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)​

 

[Abby_Normal]

Took MCAT 8 July. Applying this cycle.

Total score: 32S
PS: 9
VR: 12
BS: 11

I'm happy with my overall score and the BR and BS but I'm worried that the PS is too low.

I think I didn't do as well on the PS as I could have not due to knowledge deficiency but due to technical problems. I did the recommended skipping difficult questions to come back later but for some reason the return to skipped questions function didn't return me to all the skipped questions, so I didn't realize that I had some left to answer until it was too late to go back.

I have decent ECs and a 3.76-3.79 (not sure exactly) GPA and nothing below a B+ in any of my pre-reqs. I have already received secondaries from five of the schools I've applied to.

If I don't retake should I mention the computer thing as explanation for my score? I know, I'm probably being ridiculously neurotic.

 

[LucinatingPanda]

Hey guys, I took the 7/8/10 MCAT and received my score:

VR: 8
BS: 11
PS: 12
Writing: O

I read what the admin said about Do's and Do Not's on retake but I would still like to know whether this is a good enough score to get into a medical school in the states, such as UIC or Iowa. I'm not really look at any top 20 schools.

As you can see, I'm a little worried about the VR and the Writing section, I'm not sure if schools will screen me just because of that.

Any help would be great. Thank you!

P.S.
GPA: 3.75, with leadership and volunteer and extracurricular.

 

[Andy1915]

I've applied broadly to a wide range of schools. Just got my MCAT score (31M), which I took when I was ill but decided to go ahead with because I was already taking it late. Now I need to decide whether I should take it over. My cumulative GPA is 3.81 and my science GPA is 3.95. I have completed all course work for graduation except for Spanish I and II and Calc II.

I was averaging 35s on the practice tests, and I do feel that I could improve my score. I definitely was not at the top of my game on test day, and I felt it cognitively. However, I wouldn't be able to retake the MCAT until September 3rd, so results wouldn't be out until early October.

I really need some advice. Should I just go ahead with what I've got and hope for the best? My EC's are good. I've volunteered in the ER for a year and have been working in an oncology lab at my undergrad University for over a year. (This is my first choice medical school because I have a good situation where I could keep working in the lab, and I will likely attend here if I'm accepted.) However, I'm quite willing to go elsewhere.

I'm a non-traditional applicant. Before returning to school, I worked for several years (I'm 28 now) managing and supervising a NFP counseling organization that contracted with the county to reunite parents with children who had been removed by the state from their homes. Prior to that, I ran a group home for SED adolescent males.

I'd really appreciate any feedback because I'm not sure what my best move is at this point. Also, if I do take the MCAT over again, I'm not sure how to handle it with my AMCAS application. I've already applied, and it's verified, though I am waiting for a couple of LORs that haven't come in yet. I have secondaries that I am in the process of turning in (from schools that didn't wait for the MCAT to send them out.) If I told these schools I was taking it again, would that make them put my application on hold, thereby making me a late applicant? I'm thinking it would. Would I then be better off to just contact the higher-tier schools separately to let them know I intended to retake (to keep them from rejecting me on the basis of my 31) and just let the lower-tier schools proceed with the first score? Or I just forget about the retake and go with my 31 and good GPA?

Help. So much to consider. Thanks for your input and sorry for the length.

 

[yankeesmed]

I've applied broadly to a wide range of schools. Just got my MCAT score (31M), which I took when I was ill but decided to go ahead with because I was already taking it late. Now I need to decide whether I should take it over. My cumulative GPA is 3.81 and my science GPA is 3.95. I have completed all course work for graduation except for Spanish I and II and Calc II.

I was averaging 35s on the practice tests, and I do feel that I could improve my score. I definitely was not at the top of my game on test day, and I felt it cognitively. However, I wouldn't be able to retake the MCAT until September 3rd, so results wouldn't be out until early October.

I really need some advice. Should I just go ahead with what I've got and hope for the best? My EC's are good. I've volunteered in the ER for a year and have been working in an oncology lab at my undergrad University for over a year. (This is my first choice medical school because I have a good situation where I could keep working in the lab, and I will likely attend here if I'm accepted.) However, I'm quite willing to go elsewhere.

I'm a non-traditional applicant. Before returning to school, I worked for several years (I'm 28 now) managing and supervising a NFP counseling organization that contracted with the county to reunite parents with children who had been removed by the state from their homes. Prior to that, I ran a group home for SED adolescent males.

