Forum Members Official "Should I Retake?" Thread

[QofQuimica]

---

Members don't see this ad.

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)​

 

[cc5409]

I got a 29S on the MCAt.. break down is Verbal 11
Physical 9
Bio 9
Should I retake.. i go to atop 10 private university.. i am scared i will go down because my verbal score is good for me.. but my science sections i feel are kind of low

 

[SN2ed]

I got a 29S on the MCAt.. break down is Verbal 11
Physical 9
Bio 9
Should I retake.. i go to atop 10 private university.. i am scared i will go down because my verbal score is good for me.. but my science sections i feel are kind of low

Where do you want to go? What state do you live in? How's your GPA and ECs?

 

[cc5409]

Where do you want to go? What state do you live in? How's your GPA and ECs?

my gpa is 3.3 for both science and overall.. i am just applying to the lower tier schools.. ill go anywhere.. i am not trying to go to like ivy league or stanford...

 

[gujuDoc]

my gpa is 3.3 for both science and overall.. i am just applying to the lower tier schools.. ill go anywhere.. i am not trying to go to like ivy league or stanford...

What is your home state? What are your ECs like? You might not need to retake your MCAT but if you can retake it and maintain a 10 in VR and bring up the sciences it would be better. But a bigger problem then your MCAT is your GPA. You might want to consider a postbac or SMP.

 

[cc5409]

i am doing a masters currently right now,..... and i talked to my advisor and she is confident of my gpa because I have showed an upper word trend.. so should i retake if i got a 29 R... v11 b 9 p 9

 

[bgates0804]

My first attempt was a 24-M (9-BS, 8-PS, and 7-VR). I took the Kaplan review course TWICE. My second attempt was a 22-O! (9-BS, 7-PS, and 6-VR) My undergraduate GPA is a 3.93 at a top 30 public university, and I have clincal experiences (shadowing doc's and volunteering in a local Emergency Room, etc). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[SN2ed]

My first attempt was a 24-M (9-BS, 8-PS, and 7-VR). I took the Kaplan review course TWICE. My second attempt was a 22-O! (9-BS, 7-PS, and 6-VR) My undergraduate GPA is a 3.93 at a top 30 public university, and I have clincal experiences (shadowing doc's and volunteering in a local Emergency Room, etc). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

You will definitely have to retake if you're thinking about MD schools. I'm not sure if that score will cut it for DO programs.

 

[noelani33]

I graduated with a GPA of 3.86, my MCAT was 29M: BS-10 VR-9 PS-10. I'm from Hawaii and applying for MD schools. Do you think I should retake?

 

[gujuDoc]

I graduated with a GPA of 3.86, my MCAT was 29M: BS-10 VR-9 PS-10. I'm from Hawaii and applying for MD schools. Do you think I should retake?

You could apply with those scores and if ECs, LORs, etc. is good there's a high chance you could get in somewhere. but if you feel you could get 30+ and higher then you might as well retake.

 

[ashish89]

I might have posted here before...I don't remember, but not many people responded so here goes...

I'm leaning towards not retaking, but please let me know what you guys think.

P:9, V:9, B:12, WS😛 --> 30P

Thoughts?

 

[iA-MD2013]

I might have posted here before...I don't remember, but not many people responded so here goes...

I'm leaning towards not retaking, but please let me know what you guys think.

P:9, V:9, B:12, WS😛 --> 30P

Thoughts?

Not at all necessary to retake! Your app, overall, is very nice. 👍 How were your practice test scores? Were you scoring much higher than a 30 so that you think you can easily get a 32-33+ on your second try?

But you should really reevaluate your school choices. Some of those schools accept very little OOS students.

 

[alibai3ah]

3.3bcpm,3.35cgpa, 30Q (11PS,8VR,11BS)

Does anyone have any luck improving their verbal...b/c i cannot improve that....I 'm pretty sure I want to retake, so if anyone has any good advice on improving verbal please let me know.

