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)​

 

[SN2ed]

Ecap: The 30 isn't as much of a problem as the 3.6. Still, I think you should apply to mainly lower tier schools. You have a decent shot if you have some solid ECs.

lixxx669: Don't retake.

Dchurch: You have a shot at DO schools, but not US allopathic schools.

fiend35: You need to retake. You don't have a shot at US allopathic medical schools. Puerto Rican is ONLY an option if you're a resident. Most of them seem to heavily favor residents.

HereIbe: Don't retake. You would most likely trade PS or BS points for VR. You have a good chance at lower and mid tier schools.

DocDan: Depends on your in-state school. If you have one that favors residents and isn't very competitive, you should be okay. That GPA is pretty low, so your chances for out of state schools may be limited to lower tier.

anna01106: You shouldn't have retaken so many times. Taking it three times is bad, but I think the fourth would raise a red flag to most schools. ONLY retake when your practice test scores on NEW practice tests are 3-4 points higher on average. That said, you should be good for DO schools. Prepare yourself to answer an interview question on why you kept retaking the MCAT without any improvement.

MynameisMike: For mid tier schools, that score is pushing it. You could try to ride it out on your GPA and ECs or retake. I would suggest you retake to give yourself a better shot. If you scored well, you could be competitive for top tier schools.

crestfall: It looks like you choked on your MCAT given the large difference. If you apply to lower tier schools, you have a shot.

Rockytop00: Since you've already applied, there's no point anymore in retaking. Schools will not accept scores past September.

 

[tmcleavor]

47z

 

[ruchita1]

I took my MCATs for the first time in early August and this is what I got:

Verbal Reasoning: 8
Physical Sciences: 10
Biological Sciences: 9
Writing Sample: Q

Total: 27Q

I have a 3.95 GPA overall and I am currently doing research, volunteering in the ER and working towards finish my bachelors degree in 3 years. i have other EC's.

I am thinking of retaking but I was wondering if this is good enough to apply to UCF medical school in Florida? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[HereIbe]

Thanks for the advise, SN2ed🙂

 

[DoctorKazefa]

Ecap: The 30 isn't as much of a problem as the 3.6. Still, I think you should ap...

Hey SN2ed!
any advice for me?

14 PS / 11 VR / 11 BS, writing: S
3.92 GPA
ECs, LORs, research, clinical exp, etc etc.
I am aiming for the top 15 schools.

My main concern is if the scores are too "lopsided". I definitely sort of stopped paying attention to the test in the BS section. But I think I did really well in PS and VR; that's about the high end of my practice scores. I averaged 37.6 on my AAMC tests.

 

[cgull2288]

I need some serious advice guys...

6/18 : VR 06 PS 11 BS 08 25O
8/14 VR 07 PS 09 BS 09 25O

So if schools take the best of each section, the best you get is a 27.

I have a 3.92 BCMP, research experience, good EC's and great rec's...Do you guys think I have a chance anywhere?????? I've applied to 30 schools already. Any advice or intake is greatly appreciated...

 

[maverick2011]

Hey guys,

I just received my August 14th test result. The breakdown is 12PS/12BS/9VR/Q. I know this is a decent score, but my dream school is UCSF. My GPA is 3.88 cumulative - science GPA is the same. I am a chem major at an elite school. ECs are solid and LoRs should be good as well.

I think I should retake, but I am not sure when would be the best time. I want to apply early next cycle (June 2010). Any advice? Thanks!

 

[Texas MD]

Hi all. I received my test result from August 14th. The breakdown was 10PS/9V/11BS - 30M. My writing sample was crap :/

I am a junior in college and am planning to apply to all Texas medical schools. I have an opportunity to take it again in January but am not sure if I should in case I score lower?! Especially because my average on the practice AAMC's was 29. I have a 3.7 GPA, 3.5 sGPA, a lot of volunteer work in the ER, a solid year of research in physics, and am the president of a student organization.

What do y'all think?

