How does MCAT score screening work?

[DielsAlder]

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Hi,

So I have two sets of MCAT scores that are very different from each other. The first time I took the test, I got a 34, but with 7 verbal. The second time I took the test, I scored a 39, but with an 11 verbal.

I understand that some schools look at the highest/most recent scores, or averages them both. Since my first verbal was really low, I was wondering how that would affect me in the application process?

 

[kyamh]

There are a few schools that may screen you for a sub section score that is under 8. I don't know which ones they are, but that's the only potential concern. Most schools screen for <7 if they screen for sub scores at all. Congratulations on your successful retake! Nice increase in your verbal 🙂

 

[DielsAlder]

Thank you for the reply 🙂 I'm just hoping if a school does screen for that, they at least take the improvement into account

 

[Goro]

Any school that's stupid enough to screen you out because of your avg'd VR 9 score, or because of the original VR7, is not one I'd want you to go to! Congrats on the remarkable MCAT achievement. What was the secret?

Thank you for the reply 🙂 I'm just hoping if a school does screen for that, they at least take the improvement into account

 

[aspirantmed]

For most top schools, even a 34 is at or above the 10th percentile of accepted students (per MSAR). With a 39, you are in absolutely fine shape with nothing to worry about. Congratulations!

 

[DielsAlder]

Any school that's stupid enough to screen you out because of your avg'd VR 9 score, or because of the original VR7, is not one I'd want you to go to! Congrats on the remarkable MCAT achievement. What was the secret?

Thanks! I think it was better time management skills on the verbal the second time I took the exam. If I was spending too much time on a passage, I just guessed on the remaining questions for the passage and moved on. I don't think I improved in my verbal ability at all the second time, it was just that.

 

[DielsAlder]

Sorry everyone, just one more question. For schools that screen subsections, do they look at the more recent/higher score, the average verbal, or the lowest verbal?

 

[gettheleadout]

Sorry everyone, just one more question. For schools that screen subsections, do they look at the more recent/higher score, the average verbal, or the lowest verbal?

I could see this varying between schools. Lowest seems pretty harsh so I'd speculate they'd either screen by average or latest score. You could definitely just outright ask schools.

 

[justAstudent]

With a 39, I doubt you'd have any problems getting through screens.

 

[DokterMom]

They'll notice the 39 before they notice the 7.
If they then notice the 7, they'll take the time to find the 11 and figure you're fine on the Verbal.

 

[DoctorWhoo]

They'll notice the 39 before they notice the 7.
If they then notice the 7, they'll take the time to find the 11 and figure you're fine on the Verbal.

I believe his concern is the schools that have computer programs that auto screen... I think it is safe to assume that any human screener would clearly see this applicant as someone worth keeping around.

To answer OP's question, I'm sure every school has their own proprietary method of screening. To counteract this, apply broadly and know that you will likely be screened by a small handful of the schools you apply to because they have an outdated screening tactic. If by chance you are screened by your dream school, call and see if you can petition since you are definitely an outlying case.

Congrats on your successful retake! I look forward to hearing about other successes a year from now!