 

[SN2ed]

3.3bcpm,3.35cgpa, 30Q (11PS,8VR,11BS)

Does anyone have any luck improving their verbal...b/c i cannot improve that....I 'm pretty sure I want to retake, so if anyone has any good advice on improving verbal please let me know.

Check out the verbal help threads in the MCAT FAQ.

 

[ElapidaeEnigma]

Hey everone. I originally transfered from a community college with a 3.1 GPA to get into nursing school. then in the middle of nursing school I decided my true calling is Medical school so I dicided to double major in nursing and biology. I hold 210 credits loaded with all types of science classes from every direction. I even took 3 diffrent earth science coarses to expand my knowledge of the earth and its role as an organism. I hold a BS in NURSING and a BS in BIOLOGY. My GPA is a 3.53 (only in the school which i recieved my degrees)

My one worry is my community college GPA consists of 40 credits and is a 3.1. I attended this school 3 years ago, but i feel like it might affect my overall GPA. How is this wieghted and do medical schools look at this or do they see the progressive maturity of the studnet rather then just grades.

I plan to take the MCATS in september and apply to medical school stright after that.

is there anyone out there who can give me some good advise!!!

 

[sjdsn135]

Hey everone. I originally transfered from a community college with a 3.1 GPA to get into nursing school. then in the middle of nursing school I decided my true calling is Medical school so I dicided to double major in nursing and biology. I hold 210 credits loaded with all types of science classes from every direction. I even took 3 diffrent earth science coarses to expand my knowledge of the earth and its role as an organism. I hold a BS in NURSING and a BS in BIOLOGY. My GPA is a 3.53 (only in the school which i recieved my degrees)

My one worry is my community college GPA consists of 40 credits and is a 3.1. I attended this school 3 years ago, but i feel like it might affect my overall GPA. How is this wieghted and do medical schools look at this or do they see the progressive maturity of the studnet rather then just grades.

I plan to take the MCATS in september and apply to medical school stright after that.

is there anyone out there who can give me some good advise!!!

I think planning to take the MCAT in September might not be the best idea (if you are applying for the Fall 2010 class), you want to have complete applications in to your schools in August if possible and if you take it in September you won't be complete until October. I would say if you're thinking this far in advance, plan to take it in April or May.

As far as the GPA question though I couldn't really say.

 

[BlueElmo]

I might have posted here before...I don't remember, but not many people responded so here goes...

I'm leaning towards not retaking, but please let me know what you guys think.

P:9, V:9, B:12, WS😛 --> 30P

Thoughts?

Your GPA and extracurricular are stellar. So I would say don't retake. But like Vihsadas said, try applying to some private schools.

 

[redmofo]

Hey.

I'm reading all these posts and i have to admit that I'm totally lost.. I expect to cross this test too but I didn't understand yet what " P:9, V:9, B:12, WS😛 --> 30P " mean.. ?!
How many times can we take this test? Here in france you can't pretend passing it more than 2 times..

- redmofo -

 

[SN2ed]

Hey.

I'm reading all these posts and i have to admit that I'm totally lost.. I expect to cross this test too but I didn't understand yet what " P:9, V:9, B:12, WS😛 --> 30P " mean.. ?!
How many times can we take this test? Here in france you can't pretend passing it more than 2 times..

- redmofo -

Check out the MCAT FAQ.

 

[CaptainPlanet]

Hey,
I have a V-10, P-9, BS-10, WS-Q --->29Q
GPA - 3.9
ECs and LORs are okay, working to improve them.
Should I retake?

