Need Advice (Mcat thread)

[JohnIV]

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Here's the deal. I took the Mcat twice. The first time I received a score of (22) PS-7, VR-7, BS-8. I knew I performed poorly, but was told never to void just in case. Needless to say, since the mcat format was changing I tried to squeeze in another test only two weeks later based on the assumption that I did perform poorly. On that test, I scored a (26) PS-9, VR-7, BS-10. For the record, my AAMC FL's were 29-30 on average. I'm in a bit of a crossroads here, and need some advice from those who have gone through this daunting process. Should I try and snag another test date, or should I take the new 2015 test and go through a prep program? Appreciate all the help and advice.

 

[dr.0ne]

No, you can't afford to take it more and not do well.

Take the new one and study your butt off.

From what I've heard, the jan dates are gone unless you live in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Catalystik]

Here's the deal. I took the Mcat twice. The first time I received a score of (22) PS-7, VR-7, BS-8. I knew I performed poorly, but was told never to void just in case. Needless to say, since the mcat format was changing I tried to squeeze in another test only two weeks later based on the assumption that I did perform poorly. On that test, I scored a (26) PS-9, VR-7, BS-10. For the record, my AAMC FL's were 29-30 on average. I'm in a bit of a crossroads here, and need some advice from those who have gone through this daunting process. Should I try and snag another test date, or should I take the new 2015 test and go through a prep program? Appreciate all the help and advice.

If your goal is to apply to DO med schools, your most recent MCAT is fine. If you plan to target MD schools, I agree that a prolonged period of study which includes the new topic content is needed. Also, considering that more MD schools are moving to averaging all your MCAT scores, you'll have to call around and be sure that your list is pruned to include schools whose consideration is based on most-recent MCAT only.

 

[JohnIV]

@Goro Since you're very knowledgeable on the admissions process, I have a quick question you could possibly give me some advice with if that's okay? I have many relatives that live in Iowa City and I myself live close by there. Iowa medical school is my number one place I'd love to go mainly because of family. Would it make sense to study for the new 2015 mcat given my past results? I just feel compelled to give myself the best shot possible to go there so I don't have any regrets.

 

[Goro]

IF you have the numbers. Keep in mind that state schools favor the home team, so one needs to be > avg (or, at least, avg and from a neighboring state). EDIT: I assume you're talking about U IA.

Having relatives in IA is not the same as "close ties". They will not give you a boost for admissions to a state school.

DMU is also in IA!

Do NOT retake the MCAT unless you fix your deficits.

@Goro Since you're very knowledgeable on the admissions process, I have a quick question you could possibly give me some advice with if that's okay? I have many relatives that live in Iowa City and I myself live close by there. Iowa medical school is my number one place I'd love to go mainly because of family. Would it make sense to study for the new 2015 mcat given my past results? I just feel compelled to give myself the best shot possible to go there so I don't have any regrets.

 

[JohnIV]

@Goro Thanks for the quick response. Yea I was talking about U IA and DMU is right there with them in regards to top choices (I'd love to go to either or). I left out a few details. I am an IA resident, and my aunt went to U IA once upon a time haha. It just seems that a 26 is low for both schools so if I studied up is it worth the retake? Thanks!

 

[Goro]

With a 22 and a 26, I recommend a retake if you're serious about either school.

Do NOT retake unless you're 100% ready!

@Goro Thanks for the quick response. Yea I was talking about U IA and DMU is right there with them in regards to top choices (I'd love to go to either or). I left out a few details. I am an IA resident, and my aunt went to U IA once upon a time haha. It just seems that a 26 is low for both schools so if I studied up is it worth the retake? Thanks!

 

[deleted642188]

No, you can't afford to take it more and not do well.

From what I've heard, the jan dates are gone unless you live in the middle of nowhere.

Unless you're in Guam... perhaps there are still some openings in the earlier test dates of January?