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)​

 

[BlueElmo]

Hey guys,

Just had a quick question... Kinda along the lines of this thread I hope. I am looking to stay in state (California), and I am wondering along what lines of GPA/MCAT I should be looking for. I am specifically looking at UCI, USC and UCSD for school. If anyone has any input, please share!! Thanks!

UC schools are crapshoot. 4.0/36 can be rejected while 3.6/30 can be accepted. Apply broadly because Californians have it especially tough.

 

[Pkl234]

You have a tough case there. What schools were you thinking about?

I just got the 2010-2011 MSAR, and im definitely applying broadly with about 25-30 schools, including all the california schools. the remaining 15-20 schools will be along the lines of 3.7/31-33. Im scheduled to take it again in a few weeks, ive been studying for it and everything, but im thinking maybe i should just stick with the 31. I would HURT myself if i happened to do worse for some reason..... argh....i just dont know.....I'm guessing most schools only take the most recent score right?

 

[SN2ed]

I just got the 2010-2011 MSAR, and im definitely applying broadly with about 25-30 schools, including all the california schools. the remaining 15-20 schools will be along the lines of 3.7/31-33. Im scheduled to take it again in a few weeks, ive been studying for it and everything, but im thinking maybe i should just stick with the 31. I would HURT myself if i happened to do worse for some reason..... argh....i just dont know.....I'm guessing most schools only take the most recent score right?

What's your GPA breakdown by years? Is there an upward trend? What are your ECs?

I'm still debating on whether a retake is a good idea. If your GPA shows an upward trend and you have some solid ECs, I don't think you should consider a retake. Furthermore, it doesn't sound like you're prepared for a retake anyway.

 

[Pkl234]

What's your GPA breakdown by years? Is there an upward trend? What are your ECs?

I'm still debating on whether a retake is a good idea. If your GPA shows an upward trend and you have some solid ECs, I don't think you should consider a retake. Furthermore, it doesn't sound like you're prepared for a retake anyway.

First of all thank you so much to everyone with your advice! SN2ed, I majored in microbiology and minored in music history. there is a very clear upward trend in my GPA. my first two years I consistently was in the 3.3-3.5 range (hence my prereq GPA sucks). Once I got to upperdivs and I realized medicine was what I wanted to do, my GPA was consistently in the 3.6-4.0 range my 3rd 4th and 5th years. Do they really consider those trends?

My extracurrics: volunteered in two hospitals in their infection control departments (my area of interest); student leadership for 2 years in my dorm's residential life program; residant assistant for 1 year; marching band for 3 years, symphonic band for 5; active member in band service fraternity; research for a couple years; tutored students for classes i took.

Most of the extracurrics are nonmedical unfortunately, but they kept me busy and i suppose there is a lot to say about them during interviews, personal statements etc. i also plan on submitting my primary app on AMCAS the first week of june, and subsequently get my secondaries in the week i get them. maybe i should just focus on getting my app together and screw the mcat.im doing noticeably better on the verbal section, but I'm not at the 11-12 range again yet for the sciences like i was before....let me know what you think.

thank you SO much for your feedback! take care!🙂

 

[SN2ed]

In your case, GPA isn't that much of a factor. You can easily play up your GPA like you just did. In other words, you can talk about finding your passion which enabled you to excel in your later years. Also, your ECs look good, but you need more clinical stuff. All that you mentioned was the infection control stuff. Now, if these two stints were long term, that may be something. The biggest problem with your application is the lack of shadowing. Make sure you get some shadowing under your belt. It's basically a necessity. Rather then retaking, your time is better spent volunteering at a hospital and gaining some shaodwing experience. If those infection control positions were for a few months or more, than focus on getting some shadowing for the time being. The lack of shadowing is your major weakness.

I think you stand a good shot at getting in without a retake. Just make sure you shadow a doctor and apply wisely.

 

[Stratego]

I'm guessing most schools only take the most recent score right?

Some schools generate a composite score, taking only the highest subscore. Some take the best score. But from what I've read, most look at the most recent.

 

[n618ft]

I'm taking my MCAT May 28th and wanted to get an idea of what the critical score would be to retake it... not planning on retaking, but just for information! I sort of feel a bit under-dogged because I haven't taken more than the basic prereqs.

