MCAT retake after eccepted?

[Feldspar]

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Help me think through this. I think I may be off my rocker. Please refrain from bashing as I know that this is a somewhat selfish and egocentric post to begin with.

I'm accepted to my school of choice, and I made a competitive score on the MCAT. I took the MCAT without having completed a significant amount of pre-requisite coursework, and I honestly want to know what my potential on the test is.

I made my target score, but I don't think it is entirely reflective of my ability. Having completed biology II, biochemistry, physical chemistry, organic I/II, and physics I/II since I sat for the MCAT, I feel pretty sure that I would be capable of doing better on the exam.

Other than my own curiosity and pride, is there really any value in me taking the MCAT again? Step I is the next milestone exam, and I don't imagine that MCAT scores factor into the match. Does the MCAT generally weigh in a school's allocation of scholarships?

On one hand I really want to see what I can do with this test being prepared for it (that's my pride talking), and on the other hand I feel that I need to take that energy and focus on something that is going to have more tangible benefits in the long term.

Are there any potential negatives? Could my acceptance be rescinded in the case of a low score on a retake?

 

[Feldspar]

Sorry for the typo in the title. That should read "accepted" instead of "eccepted". It's too early in the morning. 🙂

If a mod reads this, can you please correct.

Thanks!

 

[J ROD]

I did not do as well as I know I can based on practice scores and want to retake it.

I think it asks when you are registering what kind of student are you. I think you have to get permission to take it if you are a med student. I guess you could lie and take it. I doubt schools would care and just dont send it to them after taking it.

I would let it go and prepare well for Step1....

The MCAT is just a step to get into med school, which you have already done!

Just let it go and know in your heart you can do better. It is not like we wear our MCAT score around our necks for all to see and nobody cares once schools starts.

 

[BennieBlanco]

Help me think through this. I think I may be off my rocker. Please refrain from bashing as I know that this is a somewhat selfish and egocentric post to begin with.

I'm accepted to my school of choice, and I made a competitive score on the MCAT. I took the MCAT without having completed a significant amount of pre-requisite coursework, and I honestly want to know what my potential on the test is.

I made my target score, but I don't think it is entirely reflective of my ability. Having completed biology II, biochemistry, physical chemistry, organic I/II, and physics I/II since I sat for the MCAT, I feel pretty sure that I would be capable of doing better on the exam.

Other than my own curiosity and pride, is there really any value in me taking the MCAT again? Step I is the next milestone exam, and I don't imagine that MCAT scores factor into the match. Does the MCAT generally weigh in a school's allocation of scholarships?

On one hand I really want to see what I can do with this test being prepared for it (that's my pride talking), and on the other hand I feel that I need to take that energy and focus on something that is going to have more tangible benefits in the long term.

Are there any potential negatives? Could my acceptance be rescinded in the case of a low score on a retake?

Unless you are going to apply next year, it won't make any difference now.

Yes, it is good to find out your potential but you already took the exam. You are passed the hurdle and need to do your best on the next thing.

If you thought it could change your app for next year then sure, but it seems like you will keep your acceptance.

 

[link2swim06]

Your time could be better spent for other things...for example....if you could get a research publication that can actually help you in matching to a better residency...a new MCAT score will not

 

[ShinyDome19]

According to the dean of admissions at my first choice school, your MCATs can be a factor in getting in to very competitive residency programs. He told me, if I get admitted, to retake the MCATs prior to matriculating, because at this school your highest MCAT score is the one that goes on your record. I would call and ask someone in the admissions dept at the school your going to and check to see which scores they end up putting on your record. If its the highest score, then it cant hurt you to take it again.

 

[Longshanks]

According to the dean of admissions at my first choice school, your MCATs can be a factor in getting in to very competitive residency programs. He told me, if I get admitted, to retake the MCATs prior to matriculating, because at this school your highest MCAT score is the one that goes on your record. I would call and ask someone in the admissions dept at the school your going to and check to see which scores they end up putting on your record. If its the highest score, then it cant hurt you to take it again.

I've never heard of the MCAT having any relevance to residency match.

