How much better would I have to do to justify retaking if I got a 34 O (12/11/11) on my first attempt?
How much better would I have to do?
- Thread starter tmg1325
- Start date
Well that depends on your GPA. Take a look at the AAMC MCAT/GPA matriculation table: https://www.aamc.org/download/157450/data/table24-mcatgpagridall2008-10.pdf.pdf
If you have a high GPA (3.6+) , your chances of acceptance are increased by about 3.7-5.5% if you score between a 36-45. So probably not worth taking it.
If your GPA is around 3.2-3.59, you can increase your odds of acceptance by 5.7-12.5%. Potentially worth it if you're sure you can score higher and your GPA is so so. Just make sure you don't score lower on your next MCAT.
Personally, I think a 34O is a solid MCAT score and would have been thrilled had I gotten that. But then again, it's your call. Good luck! 🙂
Yeah. My GPA is a 3.27 overall, and I think my math and science GPA is barely above a 3. So as long as I can improve to a 37 or so I would assume it would be worthwhile to retake it. I'm pretty sure I can increase my score- I just wondered if I would have to get in the 40's to make it worth it, because it seems really touch and go with the upper level scores- one question can drop you a whole point, and I might get unlucky.
Well, with a 34 and a 3.27 GPA, you have about a 50:50 shot of getting in on just those stats alone. You can try to take the MCAT again, however, keep in mind that MCAT scores aren't everything.
Do not neglect participating in volunteering and building relations to get good LORs. Also, you could work on getting your GPA up. Those are also important to make yourself an appealing candidate to med schools. Also, don't forget you can apply to multiple schools so that can also up your chances of getting into medical school.
In sum, AdComs look at more then MCAT scores when considering potential students, so don't focus all your energy on improving your score where there are many other things you can do to improve your chances of getting accepted.
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2007
- Messages
- 3,924
- Reaction score
- 13
Truth is -- if you don't get in with a 34, a 36 or even a 40 is likely to make little difference. Keep in mind that it's never one thing that keeps you out. Your GPA is pretty low, so that along w/ another weakness may keep you out, but your MCAT is already high and balanced. Chances are good that you won't improve and may actually do worse. Esp. considering your either poor performance all 4 yrs or your inconsistent academic performance, I'd guess that 34 is on the high side for you. What were your AAMC practice tests like? What does the MCAT Estimator suggest you could get? If 34 is above the average values given by those two resources, I'd suggest not retaking. If, OTOH, your estimation is a good 3-5 points higher than a 34 THEN I would seriously consider a retake.
Fairly consistent poor performance over the four years, a bit of a downward trend- but in general I test well. I didn't really take the AAMC tests- I did a couple of the sections the night of the test and I scored about the same on the BS and PS, a bit higher on the VR. I never took a full practice test though, so I don't know.
Honestly, I feel like I could improve, if I studied. And I know I probably need to get clinical experience or something, since I only really did research in undergrad. But I can't fix my GPA at this point, so I figure that improving my MCAT at least would show dedication?
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2007
- Messages
- 3,924
- Reaction score
- 13
Work on the Clinical, not the MCAT. Take some classes to get an upward trend. Your weak spots are Clinical and GPA at this point and those WILL keep you out. A 34 on the MCAT will help you but a 40 cannot overcome the weak GPA or clinical. Fix your weak points.
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2010
- Messages
- 495
- Reaction score
- 2
Tough love, but apumic is right.
