Need some advice deciding...

If you do not feel that confident with what you have and you feel confident that you can improve on your score, then go ahead and take it again.

 

wudja get n wurr u applyin?

and most schools will wait til the new scores are out to process your app.. although I've heard of interview invites without the new scores too.

 

amcas has statistic for retester data..typically the highest percentile increase is in those who score about a 29 i think. The amcas application asks you whether or not you will be taking the next mcat exam..so im sure most schools will hold considerations till then.

its hard for me to comment on retaking it ..depends on your score gpa EC's etc. the score release time wont hurt that much..although it will increase your chances to apply early. also till your amcas is complete you wont get access to some of the secondaries. which might delay you further.

 

If I was you, I wouldn't retake it... with your stats, ec, and getting your application in early.. you might already have a chance to those top tiers schools that you're talking about... unless you absolutely think you can do better than a 32 I wouldn't risk taking it again and worrying about getting a lower score.. Instead, you would try improving other areas of your application which may be lacking..

 

These scores are pretty solid. You have to understand that averages are averages for a reason, people are above and people are below.

I'd say your scores won't hurt your chances because they're pretty good, provided the rest of your application is strong enough to get you the interview. I think increasing your MCAT from 32 to 34 is pretty meaningless, so unless you can get it up to a 40, there's not much point. Focus on strengthening any weaknesses in your application, and on getting it in early. A 3.8 is a great GPA. And a 32 tells people that you can handle the MCAT.

 

Great minds think alike

 

I wouldn't retake it. Instead spend your time on more intangible aspects of the application. I think the better advantage is had with getting everything in as early as possible.

 

I wouldn't retake it, but I would make sure to apply to a variety of schools, not just top tier.

 

You are a 32 kind of a guy/girl, accept that fact and apply to a 32 kind of a school.

 

a 32 is on the low end for a top tier school. though it wont help you get in, i dont think it'll hurt that much either.

as from my experience this year, im speculating that ECs are much more important than I previously would have imagined (there are enough awesome MCAT scorers to fill the top schools... yet many of the top schools have reasonable averages of around 33-34).

that said, i would personally retake if i knew that i definitely did not hit my expected score by many points (I know kids that have retaken 34-35s and have done better on the retake)

 

I'd retake it only if you are consistently getting 35+ on your practice tests and know you can improve to that for sure based on the results of practice tests. If you are no confident that you will improve a retake will be pointless and a waste of your time.

 

Also, I agree the ECs are important and can help you if your score is in the 30's but not 35+. I have a friend who got into Cornell and interview offers from Upenn and other schools with a scores near your own. THey also had research with publication pending, and several several hours of various other activities from shadowing to community service to leadership and more. It is all relative and depends on overall profile. If your score is consistently higher on practice tests then retake. If not, then don't and instead work on ECs or other areas of your app.