Forum Members Official "Should I Retake?" Thread

[QofQuimica]

---

Members don't see this ad.

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

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

Definitely DO retake:

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

Definitely do NOT retake:

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

​

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

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

 

[appleAday19]

I completely agree. I really do appreciate your feedback! The MCAT really is all about luck. I have to say I love BR stuff. EK is great as well. I rely on both to really show me with my strengths and weaknesses. I noticed this time around that the MCAT took my best subjects and turned them all into genetic and mutation questions, something they seem to love to do these days. I knew that going into it, so it was my fault for not review that more. It's funny how I vividly remember the first passage of my BS section and then after the 3rd passage, my brain was just gone. I signed up for the Sept 7th MCAT just now. Not sure if I am totally insane, but hopefully I can cut back my hours at work and bump my score up about 6 points. It's just the endurance and going over everything again. Too bad they don't make treadmills for your brain.

 

[Mary Bean]

trying and trying are least you can do. The right way for to do something good for yourself

 

[gettheleadout]

I completely agree. I really do appreciate your feedback! The MCAT really is all about luck. I have to say I love BR stuff. EK is great as well. I rely on both to really show me with my strengths and weaknesses. I noticed this time around that the MCAT took my best subjects and turned them all into genetic and mutation questions, something they seem to love to do these days. I knew that going into it, so it was my fault for not review that more. It's funny how I vividly remember the first passage of my BS section and then after the 3rd passage, my brain was just gone. I signed up for the Sept 7th MCAT just now. Not sure if I am totally insane, but hopefully I can cut back my hours at work and bump my score up about 6 points. It's just the endurance and going over everything again. Too bad they don't make treadmills for your brain.

No.

 

[cdavidso]

So really worried here:

1st attempt:

PS 10
VR 10
BS 9
WR P

29P

2nd attempt:

PS 8
VR 8
BS 11
WR M

27M

GPA: 3.65

Should I retake. I am very worried the third time will be worse since my practice section scores are getting worse. Maybe I'm too burnt out? Help please 😀

 

[illinichief89]

So really worried here:

1st attempt:

PS 10
VR 10
BS 9
WR P

29P

2nd attempt:

PS 8
VR 8
BS 11
WR M

27M

GPA: 3.65

Should I retake. I am very worried the third time will be worse since my practice section scores are getting worse. Maybe I'm too burnt out? Help please 😀

Depends on what you want to do.

Your score is fine for DO schools. And if you have a really good GPA(3.8+), essays and some ECs, then there might be an MD school that will look at you seriously. However, the fact that you did worse on the 2nd attempt is a really troubling sign to admissions. I think you should retake and try and get above a 30. It will show that you are committed to improvement. Also, because a 30+ is a good score, it tells admissions that you are capable of taking difficult standardized tests. Don't take the MCAT again until you are confident that you'll walk out of the test with a 30 or better.

 

[appleAday19]

No.

What I meant was that you could do outstanding if you "luck out" and get a test that focuses mostly on your best topics. If they happen to test you that day on topics you are not so familiar with, it could make or break your test score. Of course you have to be incredibly knowledgeable and well-rounded to succeed in the first place, but I know plenty of brilliant individuals who have the potential to become outstanding doctors, who crash and burn on the MCAT, not because they are not smart enough. Not a big fan of standardized tests as a tool to determine your future path, but that's not what this thread is for. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

 

[gettheleadout]

What I meant was that you could do outstanding if you "luck out" and get a test that focuses mostly on your best topics. If they happen to test you that day on topics you are not so familiar with, it could make or break your test score. Of course you have to be incredibly knowledgeable and well-rounded to succeed in the first place, but I know plenty of brilliant individuals who have the potential to become outstanding doctors, who crash and burn on the MCAT, not because they are not smart enough. Not a big fan of standardized tests as a tool to determine your future path, but that's not what this thread is for. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

No need to apologize! And I know what you meant, but if people would acknowledge that what you've said is indeed the reality, they would study in such a way that they don't have weak topics left to become their downfall. The MCAT can test you on everything, so be prepared for everything.

 

[ranson]

Should I retake? I would like to get into a MD program

PS: 14 V:7 BS:11 Q

cGPA:3.87
sGPA:3.85

Any suggestions? Do I have a chance for MD?

