Forum Members Official "Should I Retake?" Thread

[QofQuimica]

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EDIT 12/21/18: This thread is being retired, as the majority of posts (>80 pages) pertain to the old MCAT that is no longer relevant to current applicants. You can find the current "Should I Retake" thread here: Forum Members - Should I Retake the MCAT?

For those of you who are trying to figure out whether you should re-take, this is the thread for you. Post your dilemma here if you want advice from other SDN folks. Please note that you should take the opinions you get from SDN as one source of advice; you would be wise to also consult your premed advisor before making this decision. Here is my personal advice for those considering whether to re-take:

Definitely DO retake:

-if you scored below a 24. Some allopathic schools will screen out students with scores lower than 24, which is about the mean score for all test-takers.
-if you had some kind of major problem during the test that affected your performance (ex. you started puking or running a 102 degree temperature)
-if you took the test without completing the four pre-reqs (one year each of biology, chemistry, physics, and organic) and/or without studying for it
-if you left large numbers of questions blank​

Definitely do NOT retake:

-if you scored a 30 or better, especially if all of your individual section scores were an 8 or better
-if your section subscores (the numerical ones) are all good, but you didn't perform well on the writing section (the letter score)

​

Gray area-it's not obvious what to do:

-if you scored 30+ but with one section below an 8
-if you had some minor nuisances (ex. a noisy test room) during the test and you're not sure if it affected your performance
-if you studied thoroughly for the test and you scored within the range of your practice exams, but your score is in the middle range (24-29)​

 

[tncekm]

thank you! that makes me feel better......i can't believe someone almost voided a 40.....

Yeah, it definitely happens. What I find generally happens is that if I hit a few really hard questions, my brain tends to amplify the feeling and suddenly I think its 20 hard questions I ran into. I think most people allow that fear of not knowing how to approach a few questions really get to them.

 

[pingouin]

Requesting that we get this thread back on topic... every MCAT date has their own "Club" thread where that test can be generally discussed.

Also as a reminder- because I'm seeing more of these creeping in- this is NOT a "What Are My Chances?" thread- that's in Pre-Allo. 🙂

Let's try to keep questions specific to re-taking. Danke.

 

[pianola]

1. Curious: Is it ever worth scheduling a retake when you haven't gotten your first scores yet?

I mean, it WILL take forever to get a spot if I decide to retake.

2. In the incredibly unfortunate event that I score ~5 points lower than my average AAMC practice test (tests 7-10, that is) would anyone recommend a retake?

Thoughts?

 

[DDolderer]

30-O

PS 11
V 8
BS 11

GPA: 3.8 sGPA: 3.8

I don't feel like I should, but I don't know. I don't need to go to an Ivy league school or anything. I'd be happy at Miami or somewhere like that. Applying early is what I wanted to do. I don't really want to wait..

 

[dtepper]

Overall GPA: 3.81
BCPM: 3.82
MCAT: 29P

I want to get into Jeff. I don't want to apply late... Let me know if you think I should if I want to get into Jeff.. bah..

 

[lukgirl]

dtepper, I think a 29P is a solid MCAT score because it's just a hair below that magical number of 30. Your gpa looks good...if you have lots of extracurriculars etc, you may still be in good shape. Good luck!

 

[lukgirl]

Ok, here's my snapshot, tell me what you guys think.

- MCAT: 27S (10VR, 9PS, 8BS)
- Undergraduate BA from McGill '06: GPA 3.88, BCPM GPA: 3.96
- Masters degree in Public Health from Hopkins: GPA: 4.00
- Tons of extracurricular and volunteer experience in health-related field
- Research experience in public health
- Experience working in international settings and with underserved populations in U.S.
- Member of 2 honorary societies and have received some prestigious awards for my work in intl health

Is that MCAT going to just make things impossible? I was hoping to apply to my state school, and was even considering applying early decision until I got this score.

Should I retake? Should I just proceed with this score and accept it and try to highlight all the other great stuff on my application?