3.78 GPA
3.9 BCPM

Non-traditional: worked as an airline pilot and flight instructor at a university and for the USAF. I'd say my interview skills and LOR's are very solid.

Bilingual (English/Romanian fluently... would be trilingual but I lost most of my French!)

Florida resident... will be applying to UF, FSU, USF, UCF, Miami, FIU... and select schools in states that don't get as cold as Minnesota lol... preferably TX, southeast. I'm not looking at clean-sweeping every place I go to, I just would like to get into an ok MD program for 2010. I mean for the schools that average 30, weren't there some below average scores that brought the average down from the guys that scored mid 30's ++++??

 

[SN2ed]

Don't think about retaking. It puts you in a horrible frame of mind for the test. You must have confidence in yourself.

 

[gongjubabe]

PS: 9
VR: 9
BS: 11
29R

I just got my score back few hours ago and I'm trying to decide if I should start studying again.. I'm a GA resident with 3.9 gpa - have 3 semesters of hospital volunteer, ~50 hours of shadowing, few officer positions served, and lots of community services

I know my EC's are NOT that strong especially w/o any reasearch.. but I did participate in Summer Educational Program at MCG last summer.

My options right now are re-taking, applying EDP to MCG, or applying broad as early as possible..

Any help will be greatly appreciated! thank you!!

 

[krapitsjulia]

just got really sad🙁
but anyways

got my scores. i got 10/8/12 so in the end 30Q

and my gpa is a 3.3 in ca.

im thinking thats not enough. should i retake? its upsetting to see that i bombed my physical science section when i wasn't getting an 8... but.. i guess theres always a chance people will get lower.

 

[PhySci]

Hi everybody. First time posting! I am applying to MD/PhD programs this summer and just got my MCAT score today... I got:
PS: 12
VR: 8 😡
BS: 13
WR: R
--> 33R

I was reaching for the top schools, with my first choices being some MSTPs. I don't think that my VR score will cut it, but I do have a reason: I am dyslexic and this was the first test I have had to take without extended time in 8 years.

Do you guys think I should apply with these scores with an addendum that explains my history and hope for lenience; or should I retake?
BTW my cGPA is 3.86 and my sGPA is 3.95. On my practice tests my VR ranged from 8 (once) to 12 averaging around 10. Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[SN2ed]

gongjubabe: Research isn't that important unless you're applying to a research heavy school. Your ECs look fine and your GPA is good. PLUS, you have THREE in-state medical schools in GA that accept students with around your stats. What I'm getting at is that you probably don't need to retake. Apply to all of the GA schools and see what happens. I think you stand a decent shot at your in-state schools. You should also apply to some OOS (out of state) schools that accept people with an MCAT around 30.

I forgot the specifics of the EDP at MCG. Go for it if they let you apply simulantously to other medical schools. Of course, if they allow this and they accept you, you would go to MCG. If they only let you apply to their school and ONLY their school, I wouldn't apply EDP. Despite their high acceptance of in-state residents, I don't think it's a good idea to place all your money on them unless you have a good reason to do so (ex. you have connections with the faculty).


krapitsjulia: Your MCAT by itself is fine. Your GPA might be a problem. Did you have an upward trend in your GPA? What schools were you interested in?

 

[krapitsjulia]

gongjubabe: Research isn't that important unless you're applying to a research heavy school. Your ECs look fine and your GPA is good. PLUS, you have THREE in-state medical schools in GA that accept students with around your stats. What I'm getting at is that you probably don't need to retake. Apply to all of the GA schools and see what happens. I think you stand a decent shot at your in-state schools. You should also apply to some OOS (out of state) schools that accept people with an MCAT around 30.

I forgot the specifics of the EDP at MCG. Go for it if they let you apply simulantously to other medical schools. Of course, if they allow this and they accept you, you would go to MCG. If they only let you apply to their school and ONLY their school, I wouldn't apply EDP. Despite their high acceptance of in-state residents, I don't think it's a good idea to place all your money on them unless you have a good reason to do so (ex. you have connections with the faculty).


krapitsjulia: Your MCAT by itself is fine. Your GPA might be a problem. Did you have an upward trend in your GPA? What schools were you interested in?

i was interested in an MD. i would say very generally an upward trend. I was hoping that I can go somewhere not so... random but anything is fine with me. but i do have a lot of research, jobs, and possibly taking 2 yrs off (hopefully working at a UC for a medical center.)

