No word back! Retake MCAT??

[msmitra]

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I applied in November to a range of 8 schools stating that I would send my Jan 2012 MCAT score as soon as I got the results. I completed my secondaries by December and sent my January MCAT scores. I haven't heard back from any of the schools.

My scores are 9PS, 7VR, 10 BIO.
3.44 GPA.

Should I start considering retaking the MCAT to get a higher score? I have solid recommendation letters, lots of volunteer and research experience. I'm just not sure why I haven't heard back. Or did I just apply too late in the application cycle?

What do you think?

 

[Decis]

I applied in November to a range of 8 schools stating that I would send my Jan 2012 MCAT score as soon as I got the results. I completed my secondaries by December and sent my January MCAT scores. I haven't heard back from any of the schools.

My scores are 9PS, 7VR, 10 BIO.
3.44 GPA.

Should I start considering retaking the MCAT to get a higher score? I have solid recommendation letters, lots of volunteer and research experience. I'm just not sure why I haven't heard back. Or did I just apply too late in the application cycle?

What do you think?

.
.. not only did you apply late, but your MCAT score is low, and your GPA is not that high. What schools did you apply?

 

[cliquesh]

You probably applied too late. When I applied, I received interviews at all the places i was complete at before November, but heard nothing from programs I applied to after November. I had a 3.9 gpa and 31mcat.

I'd start studying for the MCAT again and plan to apply in June (or whenever AACOMAS opens up). You would have probably received some interviews if you applied earlier, so don't be totally discouraged.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

.
.. not only did you apply late, but your MCAT score is low, and your GPA is not that high. What schools did you apply?

don't listen to this person. they are wrong.

assuming your ECs are where they need to be, you applied too late. 3.44gpa and 26 MCAT is pretty much average. It isn't stellar, but average. Definitely good enough to get an acceptance. You need to understand though that many of the people applying in november already have an MCAT and commonly people with 3.6 gpas and 30 MCATs that aren't having any luck in their MD app.

Another problem is with a january mcat, you have probably only been complete fr about a week. too early to stress out about it, however it is also too late t get many offers. apply first thing June 1st and you should be solid for an acceptance.

 

[Decis]

don't listen to this person. they are wrong.

assuming your ECs are where they need to be, you applied too late. 3.44gpa and 26 MCAT is pretty much average. It isn't stellar, but average. Definitely good enough to get an acceptance. You need to understand though that many of the people applying in november already have an MCAT and commonly people with 3.6 gpas and 30 MCATs that aren't having any luck in their MD app.

Another problem is with a january mcat, you have probably only been complete fr about a week. too early to stress out about it, however it is also too late t get many offers. apply first thing June 1st and you should be solid for an acceptance.

Well, thats exactly what i said - the person applied too late. So no, i am not wrong. Also, telling this person that a 26 MCAT is "pretty average" is misleading, especially with a 7 verbal score. Why would you tell them to apply again without retaking the mcat and possibly attempting to improve their chances of getting in with a better score. Also, you have no idea where this person applied? Certainly if they applied to top 10 schools, the chances of them being competitive with those stats is low. So yes, you are late...and if you can, i suggest retaking the mcat to get a higher score.

 

[user3]

I would not retake the mcat. If you have any low grades that you could replace by retaking, I would do that, as well as continuing your EC.

 

[drgioiadds]

Well, thats exactly what i said - the person applied too late. So no, i am not wrong. Also, telling this person that a 26 MCAT is "pretty average" is misleading, especially with a 7 verbal score. Why would you tell them to apply again without retaking the mcat and possibly attempting to improve their chances of getting in with a better score. Also, you have no idea where this person applied? Certainly if they applied to top 10 schools, the chances of them being competitive with those stats is low. So yes, you are late...and if you can, i suggest retaking the mcat to get a higher score.

I applied late last year with a lower mcat and was wait listed. Reapplied with the same mcat was accepted this year. I don't think the OP needs to retake the MCAT.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Well, thats exactly what i said - the person applied too late. So no, i am not wrong. Also, telling this person that a 26 MCAT is "pretty average" is misleading, especially with a 7 verbal score. Why would you tell them to apply again without retaking the mcat and possibly attempting to improve their chances of getting in with a better score. Also, you have no idea where this person applied? Certainly if they applied to top 10 schools, the chances of them being competitive with those stats is low. So yes, you are late...and if you can, i suggest retaking the mcat to get a higher score.

this is the DO forum. there is no need to retake the mcat because 26 being pretty average isn't misleading at all. the average is like 26.5 for all DO matriculants. and a 3.47 gpa. So again, there is absolutely no reason to take the mcat again unless the person is certain they can do better.

If this were the MD forum, my advice would be different.

 

[dbizzy]

Main thing is apply earlier this time around. Your gpa is average or close to average for most DO schools, and your MCAT isn't really bad for DO standards. It's just that verbal holding you back from an above (DO) average score.

