Is it an application killer to take the MCAT 3+ times?

[sadgeboi]

Have taken it twice so far:

First time: 501 (125/124/124/128) - studied while taking 16 credit hours, working part time, and being involved in 2 ECs.

Second time: 505 (126/126/124/129) - studied while working FT.

I'm considering a third retake so that I can study without any obligations this time around...but even if I take it a third time and assuming that I have a significant improvement, am I in a "damned if I do, damned if I don't" situation?

3.59 cGPA, 3.42 sGPA.

If a third retake isn't an app killer, I would like to take it one more time and apply next year.

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[premedalt]

Have taken it twice so far:

First time: 501 (125/124/124/128) - studied while taking 16 credit hours, working part time, and being involved in 2 ECs.

Second time: 505 (126/126/124/129) - studied while working FT.

I'm considering a third retake so that I can study without any obligations this time around...but even if I take it a third time and assuming that I have a significant improvement, am I in a "damned if I do, damned if I don't" situation?

3.59 cGPA, 3.42 sGPA.

If a third retake isn't an app killer, I would like to take it one more time and apply next year.

I think you're currently fine for DO schools as long your ECs are decent. Given your GPA, you would need a really high MCAT to have chance for MD schools, and it being the third score might not matter to some schools but it definitely won't help your case for others.

Maybe @Goro can shed some more light on how adcoms view a third score.

 

[genessis42]

It can be bad if you don't have score improvement on the 3rd MCAT.

I took mine 3 times too, but my main reason is that my scores were the Pre-2015 format at first.

 

[Goro]

Third time is not a killer as long as there is an improvement

This.

 

[Rachapkis]

If possible, I would try to avoid the “but” on your third take. I got this score, but I had to . . . Leave it all at the exam with no excuses. Good luck.

 

[deleted889094]

If possible, I would try to avoid the “but” on your third take. I got this score, but I had to . . . Leave it all at the exam with no excuses. Good luck.

Yeah, no excuses. Almost everyone had things going on when they study for the MCAT - including the high scorers. Work smarter, not harder

 

[sadgeboi]

If possible, I would try to avoid the “but” on your third take. I got this score, but I had to . . . Leave it all at the exam with no excuses. Good luck.

Ah, sorry - didn't mean to make it seem like I was making excuses! I just want to study without any obligations this time around to maximize my chances of getting a good score 🙂

 

[sadgeboi]

@gonnif @Goro Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!

 

[Rachapkis]

Ah, sorry - didn't mean to make it seem like I was making excuses! I just want to study without any obligations this time around to maximize my chances of getting a good score 🙂

I did not mean to insinuate you had done something wrong. I meant that it would be best if you could eliminate all possible distractions to maximize your chances at a high score. I wish you nothing but the best in your efforts to become a doctor.

 

[sadgeboi]

I did not mean to insinuate you had done something wrong. I meant that it would be best if you could eliminate all possible distractions to maximize your chances at a high score. I wish you nothing but the best in your efforts to become a doctor.

I wholeheartedly agree - and I appreciate the support, thank you 🙂

 

[M&L]

Have taken it twice so far:

First time: 501 (125/124/124/128) - studied while taking 16 credit hours, working part time, and being involved in 2 ECs.

Second time: 505 (126/126/124/129) - studied while working FT.

I'm considering a third retake so that I can study without any obligations this time around...but even if I take it a third time and assuming that I have a significant improvement, am I in a "damned if I do, damned if I don't" situation?

3.59 cGPA, 3.42 sGPA.

If a third retake isn't an app killer, I would like to take it one more time and apply next year.

I took my MCAT 4 times. 491/498/500/511. On my third cycle, - this year, - was offered 6 interviews(attended 5), and got accepted to 4 schools, 1 WL that i ended up withdrawing from.

 

[sadgeboi]

I took my MCAT 4 times. 491/498/500/511. On my third cycle, - this year, - was offered 6 interviews(attended 5), and got accepted to 4 schools, 1 WL that i ended up withdrawing from.

That's an amazing score jump! Can I ask what you changed the 4th time around?

 

[M&L]

That's an amazing score jump! Can I ask what you changed the 4th time around?

