Is it too late to retake MCAT in Aug for this cycle?

[Johansef]

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Looking for some advice. I'm a California Resident with slightly below average stats and decent EC's. 3.6 cGPA and 3.45s GPA from a UC. Already submitted my app last week, but waiting on verification. I got my MCAT back today and it's a 29 (PS:10 VR:9 BS:10). I realize MD schools are a long shot and I'm well into DO range. I'm planning to apply to something like 50-60 schools. I'd like to matriculate MD if possible. Is it worth it to retake it in August? My last 3 AAMC practices I was scoring 31-35, I'm quite disappointed in myself. Interviews can happen up until April next year, so if I retook it would they look at my new score or not really? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you so much.

Here are my EC's in a nutshell:

1 year of shadowing (over 400 hours)

1 year 3 months volunteering for Flying Samaratians free clinic in Mexico (been on like 7 trips)

1 year of research in a cardiology lab no pubs yet, but hopefully in a couple months I'll have something pending.

3 months research in undergrad (field work in Joshua Tree National Park)

1 year as a member and 1 year as VP of Programs for Future Business Leaders of America (organizing community service and social events)

1 year as Treasurer of Best Buddies (organization dedicated to helping disabled individuals develop leadership skills and secure jobs)

P.S. I'm also Asian. That probably makes my life more difficult.

 

[miketheghost19]

I'm in an almost identical situation as you. I decided to not retake since it would make my application late. Worst case scenario, I don't get in this cycle and retake the MCAT next year and reapply. However, if you are very confident you could get a 33+, then it might be worth retaking in August.

 

[Johansef]

After what happened with my MCAT, I'm not confident in anything anymore hahaha. I was average 11 and 12's on all my verbals but somehow scored 9 on the actual.

 

[miketheghost19]

After what happened with my MCAT, I'm not confident in anything anymore hahaha. I was average 11 and 12's on all my verbals but somehow scored 9 on the actual.

That's what happened to me on the PS section haha. Let's hope our scores being balanced, makes up for them being low.

 

[miketheghost19]

Forgot to say, if you decide to retake, they will put your app on hold and look at your new score when it gets in.

 

[chenzt]

I don't know if there are 50-60 schools for you to apply, unless you want to try state schools or jhu that has the odds stacked against you.

 

[Johansef]

That's what happened to me on the PS section haha. Let's hope our scores being balanced, makes up for them being low.

Yeah good luck man. If we keep trying we'll get where we want to be one way or another 👍

 

[Jennyfishy]

I'm in an almost identical situation as you. I decided to not retake since it would make my application late. Worst case scenario, I don't get in this cycle and retake the MCAT next year and reapply. However, if you are very confident you could get a 33+, then it might be worth retaking in August.

I'm in the same situation as you both. I was anticipating a 31 or 32 (at the lowest) based on my AAMC practice tests, but I think my nerves got to me at the last minute. I decided to apply anyway since I don't have time to retake, and will take an extra year off to actually study. I only reviewed for 3 weeks (life happened), but I agree with this - if you think you will significantly improve on a retake, go for it.

Just keep in mind that just as many people improve their scores as those who have scores go down on their retake! It's tough being in the fuzzy grey area . I've been told that the sooner you can apply, even with so-so stats, the better chances you have. And worse comes to worse, there's always next year to really strengthen that area!

 

[Johansef]

I don't know if there are 50-60 schools for you to apply, unless you want to try state schools or jhu that has the odds stacked against you.

I'm just planning on shotgunning anything that says "hopeful" on the LizzyM excel sheet lol. As a CA applicant, I'm not competitive at all within my own state but it's worth applying anyway to see what happens.

 

[chenzt]

I'm just planning on shotgunning anything that says "hopeful" on the LizzyM excel sheet lol. As a CA applicant, I'm not competitive at all within my own state but it's worth applying anyway to see what happens.

I'm a PA resident and I managed to narrow my schools down to ~50 by out of state rate alone. (My cutoff was 70% in state or lower) LizzyM score might say go for it but the stats is an average for in state and OOS. As an OOS applicant to a school that mostly accept instate would require some amazing stats. LizzyM score can be misleading in that sense.

 

[A7X]

50-60 schools?! That's a lot of money.

 

[FranzLO]

Improving your score significantly is more important than having it in earlier.

 

[Johansef]

I saved up a lot of money on my gap year. If I do retake, it's going to be for next year's cycle. If I retake I honestly want to give it 200% and take at least 2 months to review so I can have a significant improvement. I don't know what I'd do if it went down even more haha. Also, my secondaries aren't going to write themselves either.

This thread has given me a sliver of hope haha...

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=351659