 

[fsjones]

On my AAMC practice tests I scored (most recent to oldest) 34, 34, 36, 35, 34, 33, 31.

But, on the real deal I scored a 31Q. I'm in N.Carolina, my overall GPA is 3.59 and my BCPM is about a 3.4.

Is it worth retaking? Thanks!

 

[parhumn]

Hey everyone, could you guys please help me out? im really stressing over whether i should retake my mcat or not.

32O
PS: 12
VR: 9
WS: O
BS:11

Cumulative GPA: 3.65
BCPM: 3.54

However, if you do not include freshman year:

Cumulative GPA: 3.80
BCPM: 3.76

I'm a UW undergrad but have lots of extracurriculars, research, etc. My GPA is okay. I had a rough transition to college, though I'm hoping my immediate turn around makes up for it. I have lots of outside stuff to talk about (other than grades and classes).

My main question is, should i retake my mcats? is it a good idea or should i just start focusing on my application, LORs, etc? ideally i'd like to go to UW but i want to also be competitive at some other private schools. would i need a MCAT better score for that?

 

[flip26]

Hey everyone, could you guys please help me out? im really stressing over whether i should retake my mcat or not.

32O
PS: 12
VR: 9
WS: O
BS:11

Cumulative GPA: 3.65
BCPM: 3.54

However, if you do not include freshman year:

Cumulative GPA: 3.80
BCPM: 3.76

I'm a UW undergrad but have lots of extracurriculars, research, etc. My GPA is okay. I had a rough transition to college, though I'm hoping my immediate turn around makes up for it. I have lots of outside stuff to talk about (other than grades and classes).

My main question is, should i retake my mcats? is it a good idea or should i just start focusing on my application, LORs, etc? ideally i'd like to go to UW but i want to also be competitive at some other private schools. would i need a MCAT better score for that?

I would not retake that score in your situation.

 

[flip26]

On my AAMC practice tests I scored (most recent to oldest) 34, 34, 36, 35, 34, 33, 31.

But, on the real deal I scored a 31Q. I'm in N.Carolina, my overall GPA is 3.59 and my BCPM is about a 3.4.

Is it worth retaking? Thanks!

No retake - your scores are in a tight range - yeah, it sucks to be the low end of that range - but it is not as if you scored WAY below your average or anything like that...

I would not retake this score with this practice score range, assuming you don't have anything below a 9.

 

[flip26]

Hi everybody. First time posting! I am applying to MD/PhD programs this summer and just got my MCAT score today... I got:
PS: 12
VR: 8 😡
BS: 13
WR: R
--> 33R

I was reaching for the top schools, with my first choices being some MSTPs. I don't think that my VR score will cut it, but I do have a reason: I am dyslexic and this was the first test I have had to take without extended time in 8 years.

Do you guys think I should apply with these scores with an addendum that explains my history and hope for lenience; or should I retake?
BTW my cGPA is 3.86 and my sGPA is 3.95. On my practice tests my VR ranged from 8 (once) to 12 averaging around 10. Thanks in advance for the advice!

For MD/PHD and MSTP, this score is probably going to hurt you at the top schools.

For regular MD, you would be fine.

How wedded to the idea of the PHD / MSTP are you? If you are truly interested in it, you should be applying to far more than the "top" schools...the competition for those slots is insane, and MCAT really matters a lot.

If your motivation is mostly MD, then apply broadly, and you will be OK.

A retake is very high risk...figure out your motivation first, then decide.

 

[SN2ed]

i was interested in an MD. i would say very generally an upward trend. I was hoping that I can go somewhere not so... random but anything is fine with me. but i do have a lot of research, jobs, and possibly taking 2 yrs off (hopefully working at a UC for a medical center.)

By very general, I'm guessing it's nothing dramatic like a 2 range GPA your first year and a 4.0 your last. You may stand a chance at lower tier medical schools with some good ECs. During your 2 year break, you may also want to look into post-bac classes or retaking your old classes to raise your GPA.