 

[Dr Lyss]

Hey,
I have a V-10, P-9, BS-10, WS-Q --->29Q
GPA - 3.9
ECs and LORs are okay, working to improve them.
Should I retake?

depends. what was your practice average? do you think you can score 10+ on a retake? Also, what kind of schools are you interested in? You have a good shot at getting accepted to a medical school with a 3.9 & 30 MCAT but you might have trouble at some of the top tier schools

 

[CaptainPlanet]

depends. what was your practice average? do you think you can score 10+ on a retake? Also, what kind of schools are you interested in? You have a good shot at getting accepted to a medical school with a 3.9 & 30 MCAT but you might have trouble at some of the top tier schools

thanks for the advice.
my practice average was a 30. If I work my butt off (which I don't want to do), I can score 10+ on a retake. any med school (including state schools) that's close by is good enough for me. I'm just paranoid; I want to be sure that I can get in to at least one school and almost all med schools have an average mcat 30-31.

 

[sarahl86]

Alright, so here's my deal. I have a 31R (10PS, 12VR, 9BS) with a 3.85 cGPA - my first score was a 25R (8,8,9)...I'm applying this cycle but planning for worst-case scenario and if I should retake the MCAT for the 2010 cycle. This will be my third time applying and my third attempt at the MCAT.

The main concern with my score is having a 9 in Bio...considering I got an A in every Bio and Orgo chem class I ever took, that's more than a little embarassing.

I really don't know if its necessary and I know a big problem for me this cycle was that because I took the MCAT in August so I was complete fairly late in the cycle...I'm not shooting for top-tier but if I'm potentially going through this process for a third and final time, I want to make sure it was worth it.

Suggestions??

 

[Dr Lyss]

thanks for the advice.
my practice average was a 30. If I work my butt off (which I don't want to do), I can score 10+ on a retake. any med school (including state schools) that's close by is good enough for me. I'm just paranoid; I want to be sure that I can get in to at least one school and almost all med schools have an average mcat 30-31.

well there are no sure things in this process but if you were averaging a 30 then I wouldn't retake it & risk getting lower. Just make sure everything else in your app is up to snuff and you should be fine.

 

[Dr Lyss]

well congrats on making such a big improvement. I'm sure you worked really hard and you should be more than happy with a 31. From what I have learned from advisors and speaking with ADCOMs I would not retake if you get a 30 or up on the MCAT (unless you want Harvard). The 9 in Bio shouldn't really hold you back. See what happens with this cycle and if nothing comes through talk to the schools and find out what is holding you back (especially now that you have a new & improved score) and focus on that for the next cycle (if you have to) best of luck!

 

[MissHopefulMD]

Hello everyone! Any help would be MUCH, MUCH APPRECIATED!

So here are the stats:
1st Time: 24O: 9VR, 7PS, 8BS
2nd Time: 27Q: 10VR, 9PS, 8BS
(Jeez, I really wish my Bio was a 9 instead of Physics since Bio is more important for med school. Then I would probably just go for it and apply but the 8 in Bio really makes me skeptical of my chances of getting in.)

I'm a CA resident and went to UCSD. I was a Biology major with an overall GPA of 3.7 with a 3.6 science GPA. My extracurricular activities are very solid.

I'm planning to apply this next upcoming cycle, June 2009 so I have plenty of time to work on my application and submit it REALLY early (like the first day). I feel that everything on my application is good to go except for the MCATs.

Should I retake? Or should I just apply really early and broadly to all schools? Weighing these two options is driving me crazy as I really don't want a drop in my MCAT score. If I do retake, I would have to (for personal reasons) take the test at the end of July 2009 at the earliest.

So retaking means turning in the application a lot later and the possibility of a lower score versus turning in my application on the first day.

I don't care too much about which school I get into as long as they're not on the very bottom of the list. And I'm shooting only for MD schools.

[BTW, I think I can improve Bio and Physics and try to hit a 30. My range of practice scores was 26 up to 33, but averaging around 29. This is self-study, so I don't know if I should take a professional course? But I'm a bit tight on money right now too.]

Someone help please! I appreciate ANY advice!