 

[SN2ed]

Looks like this is one of my things for now. Hopefully more long time posters will post up their advice as well.

tmcleavor: Your MCAT is okay. You stand a shot at primarily lower tier schools with that score. Without more information, I can't give you that great of an opinion.

ruchita1: Although there isn't any data on University of Central Florida, it is unlikely that a 27 will be good enough. While Florida has a number of in-state favoring medical schools, they are pretty strong for the most part with MCAT averages around 32. Hence, I suggest you retake.

DoctorKazefa: Don't retake. Lopsided scores generally refer to cases where a person has strong scores in two sections, but a not so good score (8 or below, typically below ex 15/6/15) in one section. You have strong scores in all sections, so don't retake. It will look very bad if you do.

cgull2288: DO schools may be an option, but US allopathic schools are a long shot at best. You need to analyze what went wrong these past two test cycles before you try again. Also, make sure you grab some new practice tests to verify whether you're ready or not.

maverick2011: That score won't hold you back from UCSF, but you're a long-shot for that school. Additionally, even if you had a 36-40, that wouldn't mean you're a shoe-in. UCSF, like most top schools, look for unusual applicants with strong stats. Now should you retake? Absolutely not. While it's good to have a high goal, you shouldn't become fixated on a "dream" school.

Texas MD: I don't think you should retake since your home state is Texas. You have a number of schools where you may be competitive. I do, however, have some concerns about your GPA. Still, unless you're confident you can raise your score, you shouldn't retake.

 

[pbelur]

Just got my August 14 results

PS: 11
Verbal: 12
Bio: 14
WS: O

Total: 37O

GPA: 3.5, Science GPA: 3.5, Post-bacc GPA (40 units over 3 semesters, pretty much all sciences classes): 4.0.

Low undergrad GPA due to a health issue.

Research internship, 200+ hours of non-clinical volunteer work, 200 hours of clinical volunteer work at an ER, 40 hours shadowing, worked as a tutor/teacher, solid LORs.......

I want to stay in California or at worst UWash. Is the MCAT score high enough and balanced enough to compensate for my GPA and is that crappy O in the writing section going to hurt me?

 

[chels02]

....

 

[citingwiki]

MCAT Verbal 9, Physical 8, Bio 9.
Cum 26Q

Community College first two years due to full scholarship; 4.0 graduate GPA.
University last two years full ride, have a 4.0 so far and will prob graduate with a 4.0

Volunteer experience regularly since 2006.
EMT - volunteer and as job since 2006.
Separate hospital job with pt. care duties since 2007.
Will do a year of research before graduation.

Would like to get into my state school (UMDNJ allopathic, may try for osteopathic)

RETAKE OR NO?

Forgot to add I have lots of leadership positions in clubs and orgs at school, if it helps at all.

 

[redblue09]

Hey,

So I took the 8/14 and my scores were as follows:

B-10
V-10
P-13
W-R

That brings me to a 33R. I wanted to have a good shot at top-tier med schools. My GPA is a 3.8 and my EC's are pretty good. I go to an extremely competitive university. Do you think I should retake? My scores on practices average a 36.

 

[sca419]

I got 28Q with an 11 in VR, 10 in BS, but a 7 in PS. I am thinking I probably should retake it. What should I do?

 

[pbelur]

I got 28Q with an 11 in VR, 10 in BS, but a 7 in PS. I am thinking I probably should retake it. What should I do?

I'm no expert but I've been told repeatedly that you can't get below an 8 in any section, especially a science section. SO yes, I would retake.

 

[crimsontide21]

Edit

 

[jgalt42]

I am currently in public health school (just started) My concentration is in health management and global health (its a 2 year program). I hope to apply next May.