I'd really appreciate any feedback because I'm not sure what my best move is at this point. Also, if I do take the MCAT over again, I'm not sure how to handle it with my AMCAS application. I've already applied, and it's verified, though I am waiting for a couple of LORs that haven't come in yet. I have secondaries that I am in the process of turning in (from schools that didn't wait for the MCAT to send them out.) If I told these schools I was taking it again, would that make them put my application on hold, thereby making me a late applicant? I'm thinking it would. Would I then be better off to just contact the higher-tier schools separately to let them know I intended to retake (to keep them from rejecting me on the basis of my 31) and just let the lower-tier schools proceed with the first score? Or I just forget about the retake and go with my 31 and good GPA?

Help. So much to consider. Thanks for your input and sorry for the length.

If your 31 is balanced, it's a good score anyway. 10 10 11 is really your only option to achieve that. If it were me, I would accept my 31 regardless, unless I got an 8 on a section or something. I would then apply to a much larger volume of schools (25-30), making sure to include literally every school that my stats match and I could reasonably live there comfortably. If you have a good 31, your stats are still relatively competitive and you should be happy with your application. Retaking the MCAT sounds like the worst thing in the world.

If you KNOW that you will score more in your 35 range, though, it might be worth it. But I know how I felt coming out of the MCAT--I went in cocky but came out thinking I got a 27! I wouldn't wish that month waiting for scores on anyone twice! Then again, the moment you see your score and it's what you wanted? Now that feeling can't be beat. Until it comes to acceptance time, that is.

Edit: I didn't pay attention to the writing you gave. I think I read somewhere you want to shoot for an N or higher? I don't know much about the writing, but M might be a troublesome area, if the schools even consider it. If you do retake--just write about cell phones and text messaging for your essay. It seems to apply to every topic no matter what. I feel like for all my practice exams I wrote about them, or wireless internet or laptops, etc. Then when the real test came along I couldn't believe I was sitting there writing about texting again. It worked!

 

[caramel123]

my bro got a 29 and has a 3.5 gpa.. he's worried. should he retake?

 

[WashMe]

my bro got a 29 and has a 3.5 gpa.. he's worried. should he retake?

Depends.

Is the 3.5 from a top school that ISN'T known for grade inflation (e.g. MIT -- I hear they're brutal)? If so, it is probably OK.

Is the 29 an even breakdown? 10/9/10 or 10/8/11 would be OK.

Is your bro looking to go to a mid- or lower-tier school, or the in-state public option? If so, he would probably be OK.

If your bro is looking to go to a top 50 school, he has his work cut out for him unless his research or extracurricular activities are outstanding. That GPA/MCAT combination is less competitive than that of the average matriculant. Numbers aren't everything though 🙂

 

[SFO-IST]

took the 7/8/10 mcat, my first. scored 38L. P13, V11, B14. i worked very hard for the numeric scores and am very relieved, but am near tears about the L, which comes as a huge shock.

i have an anthropology degree from a top 10 university, but that was many years ago when i limped away with a 3.1 GPA. presently i am 2/3 the way through a second degree in microbiology, with a 3.99. still, the first degree holds me back... 3.4 cumulative, 3.6 science. forum chatter notwithstanding, i am an excellent writer, and it shows in my personal statement and secondaries. maybe i've misunderstood how these essays are supposed to be written, maybe the hammering on the roof above me distracted me from thinking clearly. i assume i choked and didn't give the readers everything they wanted to see. it's hard to say. but an L is just... i was expecting at least an M for effort!

please please please tell me i don't need to worry about this, or if i should actually consider aborting everything, wait another year and retake this stupid exam.

I'd start packing your room cause you're getting in fo sho! The L doesen't mean anything. also, you can ask for a regrade - at this point you don't have anything to loose.

 

[jcmnancy]

Literally just found out my grade from the 7/16 MCAT, my first one. And I'm already wondering about retaking... man, this test is exhausting 😳

Status - Junior
GPA - 4.0 (so far lol )
MCAT - 30Q (9P, 9V, 12B)
Extras - Employed in a doctor's office for 2yrs now, 100 volunteer hours at a nursing home... that's all 🙁

My DO program requires a 27O, but I don't know if I want to stay on the track or apply to MD schools.

If I did decide to switch out and apply elsewhere, do you think a 30Q is high enough to get me a good shot at acceptance? I know my GPA is strong but I've heard it won't make up for a weak MCAT (30 feels like I'm cutting it too close), and I have no research under my belt so far (taking time off from school to do research is out of the question, unfortunately). I'm mainly looking at schools in the NY, NJ, PA area. To retake or not to retake?

