How do D.O. schools treat lower MCAT re-take scores?

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I am considering re-taking my MCAT in January -- after refreshing all of my science coursework in my SMP, I am confident I can do better than my previous 3 tries (biology was consistently my lowest section, and I've been studying nothing but that for the past month).

My only question is what happens if I actually end up doing worse (i.e., lower overall score?) Has this actually happened to anyone, and if so, did it negatively impact their application? (D.O. schools only as M.D. does not accept January MCAT).

First 3 tries 24R, 26Q, 27R, 4th try - ?

I am okay in terms of GPA with 3.6 sci 3.7 cum but unfortunately my grad SMP GPA may be slightly lower (~3.5) so I was hoping to off-set this with a higher MCAT score.

But does anyone know what actually happens if you score lower on your most recent take? Will schools just completely ignore it and take the higher score, or will it negatively affect the application?

Thanks!

 

[RySerr21]

you are applying this cycle???? It almost seems as if taking it a 4th time would be a waste. A 27 is a competitive score, and your GPA is competitive as well. As you noted, its possible that your MCAT score goes down. I'd say don't even bother taking it again and you should get some love this cycle. Is your aacomas already filled out?

As far as your question, getting a lower score cannot be a good thing, obviously. Add that to the fact that it will be your 4th time taking the test AND you are taking it january (reall late)....it might have an extra negative impact. Of course i'm just guessing and I dont really know how adcoms will look at it, but thats what I think. You might try PMing LizzyM and asking her what she thinks...shes an adcom member at an MD school. Even tho shes not at a DO school, she might still be able to give you some insight in to how a lower MCAT score looks. good luck

 

[IamAriDO]

I agree ryserr21.....
I think your 27 is fine and competitive with your gpa's. Generally many schools will take the highest (within reason) ..there is a post somewhere here regarding which schools take what (most recent, highest, highest subscore etc). If you do go down then you probably will have to explain why if the drop is significant ~2pts perhaps.

good luck