MCAT Retake advice

[mountainclimber]

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I'm only posting this in the MD forum, though it's just as applicable to those going for DO as well. I just didn't want to double post.

I have an MCAT scheduled for this Friday (7/26/13), which will be my second time taking the test.

Problem is, I'm pretty worried about what my score is going to be, I guess I don't feel like I'm as confident as I should be for a retake. I've already submitted my MD primary, and should be verified this week. As far as DO, I have started to received secondaries. In both application systems I have noted that I am registered for this Friday's test.

First MCAT: 8 PS/10 VR/9 BS
sGPA: 3.6 MD, 3.7 DO (cumulative is more or less the same)

My practices tests lately have ranged from 26 - 29.

I'm just wondering what I should do, schools know I plan to retake, so I don't want to look like I gave up. There is a good chance part of this is just me freaking out, but I'm wondering if I should just void if I'm not feeling ready, though I assume this will screw my chances at DO schools (and with a 27, surely MD will be impossible).

Please give me any advice you have. I feel like I'm rushing to try to apply this year (I know that's bad), but I'm just so sick of waiting to get into medical school.

 

[rkearl27]

I'm only posting this in the MD forum, though it's just as applicable to those going for DO as well. I just didn't want to double post.

I have an MCAT scheduled for this Friday (7/26/13), which will be my second time taking the test.

Problem is, I'm pretty worried about what my score is going to be, I guess I don't feel like I'm as confident as I should be for a retake. I've already submitted my MD primary, and should be verified this week. As far as DO, I have started to received secondaries. In both application systems I have noted that I am registered for this Friday's test.

First MCAT: 8 PS/10 VR/9 BS
sGPA: 3.6 MD, 3.7 DO (cumulative is more or less the same)

My practices tests lately have ranged from 26 - 29.

I'm just wondering what I should do, schools know I plan to retake, so I don't want to look like I gave up. There is a good chance part of this is just me freaking out, but I'm wondering if I should just void if I'm not feeling ready, though I assume this will screw my chances at DO schools (and with a 27, surely MD will be impossible).

Please give me any advice you have. I feel like I'm rushing to try to apply this year (I know that's bad), but I'm just so sick of waiting to get into medical school.

It sounds like you have decent stats for DO but are on the low side for MD. Personally I would focus all my resources on DO especially since you're sick of waiting! (aren't we all? Haha) I don't really know much about the DO process and how they view retakes but it might be in your favor to withdraw From the retake especially because your practice scores are very similar to the score you already have. I also don't know how you go about telling schools that you are now not retaking but I doubt the cost of telling them you aren't retaking will surpass the cost of a similar retake score.
Another option would be to wait on the retake until you are really ready which would probably mean applying next cycle. But heck you might rock the retake!!
Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

 

[sh0rtstop34]

I would not advise retaking the MCAT unless you are confident you are going to significantly improve. And by the looks of it, your practice scores are not supporting the increase you want to see. While they are not perfect predictors, the practice tests are a pretty good sign.

 

[mountainclimber]

So I'm thinking I'll just take it and void it then.

 

[gyngyn]

You have no reason to re-take now, unless you want to convince everyone that high 20's is all you can do.