How do top 30 schools view a strong MCAT retake?

[believe <3]

Let's say an applicant scored terribly on the first MCAT (24ish) but after a gap year and studying super hard for the next one, scores 36+….how would top schools view this? Especially schools with strong, desirable programs (in particular, NYU 3 year, CCLCM, Penn, JHU, UVA, CA schools, Texas MD for out-of-state )

Assuming EC's, research and clinical volunteering are all great, would the fact that the applicant had to retake in the first place ruin any chance he/she might have had at these schools? Especially with such a low first score?

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[gyngyn]

Let's say an applicant scored terribly on the first MCAT (24ish) but after a gap year and studying super hard for the next one, scores 36+….how would top schools view this? Especially schools with strong, desirable programs (in particular, NYU 3 year, CCLCM, Penn, JHU, UVA, CA schools, Texas MD for out-of-state )

Assuming EC's, research and clinical volunteering are all great, would the fact that the applicant had to retake in the first place ruin any chance he/she might have had at these schools? Especially with such a low first score?

It's entirely unpredictable, but certainly not as good as the single high score.

 

[Banco]

Some schools average, some look at the most recent one, some have their own specific ways. This varies for every school, and "top 30" isn't a homogeneous group.

It's good that you made such a stark increase though, I'm sure it will get some curiosity from such schools.

 

[believe <3]

It's entirely unpredictable, but certainly not as good as the single high score.

I see…would your school interview or offer an acceptance to such an applicant? What other factors could overshadow this discrepancy?

 

[believe <3]

Some schools average, some look at the most recent one, some have their own specific ways. This varies for every school, and "top 30" isn't a homogeneous group.

It's good that you made such a stark increase though, I'm sure it will get some curiosity from such schools.

Thanks for your input. Do you think that maybe mid-tier MD would be a possibility? Will there be some school(s) that are accepting of this?

 

[GrapesofRath]

I see…would your school interview or offer an acceptance to such an applicant? What other factors could overshadow this discrepancy?

The "Top 30 schools" you speak of routinely reject 3.9/36 applicants all the time(in fact they reject FAR more than they accept). It's not that simple; if it was there would be no interviews or staffs of ADCOMs dedicating countless hours to reading the finest details of applications.

As to the original question the time gap between the test takings is of importance. If there is a 2 year gap many med schools would be inclined to put more weight on the latter score. If they were taken back to back within a span of weeks some schools would be more likely to average the two scores than they would if the gap was 2 years.

 

[justadream]

Obviously a high MCAT score looks good. However, it does not completely redeem yourself from doing poorly the other time.

I suspect this is even the case from schools that claim to "look at only the highest score" or "superscore".

Otherwise, schools would view student A below as being better than student B:

Student A:
MCAT 1: 15/45
MCAT 2: 15/45
MAT 3: 43/45

Student B:
MCAT 1: 42/45

 

[deleted577188]

Obviously a high MCAT score looks good. However, it does not completely redeem yourself from doing poorly the other time.

I suspect this is even the case from schools that claim to "look at only the highest score" or "superscore".

Otherwise, schools would view student A below as being better than student B:

Student A:
MCAT 1: 15/45
MCAT 2: 15/45
MAT 3: 43/45

Student A:
MCAT 1: 42/45

Which one is Student B again?

 

[justadream]

Which one is Student B again?

Haha sorry, student B is the second one. Fixed in my post.

 

[Banco]

Thanks for your input. Do you think that maybe mid-tier MD would be a possibility? Will there be some school(s) that are accepting of this?

I mean less selective schools are likely a better chance. All you can do is apply and try!

 

[Lawpy]

Let's say an applicant scored terribly on the first MCAT (24ish) but after a gap year and studying super hard for the next one, scores 36+….how would top schools view this? Especially schools with strong, desirable programs (in particular, NYU 3 year, CCLCM, Penn, JHU, UVA, CA schools, Texas MD for out-of-state )

Assuming EC's, research and clinical volunteering are all great, would the fact that the applicant had to retake in the first place ruin any chance he/she might have had at these schools? Especially with such a low first score?

Even with strong stats first time around (>3.9 GPA and >36 MCAT), top schools remain unpredictable unfortunately. With that said, generally a much higher retake is looked favorably upon for obvious reasons. Yes, there are some schools that average the scores, others take the highest/recent scores, and even few that superscore (takes the highest subsection of both exams and adds them). But, retakes aren't a red flag for top medical schools. There are several applicants this past cycle who retook the MCAT and got into various great schools.

I can say one thing with certainty. Scoring lower on the MCAT retake will effectively throw your app in the trash. Even worse is retaking a balanced 30s score and scoring lower.

It's entirely unpredictable, but certainly not as good as the single high score.

Indeed. Even retaking a balanced 30 score and scoring 40+ shows an error in judgement. Or even arrogance issues (not that I agree with it, but it gives that vibe).