Took biochemistry and organic lab . The first 3 attempts were before I took those two . I prepared for my last exam over winter break in the evening . I still had a full time job , but no school , so that helped too .

 

[M&L]

That's an amazing score jump! Can I ask what you changed the 4th time around?

And I should add that because of multiple Mcats I had to explain It in every application- what I learned from the experience . I didn’t list any excuses, I directly said what I did wrong , what I changed , and what I leaned from it . I think in those situations taking full responsibility vs listing outside factors that influenced your score is always better .

 

[Hi_I'mPaul]

Have taken it twice so far:

First time: 501 (125/124/124/128) - studied while taking 16 credit hours, working part time, and being involved in 2 ECs.

Second time: 505 (126/126/124/129) - studied while working FT.

I'm considering a third retake so that I can study without any obligations this time around...but even if I take it a third time and assuming that I have a significant improvement, am I in a "damned if I do, damned if I don't" situation?

3.59 cGPA, 3.42 sGPA.

If a third retake isn't an app killer, I would like to take it one more time and apply next year.

I applied for 2 cycles and have 3 MCATs. 501->504 for first cycle = no MD interviews. Retook MCAT for second cycle and got a 515 and got a fair amount of MD love. It's not an app killer. Just study right this time and do the absolute best you can

 

[Hi_I'mPaul]

And I should add that because of multiple Mcats I had to explain It in every application- what I learned from the experience . I didn’t list any excuses, I directly said what I did wrong , what I changed , and what I leaned from it . I think in those situations taking full responsibility vs listing outside factors that influenced your score is always better .

Weird, I'm trying to think back and I don't remember explaining my 3 MCATs in many apps [there were a few] and it never came up in any of my interviews.

Good advice though and definitely how you should explain it if you have to!

 

[M&L]

Weird, I'm trying to think back and I don't remember explaining my 3 MCATs in many apps [there were a few] and it never came up in any of my interviews.

Good advice though and definitely how you should explain it if you have to!

Several admissions representatives that I talked to over the phone advised me to explain it, probably because I had 4 attempts. 4 attempts actually disqualifies you from some of the schools. But if you just have 3, you probably wont need to explain it. Honestly, I would pick a school that has very nice admissions representatives (school that you also really want to go to), call them and honestly ask them. I mean, it worked for me. I ended up being accepted to both schools that I asked that question.
When explaining it, I put it in the "is there anything else you want to add" section of the secondary. Majority of school has them. One of the school actually told me to write a letter, and attach it to my application. So it definitely differs.

But right now this is not important. The important is for you to rock the hell out of the MCAT. I would go to google and search for MCAT success stories. There was a guy on reddit that posted an article talking about getting 525+ score, and explaining his studying strategy. Now, he wasn't working, I was - full time. But using his studying strategy helped so much. Basically, he said to not worry about reviewing the books at all. Do memorize the formulas, amino acids, stuff like that. But otherwise, buy banks of questions (I just did AAMC banks, since I was low on cash), and go through every single question, - about 50-60 questions a day is good. Whenever you get a question wrong, or "accidentally" right, write down the name of the concept on a separate piece of paper. When you finish your daily 50 questions, take a break, and then review every single topic on that list you've just made. Review it so well, that you can teach it, if you had to. like, REALLY dig into it. Next day, - next 50 questions. This way, over the scope of a month , or just a little over, you will simply run out of concepts. Also, I SWEAR by Khan academy (but I am a visual learner, so I am not sure if it is as affective for other types of learners). I watched every Khan Academy MCAT prep video at least 3 times. Love them.

For Psychology section I downloaded several quizlet MCAT psychology/sociology banks and spent 30 mins a day flipping through them.

I am sorry, if all this information is unnecessary, - I know you didn't ask for it. BUt maybe someone else could benefit from it.

 

[sadgeboi]

And I should add that because of multiple Mcats I had to explain It in every application- what I learned from the experience . I didn’t list any excuses, I directly said what I did wrong , what I changed , and what I leaned from it . I think in those situations taking full responsibility vs listing outside factors that influenced your score is always better .

Are there certain sections in the application where you can explain this?

