MCAT results just posted and I need advice!

[Fishsandwich]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello 🙂
So I just got my MCAT results and I got a 28...sigh...
10-bio
8-physical
10-verbal

This was my first time taking the MCAT and I know that's not a great score, but one of my research advisors just told me that statistics show taking it a second time rarely improves your score. Is that true? If so, I don't want to risk my score going down...
I have a 3.8 GPA and great EC's.
Should I retake it?

 

[A Nony Mouse]

Hello 🙂
So I just got my MCAT results and I got a 28...sigh...
10-bio
8-physical
10-verbal

This was my first time taking the MCAT and I know that's not a great score, but one of my research advisors just told me that statistics show taking it a second time rarely improves your score. Is that true? If so, I don't want to risk my score going down...
I have a 3.8 GPA and great EC's.
Should I retake it?

How much did you study for the test the first time? If you feel like you gave it your all and you weren't scoring much higher during practice, don't retake it. Work on a killer personal statement and make sure you have great LORs.

 

[sinombre]

What were you scoring on the practice tests?

 

[Trinityaas12]

I improved 6 points on my retake. Reevaluate your study skills. If you feel that you didn't study hard enough then it might be worth it to try again. If you gave it your all though, work hard to fortify the rest of your app.

 

[Silo004]

Hello 🙂
So I just got my MCAT results and I got a 28...sigh...
10-bio
8-physical
10-verbal

This was my first time taking the MCAT and I know that's not a great score, but one of my research advisors just told me that statistics show taking it a second time rarely improves your score. Is that true? If so, I don't want to risk my score going down...
I have a 3.8 GPA and great EC's.
Should I retake it?

If you are doing research, you should be able to improve on the physical section. The Bio section requires a bit of practice and verbal is verbal. Reading is fundamental. I think you can do better. How did you prepare.

 

[bluestreaks]

I think it's worth kicking your own a** and studying really hard to get a few points higher. Especially if you have a great GPA and ECs.

 

[iave9963]

How much did you study for the test the first time? If you feel like you gave it your all and you weren't scoring much higher during practice, don't retake it. Work on a killer personal statement and make sure you have great LORs.

THIS! I took it twice, only because the first time i barely studied and score shot up 6+ points 2nd time. If i had studied my all first go around, probably wouldn't have taken it again.

 

[DrEnderW]

I improved 4 points to a 30+ score without any major studying increase.

If I hypothetically took it again I truly believe there's a chance I could get another 4 points higher. If you're scoring better on practice tests than a 28 then it's worth the retake IMO. My retake opened up new doors for me, that is for sure.

 

[VictorAlpha]

Hello 🙂
So I just got my MCAT results and I got a 28...sigh...
10-bio
8-physical
10-verbal

This was my first time taking the MCAT and I know that's not a great score, but one of my research advisors just told me that statistics show taking it a second time rarely improves your score. Is that true? If so, I don't want to risk my score going down...
I have a 3.8 GPA and great EC's.
Should I retake it?

If you continue studying at your pre-first test level or any higher intensity, I don't see why your score wouldn't improve. don't think you are guaranteed any points because you took the test once before.

personally took it 3x:
First: score
Second: Score - 7
third: Score +3

 

[MrSunny1]

Maybe you need more practice books and different sources like exam Krackers. Here is an idea: http://www.ebay.com/itm/140919340043?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 

[UrbanRiver]

Study hardd and break a 31. Even its just 3 points higher.. it looks wayyy better than a 28 Getting 3 points higher is very doable if u make the mcat a full time job for 3 months.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using SDN Mobile

 

[eleveneleven]

Hello 🙂
So I just got my MCAT results and I got a 28...sigh...
10-bio
8-physical
10-verbal

This was my first time taking the MCAT and I know that's not a great score, but one of my research advisors just told me that statistics show taking it a second time rarely improves your score. Is that true? If so, I don't want to risk my score going down...
I have a 3.8 GPA and great EC's.
Should I retake it?

Definitely agree with the rest of the posters and recommend a retake, especially if you have not fully exhausted excellent study resources. Did you take a class? Did you only use one company's prep materials? Have you taken all the AAMC tests? If not, I would look into getting some new study materials and really cracking down on a study plan to try and up your score. Many people report doing better on their retake.

 

[HSUReddie]

If you are applying this cycle, and depending on where you are applying, I would retake it just to have a better application. That being said, personally, I wouldn't avoid applying this year purely because I made a 28. Especially with your GPA and what you said to be great EC's. I got in this year with a score similar to yours. I wasn't thrilled with my score at all, and I was completely prepared to have to start studying to take it again... which is what I would advise doing - prepare for the worst and hope for the best. But I would, personally, roll the dice this cycle and see what happens. (Unless you want to go somewhere ridiculously competitive...)

 

[Eiot]

I think the biggest question is what schools are you looking to get into? You're perfectly fine for a lot of schools with your current stats.

 

[IniestaDeMiVida]

Also, what state are you in?

 

[Lady Netter]

Almost same position as you. Took the MCAT 3 times - 27 then 28. Applied and waitlisted. Retook, got a 31 - accepted. I will admit that I was not prepared enough the first two times, but I finally got my act together the 3rd time. If you think you can do more, then you should retake.