 

[nbp222]

7/16 was my first test, and I scored a 33S.

13P, 11B, and 9V.

My GPA at a top 30 school is 3.65. I am an honors neuroscience major, have worked in several different labs at my school, done clinical work at a free clinic, clinical research at a hospital, and have good/great LORs.

My main worry is the 9 on the verbal.

I want to apply to both NJ schools, some schools in PA, and NY.

 

[7illo 3anni]

first time: p10 v5 b10
second time: p9 v7 b10 🙁🙁
cGPA: 3.88
sGPA: 4.0
pretty solid EC's. Texas resident. Do I have any shot at MD in Texas or Out of State. or the carribean is my only option? I really dont think retaking will help much. Please any help is appreciated

 

[JadB]

Just got the results from my first MCAT on the 16th of July 2010:
32R
PS 13
VR 7
BS 12

I'm definitely repeating for that VR score, but I'm debating whether to repeat this summer or next year. The last exam this summer is in 3 weeks (september 11th) which doesn't seem like a lot of time to revise the science and work on my verbal. At the same time I'm afraid that postponing it till next summer will hurt me in the sciences as I don't want to give it 2 months of studying again.

 

[SoBad]

I'm pretty sure I don't have to repeat, but I can't get the nagging feeling off my mind. Got a 35M, the writing score being bad isn't worth repeating over right (or so I've heard)?

 

[jcmnancy]

JadB, start studying hardcore now for a week and see how comfortable you are with bio and physics material. If you're still pulling 10-15 on both sections, then you know you're set for the 11th and you can put more of your focus on improving verbal. BUT if you've dropped down to single digits in either section, you may want to consider spending more time studying before retaking. It'll be harder to pull up your verbal AND a science section than to just improve one while maintaining the other two.

 

[chewy88]

Hey guys, trying to figure out if i should go ahead and retake on sept 11...

I took it july 16th and got a 27P (8,9,10). I was kinda bummed out, because my last practice test i took i scored a 31, so I know i could definitely do a few points better. I also had a distraction during the verbal section of the test, (some dude was talking real loud to himself and smashing his pencil on the desk).

Im a VA resident with a 3.6 cgpa (although AMCAS enters it as a 3.51 due to a class i failed and retook), have great ECs, including working for an orthopedic surgeon with patient contact for the past 4 years, playing a sport and volunteering. I am also listed as a disadvantaged student.

So far I received secondaries back from USF, Miami, Univ South Car., EVMS, MUSC, UCF, FIU, FSU and UVA. Will my application be competitive enough to be considered into any of these programs without retaking the MCAT? Thanks everyone for your time in advance, i appreciate it!

 

[koala37]

Hi guys,

ok so i took the July 16th mcat n and i did beyond shameful in verbal
my score was

BS: 9
PS:9
VR: 4
22Q
what are my chances for D.O. though? my science gpa is 3.66 and my cum gpa is a 3.7. i am a volunteer emt and am really actively involved in research and am co-authord for a manuscript article. i have all outstandings from my health scince recommendations committee at my school.
I know i am def not even bothering applying to M.D. schools and am def retaking it. but if i improve my verbal on the retake will commitees wipe out this verbal score?. i really really freaked out during the verbal section and didnt void my score, even though i should have. thanks!

 

[Nki]

took the 7/8/10 mcat, my first. scored 38L. P13, V11, B14. i worked very hard for the numeric scores and am very relieved, but am near tears about the L, which comes as a huge shock.
i have an anthropology degree from a top 10 university, but that was many years ago when i limped away with a 3.1 GPA. presently i am 2/3 the way through a second degree in microbiology, with a 3.99. still, the first degree holds me back... 3.4 cumulative, 3.6 science. forum chatter notwithstanding, i am an excellent writer, and it shows in my personal statement and secondaries. maybe i've misunderstood how these essays are supposed to be written, maybe the hammering on the roof above me distracted me from thinking clearly. i assume i choked and didn't give the readers everything they wanted to see. it's hard to say. but an L is just... i was expecting at least an M for effort!

please please please tell me i don't need to worry about this, or if i should actually consider aborting everything, wait another year and retake this stupid exam.