 

[fidus15]

no reason.

 

[flip26]

Hi there-

So I just got my MCAT scores back (I took the March 28, 2009 Exam), and the scores are 8PS, 10VR, 8BS, composite of 26Q.

My General GPA is 3.85 and Science GPA is 3.8.

Also, I have a Masters in Public Health, been in the working world for about 1 year now in International Health Consulting, have been PI on two research studies, have lab and clinic research experience, spent all of my summers during undergrad and grad school abroad researching, and during undergrad founded my own humanitarian development research organization. I feel pretty confident about my GPA and my ECs/life experience, and was pretty confident about an Top 10 school acceptance...until my MCAT came back 🙁. Harvard is still a dream of mine, but I am just wondering now if acceptance into any MD school with a 26Q MCAT is feasible?

Thanks

How did you prep? What were your expectations based on the AAMC practice exams? Assuming you were expecting a mid 30s MCAT (you say you were "pretty confident" about a Top 10 acceptance, begging the question of what was the basis for your "expectations").

Were there any factors leading up to test day, or on test day, that can explain this poor score? Such as sickness, death in the family, or some other outside stressor?

Or do you suffer from severe test anxiety? How have you done on past tests of this sort (SAT, ACT, etc)?

I think you are definitely in the retake camp, but you really need to figure out what went wrong...and you need to avoid the temptation to simply rush back into the next available test without correcting your problems, even if that means delaying the retake and thus delaying your app until 2010.

Most people who get a low score seem to have a knee jerk reaction and sign up for the next available test, and I think that is a recipe for more disappointment in most cases.

 

[fidus15]

How did you prep? What were your expectations based on the AAMC practice exams? Assuming you were expecting a mid 30s MCAT (you say you were "pretty confident" about a Top 10 acceptance, begging the question of what was the basis for your "expectations").

Were there any factors leading up to test day, or on test day, that can explain this poor score? Such as sickness, death in the family, or some other outside stressor?

Or do you suffer from severe test anxiety? How have you done on past tests of this sort (SAT, ACT, etc)?

I think you are definitely in the retake camp, but you really need to figure out what went wrong...and you need to avoid the temptation to simply rush back into the next available test without correcting your problems, even if that means delaying the retake and thus delaying your app until 2010.

Most people who get a low score seem to have a knee jerk reaction and sign up for the next available test, and I think that is a recipe for more disappointment in most cases.

Hi flip26-

Thanks for your reply. I did my own independent prep. My expectations leading into the exam was somewhere in the low/mid 30s (31, 32, 33, 34)...I guess I was pretty confident based on my GPA and ECs/life experience and assumed that I didn't need to rock high 30s/40 to get into a Top 10 school. I had no stressors on exam day, and nothing leading up to it. I didn't suffer from test anxiety either. I was working a full time job during the prep of the MCAT and arrived back into the country 4 weeks before the exam to do intense studying (I was out of the country 5 weeks for work before that). sigh. I am thinking about taking 2 months of leave without pay just to do this thing again. Any thoughts?

 

[flip26]

Hi flip26-

Thanks for your reply. I did my own independent prep. My expectations leading into the exam was somewhere in the low/mid 30s (31, 32, 33, 34)...I guess I was pretty confident based on my GPA and ECs/life experience and assumed that I didn't need to rock high 30s/40 to get into a Top 10 school. I had no stressors on exam day, and nothing leading up to it. I didn't suffer from test anxiety either. I was working a full time job during the prep of the MCAT and arrived back into the country 4 weeks before the exam to do intense studying (I was out of the country 5 weeks for work before that). sigh. I am thinking about taking 2 months of leave without pay just to do this thing again. Any thoughts?

You clearly have to retake, no doubts.

If you have the time, and the $, I would suggest the Kaplan Online course - costs as much as the classroom - but you can really go at your own pace and accelerate through it.

Here is a 2 month plan: Start with a really intense review of all your books and notes - do this in 3 weeks or so - then focus on Kaplan for 3+ weeks, and start taking AAMC exams and take all of them in the 5 weeks (2 per week).

Was your expectation based on AAMC practice exams? (wasn't clear what you based it on). If you have already taken all of them, the above advice may need tweaking...

