MCAT in a week--Should I reschedule?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

southernpremed

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2014
Messages
20
Reaction score
8
Hey y'all,

I am new here, so I don't really know the etiquette of the forum, but I am seeking some advice. My MCAT is scheduled for a little over a week from now (8/15/14), but my scores aren't where I want them. I am a rising senior, but I'm taking a gap year. I have been studying all summer, and I've seen a significant increase in my score, but I've kind of hit a plateau. I don't know what else I could do to bring my scores up in such a short amount of time, but classes start up again soon. Any advice?

For reference, here are my recent practice MCAT scores:
AAMC 3 (6/11/14): 24 6/10/8
AAMC 4 (7/1/14): 26 7/11/8
AAMC 5 (7/11/14): 25 6/11/8
Kaplan 2 (7/25/14-my 21st birthday): 24 7/9/9
Kaplan 3 (8/1/14): 27 9/9/9
Kaplan 4 (8/3/14): 27 9/9/9
AAMC 7 (8/5/14): 26 7/9/9

I was hoping to score in the 33-35 range, but, at this point, I just want to break 30. I feel like I am smart enough to do it, but I'm beginning to think my problem lies in my study methods. My weakness is clearly in physical sciences, and you can imagine my frustration with the fact that it is also my most inconsistent section.
Any advice/tips/study strategies that y'all may have would be greatly appreciated!!
 
Last edited:
At this point, it's too late to reschedule, so you might as well take it and void it if you feel you performed poorly. There's no point in cancelling since you won't receive a refund. You might as well have the experience of taking it.

Make sure you know all the topics in physics, for there's no guarantee you will be tested on the subjects you are most comfortable with. Also, make sure you can do calculations quickly. Be sure you can perform quick unit conversions. Know the major equations, and do PLENTY of timed practice passages.

You are definitely capable of scoring in your desired range. However, you may need another few months or so of studying to get there. The good news is that your verbal scores look pretty good (verbal is the most difficult section to improve)!

good luck!
 
Nice verbal.scores. If you study for another month or two and really get those science concepts down you should be able to get 30. It looks like you already have verbal down, which often ends up preventing good scores.
 
I suggest reschedule
If you are registered for Aug15
then just cancel
and reregister for a new date
your Verbal scores are awesome! Where I want to be but I am having no luck.
But study concepts for sciences and your score will be golden.
 
UPDATE:

I took another practice test today (Kaplan 5) and got a 31 11/11/9.
Yes, that is an 11 on my physical sciences score.. It's not a typo. I was shocked by this score because I thought it was the hardest PS section I had ever seen (I was literally expecting a score below 5).
Do y'all still think I should wait to take it?
 
Only you can make that decision. Kaplan isn't that reliable though, the AAMC ones are. and because your highest was a 26 there I would personally reschedule until you average the score that you need.
 
Kaplan, from what I hear, is notorious for a generous curve. AAMC averages are typically spot on. Since you haven't taken AAMC 9-11, which are the most predictive, it is hard to say what you should do. Since you do not have the option to reschedule now, I would prep until two days before your exam, take one of the higher numbered AAMC tests to get a more accurate prediction, and take the exam. If you feel awful about it you can always void it.
 
Top