 

[SN2ed]

MissHopefulMD

You should strongly consider a retake if you're only applying to US medical schools. You don't have a reliable in-state school that will accept people with sub 30 MCAT scores. Even for the lower ranked out of state schools, you don't stand a great chance with a 27 (usually the lower ranked schools favor in-state residents). If your ECs are above and beyond the norm, then you might have a shot. Should you decide to retake, don't worry about applying. Focus solely on improving your MCAT. Too many people retake, but rush and don't end up with much/if any of an improvement. It doesn't matter how early you apply if your MCAT score is bad.

 

[MissHopefulMD]

Thank you so much SN2ed for the advice. I would definitely retake if not for the fact that I've known people to have drop in their MCAT scores on a retake. I've even had a friend drop from a 31 to a 28. I am extremely terrified of getting a lower score.

I also don't know how medical schools will think of a person taking it a third time?! What do they think of that? I know that one score is ideal and maybe two scores if you really improve the 2nd time. But to have three? Hmmm...

I feel that my GPA and extracurriculars are solid and judging from the student profiles I see on MDapplicants, people get in with 27's with similar extracurriculars (and sometimes even lower GPAs than me).

I'm stressing soooooo much from my indecisiveness and uncertainty of it all! I would just be happy if someone could just tell me that I'll get into ONE decent MD school...but it seems as if that's only possible if I just suck it up and take the test a third time...*sigh*

 

[SN2ed]

Don't put much faith in MDApps. They are not even close to an accurate sample. There are even people who put up false information. Another thing to note is where those people applied and their home state. If you lived in an in-state friendly state, then you could get in with a 27. It would be hard, but not impossible. That said, it is also possible to get in with a 27. There are stories of people getting in with that score and lower, but they are far from the norm. I wouldn't even be surprised if someone got in with a sub-20, but that doesn't mean people with sub-20 scores stand a realistic chance of getting in.

I'm looking to put you in the best possible position and right now you're not there. You could apply now, it's just that the odds aren't with you. I don't want people to waste their money on applying when they don't have a solid chance.

Rather than dwell on this issue, I think it'd be better to form an effective strategy to take on the MCAT. Don't avoid retaking out of fear. There are quite a few people who have retaken more than two times. Taking the test 3 or more times doesn't look good, but it's easy to work around that issue. Make a thread outlining what you did to prepare for your last two tests and exactly where you think you went wrong. Also include what materials you used.

 

[MissHopefulMD]

Thanks again SN2ed for the advice. I am seriously considering retaking the test. I think I should be able to raise the sciences with some effective studying.

However, I've been using my friend's old Princeton MCAT books and I've heard that the new MCATs is very focused on genetics and biochemistry (which I definitely noticed on my 2nd test and wasn't prepared for since I focused on physiology). I also have a problem with timing and finishing the science passages on time, especially the biology section.

I'll definitely look around this site for MCAT advice, but if anyone has any quick tips they can give me, I would definitely appreciate it since I really don't have the money (nor time) to take a review course. (I'm currently working two jobs and living at home to make sure I have enough money to apply next year.) I'm thinking that I need new books but I'm not sure which company I should choose.

Again, thank you so much everyone! I never knew about this site until recently, and I'm happy to have found it since it seems like you all are very helpful. =)

 

[SN2ed]

In terms of books here's the list, but yeah, make your own thread so we all can help you without taking over this thread.

Originally Posted by TheBoondocks
This question gets asked like every three days. In short, EK series are stripped down with the basics you need to know. Get EK bio, it is by far the best for bio, all the responses on SDN say this. Know this book cold. If you don't believe me, type in EK bio in the search function. Personally, you learn the best from passages, If you have time and the cash I highly suggest purchasing Berkeley Review Gen Chem and Ochem. There physics is good too, but with PR it may be redundant. You will thank me later. You'll probably want EK biology review and EK 101 biology passages and EK verbal 101. PR is good, however, if you want to kill the MCAT you have to be able to integrate material. That's what BR does better than anyone else. Like, be able to answer questions if you see the circulatory system wired in parallel series.

bio - 1. EK bio and 101 bio passages 2. Kaplan 3. PR/BR however, these don't suck, they're just detailed which turns off many people.

