Multiple MCATs discussed in the interview?

[StudentDoctor4]

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If you took the MCAT 2 times or more, was this discussed in your interview? If so, how was it broached? What was your response? Do you think it affected the amount of II's you received?

Thank you for asking my barrage of questions.

 

[LChristmas]

If you took the MCAT 2 times or more, was this discussed in your interview? If so, how was it broached? What was your response? Do you think it affected the amount of II's you received?

Thank you for asking my barrage of questions.

It was discussed. I had to illustrate my reasons for deciding to rewrite, and what I did differently on the retake to achieve a higher score.

 

[meowfish6868]

If you took the MCAT 2 times or more, was this discussed in your interview? If so, how was it broached? What was your response? Do you think it affected the amount of II's you received?

Thank you for asking my barrage of questions.

My re-take was brought up in all of my open-file interviews. Both of the interviewers asked how I was able to increase my score by nine points. One mentioned that his daughter is a pre-med and was interested in my study method on the re-take.

I was honest with both interviewers about naively assuming that I could do well on the MCAT with minimal studying, as I had done with the ACT. I should have known better from the get go, but I learned my lesson and addressed my weaknesses.

I can't say with certainty that taking the MCAT twice solely affected the amount of II I received; I think my application as a whole limited it. There are many other qualified applicants who easily outperformed me academically or who are unique and awesome candidates. Getting a great MCAT score the first time would may have strengthened my application, but I'm very lucky for the success I've had this cycle.

 

[Tappinfool66]

This happened to a friend of mine who'd taken it 4 times. He's interviewed at two schools so far this cycle and I'm pretty sure he said it came up in both. Basically, I think they just outright asked him why he'd taken it so many times and he gave his answer about not taking the time to fully prepare and rushing to retake but how he matured, took a gap year and studied harder for his final sitting. Bottom line: if you've taken it more than twice, and especially if you didn't have a significant increase (3+ points) from one time to the next, I'd expect it to come up in your interviews and I'd have an answer ready.

 

[StudentDoctor4]

Thanks for writing you all, also bump?