 

[sadgeboi]

Several admissions representatives that I talked to over the phone advised me to explain it, probably because I had 4 attempts. 4 attempts actually disqualifies you from some of the schools. But if you just have 3, you probably wont need to explain it. Honestly, I would pick a school that has very nice admissions representatives (school that you also really want to go to), call them and honestly ask them. I mean, it worked for me. I ended up being accepted to both schools that I asked that question.
When explaining it, I put it in the "is there anything else you want to add" section of the secondary. Majority of school has them. One of the school actually told me to write a letter, and attach it to my application. So it definitely differs.

But right now this is not important. The important is for you to rock the hell out of the MCAT. I would go to google and search for MCAT success stories. There was a guy on reddit that posted an article talking about getting 525+ score, and explaining his studying strategy. Now, he wasn't working, I was - full time. But using his studying strategy helped so much. Basically, he said to not worry about reviewing the books at all. Do memorize the formulas, amino acids, stuff like that. But otherwise, buy banks of questions (I just did AAMC banks, since I was low on cash), and go through every single question, - about 50-60 questions a day is good. Whenever you get a question wrong, or "accidentally" right, write down the name of the concept on a separate piece of paper. When you finish your daily 50 questions, take a break, and then review every single topic on that list you've just made. Review it so well, that you can teach it, if you had to. like, REALLY dig into it. Next day, - next 50 questions. This way, over the scope of a month , or just a little over, you will simply run out of concepts. Also, I SWEAR by Khan academy (but I am a visual learner, so I am not sure if it is as affective for other types of learners). I watched every Khan Academy MCAT prep video at least 3 times. Love them.

For Psychology section I downloaded several quizlet MCAT psychology/sociology banks and spent 30 mins a day flipping through them.

I am sorry, if all this information is unnecessary, - I know you didn't ask for it. BUt maybe someone else could benefit from it.

Thank you so much for the write up - this is super helpful! I was getting so discouraged at the thought of having to take it three times and there were so many posts here with mixed opinions.

I think that's a good strategy and I'll use it this time - I want to do it right this time.

 

[M&L]

Are there certain sections in the application where you can explain this?

Majority of the applications have a section for “other things you want to explain “. You’ll see what I mean

 

[M&L]

Thank you so much for the write up - this is super helpful! I was getting so discouraged at the thought of having to take it three times and there were so many posts here with mixed opinions.

I think that's a good strategy and I'll use it this time - I want to do it right this time.

hey, you can do this! remember - you have good GPA. Which means that you CAN handle the material. Now you just need to find a right approach to study and practice, practice, practice. THe more questions you go through, the better you become, - the key though is to make sure you go through the topics you do not understand. Otherwise, you are good! do not lose your confidence.

When are you planning to take it?

 

[bobbitybob]

You are fine. I took the MCAT 3x as well, 496/502/510. I explained in the anything else to add section in some of the secondaries. Got 3 interviews, only one brought it up ( 1 was closed file and another was MMI); they asked how I did well the third time (probs bc i took the third test about a month after the second one). Got accepted to my top choice after being waitlisted. Do it only if you are sure you will improve your score.

Edit: I agree with M&L comment about guy on reddit. I only had a month to study between the second and third test, so I basically did AAMC qbanks since I had a good grasp on the material.

 

[chemdoctor]

I took my MCAT 4 times. 491/498/500/511. On my third cycle, - this year, - was offered 6 interviews(attended 5), and got accepted to 4 schools, 1 WL that i ended up withdrawing from.

Damn mans that’s some major improvement. Mind if I PM you?

 

[M&L]

Damn mans that’s some major improvement. Mind if I PM you?

Sure

 

[787593]

Have taken it twice so far:

First time: 501 (125/124/124/128) - studied while taking 16 credit hours, working part time, and being involved in 2 ECs.

Second time: 505 (126/126/124/129) - studied while working FT.

I'm considering a third retake so that I can study without any obligations this time around...but even if I take it a third time and assuming that I have a significant improvement, am I in a "damned if I do, damned if I don't" situation?

3.59 cGPA, 3.42 sGPA.

If a third retake isn't an app killer, I would like to take it one more time and apply next year.

Do not take it again unless you're consistently killing the practice exams. Study hard, take a good mix of practice exams, and take whatever latest AAMC exam is out 1 week before.

