MCAT Retake Score Dropped- Should I apply?

[purple pearl]

So I have taken the MCAT a couple times.

I got a 26 and then a 29 and a 27.

I wish I NEVER RETOOK! 1)9-8-9 2)11-8-10 3)8-8-11

How will schools looks at this? I thought I did awful last time and I felt sick and should have voided... I WANT TO retake but taking the MCAT 4 times feels like a tamboo..

Anyone retake to do lower and then GET INTO medical school?
On the other hand if u take the best in each section I have a 30. My scores are everywhere and make me look like I am crazy. GPA is 3.8 ish but from a crappy school.

any advice appreciated

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[SN2ed]

Schools will look at that, as you probably guessed, poorly. Whenever anyone retakes, they expect a better score. The only possible exception would be for people that retake because their score expired. Even there, it's not a good sign. Compounding the problem is that this was your third time. I'm sure there have been people that have gotten in after scoring lower on their MCAT; yet, I don't think your chances are too great right now.

Additionally, I'm not sure if I should recommend a retake or not. US medical schools already see three sub 30 scores as bad, but I think the fourth may be the tipping point for most schools.

That said, you aren't in a completely untenable position. You may still have a shot at schools that take the best score from each section (don't know what schools do that). You could also pursue getting a DO. I think DO is your best option.

 

[J ROD]

A this point if you want MD, I think you have to take it again and break a 30+ though.

I have been told as long as you improve then you are okay. The fear of going down is why I did not retake when I know I can score better. I figured I would just take my chances this admissions cycle.

 

[purple pearl]

Thanks so much guys!! I will apply to DO schools and i hope mcat doesn't ruin my chances. My DO app sucks because I don't know any DOs. MDs seem out of reach.

I'm looking at St Georges caribbean-- they make med students live with roommates and food seems sparse! ;(

If i got lucky I could break 30 but SN2ed has a point- I can't afford to risk another crappy score!! I WISH I VIODED WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE!!

 

[SN2ed]

If you're also looking at the Caribbean, you'll get in somewhere. Though I suggest you take a US DO over a Caribbean acceptance regardless of the schools involved.

 

[doc totipotent]

I'd only retake if you can ensure a solid 30+ score. Anything else would be more confirmation of the same in the MCAT department. The other posters had good ideas about DO schools and Caribbean schools. Also...depending on your state, you might have a decent shot at a public MD school.

 

[POWP]

this exam really is bs tho...there can be so much variance in your scores...3 pt drop in PS...what was the time length btw 2nd and 3rd retakes?

i love the other kid on here that dropped from 12 to 7 in PS...


But it is true the AAMC states in their Official guide...it is only possible to do WORSE than you're capable of but not BETTER than your capable of....schools should really look at your best scores only.