Sept 2008
10 PS
11 BS
7 VB
28P

3.83 Undergrad GPA
3.74 BCPM

Major: Psychology, Concen: Biology
Minor: Math

ECs: Started several clubs on campus, worked in 3 labs (one of them was a radiology lab, worked in a traumatic brain injury center, shadowed 3 different physicians (emergency, neurology, neurosurgery), started a nonprofit on short term volunteer projects for my undergrad (went down to Northeast Brazil last March to assess the Brazilian health care system while volunteering at an orphanage on the side), worked for 2 years at student life helping students start organizations and developing leadership programs
Awards: dean's list, phi beta kappa, other honor societies, several graduating awards, and commencement speaker for my graduation

In grad school: I plan on volunteering at a nonprofit free clinic (financial development and patient services), while doing a management practicum project at the ER, during my summer internship I plan on going back to Brazil to do a research project on supply chain management of medication delivery in the rural interior in Northeast Brazil.

Schools I am considering

West Coast (I am originally from CA, alma matter was there)
UCSF
Stanford
USC
UCLA
UCSD
UCR/UCLA Thomas Haider Program (my alma matter was UCR)

East Coast
Harvard
Yale (I currently attend YSPH)
Columbia
Boston University
Tufts

I know I have to retake (will retake in May before my internship), but how much better of a score do I need? And what are my chances to these schools if I get say a 35Q

Thanks!

 

[PRATFO]

PS 9 VR 9 BS 10
28P

cumGPA: 3.56
sGPA: 3.7
Was a TA for intro Bio last year, am doing a full year of research this year as well as part time shadowing/medical volunteering and habitat for humanity.

I'm applying to MD schools in my home state of Texas. Should I retake?

 

[LittleRichard]

PS 12
VR 9
BS 10

31-Q

I am 28, have a degree in MIS with a gpa of 3.5. I am back in school going for a BA in Biochem, current gpa with prereqs to medical school is 3.95... I got A's in everything except an AB in Biochemistry. Pretty good LOR's, some research, lots of volunteering.

I just want to go to a state school in Florida. I am a Florida resident.

I think I'm good with this score... your thoughts? Oh, I've already applied and have my secondaries in...

Thanks!

Rocky

That's a pretty good score, I'd stick with it.

 

[stealthy1]

I just got my 08/21/09 scores: VR 07, 14 PS, 12 BS, S WS Total 33S....the VR disappoints me and it is only 1 point under, but I am ecstatic about the PS and WS sections, BS was as expected. Should I retake this or apply? I'm trying for Canadian Med schools, maybe one or two US Allopathic ones.

Thanks.

 

[Seedling]

.

 

[mikeythekid]

I need help.. PS 11, VR 8, BS 11.


now wait for it.... WS....M

30M

I am from Canada and from what I have read on this website, Canadian med schools place more emphasis on the writing sample than do the American schools. Does this mean I have to retake? I will most likely be applying to UBC and Calgary. I am probably counted out for the Ontariario schools..

 

[stealthy1]

Mikey, your score will probably be marginal for in province...but maybe not so for Ontario, as you said. I'm going to apply for UBC/Calgary/Alberta/Saskatchewan as well. I'm in the same boat you are.

 

[amine2086]

I just got my 08/21/09 scores: VR 07, 14 PS, 12 BS, S WS Total 33S....the VR disappoints me and it is only 1 point under, but I am ecstatic about the PS and WS sections, BS was as expected. Should I retake this or apply? I'm trying for Canadian Med schools, maybe one or two US Allopathic ones.

Thanks.

Typically, most schools look for a 8 or better in each section. How are your practice VR scores? Do you have time to retake (in other words, are you applying this cycle?) If you have time and your practice scores are higher, I would retake as 7 on the VR is an eyesore especially with your terrific PS and BS scores.

 

[budgie]

.

 

[hil]

26Q with a 3.83 gpa.

Physical Science 7
Biological 9
Verbal 10

:/

I would really appreciate any advice. I have pretty good ec and my gpa should at least partially make up for the terrible physical science considering 4s in both g chem and physics. I could take a year off, but need to decide soon about whether to attempt an application this round.

Thank you very much for your time.

 

[ozzie89]

30P 8 PS 10 BS 12 VR
3.97 GPA cumulative/science
Have done lots of volunteer work/tutoring/mentoring and received a summer research grant this past summer. Involved with several societies, on the executive for one.
I am from Canada and want to apply to only Canadian schools.
Should I be retaking because of my PS and writing score?
Thanks a lot everyone.