 

[maroaj9]

Applying this cycle, just got scores today

Should I retake a 27Q (PS 9, VR 8, BS 10)

3.73cGPA, 3.65sGPA from top 25 university
Athlete, NY resident

I am applying basically to the lowest tiered MD programs possible based on MCAT scores.
NY state schools, Rosalind Franklin, Eastern Virginia OOS

 

[laxplaya7]

Took the MCAT in january and got 11/10/10 which I was pretty disappointed with. Took them again this past july and just got my scores back:

PS:11
VR:8
BS:15

Total: 34Q

Extremely discouraged by the verbal score - had never scored lower than a 10 on all the practice tests. Any advice on whether I should retake or not would be great.

 

[smileyphace]

I just got my scores back for the July 14th MCAT: 33O (11/11/11)

I attend an ivy league school and have a 3.85 cGPA and sGPA with pretty good ECs. I know a 33 is a decent score and combined with the rest of my app would probably get me into a middle-tier school but if I'm aiming for a top-20 school should I retake? and if I retake how much would I need to improve by to make it worth it? I've read that getting a 35 or even a 36 on a retake would only marginally improve my overall app after getting a 33 the first time...true? Also, I was averaging 35 on the AAMCs and I'm going to be a junior this coming year so I have time to study for a retake if its necessary. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[dcp448]

Hi,

So I took the MCAT in April (28th) and did horribly. 23S (8,7,8). I re-took August 10th and felt much better than the last time -- but am definitely not sure how I performed -- if I had to guess I'd say 28-30 (but it could be worse than that..). My question is - should I retake September 6th? I felt that on my particular test the Bio was more based on my weaker subjects where I would normally perform very well. My scores are not being released until September 11th so I won't even know what I got before re-taking :/ ANY ADVISE ON THIS would be so appreciated.

Other stats: I am an average applicant ~ 3.65 GPA, PA resident, top 40 university, great LORs, many ECs.

Thanks!

 

[Brad94]

Hi all!

just got my scores back for the July 14 MCAT. I did really well in BS, not bad in PS, and not so good in my VR. My breakdown was:

31R (14 BS/ 10 PS/ 7 VR).

My AAMC average (I only took 2 practice tests) were around ~35, with a breakdown of 13-14 BS, 11-12 PS, and 10 VR.

My question is whether I should retake, given that i'm applying this cycle and the last possible date to sit for an exam would be September 13, and even then i'm not 100% sure it would be counted given that I didn't indicate I would take a future MCAT in my primary AMCAS application, which has already been submitted.

I graduated from an Ivy with a GPA of ~3.6 (about average), have good ECs (lots of hours of clinical experience, volunteer, research, etc.), and I'm a URM (Mexican American). What does everyone think?

Forgot to mention my LOR's and PS-- I have one that I know is very very strong, from a humanities professor (history of art) whose class was writing and reading intensive. My PS has been reviewed by my profs and pre-medical advisory committee and everyone has noted that it is extremely strong and really well written. Aghhh! If only i didn't get that 7 in VR, i feel like it was a bit of a fluke on my part, but I honestly don't know if I have time/the mental capacity to retake, lol. let me know what you guys think!! 🙂

 

[tennesseedr]

25Q
VR-9
PS-8
BS-8

2 year clinical experience as ER tech
6 months as Medical reference assistant
2 years of research
good LOR's

3.6 GPA, BCMB

retake? DO? Will i get screened out with a 25?

 

[OUstudent25]

Had been scoring between 28-31 on AAMC full lengths, 25 (7,9,9) on the real thing (July 14th). Have not done any prep since July, so would not be entirely prepared to retake in early September, especially with school starting up. Since that next available option is January, should I retake then or take my chances, (doing DO only this cycle, and if I get waitlisted I may be able to update schools with higher score, but would prefer not to be interviewing that late, unless it is better for me? Any and all thoughts are welcome, schools etc.
3.43, 3.3 c/sgpa
1000 hours of community service/leadership
1 year of hospital volunteering
2 years part time job
URM -AA male, but unsure if that matters for D.O.

 

[pocadot]

scored from 24-30 on practice tests and took my first mcat 8/16. I felt very bad about verbal and bio. I know I'm already late in applying, but what do you think about taking the MCAT again on sept7 before I see my first scores? Can i explain this in an interview or would it be seen negatively?

