 27) that take the most recent or superscore.

All it takes is some dedication to calling around and finding the right information.

I'm dying to know who superscores. Can you PM me?

 

[EasternMer]

I'm dying to know who superscores. Can you PM me?

I think Wisconsin and GW Superscore

 

[gyngyn]

I think Wisconsin and GW Superscore

U of WI!?

 

[EasternMer]

@gyngyn do you know of any schools that do not take apps from people who've taken the MCAT 3x?

My #1 School, EVMS, does, so I'm hoping I get admitted there. I hear Ole Miss, which is one of my tops too, does not. But the idiosyncratic approach is difficult for me to be comfortable with. Doesn't matter what school advertises if a specific committee members thinks averaging is the best.

I am taking the NEW MCAT so i don't know how you would even average that with old scores. I'm afraid adcoms will think the new test is easy and that's the reason a person who got such a low score on the old exam could do well on the new one. Gah I wish my MCAT history could be wiped. My own stupidity.

But many do.

 

[EasternMer]

U of WI!?

I think the Medical College of Wisconsin

 

[gyngyn]

I think the Medical College of Wisconsin

Oh, ok.

 

[gyngyn]

@gyngyn do you know of any schools that do not take apps from people who've taken the MCAT 3x?

My #1 School, EVMS, does, so I'm hoping I get admitted there. I hear Ole Miss, which is one of my tops too, does not. But the idiosyncratic approach is difficult for me to be comfortable with. Doesn't matter what school advertises if a specific committee members thinks averaging is the best.

I am taking the NEW MCAT so i don't know how you would even average that with old scores. I'm afraid adcoms will think the new test is easy and that's the reason a person who got such a low score on the old exam could do well on the new one. Gah I wish my MCAT history could be wiped. My own stupidity.

I think you may be confusing re-application with multiple MCAT scores.
Neither is preferable but some schools specifically do not accept or prefer multiple re-applicants. HMS comes to mind (along with many others).

 

[EasternMer]

I think you may be confusing re-application with multiple MCAT scores.
Neither is preferable but some schools specifically do not accept or prefer multiple re-applicants. HMS comes to mind (along with many others).

Oh all right. While this might not be the place to ask it, but I am planning to take the new MCAT in June. Would it be preferable for me to wait a year to apply because I'd be submitting like 3 weeks late?

 

[gyngyn]

Oh all right. While this might not be the place to ask it, but I am planning to take the new MCAT in June. Would it be preferable for me to wait a year to apply because I'd be submitting like 3 weeks late?

Take the MCAT when you are completely confident that you will hit at least your target score!
3 weeks late is not the problem.

 

[samac]

You just better rock the MCAT this time. They want improvement. As long as you go up, it shouldn't be too ill-effecting. I retook once, but went up in every section and I think that helped me.

 

[EasternMer]

Take the MCAT when you are completely confident that you will hit at least your target score!
3 weeks late is not the problem.

Right, I was thinking of taking it in April, but I'm done playing games, I want to be 100% sure I'm ready for this test.

 

[gyngyn]

You just better rock the MCAT this time. They want improvement. As long as you go up, it shouldn't be too ill-effecting. I retook once, but went up in every section and I think that helped me.

A re-take of a point or two really doesn't help. It's essentially the same score (even though we know you studied again, harder). Maybe raising a cut off score helps at some schools, I guess. It's not as bad as the same or lower, though...

 

[EasternMer]

A re-take of a point or two really doesn't help. It's essentially the same score (even though we know you studied again, harder). It's not as bad as the same or lower, though...

@gyngyn, how do you feel about these worries of mine:

I am taking the NEW MCAT so i don't know how you would even average that with old scores. I'm afraid adcoms will think the new test is easy and that's the reason a person who got such a low score on the old exam could do well on the new one. Gah I wish my MCAT history could be wiped. My own stupidity.

 

[gyngyn]

@gyngyn, how do you feel about these worries of mine:

I am taking the NEW MCAT so i don't know how you would even average that with old scores. I'm afraid adcoms will think the new test is easy and that's the reason a person who got such a low score on the old exam could do well on the new one. Gah I wish my MCAT history could be wiped. My own stupidity.

