MCAT retake advice

[dwabt]

Hello,

I was wondering if I could get some advice about whether or not to retake. I put some information below, I would appreciate any advice at all. Thank you so much.

1. What are your previous MCAT Score(s) (with section wise breakdown): 127 C/P, 128 CARS, 129 B/B, 130 P/S (514 total)
2. What is your GPA (w/ Science GPA) (If relevant: trend, uGPA/grad GPA/postbacc GPA) uGPA 3.79, sGPA 3.85
3. State/Country of residence (optional): CA
4. Ethnicity (ORM/URM?): ORM
5. Goal Med school (Tier/goal): MD only, not sure about tiers -- mid to high or whatever will accept me
6. Include ECs/Other Relevant Info if you would like: main clinical experience is working as an EMT, 4 years of research in a lab in a field I am very interested in and enjoy, 3 publications (1 first author, 2 second author), 2 poster presentation at conferences, 3 years of hospital volunteering, 4 years of volunteering at local homeless shelter, 2 years of tutoring. I have had some leadership positions at undergraduate student organizations.
7. Other Facts regarding your studying the first time: studied full-time (only tutored / light working outside of studying) by myself for about 3ish months. Used AAMC material, Uworld, Anki, TPR books. I wasn't scoring as high as I wanted on FL's at the start, but I improved 11 points from my first FL.
8. Do you know/think you can do better? I am sure if I utilize resources, I will score better. However, I am not sure how much it is worth to retake / how confident I am in a huge score increase.
   
   I think I am mainly struggling to decide if it is worth going through the whole MCAT studying process again, when there isn't even a guarantee I will be able to increase my score by a lot. I was planning on applying for this upcoming cycle (2025-2026), but I don't know where this puts me or when I would retake if I need to. I would really appreciate any advice. Thank you so much.

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[Hollow Knight]

I wouldn’t retake personally but I’m interested in what the Californians say.

514 is pretty good

 

[ecobio]

I wouldn't retake. It sounds like you have great ECs that the UCs would look for & isnt a 514 like, 85th percentile? Regardless, its above the average matriculant mcat. As long as your writing and "why medicine" is solid, I feel like you can get into an MD program. Good luck with your future cycle! 🙂

 

[ecobio]

ALSO -- 65% of applicants with your stats get into school, which is much higher than the % of all applicants (42%). With your ECs, as long as you reflect well on them, I think you're chances are much higher.

 

[Dr.S at Princeton Review]

With your stats and background, I would caution against a retake and proceed forward with your current MCAT score. As you said, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to increase your score from a 514 (which is already a very good score) so it would be more worthwhile use of your time/effort towards other parts of your application. Don't forget the MCAT is only part of your application so I would spend more effort trying to increase your GPA, continuing your ECs, identifying possible LOR writers, and brainstorming ideas for your personal statement.

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

You have a very good score with a great breakdown. There is nothing to gain with a retake that is worth the risk of doing the same or dropping. Spend that time writing a great primary application and working of secondary questions.