Is a 508 good enough?

[GCS-15]

Hey everyone,

I just took the AAMC practice exam one yesterday (the scored one) and got a 508 (128/125/126/129). Pretty sad because I was getting 506-511 on TPRs and got around a 512 on the sample test. Also, I just made some silly mistakes on this test.

I'm taking the actual test in a week (hoping for 510+), but if i end up getting lower than that, should I retake or just apply this cycle? I'm a CA resident, 3.75cGPA and 3.7sGPA. Pretty good ECs. Aiming for any MD schools.

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[grapp]

From what I have heard, the practice ones are easier than the actual one? Of course, this may differ but it's what I've heard around. I think you should retake it if your dead set on Allopathic, however, I don't think of Osteopathic doctors any less. It's about the type of physician you become, not a M.D. or a D.O. (.)

 

[gyngyn]

Not for CA (mostly).
If everything else is great, there is definitely hope for OOS and DO.

 

[Takamori]

For me, TPRs were harder than the real one. Retaking may not be the best idea and I hope you'll do well on the real one. One week may be sufficient to work on your weaknesses, but if you think it's not enough, don't take it. Take it later rather than retaking it. Good luck!

 

[gyngyn]

One week may be sufficient to work on your weaknesses, but if you think it's not enough, don't take it. Take it later rather than retaking it. Good luck!

This is entirely true.

 

[GCS-15]

Thanks everyone. What do you think is the cut-off (given my stats) so I can decide whether to retake or not after getting scores back? Should I retake anything higher than a 510? I can't really postpone the date on this one (deadline is over). I think I'm going to study hard this week, take the test on Friday, and then get scores back and decide if I need to retake or not.

 

[gyngyn]

I can't really postpone the date on this one (deadline is over). I think I'm going to study hard this week, take the test on Friday, and then get scores back and decide if I need to retake or not.

Yes, you can! A weak MCAT is always visible. Don't take the test unless you want to live with the score...forever.

 

[Goro]

There are plenty of schools you can target with a 508, like the Philly Triplets, VCU Albany and NYMC, plus any DO school.
Come back when you have your score, and then we'll advise.

EDIT: do NOT take a career-deciding, high stakes exam unless you are 100% ready for it.

Adcoms are allergic to poor choice makers.

Hey everyone,

I just took the AAMC practice exam one yesterday (the scored one) and got a 508 (128/125/126/129). Pretty sad because I was getting 506-511 on TPRs and got around a 512 on the sample test. Also, I just made some silly mistakes on this test.

I'm taking the actual test in a week (hoping for 510+), but if i end up getting lower than that, should I retake or just apply this cycle? I'm a CA resident, 3.75cGPA and 3.7sGPA. Pretty good ECs. Aiming for any MD schools.

 

[Takamori]

Thanks everyone. What do you think is the cut-off (given my stats) so I can decide whether to retake or not after getting scores back? Should I retake anything higher than a 510? I can't really postpone the date on this one (deadline is over). I think I'm going to study hard this week, take the test on Friday, and then get scores back and decide if I need to retake or not.

Overworking may be as bad as underwork, so avoid stressing yourself too much. You know your weak points, so just strengthen them, then review everything, and don't forget to rest. I think 510-512 is good enough.

If you're not sure you can make it, just don't take it and register for another date somewhere in April-May. You can fix your money issue easier than the MCAT score.

 

[Cyberdyne 101]

Thanks everyone. What do you think is the cut-off (given my stats) so I can decide whether to retake or not after getting scores back? Should I retake anything higher than a 510? I can't really postpone the date on this one (deadline is over). I think I'm going to study hard this week, take the test on Friday, and then get scores back and decide if I need to retake or not.

Dude, cancel the exam. With some more fine tuning, breaking the 510 barrier will be a guarantee and you'll have more options when you apply.

 

[GCS-15]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Looks like I have a lot of thinking to do.

 

[Hospitalized]

508 is around a 29/30... just about the median. It will probably get you an acceptance somewhere if you apply intelligently and have a well put together application like you mentioned.

 

[abcde100]

Asian, CA resident. Don't take it until you're ready. I took the MCAT 4 times; poor judgement. I shouldn't have rushed it and just do well once. Luckily, I'll be heading to BU in the fall, but I had to BOLSTER my ECs like crazy to compensate.

 

[Takamori]

Asian, CA resident. Don't take it until you're ready. I took the MCAT 4 times; poor judgement. I shouldn't have rushed it and just do well once. Luckily, I'll be heading to BU in the fall, but I had to BOLSTER my ECs like crazy to compensate.

Your first MCAT was good. Why did you decide to retake it?

