Is a 126 on CARS a red flag?

[drnala15]

I took the May 20th MCAT and just received my scores a few days ago. I got a 514 (129/126/131/128). I normally do much better on CARS and consider it my strongest section, so that was a little frustrating for me, but the overall score isn't bad.

I'm wondering if a 126 on CARS will keep me out of schools? Do you think it is worth a retake just for CARS? I'm scared I would do worse on another section and drop my overall score (which I know looks awful to AdComs).

I would really appreciate any insight anyone has on this!

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[intellectualedema]

Even the schools I've seen that do screen for MCAT usually do so at 125. Personally, I think you'd be crazy to retake a 514. Still 90th percentile. You'd do more harm delaying your application than the benefit of getting 2 extra points on CARS. I'd see if someone more knowledgeable than myself has any advice, but I think you're good to go!

 

[drnala15]

Thank you for your insight!! I was thinking along the same lines... Might as well concentrate on those secondaries😉

 

[Hospitalized]

Do not retake a 514. That score is the cream of the crop, and your CARS is 74th percentile? The sky is the limit for you.

 

[QuestionsAnswers]

126 on CARS as you know is 74th percentile, which is between a 9 (67th percentile) and a 10 (84th percentile) on the old scale. So I think you are in solid shape. Do NOT retake IMO.

 

[DesitnationMD]

yeah don't retake. Your lowest score is still well above avg at the 7th percentile. the imbalance may hurt you at the more elite schools but for the avg MD and most Do programs, you are in fantastic shape. I start in just a few weeks, very excited.

 

[Jack Westin]

Do not retake! Great score, congrats!

 

[MareNostrummm]

I took the May 20th MCAT and just received my scores a few days ago. I got a 514 (129/126/131/128). I normally do much better on CARS and consider it my strongest section, so that was a little frustrating for me, but the overall score isn't bad.

I'm wondering if a 126 on CARS will keep me out of schools? Do you think it is worth a retake just for CARS? I'm scared I would do worse on another section and drop my overall score (which I know looks awful to AdComs).

I would really appreciate any insight anyone has on this!

I have a similar score to you but a 124 in CARS (49th percentile). Your 126 is 74th percentile, which is a pretty large jump for only 2 points.
512: 128/124/129/131

I wouldn't retake the 126. Some schools will average multiple MCATs together, so unless you can hit 129+ in CARS it's not going to make a significant difference, provided your other section scores do not fluctuate.