How do schools look at MCAT scores?

[jmmmmm]

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[derf]

I apologize if this is similar to the total vs subscores thread below, but I didn't really get a clear answer there.

I took the MCAT twice. The first time, I was half asleep during the physical sciences section and misbubbled it. My scores were 6 PS, 10 VR, 11 BS (27M)

When I retook it, I got a 10 in PS, showing that I'm not stupid in chemistry, but my both of my other scores went down to 9s in each (I didn't study/practice nearly enough and ran out of time on verbal with 3 sections left). So that's a 28P.

If you take the top sections from each test, it's a 31P, which is much stronger than a 28P, and most likely a big enough deal to make the difference between acceptance and rejection from a lot of schools. However, will schools look at the top scores or just cut me out with a 28? I've asked around and haven't really got a straight answer. Thanks

I hate to give you another vague answer pal, but it depends on the school, and particularly who on the adcom picks up your app to review it. Tufts, for instance, we know for sure that they will take your higher subscores for a total of 31.

But many other schools say they consider your most recent. Does this mean they really do consider your most recent only? Maybe or maybe not. I think it would be hard for a reviewer to actually ignore your higher scores on VS and BS on the previous administration, regardless of the school's policy. Everything in this mess is so subjective. Just kick back and wait is my best advice. good luck.

 

[UseUrHeadFred]

I don't think there are any straight answers. Each adcom has their own policy. This is not done by computer, that is, there is a human element. Some adcoms would be compelled to argue for you, stating that you have demostrated a generally solid performance on the MCAT, while others would be less so, stating that you increased your weakest area at the expense of the other two categories.

The process is not standardized or even close to 100% efficient. Each adcom will view it differently, based on the composition of the committee and the level of competition from your peers.

That said, the argument for you is not trivial, so you do have a shot.

 

[CanIMakeIt]

I apologize if this is similar to the total vs subscores thread below, but I didn't really get a clear answer there.

I took the MCAT twice. The first time, I was half asleep during the physical sciences section and misbubbled it. My scores were 6 PS, 10 VR, 11 BS (27M)

When I retook it, I got a 10 in PS, showing that I'm not stupid in chemistry, but my both of my other scores went down to 9s in each (I didn't study/practice nearly enough and ran out of time on verbal with 3 sections left). So that's a 28P.

If you take the top sections from each test, it's a 31P, which is much stronger than a 28P, and most likely a big enough deal to make the difference between acceptance and rejection from a lot of schools. However, will schools look at the top scores or just cut me out with a 28? I've asked around and haven't really got a straight answer. Thanks

I know Case Western look at the highest scores (as per Dr Kirby the ex-dean of admissions)......I don't know how they are dealing with that with the new Dean in place this year......try calling them or email them

 

[AsianDoc816]

I sorta hate to say this, but I think it's more human to look at the total score, and say that you demonstrated consistency in the 27-28 range. If I took all of my top scores on the diagnostics that I took, I would have made a 34-35 on the MCAT. I made a 31 on the real thing. I think that the MCAT purposely distributes difficulty within each individual test, i.e., if your PS section is really hard, the verbal or bio section will probably less difficult (comparatively).

I'd have to agree that different schools probably look at MCAT scores differently. But with so many applicants, I doubt that they try to twist your MCAT score around to make it appear as high as possible. I too wish that my final score was as high as the sum of my "highest possible" scores, but alas, it just doesn't seem to work that way. 🙁