 

[Narmerguy]

No need to apologize! And I know what you meant, but if people would acknowledge that what you've said is indeed the reality, they would study in such a way that they don't have weak topics left to become their downfall. The MCAT can test you on everything, so be prepared for everything.

This verbal sure as hell feels like luck right now

 

[wehttamrrek]

I just took the mcat a few days ago, felt like I did horrible. Scored 31-37 on all 12 practice but by the time I get my score back it will be too late to retake this year. If I retook but ended up doing alright would I be able to submit that score before the other one was posted? I know a lot of people probably feel they did poorly but just would appreciate some feedback on the situation. 3.53 gpa, 5 year army vet, and really an osteopath kind of guy if that info helps any suggestions. Thanks

 

[gettheleadout]

I just took the mcat a few days ago, felt like I did horrible. Scored 31-37 on all 12 practice but by the time I get my score back it will be too late to retake this year. If I retook but ended up doing alright would I be able to submit that score before the other one was posted? I know a lot of people probably feel they did poorly but just would appreciate some feedback on the situation. 3.53 gpa, 5 year army vet, and really an osteopath kind of guy if that info helps any suggestions. Thanks

I would absolutely not retake without receiving your score.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN Mobile

 

[wehttamrrek]

Ok thanks for the advice, anyone else?

 

[stolen_biscuit]

I would absolutely not retake without receiving your score.

Agreed.

It's nearly impossible to guess at your score. The best indicator would be all your practice tests, so for now just rest knowing you are probably in that (great) range.

Also, if you retake immediately, what would be different? If your practice was consistent, you'll probably be near...which could go either way. What if you got a 35 on this one and end up with a 33 on a retake right after? 33 is of course an awesome score...unless you retake a higher one for it.

 

[MischiefManaged]

Hello!

I'm a first time poster and would REALLY love some advice. I've been fretting over this decision for quite some time and finally broke down and decided to post today. Sorry, it's gonna be a bit long but I need to explain the situation in order to get applicable advice!

I took my MCAT August 10th and don't feel too great about it. My averages for the AAMC practice tests were PS 9, V 11, BS 10, and I would be happy with those scores considering I'm 5 years post undergrad and had to relearn EVERYTHING from chem and physics in about a month. I normally feel like I am answering everything correctly on the Verbal and Bio sections, but always end up running out of time. However, on test day I felt very unsure of the answers in these sections which has made me feel uneasy because my predictable 10+ on verbal and bio are the only things keeping my score afloat. The bio was more experimental than normal (human biology is my strong point, not microbiology) and the verbal was trickier than normal for me (usually the answers seem quite obvious). Physics was a **** show as always, but I expected that.

I wish I could just wait to see my score before deciding to retake, like a normal, reasonable person would. But my scores don't come out until September 11th, the final day of testing for this year. So I have to make the call without seeing my scores. I am putting all my eggs (money, time, and energy) in one basket (this application cycle) which I realize is often unadvisable, but I can't put my life on hold and apply year after year until I get in. This is my only shot, so I don't want to screw it up by retaking and doing worse, or by not retaking and being left with a 24 and no chance to retake this cycle. I am relying on a decent MCAT because my GPA is nothing to write home about. In fact, its borderline terrible. This here is the kicker though: I went to med school for a year right after college, made all C's, and then withdrew, eek!! I'm sure that doesn't look good to any adcom!! I spent a large part of my application explaining this decision, what I've done since, and how I've grown. But I'm not sure if they will be able to look past that one... In case you're curious, I got pregnant (unexpectedly) and thought med school as a single mom wasn't very feasible. I've changed my mind about this though!

I have since become an OR nurse, photographer, and yoga instructor and have really great work and volunteer experiences in the healthcare field. I'm working toward a Master's in Maternity nursing and was planning on doing a post-master's to receive my midwifery/WHNP licenses. However, my experiences as a nurse have only reinforced the fact that my goals can best be achieved as a physician.... hence why I am here posting about these stupid scores that in my opinion indicate very little about how good of a doctor you'll actually make.
I'm a Texas resident, hoping to get into a Texas school, as well as a URM. I know I'm starting a little late in the game with an August MCAT, and that people are supposed to take the exam in the spring to avoid being in a situation such as mine, but life happens. If you're still reading this and have any real insight into just how bad it would be to retake and do worse vs not retaking and ending up with a miserable to decent score, I would greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you for taking the time to help me!

