Just bombed my 2nd MCAT attempt - is it game over?

[MelissaThompson]

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I got a 28 on my first MCAT, and now 27 on my recent 2nd attempt.

If its true that most schools are going to average all my scores - is it now pointless to take it a 3rd time - since I would need like a 35 to just get a 30 average?

Is it also hopeless for me to get into an allopathic school - because my MCAT average will never been brought up dramatically?

 

[SnakeOil]

Plenty of people get into allopathic schools with that score. I wouldn't take the MCAT again, just apply broadly and hope for the best.

 

[exquisitemelody]

I don't think most schools average MCATs. They will usually only look at the last score (though all your scores are viewable by adcoms, I'm sure). It sucks that you went down a point, but just try try again and get over a 30. I took the MCAT 3 times - 27, 28, 31...and I'll be attending med school in the fall. It's not hopeless at all! I applied last year with the 28, and only got one interviewed and ended up being waitlisted. Applied again this year with a higher score and just a couple more shadowing hours and got 3 interviews and am currently accepted at 2. If you can take it again, take it again and get over a 30. It's amazing what that score will do for you!

What are you using to study and how are you studying? I'll be honest...the first two times, I didn't study well or as much as I should have. But the last time, I buckled down and studied from dawn til dusk for a month and got the score I needed. I think Berkeley review saved my life, but I also used materials from Princeton's mcat review class and took a fair number of practice MCATs from AAMC.

 

[theseeker4]

I got a 28 on my first MCAT, and now 27 on my recent 2nd attempt.

If its true that most schools are going to average all my scores - is it now pointless to take it a 3rd time - since I would need like a 35 to just get a 30 average?

Is it also hopeless for me to get into an allopathic school - because my MCAT average will never been brought up dramatically?

Attempting it again is truly pointless unless you address why you got below-average scores the first two times. What did you do to prepare for the first test, and what did you do to prepare for the second? Maybe a 28 is the best you will ever be able to manage, in which case you are still not completely out of the running for MD schools, and could definitely be accepted at DO schools (depending on your other stats and EC's.)

Schools handle the test in different ways depending on the school. You need to check with each school you are interested in to find out their policy. I believe a lot of them will consider your most recent scores rather than an average....

 

[NickNaylor]

It's not pointless to do a retake - however, you should really, really work hard to bump that score up. The AAMC itself states that retakes that don't show improvements are detrimental.

I've also never heard of schools averaging your MCAT scores and using that average as a representative MCAT score. I think they use both your highest score and the general trend of your scores (i.e., did they go up, down, or stay the same over time).

 

[jf1987]

Depends on how good your gpa is as well....

 

[MelissaThompson]

I know for a 3rd time I can improve for sure.

The first 2 times was because I was too heavy in content review, and too little passage practice. The content review also was flawed because I used EK and didn't have a good understanding of many of the concepts.

I know for sure if I buckle down for 4 months and study with TBR and do all their passages, FLs, and all AAMC FLs, I can crack a 30. I am just REALLY demotivated by the fact that most schools are now averaging your MCAT (LizzyM said this) and that even if I crack a 30 my average is still gonna be low.

 

[Chrome19]

I know for a 3rd time I can improve for sure.

The first 2 times was because I was too heavy in content review, and too little passage practice. The content review also was flawed because I used EK and didn't have a good understanding of many of the concepts.

I know for sure if I buckle down for 4 months and study with TBR and do all their passages, FLs, and all AAMC FLs, I can crack a 30. I am just REALLY demotivated by the fact that most schools are now averaging your MCAT (LizzyM said this) and that even if I crack a 30 my average is still gonna be low.

I used EK for just over two weeks and its conciseness is what saved me. I don't think EK is bad, but I hear The Berkeley Review is better.

I doubt most schools average MCAT scores. I think they look at the most recent, or in some cases, the highest scores. Also the strength of your GPA can make up for things.

Just do a lot of practice from the AAMC if you can afford them. Also get the Official guide to the MCAT. I could only afford to pay for that book and AAMC 11 and I think both helped, in combination the free AAMC. So just imagine the gains you'll make if you can get all the AAMC exams and practice extensively 🙂

Good luck.