 

[Emilysmile]

Wow...I would REALLY love some advice...
PA resident..
3.8 GPA (about same in sciences) graduated in 2001
Got my MCAT score today:
PS 12 (highest ever in practice was 10)
VR 8 (lowest ever in practice was 10)
BS 12

What should I do? Will I get filtered out of schools with that 8? I'm worried about retaking and then having to apply late...? Any advice will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks everyone!😕

 

[da8s0859q]

Wow...I would REALLY love some advice...
PA resident..
3.8 GPA (about same in sciences) graduated in 2001
Got my MCAT score today:
PS 12 (highest ever in practice was 10)
VR 8 (lowest ever in practice was 10)
BS 12

What should I do? Will I get filtered out of schools with that 8? I'm worried about retaking and then having to apply late...? Any advice will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks everyone!😕

What were you averaging on your diagnostics? A 32 isn't exactly horrible.

 

[Emilysmile]

no, the 32 is great (average on practices...but usually much more balanced). I always got 10 vr in practice. what I'm worried about and would love advice on is the 8...

 

[da8s0859q]

no, the 32 is great (average on practices...but usually much more balanced). I always got 10 vr in practice. what I'm worried about and would love advice on is the 8...

Yeah, understandably. I have seen/heard of people getting in with an 8 sectional score, but that's me. Other people might have a different take on it.

Personally, I'd think long and hard before retaking if that was your average on practice exams. Maybe it's just because I've got the benefit of being a TX resident/applicant, but I don't think I'd do it.

 

[victory4msu]

Just got my scores today. 26Q (8 PS, 10 VR, 8 BS). Dissapointed in what I got (I was averaging 27-32 on the AAMC practice exams). I have a GPA of 3.88 and BCPM of 3.8. Im going to apply to both MD and DO. The only thing that is keeping me from retaking is the fact that I didnt get anything below an 8. Should I keep the score and get my app in early (this week) or retake and get my app in later (August or Sept)? Cant decide what to do. TIA.

 

[lukgirl]

Any advice on this? (See below). Is the 8 BS going to get me screened out? Was planning on applying to my state schools (Wisc. and Minn, could be considered a resident in either). I'd really appreciate some perspective!

Ok, here's my snapshot, tell me what you guys think.

- MCAT: 27S (10VR, 9PS, 8BS)
- Undergraduate BA from McGill '06: GPA 3.88, BCPM GPA: 3.96
- Masters degree in Public Health from Hopkins: GPA: 4.00
- Tons of extracurricular and volunteer experience in health-related field
- Research experience in public health
- Experience working in international settings and with underserved populations in U.S.
- Member of 2 honorary societies and have received some prestigious awards for my work in intl health

Is that MCAT going to just make things impossible? I was hoping to apply to my state school, and was even considering applying early decision until I got this score.

Should I retake? Should I just proceed with this score and accept it and try to highlight all the other great stuff on my application?

 

[Chemist0157]

The way I see it, that MCAT score is "acceptable" but not competitive. Are the schools you are applying to really competitive? It does help that you're a resident. Is this the first time you have taken it, and do you have time for another go? I made a 27 initially and decided to retake, but I did so because I had time and my overall application isn't as extensive as those of some of my fellow SDN'ers.

Any advice on this? (See below). Is the 8 BS going to get me screened out? Was planning on applying to my state schools (Wisc. and Minn, could be considered a resident in either). I'd really appreciate some perspective!

 

[AbujaMan]

I dont want to sound too repetitious since i already posted my story elsewhere asking for study advice. I got a 31 R (8 vr 11bs 12ps).

I've been hearing from many that this year, the 8 is a bigger deal than ever and that a 9 would make loads of a difference. My average verbal was a 9.25 in aamc, physical was a 12, and bio was a 12.5 (i had mostly 12'a and 13's in bio). I also wont get much done in a month but out of the 8 aamc tests, 6 were 9 or above in verbal

If i retake it, it is statistically likely that i will increase two points, one in verbal and one in bio.