 

[Iliketoytles]

this is the DO forum. there is no need to retake the mcat because 26 being pretty average isn't misleading at all. the average is like 26.5 for all DO matriculants. and a 3.47 gpa. So again, there is absolutely no reason to take the mcat again unless the person is certain they can do better.

If this were the MD forum, my advice would be different.

+1 to this.

OP, your MCAT and GPA are fine. They might be slightly below average for some schools, but not by much. If all other aspects of your application are solid, then the real issue is when you applied.

Reapply early, early, EARLY and you should get plenty of interviews. Be sure your application is solid and worded well on AACOMAS. Start pre-writing your new personal statement (yes, you have to have a new one) and possibly getting update letters for your LORs (not required, though).

Good luck!

 

[235788]

OP, perhaps you should start volunteering elsewhere to improve your odds. 3 hours a week isn't too bad. I know you have a lot, but if you have nothing else going on, why not? Plus it suggests that you're really into service which is a big plus.

 

[msmitra]

Hey Thanks for all your responses! They were really helpful! I know I can do better on the MCAT but I'm feeling burnt out about studying for it. I guess my main problem is my application was too late. I have really good clinical, volunteer and research experience. I will listen to your advice and definitely apply as soon as the application process opens for fall 2013.

Thanks again!

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I would not retake the mcat. If you have any low grades that you could replace by retaking, I would do that, as well as continuing your EC.

What is with your fetish for mediocrity?
@OP, you screwed up and applied late. Go to the MCAT forum, spend 90 days studying, retake the mcat and if your gpa is high enough apply to MD schools. You lose nothing and potentially gain everything by studying well for the mcat.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

this is the DO forum. there is no need to retake the mcat because 26 being pretty average isn't misleading at all. the average is like 26.5 for all DO matriculants. and a 3.47 gpa. So again, there is absolutely no reason to take the mcat again unless the person is certain they can do better.

If this were the MD forum, my advice would be different.

26 is average for all DO school, is still below average at all the strong schools. But like I said, the op has the potential of getting into MD schools if she gets a high enough score of the mcat. So in my opinion, she has nothing to lose and a lot to potentially gain.

 

[COMedic2Doc]

Hey Thanks for all your responses! They were really helpful! I know I can do better on the MCAT but I'm feeling burnt out about studying for it. I guess my main problem is my application was too late. I have really good clinical, volunteer and research experience. I will listen to your advice and definitely apply as soon as the application process opens for fall 2013.

Thanks again!

Good luck this year, and yep get your app in early. 🙂 Take note of those who have been accepted versus those that haven't, and you'll be happier in the end that you listened to the majority of accepted students, current Medical Students, or recent Medical School grads. Personally, I also listen to my health careers advising team with a lot of respect so if you have a good advising team then talk to them as well.

Of course, since I'll be applying right alongside you this cycle, feel free to reject my opinion as well. 😀

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

You applied WAAAAY late. I had 4 interview invites by the end of Oct. You have to get your stuff in earlier. I was accepted with a 26Q (2 full, 2 waitlists), but I had a 7PS, 9VR, 10BS. Also, for the benefits, make sure your PS has been read by the readers on here...

 

[COMedic2Doc]

You applied WAAAAY late. I had 4 interview invites by the end of Oct. You have to get your stuff in earlier. I was accepted with a 26Q (2 full, 2 waitlists), but I had a 7PS, 9VR, 10BS. Also, for the benefits, make sure your PS has been read by the readers on here...

+1. Definitely make sure that your PS is read by the readers here and/or those who deal with PS all the time, i.e. Health Careers Advisors, Medical School Students, etc. as well as visiting your local Writing Center for assistance. Also, fair to mention is having a transcript review completed by your top choice school or a program accessible to you, if possible. During this process, I found very valuable insight into my specific situation helped tremendously with boosting confidence in preparation for this application cycle.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

26 is average for all DO school, is still below average at all the strong schools. But like I said, the op has the potential of getting into MD schools if she gets a high enough score of the mcat. So in my opinion, she has nothing to lose and a lot to potentially gain.

The OP didn't ask about MD schools in the DO forum. And I didn't address that because she (assuming girl based on avatar) could be in the same situation as I am or applying DO because she wants OMM. In which case, applying MD could have no value, nor would retaking the MCAT. So I could agree with you, but there is no sense in us both being wrong.

FrkyBgStok tips his hat and rides his high horse into the sunset.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

The OP didn't ask about MD schools in the DO forum. And I didn't address that because she (assuming girl based on avatar) could be in the same situation as I am or applying DO because she wants OMM. In which case, applying MD could have no value, nor would retaking the MCAT. So I could agree with you, but there is no sense in us both being wrong.

FrkyBgStok tips his hat and rides his high horse into the sunset.

Doesn't DMU give full rides to this with highly competitive mcat scores though? DocktorB once said something about DMU doing this. So this also can be mixed into here.
But anyway... What type of horsie?