I would suggest doing Kaplan online for all the tutorial type stuff, but focusing on any/all AAMC exams you haven't taken. Take a couple of the Kaplan FL exams if you want, but don't take many of them - you are far better off taking all the AAMC exams.

However, all bets are off if you can't do all of this and take the MCAT by July...August retakes are kinda late for the cycle...

 

[fidus15]

Hi flip26-

Yes, my expectations were based on AAMC practice exams (I've taken all except 2). I am thinking right now the July 14th exam date is my best bet...so I will get my scores back in August and then click submit on AMCAS the same day since I have been already working on the rest of my AMCAS application so far. What do you think?

 

[flip26]

Hi flip26-

Yes, my expectations were based on AAMC practice exams (I've taken all except 2). I am thinking right now the July 14th exam date is my best bet...so I will get my scores back in August and then click submit on AMCAS the same day since I have been already working on the rest of my AMCAS application so far. What do you think?

It is my understanding that it makes more sense to go ahead and submit AMCAS early, noting that you have a pending MCAT retake (not sure how this is done on AMCAS, but somebody else can explain it). That way you get everything in place, and schools know that you have another MCAT score coming and thus they wait before judging your app. If you are concerned about which schools to submit your primary to until you get your scores, you can put a minimum number of them on the AMCAS, and then add more schools later.

I still think you should go for Kaplan online - you need to really shake up your prep.

Good luck.

 

[Myuu]

It is my understanding that it makes more sense to go ahead and submit AMCAS early, noting that you have a pending MCAT retake (not sure how this is done on AMCAS, but somebody else can explain it). That way you get everything in place, and schools know that you have another MCAT score coming and thus they wait before judging your app. If you are concerned about which schools to submit your primary to until you get your scores, you can put a minimum number of them on the AMCAS, and then add more schools later.

I still think you should go for Kaplan online - you need to really shake up your prep.

Good luck.

There's a box to check in the standardized test section.👍

 

[drmiami]

Hi everyone!

So, i got my scores a few days ago...

here goes.

11 bs
9 ps
6 vr
R writing

I prepped intensely since september... and had a bad day. I was shaken up after VR, and there it went. I have a 4.0 overall GPA.

I don't know what to do about that verbal. I was consistently getting 9s and 10s....and i blew it that day.On all of my practice exams, I was getting 30s and 31s... any suggestions/ideas/comfort?

 

[Legacy87]

Hi everyone!

So, i got my scores a few days ago...

here goes.

11 bs
9 ps
6 vr
R writing

I prepped intensely since september... and had a bad day. I was shaken up after VR, and there it went. I have a 4.0 overall GPA.

I don't know what to do about that verbal. I was consistently getting 9s and 10s....and i blew it that day.On all of my practice exams, I was getting 30s and 31s... any suggestions/ideas/comfort?

Hey Drmiami,

Retake. How I would approach it is take practice test under strict strict conditions and doing practice passages everyday timed. When I took the test, I got to the point where those "wtf" passages didn't break my cool. When I see those passages, I do the best I can and move on. Remaining calm is key in differentiating yourself from other test takers. That will get you your 30+.

 

[SN2ed]

drmiami: As Legacy87 posted, you have to retake if you want to go to a US medical school. You stand no chance with that MCAT. You could go to the Caribbean if that's an option. However, it sounds like you simply choked.

 

[yjk011]

Hey everybody...considering taking the MCATs for a third time..

Scores from the first exam were
27O
V 11
P 7
B 8

and then

29Q
V 11
P 9
B 9

I'm pretty open to DO schools so I'm not sure if I should even try again?
Thanks..

 

[jackson1]

Hey everybody...considering taking the MCATs for a third time..

Scores from the first exam were
27O
V 11
P 7
B 8

and then

29Q
V 11
P 9
B 9

I'm pretty open to DO schools so I'm not sure if I should even try again?
Thanks..

Since you're open to DO schools a 29 should be fine as long as your GPA isn't too terribly low. How does 11+8+7=27 though??😕 haha

 

[sportygurl]

First time, BS:11, V:4, P:9 = 24N
Second time B:10, V:9, P:10 = 29Q

GPA was 3.79 and 6 months of clinical volunteering when I applied, and I didn't get any interviews. Now I have a year of clinical volunteering, a GPA of 3.85, but nothing else has changed. Should I re-apply without retaking the MCAT or is there no point.