My question is: is it worth the retake for the likely 9 in verbal, possibly another point increase in a science section but be a later applicant (if i take july 18th). I'm afraid since most schools, if you look in the new msar have 9 at the bottom 10th percentile so im afraid the 8 will get me screened from so many schools that my gpa and ec's etc should put me way over their average

Any ideas?

 

[lukgirl]

I wouldn't retake with a 31. People end up screwing themselves over by retaking when they already have a decent score. I think with the MCAT you can't just calculate statistical chances of scores like you've done because there are so many other factors involved (nerves, the fact that the actual MCAT tends to be harder than AAMC tests, noise distractions, etc). My average AAMC practice test score was definitely 30+, but somehow I ended up with a 27S on the actual thing! Bottom line is, only retake if you REALLY feel you can do better, and you can put in the time, effort, and energy to study more and to retake the test. You need to think about the consequences of possibly getting a lower score too.

 

[quixotic28]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post on SDN.

I just got my scores back, and got a 34Q (10 V, 12 P, 12 B)...The reason I'm thinking about retaking is that I was averaging a 12 on Verbal on my practice tests.

My cGPA is a 3.9, and I think the rest of my application is ok...please advise! 🙂

Thanks!

 

[tncekm]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post on SDN.

I just got my scores back, and got a 34Q (10 V, 12 P, 12 B)...The reason I'm thinking about retaking is that I was averaging a 12 on Verbal on my practice tests.

My cGPA is a 3.9, and I think the rest of my application is ok...please advise! 🙂

Thanks!

Yeah, you should definitely retake, no ifs ands or buts about it. I'd say that if you apply with that score and a 3.9 cGPA w/ good EC's you'll just get laughed right out of every office that sees your app and they'll probably use your personal statement as toilet paper.

Best of luck next time 👍

 

[quixotic28]

tncekm - I wasn't trying to be a prick or anything...the reason I'm worried is that most people that apply from my school have really strong stats, and my science gpa (around 3.82) is lower than my cGPA

 

[tncekm]

tncekm - I wasn't trying to be a prick or anything...the reason I'm worried is that most people that apply from my school have really strong stats, and my science gpa (around 3.82) is lower than my cGPA

In that case, I think you need a 41S to be competitive. Just read EK for a week or two and you've got it. 👍 Everyone one else, please read.

 

[utjsm08]

(29P) PS 12 VR 7 BS 10 ....hit a 12 only once in the PS on AAMCs....always hit above a 12 on BS on the last 6 practice tests I took....was hitting 31, 33, 34 on last three practice tests

cGPA: 3.79 Science: 3.67

Solid letters, good volunteer experience, Texas resident

I know the verbal sucks, but will it cause me to be screened out immediately since its not 8+ ....retake? 😕

 

[es255305]

Hi all, quick question please! I have a 30 MCAT at a 3.85 science gpa and want to apply this cycle to the Ohio schools (esp. Case Western, Ohio State, and Cincinnati). My advisor thinks I might want to retake the MCAT (in July) if I want a good chance at these schools, but at the same time I want to apply as early as possible and worry that retaking would really push my application back (late July to mid-August). I need your advice! Should I...

1) no retake, apply asap
2) retake and apply asap (maybe ask to be put on hold or something)
3) retake and apply later once the scores come in

Thanks, I just can't decide which option is most in my favor to get me into med school, and I'm hoping you guys can help a girl out!

 

[pingouin]

well I wouldn't call quixotic a TROLL, but I will say that as a general rule, it's probably not a great idea to retake on a 34. can you? of course. but your MCAT score, cumulative GPA, and science GPA are all above the national medians, so it seems kind of silly to me to do it.

 

[supertrooper66]

#2 for sure.

Ohio State and Case demand a 33 at least. you're probably good on Cincinnati as of now, though. Do not wait till your 2nd score because then you WILL be late. They will most likely put you on hold if you apply now, anyway. Mark that you retaking on your AMCAS. Call each of the schools to find more on their policies with retakes.

