Need help, retake MCAT or will Biomed program suffice?

[NevergivingupMD]

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Should I retake my MCAT before my graduate program starts, or just keep my score and do very well in the graduate program? I just don't want to get a lower score if I retake it a third time, and my lack of motivation right now is worrisome in that it could possibly happen. The program has a great track record of their students getting into medical school after graduation.

Thanks for any advice or information

 

[WhippleWhileWeWork]

I just want opinions now, or it's another way to procrastinate, but need help deciding whether or not to take me MCAT again... for the 3rd time. I just cant seem to motivate myself.

quick over view of myself:

2.8 undergrad GPA (mild upward trend, very sporadic though)
25 first MCAT (7,9,9) (did not study right, slacked off ect)
28 second MCAT ( 10,9,9) (studied my hardest in that I don't regret most of how I studied, 32-33 practice tests, horrible test day)

lots of clinical experience (1.5 years as scribe, 3 years hospice volunteer, shadowing, ect)
went on a mission trip this year (most amazing experience, learned and taught a lot)
a lot of volunteer experience (food banks, homeless shelters, ect)
blah blah blah (don't want to bore you)
NO research

Just accepted into TTUHSC pre-medical biomedical science graduate program that starts Aug 11. (idk how in the world this happened, I'm super grateful and extremely happy. I think it's because I had strong letters of recommendation)

My question:
Should I retake my MCAT before my graduate program starts on Aug 7th, or just keep my score and do very well in the graduate program? I just don't want to get a lower score if I retake it a third time, and my lack of motivation right now is worrisome in that it could possibly happen. The program has a great track record of their students getting into medical school after graduation.

Thanks for any advice or information

Question:
Are they getting in the traditional way (GPA + MCAT + ECs) or is there some TT linkage having to do with grades/gpa in that program?

 

[NevergivingupMD]

One of the students I talked to said it was an "unofficial" way of getting into TTUHSC if you make all A's, and that there use to be an official linkage for straight A students, but it was pulled due to some student's complaining.

But officially, there is no linkage.

 

[WhippleWhileWeWork]

One of the students I talked to said it was an "unofficial" way of getting into TTUHSC if you make all A's, and that there use to be an official linkage for straight A students, but it was pulled due to some student's complaining.

But officially, there is no linkage.

Hm, that's a little vague so I'm still not sure how the program works.

Can you be ready to retake by 8/7? Your MCAT is now several points below the mean this year (33 apparently), so it will probably hurt you even if you do this program. However, what's the curriculum? Would your content be much stronger after the program is done? That may be the better time to retake.

 

[NevergivingupMD]

it's a 2 year program where the first year is with TTUHSC medical students and the second year is more of a specialized focus into first year stuff with some research based studies and stuff

http://www.ttuhsc.edu/gsbs/mspremedsci.aspx

 

[mct2762]

I just want opinions now, or it's another way to procrastinate, but need help deciding whether or not to take me MCAT again... for the 3rd time. I just cant seem to motivate myself.

quick over view of myself:

2.8 undergrad GPA (mild upward trend, very sporadic though)
25 first MCAT (7,9,9) (did not study right, slacked off ect)
28 second MCAT ( 10,9,9) (studied my hardest in that I don't regret most of how I studied, 32-33 practice tests, horrible test day)

lots of clinical experience (1.5 years as scribe, 3 years hospice volunteer, shadowing, ect)
went on a mission trip this year (most amazing experience, learned and taught a lot)
a lot of volunteer experience (food banks, homeless shelters, ect)
blah blah blah (don't want to bore you)
NO research

Just accepted into TTUHSC pre-medical biomedical science graduate program that starts Aug 11. (idk how in the world this happened, I'm super grateful and extremely happy. I think it's because I had strong letters of recommendation)

My question:
Should I retake my MCAT before my graduate program starts on Aug 7th, or just keep my score and do very well in the graduate program? I just don't want to get a lower score if I retake it a third time, and my lack of motivation right now is worrisome in that it could possibly happen. The program has a great track record of their students getting into medical school after graduation.

Thanks for any advice or information

I think if you do well in the graduate program, you should be ok for Texas schools


edit: this is assuming you have Texas residence

 

[NevergivingupMD]

Yes I am a Texas resident

I just don't want to gamble and get a lower score, it was super discouraging getting 28 after how much I studied and how much lower it was from my practice tests

 

[mct2762]

Yes I am a Texas resident

I just don't want to gamble and get a lower score, it was super discouraging getting 28 after how much I studied and how much lower it was from my practice tests

URM?

 

[NevergivingupMD]

unfortunately not... over represented minority

 

[mct2762]

unfortunately not... over represented asian male...

ahh it's risky then...especially if the TTUHSC program is two years. Who knows what the average MCAT will be by then! You are right on the line, IMO though. Everyone on here will tell you to retake it, but right now, a 28 will land you several interviews in Texas. Can't speak of how things will be in two years, though. Tough call

 

[NevergivingupMD]

but since the MCAT is changing drastically next year, I don't know how to go about it.

If I retake the MCAT in Aug, it will only last for 2 years when I apply, and if I don't get accepted the first time, I'm going to have to take the new MCAT because mine will have been expired.

If I don't take the MCAT in Aug and I don't get it, I'm going to have to take the new MCAT anyways.

It really sucks that the MCAT is changing next year, If it wasn't I wouldn't be in this predicament and would just take it later rather than sooner.

 

[Goro]

A 25-28 is not competitive for MD programs, but OK for DO schools. It will depend upon which degree you're looking for. For my MS students in our SMP, we've found that they can't study for both MCAT and our program...it's helps to have the MCAT out of the way


Should I retake my MCAT before my graduate program starts on Aug 7th, or just keep my score and do very well in the graduate program?

Given you're past performance and your comment below, I suggest sticking with the current MCAT, acing the SMP, and going DO. If you want the MD degree, you're going to have to earn it.

I just don't want to get a lower score if I retake it a third time, and my lack of motivation right now is worrisome in that it could possibly happen. The program has a great track record of their students getting into medical school after graduation.

 

[NevergivingupMD]

I don't want to make it seem like i'm lazy, I just want to know my best option so I don't screw myself over haha