If you don't get within 1 point of the target, best to not risk it.

 

[Louisebelcher22]

I applied for 2 cycles and have 3 MCATs. 501->504 for first cycle = no MD interviews. Retook MCAT for second cycle and got a 515 and got a fair amount of MD love. It's not an app killer. Just study right this time and do the absolute best you can

Did you take an mcat prep course ? What materials did you use to study ? I’m currently in the same situation this is my third time taking it.

 

[Hi_I'mPaul]

Did you take an mcat prep course ? What materials did you use to study ? I’m currently in the same situation this is my third time taking it.

I didn't take a prep course. I did an SMP to improve sGPA which had many courses that overlapped with MCAT but in more detail since it's a master's program (i.e. biochem, genetics, anatomy/physiology, microbio/immunology, etc). Other than that I used Khan Academy (watched all videos) and used Kaplan book for biochem and the Princeton Review books for gen chem, orgo, psych. I didn't need to study physics beyond Khan because I'm good at it. Same for bio. I used Next Step exams + AAMC materials. That was about it.

 

[deleted889094]

Did you take an mcat prep course ? What materials did you use to study ? I’m currently in the same situation this is my third time taking it.

There are so many good, free resources out there. I highly recommend what @M&L advised with the study bank questions. That helped me a ton.

For concept-specific review, Khan Academy is great. Varsity Tutors also has a free MCAT prep app that's nice for some concept review on the bus or whatever. My favorite, though, has to be MCATquestion.com. There are just countless questions, and you can also sort by topic. When I was iffy on something, I would just do a ton of those until I knew it backwards and forwards.

 

[Hi_I'mPaul]

Wow. And here I thought you were a genius. Well I admire you even more so bc of your perseverance. You go girl!

I finally finished my AMCAS app. What a hassle!

boy* 🙂 Thanks! Nope, I had my troubles and distractions back in college, but I've straightened myself out and gotten back on track the last two years! I appreciate it!

Wishing you the best this cycle!!

 

[gyngyn]

For others reading this: the best strategy is a single strong score.
That said, there will always be places that understand multiple scores, especially if you have qualities in short supply.

The AAMC recommends that we average multiple scores.

 

[deleted804295]

I took my MCAT 4 times. 491/498/500/511. On my third cycle, - this year, - was offered 6 interviews(attended 5), and got accepted to 4 schools, 1 WL that i ended up withdrawing from.

Inspiring perserverance

 

[M&L]

For others reading this: the best strategy is a single strong score.
That said, there will always be places that understand multiple scores, especially if you have qualities in short supply. Or some other examples that you’ve seen ?

The AAMC recommends that we average multiple scores.

What kind of qualities should qualify as short supply ? Like behavioral health technician job , for example , or experience working in drug addiction?

 

[gyngyn]

What kind of qualities should qualify as short supply ? Like behavioral health technician job , for example , or experience working in drug addiction?

A member of a group that does not get fair access to the medical care that their taxes subsidize is an example (especially with a validated commitment to serve).

 

[JustAUser]

A member of a group that does not get fair access to the medical care that their taxes subsidize is an example (especially with a validated commitment to serve).

That's an interesting way to describe 'qualities in short supply'

 

[Louisebelcher22]

I didn't take a prep course. I did an SMP to improve sGPA which had many courses that overlapped with MCAT but in more detail since it's a master's program (i.e. biochem, genetics, anatomy/physiology, microbio/immunology, etc). Other than that I used Khan Academy (watched all videos) and used Kaplan book for biochem and the Princeton Review books for gen chem, orgo, psych. I didn't need to study physics beyond Khan because I'm good at it. Same for bio. I used Next Step exams + AAMC materials. That was about it.

I’m also planning to do a smp this year too !!!! Did you take the mcat after the smp ?

 

[Hi_I'mPaul]

I’m also planning to do a smp this year too !!!! Did you take the mcat after the smp ?