HOWEVER, make sure you are ready for your retake. If you are still getting a 30 on your practices right before your real test, I would likely not retake it and go with your current score.

Keep in mind you want to apply now because both schools send secondaries to everyone. You can fillout your secondaries as you're waiting for your 2nd score to come in. By the time you get secondaries in, your 2nd MCAT will be in. Thus, you really won't even need to be put on hold. An adcom on SDN said her committee doesn't even open files till August 15th. Your July MCAT will be in by then, so you'll still be early actually! Applying now will also keep you covered in case you decide to not retake it or void it or something

 

[Kaustikos]

#2 for sure.

HOWEVER, make sure you are ready for your retake. If you are still getting a 30 on your practices right before your real test, I would likely not retake it and go with your current score.

Why is 30 bad? I understand that some states have schools that require ridiculous standards, but a 30 and a 3.85 should definitely get you somewhere. I'd apply for sure.

 

[supertrooper66]

Why is 30 bad? I understand that some states have schools that require ridiculous standards, but a 30 and a 3.85 should definitely get you somewhere. I'd apply for sure.

he wants to get into Ohio State or Case Western, though. look up their average MCATs...I think Ohio State's is 33.5 and Case's is like 33-34.

you're right about other schools, though, i'm sure he'll get in places with a 3.85 and 30. chances are low for those 2 schools with a 30 MCAT, though.

 

[lonewolf14]

Someone recently suggested to me that I may want to retake the MCAT in August and have it posted when it comes in.
My story:
Native American
Mcat- 8PS 10V 12 BS L
GPA- 3.1 Science GPA 3.1
Master of Public Health- Post Bac GPA 3.8
Good recs and EC's with plenty of clinical work

I'm worried about my GPA and the low PS score. I was averaging 36 on practice tests when studying on my own, and was thinking about taking a PR course. Is it worth paying for the course and retaking it? Will the late score make a difference? Any help would be appreciated!

 

[es255305]

he wants to get into Ohio State or Case Western, though. look up their average MCATs...I think Ohio State's is 33.5 and Case's is like 33-34.

you're right about other schools, though, i'm sure he'll get in places with a 3.85 and 30. chances are low for those 2 schools with a 30 MCAT, though.

Thanks for the advice everyone!! I think I'll definitely submit my application this week and then register for the July 18 MCAT. It only gives me a month to study, but I've got tons of time this summer (I'm doing research 9-5pm, no other commitments) and I really think I might be able to do better.

and side note - I'm not a "he"... I'm a girl 🙂 !!!

 

[tncekm]

Someone recently suggested to me that I may want to retake the MCAT in August and have it posted when it comes in.
My story:
Native American
Mcat- 8PS 10V 12 BS L
GPA- 3.1 Science GPA 3.1
Master of Public Health- Post Bac GPA 3.8
Good recs and EC's with plenty of clinical work

I'm worried about my GPA and the low PS score. I was averaging 36 on practice tests when studying on my own, and was thinking about taking a PR course. Is it worth paying for the course and retaking it? Will the late score make a difference? Any help would be appreciated!

I'd apply anyway, but still retake the MCAT. With your native URM status you're bound to get some interviews if you apply broadly enough.

GL

P.S. Your post was very unsettling for me. I averaged almost 36 on my AAMC's but feel like I got totally raped on Friday and am worried I may end up with <=30 🙁

 

[IvyLeagueThug]

P.S. Your post was very unsettling for me. I averaged almost 36 on my AAMC's but feel like I got totally raped on Friday and am worried I may end up with <=30 🙁

That test on Friday was AWFUL. Absolutely awful. I took 8AM and the sheer volume of genetics/molecular bio simply shell shocked me. It demoralized me to the point it actually took my head out of the game.

I thought I would be relaxing for the summer. Now, I find myself studying for August...