 

[hotiskercay]

Hello all. I'm looking for some advice on whether I should retake because of a lopsided score. It's unusual because it's lopsided on the VR side. I almost always got an 8 on the PS on practice tests, so even if I retook, I'm really not sure if I could improve it beyond an 8, and, of course, the chance of getting a 15 again on Verbal is similar to that of getting struck by lightning twice. Might be able to bring the BS up a point, but I'm happy with the 10. Advice??
Thanks in advance!

32R.

VR: 15
BS: 10
PS: 7

 

[deadmonton]

Applying to canadian school (alberta in particular)

35 ... N
vs10 ps 14 bs11

im happy with numerical score but the N.. retake? (i think N is the cutoff for u of t any lower "may jeopardize" or sth)

 

[nyr10]

I got a 33O
10 PS
11 VR
12 BS

My GPA is mediocre. i have the typical ECs, and ill probably be applying to canadian medicals schools (the first time around is canada; second time will be whoever takes me, anywhere.)

i have a secreat weapon.... publication in a big medical journal

and i also have another summer to potentially take the MCAT again.
So? retake a 33O with a decent verbal mark or should i just go with the flow?

thanks to anybody that can help me

 

[Naiad]

31s? 10 10 11

 

[Notsosmart]

I am a junior at a UC school. I took the MCAT on 8/21/09 with a score of
VR 13
PS 12
BS 11
WS S
for a total of 36S. I do not plan to retake the MCAT.
I have a GPA of 3.89 cum. and 3.91 in science. No clinical experience. Just a lot of volunteering and RA. Will do some research this year and apply next year. I planned to apply to
UCSF
Stanford
UCLA
USC
UCI
UCSD
Baylor
Harvard
Columbia
John Hopkins
UCLA is my top choice. USC and UCI is back up. Do I need more research experience (this year included)? Have any one used a consultant for their application? If you did, is that helpful? Thanks in advance for all your answers.

 

[DoctorKazefa]

I am a junior at a UC school. I took the MCAT on 8/21/09 with a score of
VR 13
PS 12
BS 11
WS S
for a total of 36S.

Notsosmart, your GPA and MCAT are strong, but you should definitely try and get some clinical experience in, i.e. volunteering in a hospital, shadowing a physician, etc. I've been to a few of those premed information sessions with deans of admissions from medical schools and they typically say that if you don't have clinical experience, you're basically demonstrating that you're not really that excited about getting into medicine.

 

[Kanye West]

This might be a little long, but I want to see if my dumbed down resume can possibly make up for my slightly below avg grades/scores

Junior @ USC (CA resident)
cum GPA - 3.65
sci GPA - 3.51

MCAT:
BS - 11
PS - 11
VR - 9

total = 31P

Clinical Experience:

• CCE Volunteer intern. Volunteered in Telemetry, Maternity/Nursery, Radiology, Emergency Room, Cardiac Cath Lab, Operating Room. Close to 200 hours completed, have had memorable experiences (watched procedures, performed CPR in ER, etc). Basically I have hours, have learned a lot, and have stuff to talk about.

• 
  Childrens Hospital Preceptorship - Shadowed doctors for a week. Pediatric Rehab, CTICU, Respiratory, Emergency Room, Operating Room.

• 
  Just landed another internship with a doctor

Research Experience

• Intern for 2 months, no pubs (USC Stem Cell Division). Good experience, work closely with PI, have learned a lot, manage own project.

• 
  About to start working in a new lab (will be working the above internship as well)

Work Experience

• 
  Los Angeles City Lifeguard for 3 years. Coach, teach lessons, perform rescues, etc.

• 
  Helpdesk job at school, assist faculty with computer problems

Leadership Experience

• 
  President of largest Muslim organization on campus. Spokesperson, organize programing, work in teams, delegate, internal conflict resolution, manage tens of thousands of dollars, etc.