Congratulations on your scores. Please considering this is a retake thread, could you share how and what books you used to sturdy to get such a high score. I am retaking in January and really want to utilize every good Mcat book that can help me get a better score. Thanks

 

[Nki]

Hi guys,

ok so i took the July 16th mcat n and i did beyond shameful in verbal
my score was

BS: 9
PS:9
VR: 4
22Q
what are my chances for D.O. though? my science gpa is 3.66 and my cum gpa is a 3.7. i am a volunteer emt and am really actively involved in research and am co-authord for a manuscript article. i have all outstandings from my health scince recommendations committee at my school.
I know i am def not even bothering applying to M.D. schools and am def retaking it. but if i improve my verbal on the retake will commitees wipe out this verbal score?. i really really freaked out during the verbal section and didnt void my score, even though i should have. thanks!

So far from what i have been reading in the DO section, people with a 7 and above on each section got accepted, while those below a 7 were adviced to retake. Do schools are becoming very competitive, so i will advice retake just to bring up the verbal score. Is just mine opinion. Good luck.

 

[WashMe]

took the 7/8/10 mcat, my first. scored 38L. P13, V11, B14. i worked very hard for the numeric scores and am very relieved, but am near tears about the L, which comes as a huge shock.

i have an anthropology degree from a top 10 university, but that was many years ago when i limped away with a 3.1 GPA. presently i am 2/3 the way through a second degree in microbiology, with a 3.99. still, the first degree holds me back... 3.4 cumulative, 3.6 science. forum chatter notwithstanding, i am an excellent writer, and it shows in my personal statement and secondaries. maybe i've misunderstood how these essays are supposed to be written, maybe the hammering on the roof above me distracted me from thinking clearly. i assume i choked and didn't give the readers everything they wanted to see. it's hard to say. but an L is just... i was expecting at least an M for effort!

please please please tell me i don't need to worry about this, or if i should actually consider aborting everything, wait another year and retake this stupid exam.

hahhahaha bwahahahhahaha

heehheheheh hahahahahaha rofl bwahaha 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣


Ok, now that I'm done with that...

Don't retake a 38L.

What's likely to happen? On a retake, you're not likely to repeat the 13 and the 14. For argument's sake, lets say you miss an additional 1-3 questions per section, out of 52 (i.e. not unreasonable), and you get two 12's. Let's say that your verbal stays about the same, which is likely.

Would you trade a 38L for a 35R ???
(note the emphasis on the importance of the writing score).

 

[Mithril]

Well, I took the 7/29/10 MCAT and I got an 8 in VR, 14 in BS, 14 in PS, and a Q. I'm Canadian, so there goes my hope of University of Toronto because of my verbal score (you need a 9+ in each section). I'm wondering if I should retake it just to boost my verbal score, but in all honesty, I was scoring between 8-10 in VR practices, so I don't know if I should retake it. The MCAT just takes so much out of you. Do you guys think I can get into a Canadian school with these scores?

 

[WashMe]

Well, I took the 7/29/10 MCAT and I got an 8 in VR, 14 in BS, 14 in PS, and a Q. I'm Canadian, so there goes my hope of University of Toronto because of my verbal score (you need a 9+ in each section). I'm wondering if I should retake it just to boost my verbal score, but in all honesty, I was scoring between 8-10 in VR practices, so I don't know if I should retake it. The MCAT just takes so much out of you. Do you guys think I can get into a Canadian school with these scores?

If you can't get into Canadian schools, just go to a top 20 us allopathic school haha

14PS + 14BS = 28, which is about what the average US MD matriculant scores after the verbal... something to think about. Are you so sure U of Toronto wouldn't take you with a 36Q? Seems like that should be good enough.

 

[Mithril]

Haha, thanks for the compliment. I was really looking to establishing at least a 9 in all sections because U of T doesn't consider any applications with an MCAT score in one of the sections below a 9; it's part of the minimum MCAT score admission requirements for their program. The reason I wanted to be able to apply to U of T was because I have family there that I could stay with. I personally live in Vancouver and my score is good enough for their requirements (the cutoff at UBC is a 7+ in each section and an M+ on writing).

I'm really happy about my science scores, but just that for the last two weeks before the test I did nothing but verbal and still scored an 8. It's a bit depressing.

I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to the average MCAT score of people accepted into good Canadian schools. I'm just scared that they might look at my verbal reasoning score and shun me.

 

[Quicken]

If you can't get into Canadian schools, just go to a top 20 us allopathic school haha

14PS + 14BS = 28, which is about what the average US MD matriculant scores after the verbal... something to think about. Are you so sure U of Toronto wouldn't take you with a 36Q? Seems like that should be good enough.

Congrats on ur PS and BS sections, man i wish i had scores like that, why don't u look at the stats from UT and see the average entrance, I think your 36Q is pretty competitive. Good luck.