Physics 1. BR/Nova 2. PR 3. Kaplan I really think BR but they're are a lot of people who swear by Nova on this site

Verbal 1. Ek verbal and 101 passages 2. PR 3. BR 4. Kaplan (read stay from)

Gen Chem 1. BR by far 2. PR 3. Kaplan/EK

O Chem 1. BR by far 2. toss up between Kaplan/PR/Ek

That is a general list of what i have read on SDN for the past 4 years, i came here and lurked throughout highschool. Good luck and hopefully this will help. EK is for people who KNOW the material and want review. If you are weak in something BR is the best since it's the most detailed and PR is detailed too, Kaplan is in the Middle, and EK is the least detailed but that doesn't mean it's bad. Just depends on the person. If you can I would buy the BR Chemistry books and Physics book. If you complete the PR science workbook along with BR passages and EK bio, you will kill the sciences. Ek Verbal should help you out with verbal.

 

[MissHopefulMD]

Again, thanks so much for the help! Sorry about the thread thing. I didn't understand what you meant before regarding creating a new thread. But now I do. I'll be sure to make one if I have anymore questions after exploring the site a little bit more and when the time comes to actually study for this test again.

But thank you so much. I've got a good foundation as to where to start and how to really attack the MCAT. I know that I wasn't studying the way I was suppose to for this thing. I was being too casual about it and not focused on my weaknesses, but rather just doing problem after problem with no real direction.

Anyways, THANKS! =)

 

[ProjectGemini]

Hi,

I am a Canadian student, who's looking for some advice for the current dillemma I face. I took MCAT in August 2006 for the first time, and got 29S (P10 V9 BS10). But since my undergraduate GPA wasn't really high (3.53 when applying for the class of 2012), I decided to retake the test and ended up with 31O (P11, V10, BS 10) in May 2007. My application process (starting from junior year summer) wasn't successful. No interview, one waitlist prior to the interview. (I applied to the only top 20 schools, because the tution in the states is too expensive for me as an international student).

I have started a Masters program in molecular biology (research-based) since this September, thinking my GPA might have been the biggest reason for the previous unfortunate outcome.

I have registerd for April 2009 MCAT, but I am still wondering if I should really retake this test again. I graduated from my university (one of top schools in Canada) with 3.59 (almost stright As in my senior year) and scored a second-author publication from my honours project as well. My ECs were pretty alright - heavy on the research experience, and enough hospital exposure (this summer, I spent three months shadowing doctors in my home country), being on an executive position in a couple of student clubs/school activities, participating a young scientist conference with other students from my ethnic group this summer. I made sure I spent this past summer boosting my ECs.

Now that I have to finish my MSc degree in order to be qualified to be accepted into med school, there are two year gap between now and the entering year. But I'd rather focus on my graduate studies and being actively involved in non-research based activities as well for the next two years, instead of worrying about MCAT or my undergraduate GPA all too much.

My biggest question right now is, if my current MCAT score will not hold me back from being considered in the US schools, despite me being an international applicant. Any advice will be really helpful, because I really want to be a doctor, even if I didn't get in last year. Thank you 🙂

 

[SN2ed]

ProjectGemini:

You should apply broadly. Only applying to top 20 medical schools will not cut it. It is unlikely you will get into a top 20 medical school with those stats. Your ECs look good, but your GPA and MCAT are lacking for top 20 medical schools. I also don't think retaking the MCAT is worth it unless you're deadset on only applying to top 20 schools. If you are, you will probably need a substantial increase (5+). However, take my advice with a large grain of salt since I don't know how everything works for Canadians. There are others on here who will be able to better advise you since they live in Canada. I believe Vihsadas is Canadian so you might want to pm him for advice.