-MM

 

[Sooperman]

25O: 9PS, 7VR, 9BS

Applying DO only

Lots of shadowing, volunteering, tennis coach, research

3.64 GPA 3.42 sGPA.

If I raise my GPAs to 3.70 and 3.50 respectively, should I still retake? What if my GPAs stay roughly the same?

 

[mangoshakes]

Texas resident.

29Q.

PS - 9
VR - 10
BS - 10

Damn PS!! When I left the test I knew getting an easy PS and hard BS would be the death of me. I always missed the same amount on PS, so a tough curve was not what I wanted. And anyone who said AAMC 11 is a good indicator of your probable score was right on.

I was thinking about retaking. I'm a non-traditional past english major with a poor undergraduate GPA (3.0) who worked in advertising before returning to school and earning a 4.0 since. I talked to some friends and tomorrow i'm gonna talk to my advisor. They seem to think it's a solid score, I'm curious what others here think.

thanks!

 

[cakenoms87]

the first time i took the MCATS i only got a 24P (6VR, 8PS, 10BS)
I took it a second time and still only got a 27Q (7VR, 9PS, 11BS),
I have 3.85 overall GPA and i just graduated with a BS in chemistry from University of Connecticut and my number one choice of medical school would be UConn's med school ( i am a resident of connecticut).

I know my scores are on the lower side, but is it worth it to take the test a third time?
Are my chances very slim for getting into any med school (MD) with a 27?

Extracurricular:
I have extensive research experience and working experience at Pfizer (intern and contractor). I am getting EMT-certified right now and plan to volunteer as an EMT. I have many hours of hospital volunteer experience.

I know i would need an excellent personal state, recommendations, and extracurriculars.

Do you guys think it would be more worth it for me to work on getting more clinical experience instead of attempting a retake?



Any advice would help.

Thanks in advance 🙂

 

[lovemango]

Texas resident.

29Q.

PS - 9
VR - 10
BS - 10

Damn PS!! When I left the test I knew getting an easy PS and hard BS would be the death of me. I always missed the same amount on PS, so a tough curve was not what I wanted. And anyone who said AAMC 11 is a good indicator of your probable score was right on.

I was thinking about retaking. I'm a non-traditional past english major with a poor undergraduate GPA (3.0) who worked in advertising before returning to school and earning a 4.0 since. I talked to some friends and tomorrow i'm gonna talk to my advisor. They seem to think it's a solid score, I'm curious what others here think.

thanks!

I'm also a TX resident and applying this cycle. My MCAT score was 29S (VR 11 / PS 9 / BS 9) and I've gotten 5 interviews in Texas so far 😀 But then my undergrad GPA was 4.0 and I had some interesting ECs, so that probably helped. With your GPA, I would advise retaking for a stronger application. A 3.0 GPA is very low, even for DO schools. Have you considered doing a SMP/postbac program?

 

[mangoshakes]

I'm also a TX resident and applying this cycle. My MCAT score was 29S (VR 11 / PS 9 / BS 9) and I've gotten 5 interviews in Texas so far 😀 But then my undergrad GPA was 4.0 and I had some interesting ECs, so that probably helped. With your GPA, I would advise retaking for a stronger application. A 3.0 GPA is very low, even for DO schools. Have you considered doing a SMP/postbac program?

Lemme rephrase my gpa, I had a 3.0 GPA when I graduated in 2009 with an English degree, mix of liberal arts/science classes. I went and worked overseas before coming back to school to pursue medicine in spring 2011. 38 hours later of pure prerequisites/upper level bios I've had a 4.0. still a full time student for the next year.

I have an annoying amount of science B's from 6-7 years ago when I was a marine biology major, I even failed a science course. Even with that junk I have a 3.5 science and some good ECs and letters.

I was freaking out about the 29, but I think it's good enough, just gotta keep proving my worth with my current academics. Congrats on the interview! I'm not expecting much this year as a late applicant but I needed my score.

 

[Member1027]

Hi! This is my first time posting and I just received MCAT score about 30 min ago.