Now I wasn't really thinking of where to apply until I got my score, and I feel like I should really retake, because I hear I need atleast a 34 or 35 these days.

Schools most interested in: Stanford, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, UCSF, USC, UCLA, UCSD, UCI

But the bottom line is, I would be happy to go anywhere in the United States

 

[NVswmmr]

So I just got my score for the 8/25/09 exam and they were
PS: 11
VR: 10
BS: 11
WR: T
My GPA is a 3.9 at an ivy, but on the practice tests (aside from the 1st one taken as a diagnostic) I've been averaging 37 with an upward trend (36 ending with 38).
While the score is not horrible, I feel that because I am currently a junior and had not taken biology when I took the MCATs, I have the time and ability to improve. So if I do retake, when should I take it (Winter vs. Summer) and which review class I should take if I were to take one (I self studied with various books).
Thanks.

 

[pelias1525]

My scores from 8/25:

VR: 11
PS: 10
BS: 11
WS: S

Giving me a 32S. I averaged around 34-37 on the AAMC exams (11-12 VR, 11-13 PS, 11-13 BS) and feel disappointed with my score in relation to that. I'm currently a junior (took MCAT sophomore summer) and want to be competitive at top-20 schools.

GPA: 3.85 (science same) at top-20 university

ECs: Probably my shining point, lots of research and other notable experience.

With all that in mind, is it worth retaking the exam?
How much of a point change do I need to make retaking worthwhile?
Is that score good enough to get my foot in the door at top places along with my other numbers?
How bad is retaking the exam as far as an admissions standpoint?

Thank you for all the answers and help, it's extremely appreciated.

 

[apmiller21]

Ok first time around:
8VR 7PS 9BS N 24N

Second time around:
8VR(ugh) 13PS 12BS O 33O

How bad is the verbal going to hurt me? I know the advice is that anything above at 8 or better is OK but just want others opinions. Also, gpa is 3.73, tons of volunteer experience, little clinical experience, no research experience, great letters of recommendation...any advice/input is appreciated! My primary is already done and verified just wondering if I should apply to some higher tiered schools, or apply to some more mid-low schools. So far my list includes Indiana University (home state); Loyola; Wake Forest; Creighton. Thanks!

 

[TheRiverWhy]

9/25 scores

bs-10
vr-10
ps-11
ws-M

4.0 gpa thru three years of biology major and chem. minor. Should I be concerned with the "M"?

 

[kmd34]

SN2ed,

Already Applied for 2010 cycle.
Home state : Maryland
Science GPA : 4.0
Over all GPA : 4.0
ECA : Far excellent. Have more than 2y research experience with School of Medicine of Home state (Stem cell Cancer Research Project), Co-author for two poster/papers for Stem cell research, Lot of clinical volunteer with home state medical school, some community volunteer, lot of school activity, strong recommendation letters, etc.
Major : Biology
Have excellent set of courses.

MCAT :

BS : 12
PS :11
VS :6
WS : O

I know, VR is killer to me. I don't have chance to retake MCAT for 2010 cycle.

Initially, I applied to 12 medical schools but after MCAT score, added 8 more lower ranking schools.

Do I have any hope for any MD school in the USA?

 

[Brigade4Radiant]

Also it is important to note that just because you don't have a 30 doesn't mean you shouldn't apply to medical school(Unless you live in Cali) If you have a balanced score and within the 27-29 range you may be in the clear to chance it (no score being below 8). If you have a high GPA that is...however getting within the 30-32 range from the 27-29 range increase your chance of acceptance by about 20%.

I have a 3.36 and a 28N and I live in Tennessee. I do have an upward trend but I should not have sent in my application in but whatever happens happens..

 

[SN2ed]

I was kind of hoping some other long time posters would go through this thread. However, it's been awhile and no one has answered most of the posts 🙁

As usual, I may make my responses quite short.

Sorry to Vihsadas. There usually aren't that many Canadian applicants asking for advice in here.

For those of you that I suggest a retake, make sure you analyze what has gone wrong during your past study cycle(s) and get new practice material.