 

[Quicken]

Haha, thanks for the compliment. I was really looking to establishing at least a 9 in all sections because U of T doesn't consider any applications with an MCAT score in one of the sections below a 9; it's part of the minimum MCAT score admission requirements for their program. The reason I wanted to be able to apply to U of T was because I have family there that I could stay with. I personally live in Vancouver and my score is good enough for their requirements (the cutoff at UBC is a 7+ in each section and an M+ on writing).

I'm really happy about my science scores, but just that for the last two weeks before the test I did nothing but verbal and still scored an 8. It's a bit depressing.

I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to the average MCAT score of people accepted into good Canadian schools. I'm just scared that they might look at my verbal reasoning score and shun me.

Oh lord...i guess we just posted minutes apart, u are in vancouver? so am i...and i just got the score from the july30th testing....and actually i am wondering if i should retake as well, i did much worse...vs8ps9bs10wsQ... so 27Q i am applying to ubc just to see...but if you are applying for ubc, i guess i don't stand a chance...sigh...there goes my $135. ouch ouch ouch!!!

 

[Quicken]

8V, 9P, 10B, Qws...i am greyed out...living in Vancouver Canada, want to apply for UBC and only UBC, whole family here...27Q....should i retake? frustrated frustrated frustrated....

 

[Mithril]

Oh lord...i guess we just posted minutes apart, u are in vancouver? so am i...and i just got the score from the july30th testing....and actually i am wondering if i should retake as well, i did much worse...vs8ps9bs10wsQ... so 27Q i am applying to ubc just to see...but if you are applying for ubc, i guess i don't stand a chance...sigh...there goes my $135. ouch ouch ouch!!!

Yup, I'm in Vancouver. I actually just completed my application yesterday. I think you have a solid shot at UBC, too. I personally know a friend who was in the same undergraduate program as me and he got into UBC med with a 27R for the 2010 fall year. But he had a LOT of extracurricular stuff. Man, this verbal score is really stressing me out. 🙁

 

[Quicken]

I'm pretty sure I don't have to repeat, but I can't get the nagging feeling off my mind. Got a 35M, the writing score being bad isn't worth repeating over right (or so I've heard)?

no, it's not worth repeating, as long as u have meet the minimum cutoff on the ws section for the schools u want to apply to. the 35 should be good enough for most med schools as long as they are somewhat evenly distributed.

 

[Quicken]

Yup, I'm in Vancouver. I actually just completed my application yesterday. I think you have a solid shot at UBC, too. I personally know a friend who was in the same undergraduate program as me and he got into UBC med with a 27R for the 2010 fall year. But he had a LOT of extracurricular stuff. Man, this verbal score is really stressing me out. 🙁

Well come December i will know if i wasted 135 or not, dunno if i will even get an interview...just submitted apps today...a lot of extracurricular hmm...thats not my strong point. I think you are okay, ubc never value mcat very strongly before and couple of years back they don't even have min requirements. Do u use msn? want to follow up on how u doing afterwards.

 

[ajay118]

I realize that I am in the gray area according to this thread...MCAT score of 26P (9-VR; 9-PS; 8-VR) (GPA: 3.73) but should I retake the exam if i want to improve my score for MD schools? I am scared of doing worse in one of the three sections...

I am a FL resident so I probably will apply to MD schools in FL but what are some decent schools I can apply to out-of-state with my scores?

 

[Mithril]

Well come December i will know if i wasted 135 or not, dunno if i will even get an interview...just submitted apps today...a lot of extracurricular hmm...thats not my strong point. I think you are okay, ubc never value mcat very strongly before and couple of years back they don't even have min requirements. Do u use msn? want to follow up on how u doing afterwards.

I use MSN. I'll PM it to you.

I realize that I am in the gray area according to this thread...MCAT score of 26P (9-VR; 9-PS; 8-VR) (GPA: 3.73) but should I retake the exam if i want to improve my score for MD schools? I am scared of doing worse in one of the three sections...

I am a FL resident so I probably will apply to MD schools in FL but what are some decent schools I can apply to out-of-state with my scores?

I think it depends on whether or not you think you can improve. How long did you study for? What were your study habits like? That sort of thing.

 

[bigloley]

30S, 10 PS 11 VR 9 BS

I was averaging about 32-33 on the aamc practice tests with AAMC 9 and 10 being both 35's.

I will be applying in June and will have time to take it in April, with ample time to study.

