MCAT extenuating circumstances

[Med430]

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So, with an MCAT retake that is lower than the initial one but one section is rediculously lower - to the point that it's obvious something must've gone wrong, how would one relay that to the schools without sounding defensive? I was extremely nauseous halfway through the exam and ended up screwing up on the verbal which was my highest score the first time around but did much better on Phys. which was my worst the first time - went from 8 -> 10 but verbal was much worse second time around and BIO section stayed about the same. Anyway, if I took the retake in Sept. is it too late to let schools know that I got a bit sick in the middle of the exam or should I just let it be and hope that they realize something was up?

#2 - if I do let them know, what's the best way - via email or a note mailed? Seems like the emails get lost in this process..

 

[BitingPlates]

So, with an MCAT retake that is lower than the initial one but one section is rediculously lower - to the point that it's obvious something must've gone wrong, how would one relay that to the schools without sounding defensive? I was extremely nauseous halfway through the exam and ended up screwing up on the verbal which was my highest score the first time around but did much better on Phys. which was my worst the first time - went from 8 -> 10 but verbal was much worse second time around and BIO section stayed about the same. Anyway, if I took the retake in Sept. is it too late to let schools know that I got a bit sick in the middle of the exam or should I just let it be and hope that they realize something was up?

#2 - if I do let them know, what's the best way - via email or a note mailed? Seems like the emails get lost in this process..

I had the exact same thing happen to me...to the T.

 

[sexyman]

You should have voided it if you got sick. That is also what they will tell you.

 

[gt2007]

I think its going to be hard to defend your case because of the fact that you stayed the same in Bio which is the last section. Did you suddenly feel better during Bio? You should have canceled. I am not sure how much notifying them of this will help you since its also been over a month since you received the score. BUT if you are to notify them I would suggest a letter via mail which they can add to your application...that way when your application is being reviewed...it is there....otherwise who knows if it is actually put in your file

 

[Med430]

Thanks all! It was basically one of those nauseous feelings I remember getting when doing any public speaking...after the verbal section I took a walk to the bathroom and splashed some cold water on my face and I did feel somewhat better before starting on Bio...not sure what happened...but I remember feeling like Verbal was not good and thinking that I should void but then decided not to since the Verbal was actually the hardest of the sections and figured I might cut a break with the curve..anyhow, the point is my verbal section went down by 4 points which doesn't seem to make sense with my previous score is all... Thanks again for your input