 

[flip26]

First time, BS:11, V:4, P:9 = 24N
Second time B:10, V:9, P:10 = 29Q

GPA was 3.79 and 6 months of clinical volunteering when I applied, and I didn't get any interviews. Now I have a year of clinical volunteering, a GPA of 3.85, but nothing else has changed. Should I re-apply without retaking the MCAT or is there no point.

Apply early and broadly with that new score, and you should get some nibbles.

And if you throw some DO schools into the mix, you will increase your chances.

I would not jump into another retake before seeing if this score helps you, unless you have "evidence" that you are capable of a significantly higher score based on consistent AAMC practice scores in the mid 30s.

I don't think a balanced 29 with no section score below 9 is a bad score at all.

 

[Appless]

PS: 10
VR: 9
BS: 10
29Q

I just dont know if i should retake or how badly the lack of 1 more point is going to hurt. My score is balanced at least so maybe it wont hurt me as bad? my gpa/ec/story are in my mdapps any suggestions/comments? Its my hope that my GPA/unique experiences can hopefully overhshadow my average mcat? I just cant stand to even think about a retake..I also refuse to go DO. If i dont get in this app cycle then i will apply DO and possibly retake mcat.

 

[snitchseeker88]

Ok...so I'm pretty confused (hence the long post). I just took the MCAT for the first time on Friday. I don't think I completely bombed it or anything, but I did have some issues with timing on sections that I usually never had taking the practice tests at home so I have no idea how I did. The next testing dates are 5/22, 5/28, and 6/18. The only open seat I found somewhat close to where I live is on 5/28...the other dates seem pretty much full. The problem now is, I won't get my scores for about 30 days...so if I sign up for 5/28 I most likely won't have my scores by then so I won't know if I should take it again or not. At the same time, if I didn't do well this time and I want to take it again, if all the dates are full and I would rather not take the June one (or anything later) in the first place because I want to apply and have my application processed ASAP...I might not be able to retake it at all and be stuck with whatever score I get this time. So what I'm wondering is, should I just go ahead and take the 5/28 one just in case, even though I won't know how I did on the first one, or should I risk it, keep whatever score I get from this time, and just hope I did well? The only bad thing would be if I somehow do worst the 2nd time.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Retake question:

Just got scores back, VR and BS right on par with AAMC and where I wanted them ... PS was as low as my Kaplan Diag and lower by a ****ing mile than anything I did on a practice test. I am out of FL tests -took the AAMC ones twice 7 months apart and all the Kaplan. What should I do?? What material (I used Kaplan and AAMC) should I look into getting, what do I do about having no fresh full length practice tests etc?? Was the PS a fluke and I should just go right in and do it again?? Please help.

 

[mkj07]

Took the 4/4 test.

PS 10
VR 7
BS 11
WR N

The scores pretty much fell in line with my AAMC averages, but I feel like I can do better on VR and I know the 7 will stand out. CA resident. GPA is 3.6. Should I retake with the hopes of applying this summer? Or should I retake and apply next cycle? Thanks!

 

[SN2ed]

Took the 4/4 test.

PS 10
VR 7
BS 11
WR N

The scores pretty much fell in line with my AAMC averages, but I feel like I can do better on VR and I know the 7 will stand out. CA resident. GPA is 3.6. Should I retake with the hopes of applying this summer? Or should I retake and apply next cycle? Thanks!

I think the 7 in VR will get you screened out of most US medical schools.

 

[JaggerPlate]

I think the 7 in VR will get you screened out of most US medical schools.

What about in PS? I'm retaking in July, but are most schools going to not even give me a secondary or reject me immediately with it, or will I at least be given some sort of consideration due to the retake??

 

[SN2ed]

I think a 7 in any area may get you screened out from many schools. You should check your MSAR and see which schools have accepted students with a 7. Then you should call the schools you're interested in to double check.

 

[JaggerPlate]

I think a 7 in any area may get you screened out from many schools. You should check your MSAR and see which schools have accepted students with a 7. Then you should call the schools you're interested in to double check.

