MCAT retake+Apply early?!?

[ablondechic]

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Okay so I took the MCATs this past January and was very disappointed with my score [27S 7ps/11v/9bs]. Right now I am planning on taking an MCAT class in the summer (I studied on my own for the month before the January test) & retaking at the end of July. If I submit my application early in June will the schools be able to see that I am retaking? Will they consider this? I'm hoping most schools will just send me the secondaries and then my scores will come in before they decide about interviews.
Does this make sense--like, should I just hope that schools send me secondaries even with my low MCAT until my new scores come in? (I am applying to DO & MD, so I am not really worried about not getting this cycle, as my state DO averages 27, I just want to know how it works & what the best way to go about this is)
Will I need to do anything to make sure that they get my new MCAT scores in August & would it be appropriate to write letters to the schools I apply to, asking them to reconsider/look at again my application when my new scores come in.
I am hoping to get 30++, as that's what I was getting on practice exams before & even this should go up with the class. (My GPA is about 3.7-3.9 both science and overall).

Any help/insight here is greatly appreaciated!!!
Thanks!

 

[sarahl86]

Unfortunately with a 27S you are going to be pre-screened for most MD schools and won't get a secondary unless the school sends secondaries to everyone who submits an AMCAS application (I don't know which ones these are)...schools will get your updated scores when they are released and will reconsider from there. When I retook this past August, I waited until I got my new score to submit my secondaries, but this wasn't the best idea as I am still waiting to hear back from interviews and haven't even had my last one yet...

Some secondaries will ask you if you plan to retake the MCAT, but either way if you are going to hold out and wait for your next MCAT score it won't matter if you apply in June to MD schools because they will just hold your application until they get new scores in August. You're covering your bases well by applying to DO as well though, so you will have a good shot at DO schools assuming you have the appropriate experiences and DO recommendations.

And in my experience, after doing Kaplan the first time I took the MCAT and studying on my own the second time, I pulled up my score 6 points...don't count on a course to resurrect your MCAT score. You need to study and practice material on your own because MCAT courses are by no means a fix-all.

Good luck!

 

[mbe36]

Keep in mind some schools (buffalo, GWU, MCW, and others) will count the highest score you get in each section.

So if you could bring the PS above 10 I think you would be in good shape.

 

[BlueElmo]

If worse comes to worst, couldn't you consider delaying your app. and applying for the 2011 cycle?

 

[MmeLaDoctoresse]

you can indicate on the AMCAS application that you plan to retake the MCAT (they even ask you to indicate the date you plan to take them from what I remember). In most cases, your file will not be considered complete until the new MCAT score comes in, so you shouldnt be screened out of any schools (i.e. rejected pre-secondary)based on your previous score. You might get some secondaries from schools that dont screen.

You can work on secondaries until the new score comes in, but your file wont be complete until the scores come out in August, which is on the later side, so that is still something to consider. Once your new score comes in, the schools are automatically notified.

 

[RevivedPreMed]

I think if you take a course you'll be in really good shape. The fact that you're retaking later in the summer shouldn't affect your application negatively because you'll indicate that you are retaking and your gpa looks really good.
Luckily, you scored pretty well on verbal which in my opinion is the hardest to improve.
With a course you'll be able to improve your BS and PS sections by AT LEAST 2 to 3 points which will put you above a 30. I haven't finished my course yet but through practice exams I've seen an improvement in my BS section by 4 points and PS by 4 as well. For me it was not having taken some of the prereqs for over 3 years so a course helping me review it all was perfect.
I wish you luck! Update us when you get your retake and PM me if you have any questions.