 

[iA-MD2013]

I agree with SN2ed...you're biggest problem this cycle was applying to the top 20 schools. Even with a 5+ point increase, you should apply much more broadly (to mid and low tier schools). With a 31/3.6 and good ECs, you can probably get into a low or mid tier med school, though. So a retake is not necessary unless you really want a top 20.

 

[AL24]

Should I retake?

2006: 30R (9BS, 10PS, 11VR)
2007: 29R (10BS, 9PS, 10VR)

Overall GPA: 3.5
Sci GPA: 3.3 (including post-bacc)

Undergrad: Harvard
Excellent ECs, first-author publications, and outstanding recommendations
State of residence: NY
Applying for Georgetown SMP for 2009-2010
Applying for MD matriculation entering 2010

This is tough because my 2006 score will be expired for some, but not all, schools. Also, I'm wondering whether retaking the MCAT (and performing better) will help my chances of admission to the Georgetown SMP. If I am admitted to the Georgetown SMP, then I will be switching my state of residence to either MD or VA, which might also affect the MCAT-retake decision.

My pre-med advisor advises against a retake.

I applied for the 2008 cycle and was rejected from 30+ schools. I had one interview -- Harvard NP -- and was invited for a screened secondary at UCSF, but ultimately no acceptances.

Any advice would be welcome! Thanks!

 

[SN2ed]

What schools did you apply to? I'm asking because when some people post they applied to a range of schools, the range was from UCLA and Harvard. Can you also elaborate on your ECs? Do you have shadowing and/or hospital volunteering?

 

[SN2ed]

It sounds like your GPA combined with your MCAT is what did you in (as you suspected). Your GPA was not good and your MCAT was not high enough to offset the low GPA.Typically, when one's GPA is low, they need a relatively high MCAT(34+) to prove their academic ability.

Another potential pitfall could have been your personal statement and to a lesser degree, your secondary essays. You should get those checked just in case.

 

[zanot1mj]

Retake?

11P
11V
10B

GPA 3.96 from mid-level state school

I applied very late to only 2 schools and it doesn't look like I'll get in this year. I would like to get into Michigan but will apply to mostly mid-level schools. I know it's not a bad score but I think if I took a Kaplan course I could improve on it. I studied very hard, but completely on my own to save money. I didn't have any guidance on what to focus on, and since I graduated 3 years ago (with no intent on going into medical school) I spent more than half my time relearning vocab and definitions that any undergrad (including myself at one point) needs no background info on. I literally had to look up and study the definitions of nucleus and proton at the begining. About 3 weeks before the test I discovered the MCAT topics on the AAMC website and realized I hadn't reviewed more than half of what was on there, thus I spent the remainder of my time trying to cram in a bunch of new info while ignoring what I had previously reviewed. I studied very ineffeciently, but now I have a better grasp of the topics, about as good a grasp as I had as an undergrad at this point. I was wondering if anyone had a thought on what I should do, or if they think its worth it for me to retake it using a structured Kaplan class. Thanks in advance.

 

[SN2ed]

I applied very late to only 2 schools and it doesn't look like I'll get in this year.

This was your problem, not your stats. Well, unless one of those schools was University of Michigan. Most people apply to around 15 schools. You applied to two. Then you compounded the problem by applying very late. It sounds like you're gearing up for a retake, I wouldn't do that. Get ready for next season, apply early and to far more schools.

 

[iA-MD2013]

This was your problem, not your stats. Well, unless one of those schools was University of Michigan. Most people apply to around 15 schools. You applied to two. Then you compounded the problem by applying very late. It sounds like you're gearing up for a retake, I wouldn't do that. Get ready for next season, apply early and to far more schools.

Agreed.

If you really, really want to go to UMich, then a retake is probably necessary. Otherwise, your stats are great!

 

[mtnman12]

10bs 07ps 13vr

3.7 GPA
3.85 BCPM

Can check out my mdapps too!

I so confused how I got this score... I was averaging 11 10 11 so whatever. Is this going to be a serious issue? I didn't apply many places, and hopefully will get into Washington as it is by far my top choice and I am also WWAMI, but who knows! I would appreciate any feedback big time.