Quit worrying about things that are out of your control.
Nobody has an opinion about the new test yet (except maybe admissions officers).
Most committee members won't even start thinking about comparisons for quite some time.

 

[EasternMer]

Quit worrying about things that are out of your control.
Nobody has an opinion about the new test yet (except maybe admissions officers).
Most committee members won't even start thinking about comparisons for quite some time.

Gah I wish I could. oh well, I guess I'll just study and hope for the best that they look at percentiles and such 🙁

 

[gyngyn]

Gah I wish I could. oh well, I guess I'll just study and hope for the best that they look at percentiles and such 🙁

This is exactly how we will look at results.

 

[Abstractions]

I'm dying to know who superscores. Can you PM me?

Vanderbilt superscores.

https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/md-admissions/frequently-asked-questions

 

[gyngyn]

Vanderbilt superscores

No way!

 

[Abstractions]

No way!

Just edited my post with a link to their FAQ, click on "If I take the MCAT more than once, which scores will VUSM use?"

 

[MDporfavor8888]

i personally took the MCAT 3 times and have had no trouble getting IIs and acceptances this cycle.

i first took it when i graduated from college and got a 20. this was a horrible move on my part since i didn't study or take any practice tests so i should not have scored it but i did. i always thought i was a good standardized test taker since i got a 1560/1600 on the SAT so that definitely killed my confidence even if i didn't study

couple years ago i retook it and got a 31 but with a 7 on verbal. i applied for the first time that cycle and got 4 interviews but eventually got rejected from all. some of the schools mentioned i should look into retaking since 7 on a section is sort of a red flag... even though english is my second language

i retook the test in 2014 and got a 35 with a 10 in verbal and schools i interviewed at NEVER mentioned anything about "why did you take it so many times" but only asked me "how did you make the jump"

people make stupid choices but you learn from it (like me taking the test and getting a 20) and move on

take the test when you're DEFINITELY ready and DOMINATE it. you'll be fine.

 

[EasternMer]

Vanderbilt superscores.

https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/md-admissions/frequently-asked-questions

Praise God Almighty

 

[gyngyn]

Just edited my post with a link to their FAQ, click on "If I take the MCAT more than once, which scores will VUSM use?"

This is amazing! Thanks so much.

 

[senzen]

It sounds like Tufts does. @gyngyn

source: http://medicine.tufts.edu/Admissions/MD-Application-Process/MCAT

Edit: Never mind. I think they just take the higher MCAT score

 

[EasternMer]

i personally took the MCAT 3 times and have had no trouble getting IIs and acceptances this cycle.

i first took it when i graduated from college and got a 20. this was a horrible move on my part since i didn't study or take any practice tests so i should not have scored it but i did. i always thought i was a good standardized test taker since i got a 1560/1600 on the SAT so that definitely killed my confidence even if i didn't study

couple years ago i retook it and got a 31 but with a 7 on verbal. i applied for the first time that cycle and got 4 interviews but eventually got rejected from all. some of the schools mentioned i should look into retaking since 7 on a section is sort of a red flag... even though english is my second language

i retook the test in 2014 and got a 35 with a 10 in verbal and schools i interviewed at NEVER mentioned anything about "why did you take it so many times" but only asked me "how did you make the jump"

people make stupid choices but you learn from it (like me taking the test and getting a 20) and move on

take the test when you're DEFINITELY ready and DOMINATE it. you'll be fine.

Hey thank you for this uplifting post.

 

[MDporfavor8888]

Hey thank you for this uplifting post.

no problem. good luck on your test and hope to see you at EVMS since i'll most likely be matriculating there... unless i get into vcu

 

[gyngyn]

It sounds like Tufts does. @gyngyn

source: http://medicine.tufts.edu/Admissions/MD-Application-Process/MCAT

This is what I read: "Many applicants to TUSM apply with more than one set of MCAT scores. Our policy is to consider the two most recent sets of scores and note the higher MCAT total of the two sets."
The higher set would not be a "superscore" that cherry picks the highest subscore from all takes.
Thanks, though. The search continues...