 

[abcde100]

Your first MCAT was good. Why did you decide to retake it?

I wanted to stay in California, and one way to stand out was a high MCAT score. I'm currently waitlisted at UCSD (low chance of getting accepted), so I've accepted the fact that I'll be moving in July/August to the east coast.

 

[NeuResurgens]

My .02... I delayed my application for a year because of the way my class schedule was set up (my own bad, honestly). Couldn't take biochem until really late in the cycle because of prereqs and I wanted to have time to dedicate to study during the summer anyway. Totally worth waiting until I felt fully prepared - taking the time to get a good MCAT score is more important than just rushing to get everything submitted.

 

[Takamori]

I wanted to stay in California, and one way to stand out was a high MCAT score. I'm currently waitlisted at UCSD (low chance of getting accepted), so I've accepted the fact that I'll be moving in July/August to the east coast.

I see. I'd assume 34 is high enough. Anyway, welcome to the East.

 

[radioactive15]

There are plenty of schools you can target with a 508, like the Philly Triplets, VCU Albany and NYMC, plus any DO school.
Come back when you have your score, and then we'll advise.

EDIT: do NOT take a career-deciding, high stakes exam unless you are 100% ready for it.

Adcoms are allergic to poor choice makers.

What are the Philly Triplets? Drexel, Penn State, and Temple? Would you include Sidney Kimmel as a logical choice to apply with a score around 510?

 

[Goro]

Temple, Drexel and Jefferson. I can't recommend Penn State ever because their parent body protected a child molester for > 20 years.

What are the Philly Triplets? Drexel, Penn State, and Temple? Would you include Sidney Kimmel as a logical choice to apply with a score around 510?

 

[catie_jane]

Temple, Drexel and Jefferson. I can't recommend Penn State ever because their parent body protected a child molester for > 20 years.

I just finished watching Spotlight (Boston Globe team that uncovered the Boston diocese was covering up for >70 priests in Boston that were molesting children). I think you'd like it based on your strong feelings toward Penn State

 

[XxThaDoggxX]

I just finished watching Spotlight (Boston Globe team that uncovered the Boston diocese was covering up for >70 priests in Boston that were molesting children). I think you'd like it based on your strong feelings toward Penn State

Movie was a depressing snooze-fest IMO, but I digress....

 

[catie_jane]

Movie was a depressing snooze-fest IMO, but I digress....

I thought there could have been more to the story after they published the article but I'm also a sucker for scandals/exposure especially when they're based on true stories.

It won best picture this year didn't it?

 

[jme86]

.

 

[Takamori]

Sort of in the same position as OP... also signed up for the April 1 exam. Would it be a bad idea to take it for the experience and void it, then take it for real in May? It it my understanding that medical schools do not see voided attempts.

Yes, actually it's a good idea. Just make sure you really void it lol and identify your weaknesses. Best of luck!

 

[SurgeonOfLife]

Temple, Drexel and Jefferson. I can't recommend Penn State ever because their parent body protected a child molester for > 20 years.

Why not quadruplets? Temple, Drexel, Jefferson, and UPenn :'''(

haha


But yeah, to OP, I'd also recommend waiting 'till you feel ready. However, I've also heard as someone above mentioned that people end up scoring much higher on the real thing. I know someone who was getting ~498, but got 512 on the real thing. Still, take it when you're confident!!! Although not sure if anyone can ever be truly ready.

 

[Lawpy]

Why not quadruplets? Temple, Drexel, Jefferson, and UPenn :'''(

haha

Penn is in the world of its own... hanging out with its buddies JHU and UCSF

 

[golfman7]

Apply and cast a wide net. You won't get interviews at Harvard or Hopkins but your GPA and resume will get your foot in the door for at least a couple interviews.

 

[Goro]

More like Harvard, UChicago and Wash U.

Penn is in the world of its own... hanging out with its buddies JHU and UCSF

 

[kitkat13]

@Goro, I heard committees can see voided attempts, what do you know about this?

 

[medic86]

@Goro, I heard committees can see voided attempts, what do you know about this?

I'm 99.9% certain that this is false.

 

[Life2dmax]

.

 

[Goro]

We haven't seen this yet.

@Goro, I heard committees can see voided attempts, what do you know about this?

 

[occams_razor]

Thanks everyone. What do you think is the cut-off (given my stats) so I can decide whether to retake or not after getting scores back? Should I retake anything higher than a 510? I can't really postpone the date on this one (deadline is over). I think I'm going to study hard this week, take the test on Friday, and then get scores back and decide if I need to retake or not.

no, don't retake a 510+