MCAT 2 attempts.

[fides]

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Hi, I was plannig on taking the MCAT this fall on Sep 11th, but seeing as how that is 2 months away it wont substantially guarantee any high score. It would be my first attempt, and I am will study tremedounsly in the 2 months that I have until that date. As to why i didnt utilize the first 2 months of the summer, it is a combination of things ranging from research work to studying for Orgo Chem and Gen chem II simultaneously (shortened courses taught in 1 month) as well as volunteer work on the weekends. So in that regard I have sufficient knowledge of Chem and Orgo coming into my MCAT prep. Obviously it is not the same level of application that I need for the MCAT but it is knowledge none the less.

My question is that with a sub par gpa (2.8) does multiple attempts look bad, or should i just do 1 attempt that will produce a very high score (>37). Obviously seeing the time constraints I have its hard to imagine I can score any higher than a 35 in 2 months of prepartion.

Keeping in mind that I am applying to U.S and Canadian medical schools.

Thank you.

I have researched this topic before, and i got some responses from couple of years back stating as how multiple attempts dont hurt your chances as long as the score increases, some colleges like Loyola average them out, but again if you scored higher in your second attempt it ends up benefitting you.

The reason why I am so keen on doing the MCAT is just to get a general idea of what the exam itself is like.

 

[Mountaineer12]

I would be a lot more concerned with your sub-3.0 GPA than an MCAT retake. You really need to pull that up to 3.2 to be looked at for MD schools, 3.0 for DO. But to answer your question, I've heard retakes don't look bad as long as you don't exceed 3. Some schools average the schools, but, I believe, most will just look at both.

 

[Ruhroh]

I always facepalm when I see these posts of people with crappy GPAs who talk about their prospective high 30s MCAT score. Maybe I'm just a bit of a jerk.

Everyone is different but from personal experience and from what I read here, most people need basically 3 months where you eat, sleep, and live MCAT if you want to be in the ballpark of a 35+, and even then luck on test day is a factor. Summer is the perfect time to get that done, unfortunately for you it's probably too late at this point. Postpone.

 

[WorldChanger36]

I would be a lot more concerned with your sub-3.0 GPA than an MCAT retake. You really need to pull that up to 3.2 to be looked at for MD schools, 3.0 for DO. But to answer your question, I've heard retakes don't look bad as long as you don't exceed 3. Some schools average the schools, but, I believe, most will just look at both.

Needs to be at least a 3.2 for DO as well. OP, If you have any interest in really getting into medical school you need to get your GPA above a 3.0 and try to get into an SMP by rocking your MCAT (28+). Otherwise your chances are the same as a snowball in the Florida weather.

 

[RedSox10]

I agree, you'll have a hard time getting into an MD school in the US or Canada with a sub-3.0 GPA. Even a 35+ on the MCAT probably wouldn't help (unless your GPA is from MIT Engineering or something).

Sept 11th is also very late to take the MCAT. You wont be verified until at least mid-October. If you haven't seen other threads, over 10,000 people had already applied to med school this cycle by mid-June or so...and in Mid-October about 90 %of med school applicants would have already applied meaning that most schools of your caliber would have already extended a lot of their interviews (and even acceptances) by the time you apply. If you apply this cycle you will be setting yourself up for failure. Taking the MCAT twice is a non-issue, but being a re-applicant can be a red flag.

I would apply for an SMP and boost that GPA, take more time to study, and apply in a year or two.

 

[mirimonster]

The reason why I am so keen on doing the MCAT is just to get a general idea of what the exam itself is like.

This is what practice tests are for. The AAMC publishes full-length exams for purchase on their site. Please do not use the real MCAT to get an idea of how you'll do. That's how people get a 17, which will follow you to your grave. You should make sure your first attempt is the best you've got, but if you have to retake, don't sweat it.

 

[justoneplease]

Agreed. You shouldn't take the exam to "test" it out. I would be more concerned with your gpa however as it is on the very very low end of the spectrum.

 

[fides]

I already know about the staggering effect of my GPA. I prioritized a bit too late in my life and went through mild mental health issues. Regardless, I'm planning to do a Masters or Pbacc program to "bump" that GPA to some what of a standard.

In the same notion of things, I obviously must acquire a very high MCAT score (>37) to somehow balance the low GPA to show a certain level of commitment to this career choice.

@Ruhroh. Of course you are going to facepalm, i would to if some person came here trying to attain a score that <10% of all applicants get when his GPA is so sub-par its humorous in the context of Medicine as a career choice and of course you dont know me and what is the particular reason behind my poor academic performance making your judgemental remarks that much easier, and let me again make this perfectly clear I understand the situation I am in. Thanks.