 

[Goshua]

Well, I took the 7/29/10 MCAT and I got an 8 in VR, 14 in BS, 14 in PS, and a Q. I'm Canadian, so there goes my hope of University of Toronto because of my verbal score (you need a 9+ in each section). I'm wondering if I should retake it just to boost my verbal score, but in all honesty, I was scoring between 8-10 in VR practices, so I don't know if I should retake it. The MCAT just takes so much out of you. Do you guys think I can get into a Canadian school with these scores?

You clearly have stellar science scores and yet have been languishing for a few weeks now because you are misinformed about U of T admissions policy. And by misinformed I mean you haven't properly read it (I'm not hitting on your VR score here btw, I think it is respectable).

Bottom line: 9/9/9/N are UT's "soft" cutoffs. So go ahead and apply because with that 8 all you will get will be a flag on your app. It will not hurt you if the rest of that app of yours is on par with successful med applicants to Toronto. People have been accepted with less than a 9 before and this will continue to happen.

All you need is a solid application and a little luck. Cheers!

 

[jsndom]

So just got my first score and as expected I am completely torn as to what to do.
11P
10V
11B
Writing: P
32P

with a 3.6 sGPA/3.7overall GPA would you guys advise I retake?
Cheers!

 

[pyzhou]

11 phys, 10 verb, 12 bio, 33R

I have a 3.9 gpa, but i m barely pulling together my refs, and am not completely confident in my interview skills, my practice test averages were also higher (38.5 kaplan, 36.8 aamc). would I benefit from a retake?

 

[ChartaBona]

PS 11
VR 12
BS 14
WS L

37L

I don't know how to feel about this. I'm a Bio major and I had NO knowledge of the subject matter in the essay questions (popular culture and politics).

 

[violaguy5]

PS 11
VR 12
BS 14
WS L

37L

I don't know how to feel about this. I'm a Bio major and I had NO knowledge of the subject matter in the essay questions (popular culture and politics).

I have a similar situation:

PS 14
VR 9
BS 13
WS N

36N

I don't know if I should retake or not. I really want to go to a top school like Harvard or Yale; is this score competitive? I also have no excuse for the low verbal and writing scores. I was born in the US and have lived here since.

 

[opti]

I want to apply to top schools, and I'm disappointed with my 34Q.
I have a 3.87 GPA, excellent leadership, 2 years research, and little clinical
(though I have a year to work on that). Will the 34 hurt me or should I retake?

My breakdown was:

10 PS
11 VR
13 BS

It sucks cause I was getting 37-39 on practice tests and I know I can do better. I was also getting 13-14 consistently on PS.

 

[smallbadwolf]

Hey guys,

I took the 8/19/2010 MCAT and got the following breakdown:

31 R (11/8/12)

AAMC 3-10 average was:

34 (13, 9, 12).

GPA: 3.97
sGPA: 3.94

I would really like to get into UT Southwestern and/or Baylor. Should I retake , with that horrible verbal score of 8?

 

[JSGANDHI]

32O (11 06 15)
This was my first time taking it!
Should I retake?

Thanks in advance... Any comment or suggestion would be appreciated!

 

[WashMe]

32O (11 06 15)
This was my first time taking it!
Should I retake?

Thanks in advance... Any comment or suggestion would be appreciated!

Nice BS score! PS is decent, and I'm sure you've already passed judgment on the VR score...

This is a tough one. Are you not a native speaker of English? You could chalk up the bad VR and WS to a language barrier, and just hope for the best. You could probably get in somewhere with that score, but you're probably better off retaking the test.

You wouldn't even need to blow away the sciences if you could just pull the VR up. Think, if you bumped from 11/6/O/15 to 13/10/R/13, you'd be sitting at a solid 36R and probably looking at "top 20" schools. You could easily jump from 11 to 13 on PS, but you're not likely to repeat the 15 on BS, so 13/10/13 sounds pretty reasonable.

 

[WashMe]

Hey guys,

I took the 8/19/2010 MCAT and got the following breakdown:

31 R (11/8/12)

AAMC 3-10 average was:

34 (13, 9, 12).

GPA: 3.97
sGPA: 3.94

I would really like to get into UT Southwestern and/or Baylor. Should I retake , with that horrible verbal score of 8?

If I were you, I'd cram some stuff and then take a full-length or two. If you're scoring like 35-36+, then try to retake ASAP before you've forgotten the material. If you're scoring 31-32, then you probably got a score in line with your true knowledge; you could retake, but you should prep a lot more first.

You were averaging 13/12 on PS/BS, then you scored 11/12. You need to ask yourself what kind of improvement you can make on the science sections, because they buffer the randomness of the VR score. If you can score 13/13, then you may be OK an a retake even if you get a bad VR section and only score an 8 again (thus totaling 34).