 

[serikk85]

Hey. I've been considering whether or not to post on this thread. Please don't flame me. I'm just looking for honest feedback

Here are the scores from the May 10 test,
VR: 10
PS:13
BS:12
WS😛

So, I know a 35P is a score a lot of people would kill for, and I'm grateful to have a good score....but this is 6 points below my AAMC practice test average. I took tests 3-10 and never scored below 40. My VR and BS here are each three points below my average. My AMCAS is already turned in and I'm applying to crazy competitive schools. I'm registered for the July 10 test, should I retake?

 

[Chunky Munky]

Hey. I've been considering whether or not to post on this thread. Please don't flame me. I'm just looking for honest feedback

Here are the scores from the May 10 test,
VR: 10
PS:13
BS:12
WS😛

So, I know a 35P is a score a lot of people would kill for, and I'm grateful to have a good score....but this is 6 points below my AAMC practice test average. I took tests 3-10 and never scored below 40. My VR and BS here are each three points below my average. My AMCAS is already turned in and I'm applying to crazy competitive schools. I'm registered for the July 10 test, should I retake?

Depends on the rest of your package...you fall around the median at even the most competitive schools, so if everything else is up to par, you should be fairly competitive. I think expecting 40+ on the real thing is very dangerous because you are basically expecting perfection. I wouldn't re-take unless you think your MCAT is going to be the spotlight of your resume

 

[jimsteelevans]

I had the weirdest (and possibly most fatal) issue taking the MCAT (First-timer). On the practice AAMC tests on e-mcat.com, they always say "question x/xx" on the bottom of the screen. However, on the real MCAT, when there is a passage it says "passage x/x" instead of saying the question numbers. So, since I was completely focused on the questions, at one point I glanced down and notice I was on passage 6 out of 7. I assumed I was on the second to last page based on this - without looking at the question number - so I took my time on this passage. By the time I went to the next page and finished all of the questions - thinking I was done - I clicked the next button only to be completely surprised by a whole additional passage that I had to guess on every one of the 8 questions (and three more questions that I didn't even have to guess on, on the next page)!

My questions are: Has anyone else been completely thrown off by this? Is this a valid reason to re-take the MCAT (assuming I score the statistically estimated 2-3 full points below my average 10 on PS)? Is this disparity between the practice AAMC tests and the real MCAT written anywhere on AAMC or E-MCAT?

 

[utjsm08]

OK, here's my deal

I am not a native speaker, and have been in the country for 10 years. Despite that, I feel like I have mastered the English language (apparently MCAT thinks otherwise . . . 🙁). I have been reading a great variety of good English writing like crazy for years; I pretty much feel most of the time as though English has become my first language.

Anyhow, took MCAT the 1st time last April, got a 28N: 10PS, 7VR, 11BS. Was absolutely horrified, petrified, humiliated, depressed. . . 😱. I was a bio and chem double major in college so I expected above 12 on PS and BS. Yeah

Studied a lot for the last 6 months. Got my May 16th score: 31M: 11PS, 9 VR, 11 BS.

I am strongly leaning towards not retaking as the rest of my application is in pretty good shape, but would appreciate any thoughts, comments.

Thanks, folks!

Your in good shape, even with a 9 in verbal...considering about only 20% of test takers each year score above a 30....and about 50% of applicants are accepted. That 30% right there tells you there are other factors than a 30+ score.

 

[dArroway]

Your in good shape, even with a 9 in verbal...considering about only 20% of test takers each year score above a 30....and about 50% of applicants are accepted. That 30% right there tells you there are other factors than a 30+ score.

That assumes that 100% of MCAT test takers apply to MD schools which is probably not true. In fact, if the median MCAT is 25, I would guess that many of the bottom half of test takers (>25) may not apply (and I would actually stretch it beyond the bottom half these days...)

 

[sodamnlucky]

PS 11 VR 7 BS 10 R and a 3.45 BCPM/3.55 overall

I'm on the edge but I knew walking out of the exam that I'd done poorly on VR. I was averaging 9-10 and 13's on both sciences but I'm still scared...any thoughts?!