I am not trying to take away the fact that getting a score in a limited amount of time is next to impossible and that was not the question i asked, from what the person who could actually read and answered the question "multiple attempts dont look bad". Thanks.

 

[fides]

I agree, you'll have a hard time getting into an MD school in the US or Canada with a sub-3.0 GPA. Even a 35+ on the MCAT probably wouldn't help (unless your GPA is from MIT Engineering or something).

Sept 11th is also very late to take the MCAT. You wont be verified until at least mid-October. If you haven't seen other threads, over 10,000 people had already applied to med school this cycle by mid-June or so...and in Mid-October about 90 %of med school applicants would have already applied meaning that most schools of your caliber would have already extended a lot of their interviews (and even acceptances) by the time you apply. If you apply this cycle you will be setting yourself up for failure. Taking the MCAT twice is a non-issue, but being a re-applicant can be a red flag.

I would apply for an SMP and boost that GPA, take more time to study, and apply in a year or two.

Ill be applying in 2 years.... or even 3 depending on whether the pursue a masters or not. I'm not being delusional and possibly "hoping" my sub-par GPA will fly under the radar.

 

[Donald Juan]

OP,

A retake isn't a big deal, but you shouldn't go into it the first time planning on retaking. Give it your best shot the first time.

You need to raise your GPA and have a steep upward trend. Even then it is going to be tough. Also, realize that getting your undergrad GPA up to acceptable is more important than doing a masters program, and while a high mcat will help out, it will never make up for an undergraduate GPA that is simply unacceptable (likely <3.0 without extreme circumstances). I just went through the application process this past year with a 3.19 GPA/ 37 MCAT. That GPA was the result of 6 recent semesters of 4.0 coursework and two semesters of C's and F's from nine years ago. Even with my upward trend + high mcat + years of working in the medical field in the military, I still only got interviews at 2/14 schools. I know others said it already, but I want to reinforce that your undergrad GPA is most important.

Lastly, if you aren't applying for 2 or 3 years, then why the hell are you planning on taking your mcat this summer? I would understand taking it so far in advance if this was just when you felt that you were ready and the time when you just had plenty of time to prepare, but you seem to not feel ready. Of course, I think two months is plenty of time to prepare if you have the determination to do it. I got my 37 with only two months, and those two months consisted of finishing Spring finals then taking History and Ochem 2 during the summer while studying, so it is possible. I wish you luck whatever you decide to do.

 

[alexrgross]

A 2012 September MCAT is good for applications submitted before 2015 September, and only for schools that accept 3 years old (the majority of schools, but not by a large margin). So feel free to lock in your score now, and do 3 full academic years - just know you might be required by some schools to provide scores from 2013 September.

Back to the OP, the value of taking the test twice is great particularly if you do not feel ready.
With a fair amount of studying and practice test, this two months, you will understand the general structure of the topics and test - also what kind of score to expect after taking a test.

So, if you are waiting for your next academic term to start over the next 2 months, and do not mind potentially losing 245 dollars + practice material fees (~$3-400) and the opportunity for other large projects, take the test after studying hard. If you feel unwell about your scores, void them.

Taking a real MCAT and a practice are 2 different things, so an exposure to the real MCAT is good IMHO, and will definitely benefit you with a retake - if needed.Keep us posted in the long term on how your process goes forward.

 

[Dox4lyfe]

Never give up,I will suggest if you are denied admission here in US there is always an opportunity at off shore medical schools,I can suggest one and I know personally the Assist Dean of the medical school who can help you get in for the Sept,2017 Class.I can also recommend you for the scholarship there,Its an excellent medical school with all the clinical rotations in US,Please contact me for more
Your MCAT score is fine.
details at [email protected]

OP was last seen in 2014. Nice try

 

[blackroses]

Never give up,I will suggest if you are denied admission here in US there is always an opportunity at off shore medical schools,I can suggest one and I know personally the Assist Dean of the medical school who can help you get in for the Sept,2017 Class.I can also recommend you for the scholarship there,Its an excellent medical school with all the clinical rotations in US,Please contact me for more
Your MCAT score is fine.
details at [email protected]

"Your hypothetical MCAT score is fine"

"Based on the 3 posts I read from you on SDN, I can recommend you for a scholarship"

yahoo email address

This is the most legit thing I've seen all year!

 

[21Rush12]

"Your hypothetical MCAT score is fine"

"Based on the 3 posts I read from you on SDN, I can recommend you for a scholarship"

yahoo email address

This is the most legit thing I've seen all year!

This thread is >5 years old


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