If I were you, I would only retake if I were able to consistently score 26+ on the science sections combined. Retaking for a 32, 33, or even a 34 might not really be worth it. Retaking with hopes of a 35+ (and being honest with yourself about it) would be worth it. Address all the weak points you had, hone your test-taking skills, and give it a go.

 

[JSGANDHI]

Nice BS score! PS is decent, and I'm sure you've already passed judgment on the VR score...

This is a tough one. Are you not a native speaker of English? You could chalk up the bad VR and WS to a language barrier, and just hope for the best. You could probably get in somewhere with that score, but you're probably better off retaking the test.

You wouldn't even need to blow away the sciences if you could just pull the VR up. Think, if you bumped from 11/6/O/15 to 13/10/R/13, you'd be sitting at a solid 36R and probably looking at "top 20" schools. You could easily jump from 11 to 13 on PS, but you're not likely to repeat the 15 on BS, so 13/10/13 sounds pretty reasonable.

Thanks for your positive response! And u r right, I'm not a native english speaker! I was actually born n brought up in India with no English background until I turned 18!
On the practice tests I was averaging 14/8/13! But since the PS was ridiculously dificult on real deal, I couldn't do soo well! I actually knew I was going to get an at least 14 on BS; but never expected 6 on VR!
Do u have any tips on how to study for VR? Thanks again for your input!

 

[slapsho9682]

First post but please advise-

Got a PS:10 / VR:12 / BS:12 / W: Q

I averaged 38.4 on AAMC practice tests. I ranged from a 37-40 on these tests. My lowest PS was a 12 and that was on only 1 test (13 on all rest). I feel like this score was a fluke and am not applying until next cycle. I have a high GPA with average ECs.

Should I retake?

 

[WashMe]

Thanks for your positive response! And u r right, I'm not a native english speaker! I was actually born n brought up in India with no English background until I turned 18!
On the practice tests I was averaging 14/8/13! But since the PS was ridiculously dificult on real deal, I couldn't do soo well! I actually knew I was going to get an at least 14 on BS; but never expected 6 on VR!
Do u have any tips on how to study for VR? Thanks again for your input!

I have to be honest, VR is a crapshoot. One thing I found is that my practice test scores increased over time, from a 9 to start, up to a 13 on the real thing. I don't know how it happened, per se, but I recommend you do as many practice passages as possible, and make sure you do them timed. The more you do, the more you'll get an intuitive feel for what sort of answers they're looking for. Good luck!

First post but please advise-

Got a PS:10 / VR:12 / BS:12 / W: Q

I averaged 38.4 on AAMC practice tests. I ranged from a 37-40 on these tests. My lowest PS was a 12 and that was on only 1 test (13 on all rest). I feel like this score was a fluke and am not applying until next cycle. I have a high GPA with average ECs.

Should I retake?

If you're looking at top 50 schools, you'll probably get into a couple. If you are looking at top 15 schools, you should probably retake. As I've told previous posters, take a full-length to make sure you can still cut the mustard. If you score high (case-dependent; I'd say in your case, we're talking 37+), then retake the test. Otherwise, probably don't risk it unless you have some solid prep time to boost your score.

A 34 + high GPA + average EC's will get you multiple acceptances if you're a smooth talker, but you have to ask yourself what schools you would be happy attending. The fact that you're asking about retaking a 34 tells me that you must be aiming for the top, because many people would kill for a 34. Good luck 🙂

 

[smallbadwolf]

If I were you, I'd cram some stuff and then take a full-length or two. If you're scoring like 35-36+, then try to retake ASAP before you've forgotten the material. If you're scoring 31-32, then you probably got a score in line with your true knowledge; you could retake, but you should prep a lot more first.

You were averaging 13/12 on PS/BS, then you scored 11/12. You need to ask yourself what kind of improvement you can make on the science sections, because they buffer the randomness of the VR score. If you can score 13/13, then you may be OK an a retake even if you get a bad VR section and only score an 8 again (thus totaling 34).

If I were you, I would only retake if I were able to consistently score 26+ on the science sections combined. Retaking for a 32, 33, or even a 34 might not really be worth it. Retaking with hopes of a 35+ (and being honest with yourself about it) would be worth it. Address all the weak points you had, hone your test-taking skills, and give it a go.

Thanks so much for your response. The only problem is I've exhausted basically all of my materials for the MCATS. The only thing I can do now is purchase Kaplan Tests and practice off of those. I've already used up the EK verbal book and the PR verbal book....