 

[steelersfan1243]

Can someone provide more detail? I recently took the new MCAT and received an overall percentile of 71-81%.
My breakdown is as follows:
CHM: 85-100%
CARS: 32-47%
Bio: 85-100%
Psych: 45-60%

I was told I had to retake it if I wanted a chance with MD, is this true? On the AAMC practice I scored 89% correct on verbal, but I will say my verbal tests before taking the new MCAT varied from 7-11. I am now practicing everyday. Will MD schools look down, if I score the same or only improve by 1 or 2 points? I really just want my verbal score up

 

[deleted577188]

Can someone provide more detail? I recently took the new MCAT and received an overall percentile of 71-81%.
My breakdown is as follows:
CHM: 85-100%
CARS: 32-47%
Bio: 85-100%
Psych: 45-60%

I was told I had to retake it if I wanted a chance with MD, is this true? On the AAMC practice I scored 89% correct on verbal, but I will say my verbal tests before taking the new MCAT varied from 7-11. I am now practicing everyday. Will MD schools look down, if I score the same or only improve by 1 or 2 points? I really just want my verbal score up

Personally, I would wait to schedule a potential retake, as no one really knows exactly what your percentile equates to on the new scale. That's just my 2cents though.
Someone on here will refute what I'm saying, but that's okay cause this is just my opinion.

 

[FFH]

Let's say an applicant scored terribly on the first MCAT (24ish) but after a gap year and studying super hard for the next one, scores 36+….how would top schools view this? Especially schools with strong, desirable programs (in particular, NYU 3 year, CCLCM, Penn, JHU, UVA, CA schools, Texas MD for out-of-state )

Assuming EC's, research and clinical volunteering are all great, would the fact that the applicant had to retake in the first place ruin any chance he/she might have had at these schools? Especially with such a low first score?

You didn't mention Stanford, otherwise I'd thought you were another member who chronically focused on having a bad MCAT score after having gotten a good one to the degree that the thought of it seemed to consumed her for the worst.

You can't change what's already happened. Worrying about it only makes it worse. Just focus on showcasing your strength. If you have a legit reason why you didn't get a good score the first time (bad advising, illness etc.) then say it when the issue arise. Otherwise, apply as if you don't have that score and let the adcoms and application screeners at the top schools decide if it'll be a big deal. Some of might think you are the utmost rotten apple for having such a bad first score (very unlikely and it would be very unjust, but you never know). I suspect most won't care.

 

[Cyberdyne 101]

Indeed. Even retaking a balanced 30 score and scoring 40+ shows an error in judgement. Or even arrogance issues (not that I agree with it, but it gives that vibe).

Not necessarily. According to @LizzyM (hope it's ok to tag you 😛), it can demonstrate an applicant's desire to attend a top school.

 

[GrapesofRath]

Can someone provide more detail? I recently took the new MCAT and received an overall percentile of 71-81%.
My breakdown is as follows:
CHM: 85-100%
CARS: 32-47%
Bio: 85-100%
Psych: 45-60%

I was told I had to retake it if I wanted a chance with MD, is this true? On the AAMC practice I scored 89% correct on verbal, but I will say my verbal tests before taking the new MCAT varied from 7-11. I am now practicing everyday. Will MD schools look down, if I score the same or only improve by 1 or 2 points? I really just want my verbal score up

Verbal is the most important section yes it is necessary to retake. Your overall percentage is indicative of a 29 or so on the old MCAT(total guestimate) but even though that's low, that's not your issue. You are looking at a 6-7 essentially on the old test just to give you a ballpark estimate and some perspective, on what is the most important section I might add in the minds of many on the MCAT. The psych score is also needed for a retake. There are two good things here a) your bio and physical sciences are excellent there is no need to really re study for those significantly(and those can take ALOT of time to restudy) b) there are definitely some overlap in skill set that is tested and necessary for psych and CARS. They are hard sections there is no question but if you can improve your verbal comprehension and ability to deeply analyze the passages , you will have helped yourself alot for both sections. Now, improving that is easier said than done but there are many posts on SDN of it being done before so don't lose hope.

It's really hard to say with verbal when it is appropriate to re-take. You have practice tests that show you are capable. There is no good answer here; just keep practicing and when you feel like you've done all you can give it your best shot and re-take. IT is a horrible feeling though knowing your fate relies on an incredibly wild, cruel and subjective verbal which is impossible to predict and impossible to get a feel for how you did. SDN knows the horror all too well.

 

[steelersfan1243]

Verbal is the most important section yes it is necessary to retake. Your overall percentage is indicative of a 29 or so on the old MCAT(total guestimate) but even though that's low, that's not your issue. You are looking at a 6-7 essentially on the old test just to give you a ballpark estimate and some perspective, on what is the most important section I might add in the minds of many on the MCAT. The psych score is also needed for a retake. There are two good things here a) your bio and physical sciences are excellent there is no need to really re study for those significantly(and those can take ALOT of time to restudy) b) there are definitely some overlap in skill set that is tested and necessary for psych and CARS. They are hard sections there is no question but if you can improve your verbal comprehension and ability to deeply analyze the passages , you will have helped yourself alot for both sections. Now, improving that is easier said than done but there are many posts on SDN of it being done before so don't lose hope.

It's really hard to say with verbal when it is appropriate to re-take. You have practice tests that show you are capable. There is no good answer here; just keep practicing and when you feel like you've done all you can give it your best shot and re-take. IT is a horrible feeling though knowing your fate relies on an incredibly wild, cruel and subjective verbal which is impossible to predict and impossible to get a feel for how you did. SDN knows the horror all too well.

I appreciate the help, I am going to keep at it. I really do believe I can bring up my score!