I did something that I don't recommend nor would adcoms/advisors recommend. But, I did it during the second semester (Spring) of the SMP. It was very challenging and definitely pushed myself further than I ever had academically lol. It did work out on both accounts though.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

I took mine 3x. First two scores similar to yours. Non-URM - ORM actually. Tons of volunteer, clinical work, shadow, research (multiple pubs), leadership, etc. - an all around superb application minus the MCAT. Took mine the 3rd time, did okay enough, got a masters during gap year and currently attending a T10 and killing it here.

 

[sadgeboi]

I took mine 3x. First two scores similar to yours. Non-URM - ORM actually. Tons of volunteer, clinical work, shadow, research (multiple pubs), leadership, etc. - an all around superb application minus the MCAT. Took mine the 3rd time, did okay enough, got a masters during gap year and currently attending a T10 and killing it here.

Very inspiring! 🙂

Do you have any tips for taking it for a third time?

 

[Dr. Stalker]

Very inspiring! 🙂

Do you have any tips for taking it for a third time?

YES.

1. You must do well. This is paramount for MD and DO admissions. Medical schools have zero forgiveness for 4th time MCATers (unless you are URM). Given your prior scores, I'd suggest at the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM 512, ideally a 515.

2. Don't take the test until you're ready. Medical schools aren't going anywhere, don't fall into the trap of "I need to take my MCAT on A date, to get my committee letter by B date, to get my AMCAS done by C, and finally apply by D." You (unfortunately, but fortunately) don't have that privilege or pressure anymore. Calmly study and watch your score grow.

3. DM if you want test-specific practice material. I don't want to advertise on here, but I can discuss what radically bumped up my score. Unfortunately, there is no magic "this <practice material> GUARANTEES A 520!!" But, there are some things I discovered later on that would have made my life a lot easier if I had learned about it studying earlier on.

4. Fix your mentality. I'm assuming you're like me, my mood was absolute trash as I messed up the first two times. Its okay. Nobody gives a f*ck later on. Med school median age is like 25.5 or 26. You'll see many students entering in their late 20s, don't fret. Just do the best you can.

 

[Goro]

I did something that I don't recommend nor would adcoms/advisors recommend. But, I did it during the second semester (Spring) of the SMP. It was very challenging and definitely pushed myself further than I ever had academically lol. It did work out on both accounts though.

Paul, you are indeed a Lotto winner. I have yet to see any of my SMP students who took the MCAT during the program do well in either. For 100% of them, this decision was a career killer.

 

[Hi_I'mPaul]

Paul, you are indeed a Lotto winner. I have yet to see any of my SMP students who took the MCAT during the program do well in either. For 100% of them, this decision was a career killer.

I honestly feel like a lotto winner sometimes! I really changed things around in my life within one year. I can also most definitely see why most students fail at doing it. It was the most rigorous 5 months of my life lol. But ended with a 4.0 GPA in my SMP and >90th%ile MCAT so it can be done 🙂 At the expense of a lot of things though...

Honestly think that type of studying/grinding has prepared me well for med school 🤣

 

[Goro]

Honestly think that type of studying/grinding has prepared me well for med school

In all truth, more than you can imagine!

 

[M&L]

YES.

1. You must do well. This is paramount for MD and DO admissions. Medical schools have zero forgiveness for 4th time MCATers (unless you are URM). Given your prior scores, I'd suggest at the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM 512, ideally a 515.

2. Don't take the test until you're ready. Medical schools aren't going anywhere, don't fall into the trap of "I need to take my MCAT on A date, to get my committee letter by B date, to get my AMCAS done by C, and finally apply by D." You (unfortunately, but fortunately) don't have that privilege or pressure anymore. Calmly study and watch your score grow.

3. DM if you want test-specific practice material. I don't want to advertise on here, but I can discuss what radically bumped up my score. Unfortunately, there is no magic "this <practice material> GUARANTEES A 520!!" But, there are some things I discovered later on that would have made my life a lot easier if I had learned about it studying earlier on.

4. Fix your mentality. I'm assuming you're like me, my mood was absolute trash as I messed up the first two times. Its okay. Nobody gives a f*ck later on. Med school median age is like 25.5 or 26. You'll see many students entering in their late 20s, don't fret. Just do the best you can.

agree with all the points, except the first one... I mean, there HAVE to be exceptions to this rule (you are generally absolutely right, but i do not think it is this black and white). it is not zero forgiveness.