 

[senzen]

This is what I read: "Many applicants to TUSM apply with more than one set of MCAT scores. Our policy is to consider the two most recent sets of scores and note the higher MCAT total of the two sets."
The higher set would not be a "superscore" that cherry picks the highest subscore from all takes.
Thanks, though. The search continues...

When I do more research into schools, I'll definitely ask around and PM you! Thank YOU for taking your time out to help out as many students as possible during this grueling process.

 

[EasternMer]

This is what I read: "Many applicants to TUSM apply with more than one set of MCAT scores. Our policy is to consider the two most recent sets of scores and note the higher MCAT total of the two sets."
The higher set would not be a "superscore" that cherry picks the highest subscore from all takes.
Thanks, though. The search continues...

Out of curiosity, why do superscoring schools surprise you @gyngyn ?

 

[gyngyn]

I think the Medical College of Wisconsin

You are right (for the last two tries). I got this from the website.: "If you have taken the MCAT exam more than once, the Admissions Committee will mix-and-match the two most recent eligible exams to make the best overall score. Our average incoming student has a 10 in each of the subsections."

 

[gyngyn]

Out of curiosity, why do superscoring schools surprise you @gyngyn ?

I'm wondering if US Snooze and World Distort is using these self reported "data" when they calculate their ratings.

 

[gyngyn]

Just edited my post with a link to their FAQ, click on "If I take the MCAT more than once, which scores will VUSM use?"

I do believe that helping those in need is worthwhile, even without thanks (often with punishment!).
Every so often though, I am rewarded by learning something from this site that is independently valuable.
Thank you.

 

[Abstractions]

Praise God Almighty

Just a heads up about Vanderbilt though; they have a very stringent secondary screen. Their auto screen this year was a 3.8/37 (You could get a secondary with lower stats through holistic review, although I'm not sure how many people got one as only ~1000 total secondaries were sent out).

 

[bruwin2011]

depends on the school, but most look at all of them but will weigh the most recent one the heaviest. Other schools, if you take more than 2, they will start to average them. A few schools (MCW and GW) will cherry pick each subsection to make the best score.

For you, the biggest concern I would have is that if you had 2 tests in the 20s, and then suddenly you jump 10+ points, they could ask you in an open file interview why there was such a huge difference, and if you say I didn't feel like studying for the first two that's probably not going to come off very well... Of course most interviews are usually numbers blind, so they will never see your scores.

 

[EasternMer]

depends on the school, but most look at all of them but will weigh the most recent one the heaviest. Other schools, if you take more than 2, they will start to average them. A few schools (MCW and GW) will cherry pick each subsection to make the best score.

For you, the biggest concern I would have is that if you had 2 tests in the 20s, and then suddenly you jump 10+ points, they could ask you in an open file interview why there was such a huge difference, and if you say I didn't feel like studying for the first two that's probably not going to come off very well... Of course most interviews are usually numbers blind, so they will never see your scores.

Yeah I know that is my main concern. I mean, I don't have a reason really. There were no family issues, I didn't have a catastrophic life event. I was just lazy, and then changed my life around. Hopefully my upward trend in GPA will help explain that a bit. I'm going to have to work on how to explain that in interviews so thanks for putting that back into my thoughts!

 

[Goro]

I may ask people who retook the MCAT several different types of questions.

The people who retook a perfectly good score, like a 33 (yes, I've seen a number of these) will get a different question than someone with a 23 -> 25 -> 24 -> 30.

Hi,

My question is mainly for MCAT retakers or adcoms. Is it very common to be brought up during interviews? Do you think you *didn't* receive interviews because of your multiple MCAT's?

I am personally going to have taken it 3 times after May. My first two were within a few weeks of each other, two years ago, and I never opened a book. They were both low 20's. But my current AAMC FL's are 35-37, I knew if I applied myself this time, I'd be able to do it. But I'm a bit discouraged because I hear some schools don't even field apps from students who have taken it more than 2x.