 

[IMSingular]

Well. Did you have nice sleep? If not you taht may the problem. One way to get nice sleep night before get less sleep two days before, that is your exam is on 29th sleep less on 27th night, and get physically tired on 28th so that you get a good night's sleep on 28th.

 

[theseeker4]

I know for a 3rd time I can improve for sure.

The first 2 times was because I was too heavy in content review, and too little passage practice. The content review also was flawed because I used EK and didn't have a good understanding of many of the concepts.

I know for sure if I buckle down for 4 months and study with TBR and do all their passages, FLs, and all AAMC FLs, I can crack a 30. I am just REALLY demotivated by the fact that most schools are now averaging your MCAT (LizzyM said this) and that even if I crack a 30 my average is still gonna be low.

Do you have a link to where LizzyM said this?

 

[Catalystik]

I am just REALLY demotivated by the fact that most schools are now averaging your MCAT (LizzyM said this) and that even if I crack a 30 my average is still gonna be low.

What she said was this (clicking on the tiny arrow will get you to the entire conversation):

Well, the paper came out in Academic Medicine (not the Journal of Academic Medicine) in October 2010 so schools may not have changed things in mid-stream last season but this year there is no reason not to use the best evidence in one's approach to multiple scores.

I suspect that inertia will keep some schools from jumping on the Averaging band wagon with great speed. Call schools and ask how they handle multiple MCAT scores. Don't be demotivated just yet.

 

[otggwmfs]

.

 

[Dr. Ducky]

I got a 28 on my first MCAT, and now 27 on my recent 2nd attempt.

If its true that most schools are going to average all my scores - is it now pointless to take it a 3rd time - since I would need like a 35 to just get a 30 average?

Is it also hopeless for me to get into an allopathic school - because my MCAT average will never been brought up dramatically?

It's not over! I wouldn't recommend taking the MCAT again unless you truly feel that your score is going to drastically improve (aim high), and you don't think your GPA/ECs along with your current MCAT scores will get you into the school you're shooting for. I personally know applicants that have gotten in allopathic schools with lower MCAT scores than yours.

If all else fails, there's always the Caribbean..........J/K 👎

 

[justoneplease]

I hate to be cynical, and I don't know you so obviously I can't judge, but are you certain it will improve? I guess I've seen too many friends retake and get the same score or worse. However, I also did a re-take of the mcat and did improve 4 points and in the end was happy with my score, so I believe it can be done. I also used EK books to study both times, and found them very useful, so to each its own, but I'm not sure it's the books. My suggestion is to give yourself a mental cut-off of what you need to be scoring on your practice tests in order to sit for the test, and don't take it unless you're scoring where you need to be. Also treat the practices like the real deal, time yourself and don't look up formulas. Otherwise it might not be a great indication. I saw a lot of my friends get a little too attached to the idea of re-taking because they were convinced they could improve even though they had yet to demonstrate it with practice tests. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

agreed. you must be 110% sure you will get a higher score and improve otherwise you can call it quits (i know that sounds harsh).

 

[MelissaThompson]

I am certain it will improve because previously all I did was EK's back of the book 3 passage 30 minute exam for practice - and nothing else except for AAMC FL3.

I had too little practice - and like I said I will take all TBR FL and AAMC FL and won't take the exam until I hit consistently 30+

BTW - I called my local state university (Colorado) and they said it depends on the committee if they average it or take the most recent. I'm confused now - so the committee will vary their formula with each applicant??

 

[The Imprisoned]

It's not pointless to do a retake - however, you should really, really work hard to bump that score up. The AAMC itself states that retakes that don't show improvements are detrimental.

I've also never heard of schools averaging your MCAT scores and using that average as a representative MCAT score. I think they use both your highest score and the general trend of your scores (i.e., did they go up, down, or stay the same over time).

Nick I was actually on the phone with a school recently and was blatantly told they average all scores. This was not loyola btw. Quite unfortunate if there was a bad test in there.

LizzyM seems to be correct that more schools are jumping on board.

 

[pre med 2014]

....

 

[Catalystik]

BTW - I called my local state university (Colorado) and they said it depends on the committee if they average it or take the most recent. I'm confused now - so the committee will vary their formula with each applicant??

