Mediocre MCAT score

[AlwaysTired37]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I know there's an official 'Should I retake' thread, but I feel like it's rather difficult to sift through and follow-ups are scarce.

I've taken the MCAT 3 times over the span of 3 years! I know! WTF is wrong with me.

2009: 27Q (even spread, 9V)
2010: 29Q (even spread, 8V)
2011: 31P (8V 12P 11B)

I've looked around and it seems like it's rather unwise to retake. I just wanted to get your opinions on this matter.

Would retaking the MCAT a fourth time be worth my while, even if the gain is 1-2 points?

 

[ShayanMoosa]

A 31 is respectable, so I don't think you need to take the MCAT for a fourth time. Have you already applied in previous years? If you have a good GPA and sufficient extracurricular activities then you should have a decent chance of getting into med school.

 

[AlwaysTired37]

No, what isn't shown in my data is that it was in fact 09/2009 and 01/2010 and 01/2011. My GPA is mediocre to bad (3.2 cum and 3.0 sci).

I do have 1 full year of full-time work as a CNA and 1 full year volunteering, 2 years of research + publication, and 40ish hours of shadowing. I'm applying to some postbacc programs to clean up my GPA, but that's about it.

Just wondering if a fourth MCAT would be worth the added effort/risk.

 

[epsilonprodigy]

I really wouldn't. You've shown an upward trend, and there's really nothing wrong with a 31. Also, if there's a bad semester or two that can account for your GPA, explain yourself. I would think about taking some post-bacc classes, upper level if possible, to demonstrate upward GPA improvement, make sure your LOR's rock and that your EC's are diverse. Apply broadly and early. An MCAT drop would hurt you, but the scores you have right now shouldn't, IMO.