MCAT for MD/PhD

[wuhanese]

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So I took my MCAT during the schoolyear after a month of not-so-intensive studying, and I got a 34. I want to apply to the most competitive programs (average mcat of 36) and I am asking if I should retake - I hope to get something in the range of 38 as I have another month of time to study for it.

Basically, I know I can get a higher score, but I don't know if the time investment will be worth it (opportunity cost being less time spent on research, etc).

Looking for suggestions! What to do?

 

[dmblue]

34 won't eliminate you from consideration from any school, but a 38 could help you get into some schools.

 

[Build]

If you're asking what would carry you further, a bit more research or a bump from a 34 to a 38, I'd say the 38 would be a bigger bump. Assuming the rest of your app is reasonably strong, you should be able to get in to programs with a 34, including possibly one of the "most competitive" programs.

If you're not applying this summer, I'd definitely retake if you really are sure you can bump your score up that much. To be honest, the scores shift so quickly as you get that high that you need to reflect on whether you really can increase it that much for sure.

You also may not need to worry if you have really strong research and letters.

I guess it depends on a lot of details... but the take home message:

if you can get the score, do it