 

[tncekm]

PS 11 VR 7 BS 10 R and a 3.45 BCPM/3.55 overall

I'm on the edge but I knew walking out of the exam that I'd done poorly on VR. I was averaging 9-10 and 13's on both sciences but I'm still scared...any thoughts?!

Retake. Your averages were way higher than your actual, and 28 usually doesn't cut the mustard unfortunately, so I think you're a pretty clear cut case.

As an aside, your post scares me! I was averaging about 13s in the sciences and 10-11 in VR, and I felt like I got rocked Friday the 13th 🙁

 

[IvyLeagueThug]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post on SDN.

I just got my scores back, and got a 34Q (10 V, 12 P, 12 B)...The reason I'm thinking about retaking is that I was averaging a 12 on Verbal on my practice tests.

My cGPA is a 3.9, and I think the rest of my application is ok...please advise! 🙂

Thanks!

If you retake, you are going against every bit of rational advice on this forum.

Your combined is over 30 and you have nothing under a ten in any section.

You are out of your mind if you retake.

 

[IvyLeagueThug]

I had the weirdest (and possibly most fatal) issue taking the MCAT (First-timer). On the practice AAMC tests on e-mcat.com, they always say "question x/xx" on the bottom of the screen. However, on the real MCAT, when there is a passage it says "passage x/x" instead of saying the question numbers.

My questions are: Has anyone else been completely thrown off by this? Is this a valid reason to re-take the MCAT (assuming I score the statistically estimated 2-3 full points below my average 10 on PS)? Is this disparity between the practice AAMC tests and the real MCAT written anywhere on AAMC or E-MCAT?

I had this experience as well. From what I am told, the question xx of xx was somewhere else on the screen--we missed it.

 

[jimsteelevans]

I had this experience as well. From what I am told, the question xx of xx was somewhere else on the screen--we missed it.

Oh really? Do you have your results yet? If so, how much do you feel it dropped your score?

 

[jimsteelevans]

If you retake, you are going against every bit of rational advice on this forum.

Your combined is over 30 and you have nothing under a ten in any section.

You are out of your mind if you retake.

Agreed. No need to retake at all. Even if you want it to be the highlight of your application, they may be turned off by trying to improve a 34 - seems completely unnecessary. Focus your energy on interviewing well and sending out some stellar secondaries.

 

[Dr Kate]

28O
PS10
VR8
BS10

GPA 3.53
BCPM 3.3

NYS res

I'm not trying for IVY league or anything... a SUNY would be great. And I don't think I'll improve much if at all if I took it again. I was relieved with this score. Also, I'll only have ~1 month to study and I'm working full-time.

But I don't know...should I retake??

 

[da8s0859q]

Yet again, I screw myself on the MCAT.

January: 9/9/6/S - 24S
May: 9/7/9/R - 25R.

My TMDSAS is already submitted, and my MDApps tells the rest of the story.

What to do? Just release scores to the TMDSAS and hope for the best? Plan for a retake July/August/whatever? What?

 

[justapremed]

I was hoping I wouldn't have to post my story on this tread, but then again, I guess who does?

5/23 MCAT - 09, 11, 11 = 31

cGPA: 3.79, sGPA: 3.68

VA Resident.

Bchem, Music double major.

Chemistry research (1 publication expected by end of this summer), Borderline-okay clinical experience, Lots of music hours... lots.

Good LoRs, Good PS.

Should I retake, which in my mind means, take a year off and apply next year? Or should I just submit this summer with a 9 in PS?


I secretly had hopes for first-tier med schools. I know I can do better than a 9 on PS. I'm really angry about that. If nothing else, I expected my PS to be high, and in practice tests, my PS has never gone that low. But I also didn't spend enough time studying for the MCAT. I only spent maybe a week and a half studying for this test. I know, I know, not very good.

I really want to pull my score to above 36 for when I retake it; raise both my GPA's during my last year in college; get maybe 1-2 more publications before I graduate (things are rolling for me right now); and get more clinical hours during my year off. I could also secure a good LoR from someone other than a professor (which is something that I'm lacking at the moment).

