July 16 retake -- too late for this application cycle?

[mcatnovice]

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Hi guys,

I found out yesterday I received a 33Q (11,11,11) on my MCAT, which is good, but I was hoping to do better since my GPA is too low. Therefore, I am considering to retake the MCAT on July 16.

Since I am going to try to completely submit my application by the end of this month with the score that I have, would a July 16 MCAT retake score help me, even if I do really well on the retake (for example, 38)? Do schools automatically put my application on hold just because I indicate that I am retaking? Or do they go ahead and analyze my application first, and then make a decision as to accept, reject, or put it on hold. Given that they will only receive my score mid August at the earliest, would this be too late for them to reconsider my application anymore?

I just don't want to dedicate a month of studying for this test again if it's not going to matter in the end.

Thanks so much!

 

[SN2ed]

What is your GPA?

 

[mcatnovice]

My cumulative GPA is 3.421, but there has been a strong upward trend. I received all A's my last 3 semesters.

 

[Flamen04]

I'm sure SN2ed could offer better advice, but July is not too late for this application cycle. People here on SDN are just too anal about things lmao

 

[Rom1pd]

Why are you retaking a 33? Are you applying MD/PhD??
You realize a good MCAT score does not make up for other areas. Like someone with a 44 will prob not get in if he/she has no clinical or research or EC.

And it's obv not late. I'm taking it first time July 28th and applying this cycle....

If you are in NY, you should give me your seat on the earlier test date lol 😀

Good luck!

 

[DIVA01x]

what schools are you tryign to apply to? i think you'd be ok if you went to a good ugrad.

 

[deep122]

Why are you retaking a 33? Are you applying MD/PhD??
You realize a good MCAT score does not make up for other areas. Like someone with a 44 will prob not get in if he/she has no clinical or research or EC.

I disagree. A strong MCAT can definitely help make up for a lower GPA.

 

[Monocles]

Usually a 33 is considered a very strong score. You're making a risky move by choosing to retake it, because there's always the chance that you score lower.

And no, retaking it in mid July isn't too late. Even if you get your AMCAS in sometimes this month, you can always list a future MCAT date and that will be sent to your profile when the scores come out.

 

[ibeatupnerds]

only retake if your 100% sure your going to do better.
also only skip applying if your 100% sure your application is going to look better. 33 mcat and 3.4 gpa should be fine at any public/state schools. unless you are doing top25 or i don't want go to med school, i wouldn't retake.

and applying late hurts very little. this forum too biased about applying early.