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Doesn't DMU give full rides to this with highly competitive mcat scores though? DocktorB once said something about DMU doing this. So this also can be mixed into here.
But anyway... What type of horsie?

No. With DMU, if your gpa is above a certain point (3.7) AND your MCAT is over a certain point (30), you automatically qualify for scholarships without having to apply. That's all.

A Clydesdale. It's a high horse. And it is the only horse i know.

 

[msmitra]

Did you just post your entire personal statement here and ask for advice? Do you think I have to write a completely different one this time or could it have some parts that are the same or similar?

And Yes my pre-med adviser sucks at my school.

I am going for DO school not MD school.

 

[msmitra]

Do you mind me asking where you got accepted and where wait listed since we have really similar scores?

Thanks!

 

[420005]

Goodluck.

 

[Iliketoytles]

Did you just post your entire personal statement here and ask for advice? Do you think I have to write a completely different one this time or could it have some parts that are the same or similar?

And Yes my pre-med adviser sucks at my school.

I am going for DO school not MD school.

Don't post your PS into a thread, as people can copy ideas from it and claim it as their own (it is the interwebz, afterall 🙄). There's a Personal Statement thread every cycle where people offer to read other people's PS and critique/edit them. I've edited many in the past, so feel free to PM me yours if you want and I'll make some suggestions and send it back to you. 🙂

Unfortunately, you should NOT use the same personal statement as before. You can definitely incorporate parts from your previous one into your new one, but try to create a different theme. Some reapplicants suggest that your new PS should include the fact you're a reapplicant, and the ways you learned and improved after you didn't get in the first time. I really don't think that's necessary at all, but it wouldn't hurt to mention it briefly I suppose.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Just remember, don't ever listen to what people tell you. People told me I couldn't do it, but if you continue to stay persistent and faithful, good things will happen. I applied early in the cycle, June to be exact. I had a 3.7 GPA, with a mcat below 23. Just apply early & I only applied DO too.

You don't have to listen to anyone you just have to read the statistics on applicants and acceptances. Sorry, you were an outlier, don't pretend like other people can statistically be so lucky. You're the one giving bad advice here.
Always aim high.

 

[DocGodfather]

Hey Thanks for all your responses! They were really helpful! I know I can do better on the MCAT but I'm feeling burnt out about studying for it. I guess my main problem is my application was too late. I have really good clinical, volunteer and research experience. I will listen to your advice and definitely apply as soon as the application process opens for fall 2013.

Thanks again!

If you don't feel like you can improve on the MCAT, do not retake it. Nothing sucks more then having a retake with a lower score, in my opinion. You're a long shot to get an interview now, but I think if everything else is solid (EC's, etc.), you should hear from schools if you apply for the 2013 cycle in June.

 

[msmitra]

I have been working on a new personal statement. But GUESS WHAT?!? I was invited for an interview!! 🙂 I'm so excited and nervous. I felt so happy but sick to my stomach at the same time right after the call!! YAY

 

[Nymphicus]

I have been working on a new personal statement. But GUESS WHAT?!? I was invited for an interview!! 🙂 I'm so excited and nervous. I felt so happy but sick to my stomach at the same time right after the call!! YAY

Good luck!

 

[doublefrick]

Did you call the schools and see what's up? Maybe your files weren't complete? I applied late and got four interviews with a lower MCAT but higher GPA. My understanding is that the MCAT matters more here.

Best of luck!

 

[dntke1518]

No. With DMU, if your gpa is above a certain point (3.7) AND your MCAT is over a certain point (30), you automatically qualify for scholarships without having to apply. That's all.

A Clydesdale. It's a high horse. And it is the only horse i know.

[YOUTUBE]83M60qeRyMc[/YOUTUBE]

 

[GimpGenius]

I have been working on a new personal statement. But GUESS WHAT?!? I was invited for an interview!! 🙂 I'm so excited and nervous. I felt so happy but sick to my stomach at the same time right after the call!! YAY

Congrats on the interview! I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir, but be sure to read up on the school's website, the interview feedback here on SDN, etc. so you're well-prepared for what they may throw at you. Making sure you can speak well for 1-2 minutes on every part of your AACOMAS would, IMO, be a good starting point.

Which school is it, if you don't mind sharing?

 

[ShyRem]

You applied late. WAY late. This, probably more than anything else is the reason for few interviews.

Secondly, yes, your MCAT is "average" for most schools. Certainly there are some with higher average MCATs (I think UNEs for my class was around 27). So with an average MCAT and average GPA, you'll be an average applicant. Average. Gives you an average chance of acceptance. So whether you retake the MCAT or not is up to you: do you want to be average? Do you want to have an average chance of acceptance? Or do you want to have a BETTER chance of acceptance (or an average chance at schools with higher average MCATs)?

Now of course the downside is if you do worse on your retake your chances are less than average. Up to you what to do from here.