However, I am concerned that I will lose momentum if I take a year off, you know? Figure that I can probably make just that average income all my life and not worry about going back to school. That's what I'm afraid of. Also, no guarantee that I can only improve things during a year, right? 🙁 Lastly, since med school is SO long, I was hoping to go straight into it. Darn it 🙁 Any advices?

 

[da8s0859q]

Posting to say that I've described my plight, which does relate to a potential MCAT retake, here since I don't quite know my chances.

Would very much appreciate some input.

 

[awax]

I submitted my app. thinking I would do well on the MCAT, however I need to retake. How do I let the schools know that I am retaking? Is it too late?

 

[GZA]

Posting to say that I've described my plight, which does relate to a potential MCAT retake, here since I don't quite know my chances.

Would very much appreciate some input.

Besides the MCAT your application looks fine. I see you scored 24 in jan and 25 in may. Unless your AAMC average is much higher and during both sittings something went wrong I do not see the point of retaking right now. As far as your chances go, I do not think you have good chances of getting into the allopathic texas schools with that MCAT score but you could always try because the process can be slightly unpredictable. Have you thought of DO schools? You would obviously be an outstanding candidate there. I can imagine how frustrated you are, having done so well these years and having a test holding you back.

 

[da8s0859q]

Besides the MCAT your application looks fine. I see you scored 24 in jan and 25 in may. Unless your AAMC average is much higher and during both sittings something went wrong I do not see the point of retaking right now. As far as your chances go, I do not think you have good chances of getting into the allopathic texas schools with that MCAT score but you could always try because the process can be slightly unpredictable. Have you thought of DO schools? You would obviously be an outstanding candidate there. I can imagine how frustrated you are, having done so well these years and having a test holding you back.

Yeah, very frustrated. I could understand a 27 or 28 or something, but a 25? Meh.

I'm not going to apply to DO schools. Not because I have something against them; I just don't want to do a DO for myself, is all.

I had a faculty member of my university say that it might be advisable to wait until the middle of July or so in case I get an interview or three based on what I have. I'm just nervous that, if I announce my intentions to retake in July/August, my otherwise early application will sit without review until August/September results, thus negating any early application benefit. And, if I score only marginally better (i.e., 27, give or take), is it worth the two and a half months or so of delay?

What do you think?

 

[GZA]

I am not from Texas and did not apply to any Texas schools. However, with respect to the med school I am going to and all others of which I applied I do not think applying "super" early would have made a large difference. When I applied I had my primaries our by early June and turned my secondaries around quickly as well. Based on my experiences and what I have read I don't think there are too many benefits to applying super early. If the admissions committee would give you an interview for September they would probably be just as likely to give you one a couple months later. The early application hype is probably more due to those who send in their secondaries very late, i.e. late October/early November which would severely limit these applicants.

I also think it may be premature to take a third MCAT in one year. Perhaps go ahead and apply this round and see what happens. Try a different MCAT study method and if you don't get in this year take the MCAT again next year. Not only will that give you a chance to really change your MCAT preparation method significantly but it will also show schools that your better score is not a "fluke" (not that it would be, but it may appear that way to the adcoms if you take it 3 times in a single year...).

 

[da8s0859q]

I also think it may be premature to take a third MCAT in one year. Perhaps go ahead and apply this round and see what happens. Try a different MCAT study method and if you don't get in this year take the MCAT again next year. Not only will that give you a chance to really change your MCAT preparation method significantly but it will also show schools that your better score is not a "fluke" (not that it would be, but it may appear that way to the adcoms if you take it 3 times in a single year...).

Definitely something to consider, you're right.

I think my biggest problem is a lack of serious, sit-down, get-things-done-dammit study time with EK / Kaplan / study guide of choice. That, plus a relative lack of diagnostic tests. Starting 07/01 or so, I have nothing to do for the most part, so I think I know what I SHOULD be doing in lieu of any interview invites.

I'm just worried about the risk of rejections vs. waiting until 08/05 to retake.