 

[TheBoondocks]

I've never heard of the MCAT having any relevance to residency match.

actually. It ISN'T uncommon. For competitive specialties, they use everything. Wash U asks for your SAT score. Now, does it play a large factor. No, but it adds to the general perception of your performance abilities. I think it's stupid, but having attended an undergrad with a MS that has a top 3 ortho, otol, optho, and derm that is practice is more common than we'd think.

 

[J ROD]

I think I will just stay with EM and Anes!! 😉

 

[rama kandra]

Really, an MCAT score is factored in as well as the USMLE and other more recent accomplishments? I fail to see a reason why you believe this is true, other than just having a complete background on a candidate.

On second thought, I am not really sure I would be going to these top tier places, or winning the presidency anytime soon, so bless the kids who are still proud of their SAT and MCAT scores, haha.

 

[ezsanche]

You dont need to take an official test to find out your potential. Go take a practice test so that way you will know how well you could do now. Why waste the 225 dollars to register for a test that is not needed at all and will not help you with anything. But the most important thing you can do is just let it go. Your MCAT score doesn't mean anything once you get accepted.

 

[Vihsadas]

I beg you...with all of my heart...to just wait until you are 3-4 months into school.

I guarantee you will no longer care about this. You will care so little about it that it won't even be worth discussion.

 

[Feldspar]

I don't think there is much benefit relative to the amount of stress involved in preparing for it a second time.

Sometimes, I wish I could turn off the perfectionist side of my personality. It makes for a stressful existence at times.

Thanks for the voices of reason!

 

[J ROD]

I beg you...with all of my heart...to just wait until you are 3-4 months into school.

I guarantee you will no longer care about this. You will care so little about it that it won't even be worth discussion.

qft! 👍

 

[Scottish Chap]

According to the dean of admissions at my first choice school, your MCATs can be a factor in getting in to very competitive residency programs. He told me, if I get admitted, to retake the MCATs prior to matriculating, because at this school your highest MCAT score is the one that goes on your record. I would call and ask someone in the admissions dept at the school your going to and check to see which scores they end up putting on your record. If its the highest score, then it cant hurt you to take it again.

This is nonsense. I interviewed at a lot of very competitive residency programs last year and the MCAT was never mentioned. Unless you are somehow asked at the interview, there's no way they'll know what your MCAT score was. You have to give permission for your MCAT score to be released, and there's no option in the residency application software for that.

OP: put it behind you. Once you've started medical school, you're on a level playing field. I promise you you'll have bigger things to worry about by that time.

 

[DavidMD2B]

I think you should utilize this time and energy and do some volunteer work with disadvantage students. Most of these students will probably not even get to spend a day in college. You can take this opportunity to share your drive to succeed and tutor these students to exceed their expectation and perhaps help them see that they can do good things on this planet. Just a thought. Good luck with medical school!

 

[blackcoffee]

here i am studying my butt off for the mcats hoping just to get a high enough scores so that some medical school will notice me...then burn all the mcat books i have. and there you are already accepted, wanting to take it again?!?! T_T_T trade positions with me please? lol

 

[rama kandra]

My burning of the mcat occurs january 30th, around 6pm, after dinner. haha

 

[caseofthemndays]

If you apply for MD/PhD programs midway thru MS1 I believe they take ur MCAT into account, and they have higher expectations for that

 

[blackcoffee]

haha i'm setting up a campfire in front of my mcat administration building the day after score release >🙂..that is only if i don't have to retake it for the 3rd time -.-"

 

[Longshanks]

I beg you...with all of my heart...to just wait until you are 3-4 months into school.

I guarantee you will no longer care about this. You will care so little about it that it won't even be worth discussion.

This is nonsense. I interviewed at a lot of very competitive residency programs last year and the MCAT was never mentioned. Unless you are somehow asked at the interview, there's no way they'll know what your MCAT score was. You have to give permission for your MCAT score to be released, and there's no option in the residency application software for that.

OP: put it behind you. Once you've started medical school, you're on a level playing field. I promise you you'll have bigger things to worry about by that time.

Just repeating these since they speak the truth. I don't understand where anyone got this MCAT important for residency rubbish.

 

[JmanDO]

Of course you can take, the only requirement is the $$. Just choose not to report scores to any schools.
You can also go back and champ the SAT if it'll make you feel big and tough.