I would interpret this as meaning that each committee member is allowed to look at the stats in their own way, according to personal philosophy, or maybe related to applicant explanation, rather than judging by a rigid institutional policy.

 

[adamMD]

Take that bad boy one more time. My first MCAT was a fantastic 23. After sucking it up, finally taking physics and ochem, I went on to dominate with a 26.. Finally, I got a 33 (with a freak score of 11 on verbal- I consistently scored 8 or 9, even on a practice test taken the day before the test). My scores came up at every interview I went to, and it was always discussed positively. You'll be busting your butt for the rest of your life. What's one more shot?

As for averaging MCATs, I've been out of the interview process for a while but I know they didn't do that before. Just make sure your final MCAT and gpa total is around 65-70 and I think you'll be fine.

 

[ppfizenm]

I got a 28 on my first MCAT, and now 27 on my recent 2nd attempt.

If its true that most schools are going to average all my scores - is it now pointless to take it a 3rd time - since I would need like a 35 to just get a 30 average?

Is it also hopeless for me to get into an allopathic school - because my MCAT average will never been brought up dramatically?

Those scores are fine for osteopathic schools.

 

[otggwmfs]

.

 

[PsP for real]

Your not out for MD. It will be harder but you aren't totally out.

 

[GetThePointe77]

Study hard, try and re-take it when you are consistently score what you want on practice tests. Use this time to also beef up the other parts of your application to show real improvement. I would also try and shadow a DO during this time, in case you end up wanting to apply to osteopathic as well 🙂

 

[235788]

OP, what is your state of residence? If you're a cali resident...

 

[adamMD]

I think your scores are just barely out of reach for MD. Though I've met many brilliant DOs, if you can get an MD why wouldn't you?? Try again, you can do it!

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Plenty of people get into allopathic schools with that score. I wouldn't take the MCAT again, just apply broadly and hope for the best.

This. If you have a decent GPA (s & c) and good ECs, you'll still have a chance. 🙂

 

[Freakfarm0]

Those scores are fine for osteopathic schools.

And also fine for allopathic.

You don't need a 30 on the MCAT to get into med school. If your GPA is good and you aren't an arrogant, neurotic prick, you have a good chance of getting in.

 

[ppfizenm]

The game over in the topic makes me think of this like a video game. Imagine a pre-med RPG.

 

[cincincyreds]

I got a 28 on my first MCAT, and now 27 on my recent 2nd attempt.

If its true that most schools are going to average all my scores - is it now pointless to take it a 3rd time - since I would need like a 35 to just get a 30 average?

Is it also hopeless for me to get into an allopathic school - because my MCAT average will never been brought up dramatically?

Well, you didn't really bomb it. I think the average person on that exam gets like a 21. But if you want an allopathic medical school, you will need to get about 30 since that is the average. If I were you, I would spend the money and apply to every US med school that takes out of state residents. I actually did that and managed to get in to a state US medical school from out of state after bombing the MCAT. The other thing I would do as you get on wait lists, write letters to those schools showing your new accomplishments like getting straight A's in your last semester. This really shows you care.

You should have no problem getting into DO school. You can get into St. George no problem. I would avoid going there if you can as your chance at a decent residency is pretty nil.

Are you a URM, you fare a much better chance of getting into an allopathic medical. Just the way things are.

 

[jippyslim]

I got a 28 on my first MCAT, and now 27 on my recent 2nd attempt.

If its true that most schools are going to average all my scores - is it now pointless to take it a 3rd time - since I would need like a 35 to just get a 30 average?

Is it also hopeless for me to get into an allopathic school - because my MCAT average will never been brought up dramatically?

How soon after the first test did you attempt the second? If it was close you might not have given yourself the best shot at improving your score. I agree with the others that say if you 'know' you can do better you should regroup, put in the work, and give it another go.

Also, you can check the admit data at AAMC to get a reasonable view of your chances with your stats DO schools are an option, too, if you forego retaking the exam and apply.

 

[jippyslim]

The game over in the topic makes me think of this like a video game. Imagine a pre-med RPG.

Pretty sweet concept.