 

[EasternMer]

I may ask people who retook the MCAT several different types of questions.

The people who retook a perfectly good score, like a 33 (yes, I've seen a number of these) will get a different question than someone with a 23 -> 25 -> 24 -> 30.

Goro, I think it would be tremendously helpful to me if you could elucidate as to the type of questions. I'm anticipating a huge jump in scores, so my trend would probably be:

May 2013: 23 (33-38 percentile)
June 2013: 25 (44-51 percentile)
June 2015: 517 (95th percentile)

I'm basing my anticipated June score off of the AAMC FL I took as well as the Kaplan FL's I took that have a key that tells you your score. I've been getting a range of 515-520 on those. I was hoping to snag a May spot, but unfortunately, those are filled and I am currently registered for a June, 2015 spot.

 

[Goro]

I could tell you, but then I'd have to reject you!

Goro, I think it would be tremendously helpful to me if you could elucidate as to the type of questions. I'm anticipating a huge jump in scores, so my trend would probably be:

May 2013: 23 (33-38 percentile)
June 2013: 25 (44-51 percentile)
June 2015: 517 (95th percentile)

I'm basing my anticipated June score off of the AAMC FL I took as well as the Kaplan FL's I took that have a key that tells you your score. I've been getting a range of 515-520 on those. I was hoping to snag a May spot, but unfortunately, those are filled and I am currently registered for a June, 2015 spot.

 

[EasternMer]

I could tell you, but then I'd have to reject you!

Lol is that because I'd know about your interview policy or because you don't take students who've taken the MCAT 3x?

 

[Goro]

My school doesn't pre-screen, but we tend not to accept multiple poor MCAT takers.

Lol is that because I'd know about your interview policy or because you don't take students who've taken the MCAT 3x?

 

[WRL]

Get the score that you projected and you will be competitive. I took it 3 times with the last score in the same percentile range as you predicted, and got three interviews, one acceptance

 

[EasternMer]

Get the score that you projected and you will be competitive. I took it 3 times with the last score in the same percentile range as you predicted, and got three interviews, one acceptance

Thanks for the encouragement and super congrats on your acceptance. I was wondering if you felt comfortable telling me when you submitted this year?

I'm taking the MCAT in June and project I'll be complete by the 3rd week of July, and though everyone has told me that's not late, a real life example might help. Did you submit early June?

 

[WRL]

This was last year's application cycle. primary submitted in july

 

[Vain Brother]

This is amazing! Thanks so much.

honestly part of me wonders whether that might refer to how they report their class's MCAT scores, rather than how they evaluate them. it's just not realistic to think a school (esp one as prestigious as vandy) would truly consider a 12/8/9, 10/12/9, 10/10/12 student to be equivalent to a 12/12/12 student. there's always going to be that bias. and there should be! superscoring essentially encourages (and rewards) retaking. it's virtually impossible to do worse on a retake under a superscoring system

 

[gyngyn]

honestly part of me wonders whether that might refer to how they report their class's MCAT scores, rather than how they evaluate them. it's just not realistic to think a school (esp one as prestigious as vandy) would truly consider a 12/8/9, 10/12/9, 10/10/12 student to be equivalent to a 12/12/12 student. there's always going to be that bias. and there should be! superscoring essentially encourages (and rewards) retaking. it's virtually impossible to do worse on a retake under a superscoring system

I'll bet you are right.

 

[mbeus]

The first time I took the MCAT, I got a 27. I got several MD interviews with that score, but I retook it before the interviews and got a 35. All my interviewers mentioned how fantastic my score was; the old, bad score was not even brought up once. Like others have said, I think it only becomes an issue when you do the same or worse on a subsequent test.

 

[ridethecliche]

The first time I took the MCAT, I got a 27. I got several MD interviews with that score, but I retook it before the interviews and got a 35. All my interviewers mentioned how fantastic my score was; the old, bad score was not even brought up once. Like others have said, I think it only becomes an issue when you do the same or worse on a subsequent test.

Had your old score expired?