Time for the Retake Round Up.

pbelur: Do not retake. An O isn't going to effect your application to US medical schools. It's only when people get below an M that the WS starts to hurt their application. When that happens, most of the time there are other weak section scores that would warrant a retake.

chels02: It sounds like you probably retook your practice tests which caused an artificially inflated score. If you're set on US allopathic medical schools, you will have to retake unless you have a relatively easy to get into in-state school. Make sure you analyze what has gone wrong these past two times and get new practice material.

citingwiki: You will definitely have to retake for UMDNJ or any US allopathic medical school. You might be okay for DO schools. I don't know that much about DO schools.

redblue09: Well you don't have a great shot at top-tier medical schools, but you still have a shot. I don't suggest you retake. Simply apply broadly and don't get too focused on medical school tiers.

sca419: Unfortunately, a 7 in any section drastically reduces your chances of getting in. I suggest you retake.

crimsontide21: The good news is that you could apply broadly and get in somewhere. The bad news, schools like Case Western will be very tough for you. I don't suggest you apply to them unless you have amazing ECs.

PRATFO: I suggest you retake. The combination of your low GPA and low MCAT will hurt your application too much.

stealthy1: I don't know much about Canadian medical schools, but if they're like US ones, a 7 will prevent you from getting into most schools.

Seedling: Don't retake, you're fine.

mikeythekid: I think the M is the killer and the VR doesn't help. You should PM Vihsadas or another Canadian SDNer since I don't know how bad those two section scores will hurt you.

budgie: It sounds like you choked. One retake doesn't look too bad as long as you show significant improvement (+3 points).

hil: I suggest you retake due to the 7.

ozzie89: I suggest you PM Vihsadas or another Canadian SDNer for advice. That 8 makes me unsure.

GenkaiNashi: You have a solid GPA and good ECs, you just need to bring up your MCAT. NY is similar to CA in that there are plenty of schools, but most of them are competitive.

hotiskercay: Unfortunately, your score is too loopsided due to the 7. I suggest you retake.

deadmonton: Seems like there are a good number of Canadians for this round up. If you're sure N is the cutoff, you might be okay. Again, I don't know much about Canadian medical schools.

nyr10: I don't think you need to retake. I believe an O or above is usually okay, but you should PM Vihsadas or another Canadian SDNer.

Naiad: I don't suggest you retake.

Kanye West: For most of the schools you're interested in (Stanford, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, UCSF, USC, UCLA, UCSD, UCI), your numbers aren't there. Both your GPA and MCAT are too low to stand a good chance. If you really don't mind any school, then your stats may be okay. Still, the GPA is on the low side, however, that can be solved with an upward trend in GPA (for instance doing well in your junior and senior year which has the benefits of an upward trend while possibly bringing the GPA to 3.7+). Overall, the GPA is on the low side for now and the MCAT is fine when considering all schools.

pelias1525: I don't suggest you retake or dwell too much on top 20 schools. You have a low chance of getting into top 20 schools unless your ECs are great. To justify a retake with a 32, you would need to score a 36 or above. It is quite bad to retake with solid and well balanced score. Your chances would be lowered at schools if you did worse.

apmiller21: You should be okay with that score. It's too late to apply to more schools. If you don't get in and you can afford it, I suggest you apply to at least 15 schools.

TheRiverWhy: No, an M is fine unless you're Canadian.

kmd34: Unfortunately, you have basically no chance at US allopathic medical schools. That 6 hurts your application too much. Work hard on improving that score and you'll have a good chance of getting in.

 

[ucsfstudents]

SN2ed,

Already Applied for 2010 cycle.
Home state : Maryland
Science GPA : 4.0
Over all GPA : 4.0
ECA : Far excellent. Have more than 2y research experience with School of Medicine of Home state (Stem cell Cancer Research Project), Co-author for two poster/papers for Stem cell research, Lot of clinical volunteer with home state medical school, some community volunteer, lot of school activity, strong recommendation letters, etc.
Major : Biology
Have excellent set of courses.

