need advice on a 3rd retake

[Loupremed]

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So, I took the mcat for the first time in 2011 and got a 25N (7PS, 8V, 10BS), and was a little upset considering I was scoring 28-31 on my last 4 practice tests. I applied anyway and got waitlisted at 1 school and rejected everywhere else. Keep in mind I also applied late (big mistake). I recently took it again in June, and to my surprise my score went down!! 23N (6V 8PS 9BS). I am at a loss of what to do. I've already signed up to take the Sept 7 exam but I cant help but being scared of the worst happening. I am planning on applying much more broadly this time, including DO schools, but I don't know whether I should take it again or not. I have 3.5 GPA and a 3.47 science and a whole hell of a lot of ECs and research experience.

I felt so ready before my second exam, I really think it was a fluke. I really believe I can raise my score, but do I take that chance?

 

[thetugboat]

If it were me here is what I would do:

I suggest taking some time off before med-school (no shame in that) and taking the January MCAT. You can do SN2's 3 month MCAT study plan or EK's 10 week study plan. You'll go into the MCAT feeling confident just like you did on the 2nd one and hopefully pull out a great score. You can work a little bit and make some $$$$$ or bolster your EC's.

If you don't want to take time off then study hard for a month. But no matter what just go in there confident on test day. You can do it. Remember God helps he who perceives.

 

[DrMeows]

If it were me here is what I would do:

I suggest taking some time off before med-school (no shame in that) and taking the January MCAT. You can do SN2's 3 month MCAT study plan or EK's 10 week study plan. You'll go into the MCAT feeling confident just like you did on the 2nd one and hopefully pull out a great score. You can work a little bit and make some $$$$$ or bolster your EC's.

If you don't want to take time off then study hard for a month. But no matter what just go in there confident on test day. You can do it. Remember God helps he who perceives.

+1 to this comment. I took an extra year and spent a good 6 months just on the MCAT and increased my score drastically (and i took it 3 times- don't get frustrated, third times the charm 🙂 )

 

[Courtjester8]

Aside from whatever approach you decide to take in terms of your MCAT (I happen to agree with taking a year), I would also start considering other ways to improve your candidacy. There are a lot of 1 year masters programs out there in biomedical sciences specifically geared toward premeds that will make you a much stronger applicant some of which offer a back door into an associated med school.

-cj8

 

[ishr]

So, I took the mcat for the first time in 2011 and got a 25N (7PS, 8V, 10BS), and was a little upset considering I was scoring 28-31 on my last 4 practice tests. I applied anyway and got waitlisted at 1 school and rejected everywhere else. Keep in mind I also applied late (big mistake). I recently took it again in June, and to my surprise my score went down!! 23N (6V 8PS 9BS). I am at a loss of what to do. I've already signed up to take the Sept 7 exam but I cant help but being scared of the worst happening. I am planning on applying much more broadly this time, including DO schools, but I don't know whether I should take it again or not. I have 3.5 GPA and a 3.47 science and a whole hell of a lot of ECs and research experience.

I felt so ready before my second exam, I really think it was a fluke. I really believe I can raise my score, but do I take that chance?

with scores like that you'll be extremely competitive at DO schools, don't worry.

 

[DrMeows]

with scores like that you'll be extremely competitive at DO schools, don't worry.

You're saying a 25 and 23 are "extremely competitive" for DO schools? Are you high?

 

[Live 2BMD]

I am curious too ..Which DO schools consider that competitive? Are you referring to the newer schools?

 

[LifeTake2]

with scores like that you'll be extremely competitive at DO schools, don't worry.

You are full of BS.

NO fully accredited DO school will accept below a 24, meaning the most recent score means the OP is not a valid candidate much less competitive.

At a 25 they are borderline at best, and even then only at lower tier schools. There are 25's that get in, but fewer each year as the classes get more competitive.

OP: Take a cycle year off, figure out what is going on and then try again in 6 months. You will be better prepared, less rushed and perform better.

 

[qwerty2012]

take some time off. maybe do a masters/research/additional undergrad courses.

 

[V5RED]

You are full of BS.

NO fully accredited DO school will accept below a 24, meaning the most recent score means the OP is not a valid candidate much less competitive.

At a 25 they are borderline at best, and even then only at lower tier schools. There are 25's that get in, but fewer each year as the classes get more competitive.

OP: Take a cycle year off, figure out what is going on and then try again in 6 months. You will be better prepared, less rushed and perform better.

Bull****.

The average MCAT score at DO schools is a 26 with a standard deviation of 3, so clearly they will accept a score below 24.

http://www.aacom.org/data/applicantsmatriculants/Documents/2011Matriculantsummary.pdf

 

[DrMeows]

Bull****.

The average MCAT score at DO schools is a 26 with a standard deviation of 3, so clearly they will accept a score below 24.

http://www.aacom.org/data/applicantsmatriculants/Documents/2011Matriculantsummary.pdf

I agree with you on this, some people with lower scores definitely do get in. But saying above that a number like that is competitive is just simply misinformed.