 

[soundnin]

Pretty sweet concept.

sounds like the worst game ever to me 😀

Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk

 

[jippyslim]

sounds like the worst game ever to me 😀

Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk

I was thinking in a warcraft kinda way, but yeah, i agree, a game would be pretty lame.

 

[Hotshy]

The game over in the topic makes me think of this like a video game. Imagine a pre-med RPG.

I want to play a game......

 

[Dr. Ducky]

PreMed adventures=Final Fantasy VII
GPA=HP
MCAT=Sephiroth
Africa Medical Trip=Ultima Weapon

Yeah.....lame......HAHAHAHAHA

 

[PopeLeo]

"Do you have 6 hours a day to spend grinding general-sci facts?
Would you consider the MCAT an 'enriching barrel of monkeys?'
Do you want all the thrill of earning an MD without the financial compensation?"

Then try MedRPG! - The world's premier Medical Application Role-Playing Game!


Footnote: I expect this title to be selling out before Christmas 2012.

 

[235788]

I want to play a game......

You're all probably wondering why I have brought you here...

 

[tiedyeddog]

PreMed adventures=Final Fantasy VII
GPA=HP
MCAT=Sephiroth
Africa Medical Trip=Ultima Weapon

Yeah.....lame......HAHAHAHAHA

I think pokemon is a better analogy, personally... Always "evolving" (pre-med-> medical school->residency->fellowship), jumping through countless hoops (catch 'em all...), battling emotionless *******s so you can be a champion (gunners).

Maybe that's a little overblown....

 

[Dr. Ducky]

i think pokemon is a better analogy, personally... Always "evolving" (pre-med-> medical school->residency->fellowship), jumping through countless hoops (catch 'em all...), battling emotionless *******s so you can be a champion (gunners).

Maybe that's a little overblown....

+1

 

[metalgirl14]

And also fine for allopathic.

You don't need a 30 on the MCAT to get into med school. If your GPA is good and you aren't an arrogant, neurotic prick, you have a good chance of getting in.

Very true. I had a 27 MCAT and I currently attend an allopathic school. All hope is not lost yet.

 

[ppfizenm]

We could call it gunner. The point isn't to do well yourself but f*ck others out of good grades, acceptances, MCAT scores, ect.

 

[LingoLaine]

Melissa -- definitely retake the test. I was admitted to Colorado this year as a reapplicant. I took the MCAT a total of three times with the following scores:

June 2010 -- 29
September 2010 -- 27
applied to CU only, rejected

August 2011 -- 31
reapplied to CU, accepted

 

[saveourpens]

Figure out what you did wrong, wait till you're scoring consistently high on the official practice tests, and retake.

 

[jf1987]

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsx2vdn7gpY[/YOUTUBE]

 

[tkim]

Those scores are fine for osteopathic schools.

As a native of Canada - the fact that physicians graduating from DO residencies is barred from licensing speaks great volumes....

I don't think she wants DO.

 

[DVolle]

I was recently accepted with a 28. It all depends on how solid the rest of your application is.

 

[STAT EKG]

Nick I was actually on the phone with a school recently and was blatantly told they average all scores. This was not loyola btw. Quite unfortunate if there was a bad test in there.

LizzyM seems to be correct that more schools are jumping on board.

I'm not saying that this isn't true, but averaging scores really defies logic in my opinion. Averaging almost condones retakes. I was under the impression that retakes don't look good period because in med school you aren't getting retakes w/o consequences. Not doing well on exams isn't good.

Try retaking step 1 three times for residency to get a great score 🙄

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

And also fine for allopathic.

You don't need a 30 on the MCAT to get into med school. If your GPA is good and you aren't an arrogant, neurotic prick, you have a good chance of getting in.

I love when people are brutally honest. 😀

 

[scotchtapetest]

I don't think she wants DO.

As a native of Canada - the fact that physicians graduating from DO residencies is barred from licensing speaks great volumes....

^ That was a fun thread though.....

I got a 28 on my first MCAT, and now 27 on my recent 2nd attempt.

I love how some of these people who talk s*** about DO (based on incorrect statements) barely meet the average for DO schools....

Please carry on and Good Luck to the OP in pursuing her dreams