 

[SN2ed]

10bs 07ps 13vr

3.7 GPA
3.85 BCPM

Can check out my mdapps too!

I so confused how I got this score... I was averaging 11 10 11 so whatever. Is this going to be a serious issue? I didn't apply many places, and hopefully will get into Washington as it is by far my top choice and I am also WWAMI, but who knows! I would appreciate any feedback big time.

I think that 7 hurts your chances. An 8 is pushing it, but I think a 7 tips the scales a little too far against you. HOWEVER, I would NOT gear up for a retake. Wait and see what this application season brings you. You still have a decent shot at getting in and your BCPM helps alleviate the problem caused by your 7. Remember, once you're wait-listed, there's still hope. I know it sucks to get on the WL, but you still have a tool: the letter of intent. If you're serious about getting into a particular school where you've interviewed, send a letter of intent. If this application season ends without any luck, then you should consider a retake. Again, do NOT psyche yourself out already.

 

[iA-MD2013]

Again, I agree with SN2ed. Why are you asking about a retake already?! Getting an interview at Washington is great, and you can still get accepted! Also, you can still get off Creighton's waitlist! But, if this cycle does not end well for you, a retake would probably be a good idea...

 

[mtnman12]

thanks both of you... one of my interviewers recently just made a comment about it that was basically like oh my god why are you here, so thought I would ask around.

 

[desigirl419]

Hello all:

So I know this is perhaps a redundant topic, but I've been so concerned that I figured I'd consult the internet community.

I am currently a junior neuroscience and spanish dual major + chemistry minor, have a GPA of 3.99 (haha, stupid A- in organic lab), and MCAT score of 32S (VR9, PS11, BS12) from June 2008. I somewhat underperformed in my MCAT in that 35 was a reasonable goal for me, considering my practice exams ranged from 31 at the beginning to 37 at the end. Though this should not be an excuse, physically I did not feel optimal that day and my father thinks that I was too involved in preparing for my study abroad trip for which I left the country 10 days after the exam.

Other qualifications include around 100 hours of clinical volunteering, about 25 hours of neurosurgery shadowing (more shadowing to come), summer study abroad in Granada, Spain, Captain and choreographer of a competitive south asian dance team, memberships on other dance and cultural groups, research (I've undertaken my own project on my P.I.'s grant), and a fellowship for that research.

I know these statistics must be stellar for some and not so wonderful for others, but we all have our personal standards, right? I am shooting for those higher tier MD schools (University of Pittsburgh and Northwestern University being my "top" choices though I hear it's all a crap shoot these days). Thus, given the brief summary of my qualifications (which are also not as extensive and some) and where I would like to go, do you think it is wise to retake the MCAT? It seems like a daunting task and everyone but myself is telling me that 32 is good enough, but I'm concerned that it's not good enough for those schools that I'd like to attend.

Thanks in advance guys. Can't wait to hear what you all have to say! 🙄

 

[UofU2009]

Well, I feel like I am well into this application cycle, but without much news/luck. It gets a bit discouraging reading about the many interviews that people are getting, and I wanted to hear from you guys to see if I am just being paranoid, or if I should be preparing to retake the MCAT and improve my application for next cycle.

My stats:

MCAT: 10bs, 9v, 9c, overall 28Q
GPA: 3.5sci and 3.6overall

ECs:

2 years of research
1.5 years of volunteering in ER
presented research in 3 poster sessions and oral presentations to community/faculty
lots of leadership experience (TA for anatomy/physiology, etc)
2 year lds mission to Brazil
120 hours of shadowing
great LORs, as far as I know

To date, I have only had two interviews: one at my state school and one DO program. I have been accepted to the DO program at WVSOM, but am not certain this is the route I want to take. My state school doesn't respond with acceptances until late march/early april, even though I interviewed in September.

