If retake score is same does it tank my application

[deleted981412]

My first score was 511 (128/129/125/129) and I would like to retake as 1. the score is skewed 2. I only got 2 hrs of sleep and was severely jetlagged. 3. My practice tests are in the 516 range (1 month away). However, I am just paranoid that if I end up getting the same/slightly similar score...anything around 511-513, that it's going to be a death sentence, pretty much? Given I have a high CARS score, I may not be able to replicate it, as that's the one that's most variable and if I end up getting a 127 or something in CARS is that also p much a goner? Would love it if any adcoms would weigh in on this please, and thank you for your time.

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[T-Lymphocyte]

VERY risky to retake a 511.

 

[chlorocruorin]

What's your GPA? Why do you feel the need to retake?

 

[deleted981412]

Seen a few people who have successfully retaken a 511, but also seen a few who dropped a point or two on a retake (but they were still accepted). Easier to retake a score with low sciences - as improving those reliably is easier and what I've seen with many retakers is that their P/S score, C/P and BB score go up much more on average than CARS does.

Thanks. My practice test scores should be okay, and I've been scoring in the Bio 129 range. I honestly think the 2 hr of sleep last test messed up my system. Would you say it's okay to retake and have a more balanced score like 129/128/129/129 even though it's not a huge jump?

 

[deleted981412]

VERY risky to retake a 511.

You would say this even with my practice scores being what they are? Also, this is common sense that it's risky to take an 84th percentile score. Is it disastrous to retake and not improve by X pts is what I was asking

 

[T-Lymphocyte]

You would say this even with my practice scores being what they are? Also, this is common sense that it's risky to take an 84th percentile score. Is it disastrous to retake and not improve by X pts is what I was asking

It will only seem disastrous if your score drops by a significant amount (judging by people's feedback on here).
However, if your practice exams consistently reflect that you can score within the 510+ range, then I'd say go for it, I guess.


Recall that the MCAT is just 1 factor, although an important one, of the whole admissions process. A 511 is a good score, retaking *might* seem like a thing a pre-med with a neurotic/perfectionist mindset might do. However, given that it's the B/B section that is lower than 126, which is arguably the most essential section, well.. tough decision.
You should take into account your GPA and ECs into the mix to see if the retake is actually necessary.

Also, look up your schools of interest in the MSAR and check out the reported distribution of scores in each individual sections.

 

[Lawpy]

It will hurt if your retake remains the same (or worse if it decreases). Only retake if you can score significantly higher and section scores are more balanced (so a 514+).

 

[deleted981412]

It will hurt if your retake remains the same (or worse if it decreases). Only retake if you can score significantly higher and section scores are more balanced (so a 514+).

Thank you!