 

[WashMe]

OK, I am new to studentdoctor but I have a very complicated situation that I request you or anyone experienced to address, please. I have an undergrad and Grad Degrees in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, respectively. I am currently being interviewed for employment and I also applied for med school admissions this year. Due to unfavorable disadvantaged circumstances in the last 7 years particularly due to lack of permanent residency, I couldn't apply for med school admissions even though that's what I wanted to do from the beginning. Only this year in late April, did I get green card approval and was lucky to apply and get FAP. My application includes extraordinary research experiences, publication, shadowing, employment, internships, Charity Trust, research fund raising, volunteer, business, manufacturing, construction experiences. My only problem is uGPA of 3.2, post -bac 3.9 (21 credits-in one semester), gGPA 3.65. Moreover, a 21Q on MCAT 😳 I couldn't spend much time in MCAT prep as I was working up to 60 hours per week, but I do believe, if I spend enough time, I can pull off a very good score. I applied to 30 schools this year, and now I have 30 secondary applications to work with. I thought if I had a good MCAT score, I might stand a chance at top-tier schools. But given the MCAT, I honestly am having a hard time trying to decide whether to even complete secondaries.

Please know that I do not have to pay for secondaries due to fee waiver, thank God! However, I needed to know if is it worth doing secondaries, knowing the MCAT? Also, since I am planning to retake MCAT in Jan 2011 (with full prep, of course) and if I do have to reapply next year, how do med schools look at reapplicants? The only changes or updates I could make to my application would be a new MCAT score and hopefully Biomedical Engineering related employment. Do med schools expect reapplicants to have their ps changed? What changes are they exactly looking for in reapplicants?

Also, do I stand a chance for an interview invitation this year??

I will appreciate your input or anyone else's?

Thanks,
p.s. In case you are wondering, I am 26 years old!

I'd say your chances are slim this year, only because of the low MCAT score. The uGPA shouldn't hurt you because your post-bac GPA is great and your graduate GPA is acceptable. Since you have a fee waiver, why not just send in the secondaries? At this point, you'd be considered an re-applicant next year either way because you already submitted the AMCAS primary. You may get lucky and get in somewhere, which would be awesome; you don't want to postpone starting your career, especially since you're 26. Give it a go and see what happens. Don't worry about trying to go to a "top" school. Any acceptance now is better than your "ideal" acceptance in a couple years from now, and there are no guarantees anyway.

If you retake the MCAT and score 30+, or even mid 30's+, that would be all the improvement you would need for next cycle.

 

[slapsho9682]

I have to be honest, VR is a crapshoot. One thing I found is that my practice test scores increased over time, from a 9 to start, up to a 13 on the real thing. I don't know how it happened, per se, but I recommend you do as many practice passages as possible, and make sure you do them timed. The more you do, the more you'll get an intuitive feel for what sort of answers they're looking for. Good luck!



If you're looking at top 50 schools, you'll probably get into a couple. If you are looking at top 15 schools, you should probably retake. As I've told previous posters, take a full-length to make sure you can still cut the mustard. If you score high (case-dependent; I'd say in your case, we're talking 37+), then retake the test. Otherwise, probably don't risk it unless you have some solid prep time to boost your score.

A 34 + high GPA + average EC's will get you multiple acceptances if you're a smooth talker, but you have to ask yourself what schools you would be happy attending. The fact that you're asking about retaking a 34 tells me that you must be aiming for the top, because many people would kill for a 34. Good luck 🙂

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I'm going to retake so I am more competitive at top schools. I just wished they had another test date before January!

 

[TBoardman]

VR: 11
BS: 10
PS: 9

Total: 30M

I didn't do as well in the written as I thought I would do. I really would like to go to school at Tufts or Boston University. I've been volunteering as a firefighter for almost 5 years and an EMT for the past 2 years. I also started doing research in an Immunology lab on my campus. My GPA is a 3.8 and I am planning on applying in the next cycle. Should I retake the MCAT?

 

[AyeAre]

Do you guys think I should retake the MCAT? I am applying strictly to the lower tier D.O. schools.

PS 9
VR 8
BS 7
WS Q

Thanks!

 

[Green Grass]

Do you guys think I should retake the MCAT? I am applying strictly to the lower tier D.O. schools.

PS 9
VR 8
BS 7
WS Q

Thanks!

Nope, you're fine.

 

[AyeAre]

Do you really think so? My overall GPA was 3.54 and my science GPA was 3.45. Accounting major with Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Studies.