I applied to 26 schools (25 MD, 1 DO) and to date have received rejections from Boston (obviously) and Wisconsin. I'm really getting nervous that I have had so much SILENCE. It's driving me a little crazy. I understand that my stats are not great and I am considering re-taking the MCAT to improve my chances for next year. I know I could have done much better on the MCAT. I was scoring in the mid 30's (34-36) on all of my practice exams and I had such a terrible gut feeling when I got my score back with only a 28.

I guess what I am really looking for here is advice and to have input on whether I should really be concerned about the silence. Is anyone else experiencing this? If you have any additional questions about my stats/experiences please feel free to ask. I'm honestly just looking for the best advice possible to help prepare me for next year.

Thanks.

 

[SN2ed]

UofU2009:

I wouldn't worry too much. Yes, I know how painful the silence from these schools feels, but stick to it. If you don't get in this time, then I suggest you consider a retake. On the positive side, since there was a large discrepancy between your practice scores and your actual, you were probably nervous test day. Now that you know what happens MCAT day, you will most likely do much better next time around.

 

[Rzarecta]

Hello all:

So I know this is perhaps a redundant topic, but I've been so concerned that I figured I'd consult the internet community.

I am currently a junior neuroscience and spanish dual major + chemistry minor, have a GPA of 3.99 (haha, stupid A- in organic lab), and MCAT score of 32S (VR9, PS11, BS12) from June 2008. I somewhat underperformed in my MCAT in that 35 was a reasonable goal for me, considering my practice exams ranged from 31 at the beginning to 37 at the end. Though this should not be an excuse, physically I did not feel optimal that day and my father thinks that I was too involved in preparing for my study abroad trip for which I left the country 10 days after the exam.

Other qualifications include around 100 hours of clinical volunteering, about 25 hours of neurosurgery shadowing (more shadowing to come), summer study abroad in Granada, Spain, Captain and choreographer of a competitive south asian dance team, memberships on other dance and cultural groups, research (I've undertaken my own project on my P.I.'s grant), and a fellowship for that research.

I know these statistics must be stellar for some and not so wonderful for others, but we all have our personal standards, right? I am shooting for those higher tier MD schools (University of Pittsburgh and Northwestern University being my "top" choices though I hear it's all a crap shoot these days). Thus, given the brief summary of my qualifications (which are also not as extensive and some) and where I would like to go, do you think it is wise to retake the MCAT? It seems like a daunting task and everyone but myself is telling me that 32 is good enough, but I'm concerned that it's not good enough for those schools that I'd like to attend.

Thanks in advance guys. Can't wait to hear what you all have to say! 🙄

With that GPA don't retake the MCAT. You will get love from some higher tier schools, esp if you go to a decent undergrad. Honestly, there are many people who "underperformed" relative to their practice scores. 🙄

 

[SwimKid]

Hey guys...

really really not sure what to do.

3.70, go to Maryland, MCAT was a 30S (10 P, 9 V, 11 B).

I'm really unsure about whether or not to retake for January 31st (I can study all until then), I want a better score (32 would be great), but I'm seriously lacking motivation and all my practices were a 29/30. I just took some good courses however and might be able to bump up Bio if I really try. Would it be worth it to retake?

I'm looking at Maryland of course, Georgetown, etc.

Any help/insight would be VERY much appreciated 😛

 

[gujuDoc]

Hey guys...

really really not sure what to do.

3.70, go to Maryland, MCAT was a 30S (10 P, 9 V, 11 B).

I'm really unsure about whether or not to retake for January 31st (I can study all until then), I want a better score (32 would be great), but I'm seriously lacking motivation and all my practices were a 29/30. I just took some good courses however and might be able to bump up Bio if I really try. Would it be worth it to retake?

I'm looking at Maryland of course, Georgetown, etc.

Any help/insight would be VERY much appreciated 😛

Unless you can get it up to 3 or 4 points I'd not retake it with your GPA and MCAT.