MCAT :

BS : 12
PS :11
VS :6
WS : O

I know, VR is killer to me. I don't have chance to retake MCAT for 2010 cycle.

Initially, I applied to 12 medical schools but after MCAT score, added 8 more lower ranking schools.

Do I have any hope for any MD school in the USA?

Your verbal score is unlikely to change. Applying now is the right thing to do. If you absolutely get no interviews, retake. VR is the hardest to increase. Many students find themselves in your exact shoes.

 

[hil]

Thanks for your input guys, I appreciate you taking the time. Will probably take a year off to retake.

 

[Crazypencil]

Got my 9/3 score:

14 P, 6 V😡, 8 B, O = 30

GPA 3.79
Science GPA 4

Looking for NJ school like UMDNJ

Junior this year

Should I retake on Jan?

 

[Crazypencil]

Sorry, Bio=10

 

[PCSki]

So after months of studying and getting 31-36's, I came away with a 29 Q- 10PS 11VR 8BS WS:Q .

I have a 3.8c, 3.75s, work in a research lab on campus, volunteer and have worked as a scribe in a local ER for over a year now- while taking classes. I feel like I'm a solid applicant with great interviewing skills, and that this less-than-average mcat score is the only black mark on my resume.

I'm a MD resident, and would love to get into our state school or the schools in DC, but they all boast a 30-33 average MCAT score.

I am wondering if the 30 is just mental, and I can get in to these schools, or if I should risk retaking the test.

What do you think? I could really use some advice right now.

 

[Scrubs920]

I am very confused about my MCAT score:
AAMC Range
After studying 28-32

July MCAT:
Physics: 11, Verbal: 5, Bio 9
Total= 25L

August MCAT:
Physics: 9, Verbal: 6, Bio 11
Total= 26L

English is my native language and I am NOT applying to Canadian schools. Should I cross my fingers and hope to luck out in January? Or should I just apply and finally move on in my life?

 

[tigerfan2014]

.

 

[Eponymous]

My gold standard average was a 35-36 (upward trend) but my final score was 33T. I tanked on VR, which I didn't expect at all because the lowest I'd gotten on practice tests was an 11 (although it generally hovered about there).

PS: 13, VR: 9, BS: 11, WS: T

Do you think that the 'T' and the fact that I have a 3.96 cum gpa English/Pre-med major from an elite uni, plus the fact that I'm getting an MA in English lit right now make up for the '9'? If it were a 10 I'd just leave the score be, but I feel like it's an eyesore. I just can't understand it...I thought I'd SLAYED that section!

The kicker is that I'm getting my master degree abroad in the uk and there's far less opportunity to sit the test (no test dates til April!), much less study for it while doing graduate work. I really had my sights set on elite east-coast med schools.

Should I (gulp) retake?

 

[StandUp8]

Here's the breakdown:

P:11
V:9
B:11

31O

cGPA: 3.51 sGPA: 3.4 *after 11 Post-Bac courses at 3.97 ; i had taken 6 of those after applying (was 3.48 and 3.3)
(Attended top 30 school and did post-bac at state school)

ECs:
-Lots of volunteering and clinical experience
-2 yrs research (only 1 pub),
-4 yrs of sports (every season)

LORs:
OK, probably not the best


I studied for the MCAT starting in May 2008 after classes and took the MCAT in July 2008 (a little less than 2 months studying). My practice tests ranged from 30-35. I applied (stupidly) AFTER the test in July and was waitlisted by 2 schools and did not get in. 🙁

Not having planned to apply again this year I've decided to take 2009-2010 working/studying for MCAT. I'm also planning on taking a few more classes in the spring. However, I think that at this point my GPA won't raise much. As such, I've decided that my best chances would be to raise the MCAT.

I would be targeting a spring or early summer date for the MCAT retake and apply the earliest possible. I'm of course worried about a possible drop in the score, especially verbal. My only comfort is knowing that I didn't spend that much time studying for the first one and that I thought I could have done better right after I took the first test.

Thanks in advance for the support and advice!