Can I PM you a bit later for some advice?? Or are there any MCAT advisers I can PM??

 

[SN2ed]

I could be completely wrong on the 7 thing getting you screened out. Nevertheless, it does put you at a considerable disadvantage all the same. Sure, you can PM me. Just realize that it may take me a few days. I'm pretty busy this week and next. Instead, I suggest you post it here or wherever is more appropriate. You'll get more responses and you'll get them faster. Also, it's good to get multiple opinions.

 

[JaggerPlate]

I could be completely wrong on the 7 thing getting you screened out. Nevertheless, it does put you at a considerable disadvantage all the same. Sure, you can PM me. Just realize that it may take me a few days. I'm pretty busy this week and next. Instead, I suggest you post it here or wherever is more appropriate. You'll get more responses and you'll get them faster. Also, it's good to get multiple opinions.

made a thread titled 'really need mcat help' in the mcat forums. There are multiple questions in it, I'd love your opinion on my questions.

 

[Titan2600]

Hey guys, I'm having a bit of an issue and would really appreciate some input.

I took the MCATs last June and got a 28Q PS-9 BS-11 VR-8🙁

I didn't bother retaking them and was not accepted to any of the schools I applied to.

So I applied to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UMDNJ and got in. Also I managed to raise my gpa from a 3.6 to a 3.7 this year. I was also inducted into a foreign language honor society this semester. I am really concerned about retaking the MCATs because I don't feel confident in the material and am worried that I will score much lower this time around. I am worried that if I do poorly again all of the things I've done to improve my app, ie raise my gpa, honor society, and grad school, will have been for naught.

So I was wondering should I retake the MCATs and risk doing poorly or not retake and risk having med schools look at my original score and wonder why I did not retake,

I am in a real jam here and any input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[dkb86]

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!

Great improvement, I say keep it!

 

[SN2ed]

Edit: Wrong Person

 

[nexus6]

Hey everyone-- I'm looking for some advice.

I've taken the test 3 times-- 25, 26, 27. This summer I'll be attending University of North Texas's SMP. My GPA is 3.15, and my ECs are decent but nothing amazing.

Now, I know that it's looked down upon if you take the test multiple times, so I don't know if I should go through hell another time. I'm also shooting for D.O. schools for the most part. Any advice at all would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[SN2ed]

Titan2600: This is one of the tougher calls. Individually, none of your scores really hold you back. The problem is when you combine them. What schools were you looking at? How are your ECs? Unfortunately, both of your in-state schools take people with a significantly higher average MCAT. Remember though, that's an average. Just going off of the above, I reluctantly side with retaking.


nexus6: I don't think your GPA and MCAT will cut it for DO schools. You have to retake and show a large improvement. By large, I mean you should at least hit the 30s.

 

[tennisplaya8]

Hey... so I took the April 4th test. Ended up with a 30 (12Bio, 10Phys, 8Verbal). My average for all AAMCs was 32.5. The 8 in verbal was lower than my average (10.5) and I never got lower than a 10 on any practice tests.

Just wanted to see what some people thought about me retaking it this summer. My other stats: 3.92 GPA at UCLA (3.9 science/4.0 non-science). A lot of meaningful work, extracurrics, clinical volunteering for all my years. And as for research, I have 4 publications (3rd/4th authorships) in some pretty good journals. Those are from a summer program I did this last summer at City of Hope Student Academy and I also did research for 2 summers with USC school of medicine (paper in progress).

I'm a junior now and hoping to apply next year. Will be taking a year off to travel for 4+ months (volunteering and for fun) and to work/research/make money before I start school so I do have the time this summer to take the MCAT again. Looking to go to any of the the UCs (preferably UCSF) or any good med school out of state.

Thanks!

 

[SN2ed]

tennisplaya8: It would be extremely difficult to get into UCSF even if you had a 34. I don't think you should retake. You have a solid MCAT, good GPA, research, etc. Apply broadly and see what happens. You have a very good chance at getting into UCI and UCD based on those stats. If you're absolutely bent on UCSF or UCLA, you should be aiming for at least a 34. Again, I don't suggest retaking.