29P

10 VR
8 PS
11 BS

My math-science GPA is currently a 3.18 (one semester of bad grades, otherwise all A's and B's) and my cumulative GPA is 3.41. I am planning to take a gap year so I have 2 semesters left before applying and hope to raise my cGPA to 3.6 and sGPA to 3.3. I am attending a top 20 school that is known for having a very rigorous pre-med curriculum; this is recognized by many medical schools. I have fairly strong extra-curricular activities (worked with HIV/AIDS patients for 4 years, president of environmental organization, tutoring at risk youth, resident assistant) as well as 2 summers of research and one summer of working at a small nonprofit organization. I have also had the opportunity to shadow in emergency medicine, pediatric psychiatry, pediatric cardiology, internal medicine, and oncology.

I am open to both DO and MD programs but would prefer to attend an MD program. Should I retake?

 

[omalley61]

I just got my scores back and I'm wondering if I should retake it. I got a 30L overall with 12 BS, 10 VR, 8 PS. I'm wondering if I should retake it because of the writing as I understand they are phasing out the writing section this year. Also, I'm a little worried about my PS score. I have a 3.4 ish GPA (still have another two semesters so hoping it goes up) but I also have worked in a lab for going on 3 years so I'm hoping it evens out some.

 

[greekguy206]

Hey all,
Just got my MCAT scores...11/7/9 (27P). My GPA is 3.7 with a major in biochemistry. I have three years experience as a volunteer fire fighter and EMT in a very poverty stricken area. This experience has really driven me to go to medical school in hopes of practicing emergency medicine. Any advice if I should retake the MCAT? Will my experience with the fire department help my app significantly? Washington state resident. Thanks!

 

[Split Infinity]

So, I just got my scores back. 39T (14 PS, 10 VR, 15 BS). I know that's a high score, but I have scored so so so much better on verbal on practice tests (average on AAMCs was 13-14). I would be totally satisfied if that was a 13/13/13 split, but...a 10 on verbal is just "ew." That is, it's lower than my VR score on ANY practice test, including my first one ever without studying any verbal (12). With a 4.0 GPA, do you think there's any reason to retake?

 

[missmed1229]

So, I just got my scores back. 39T (14 PS, 10 VR, 15 BS). I know that's a high score, but I have scored so so so much better on verbal on practice tests (average on AAMCs was 13-14). I would be totally satisfied if that was a 13/13/13 split, but...a 10 on verbal is just "ew." That is, it's lower than my VR score on ANY practice test, including my first one ever without studying any verbal (12). With a 4.0 GPA, do you think there's any reason to retake?

Honestly, don't waste your time. I don't know if you are applying in this cycle but a 39T is fantastic. Once you get above a certain threshold and you are in those high numbers, it really just matters more what your story is. Do you have extensive clinical experience? Maturity? Dedication to service. Good luck! You'll do fine.

 

[stolen_biscuit]

So, I just got my scores back. 39T (14 PS, 10 VR, 15 BS). I know that's a high score, but I have scored so so so much better on verbal on practice tests (average on AAMCs was 13-14). I would be totally satisfied if that was a 13/13/13 split, but...a 10 on verbal is just "ew." That is, it's lower than my VR score on ANY practice test, including my first one ever without studying any verbal (12). With a 4.0 GPA, do you think there's any reason to retake?

39 and double digits everywhere. You'd be crazy to retake. It is disappointing to not hit the mark you expected though.

 

[hieu]

Hi,

I just wanted some opinions on whether I should retake or not. I'm mainly aiming to go to the University of Alabama in Birmingham or South Alabama.

My scores are 14ps, 8vr, 8bs M"chocked...". English is my second language (Vietnamese) so my verbal has always ranged around 6-9.

GPA-3.86
Math+science GPA-roughly 3.9

thanks

 

[lml2014]

I just started my junior year at Cornell with a 3.90 GPA and MCAT 33M (PS: 12, V:9, BS:12). I've done the whole research/volunteer/clinical thing, but am so torn about whether or not to take the MCAT again. I'm planning on applying next summer (2013) by the way. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Plane]

Great GPA and very good MCAT.

The only thing I would worry about is a balanced score. A person with a 11-11-11 spread could be seen as a better applicant. If you could maintain your 12s and up your VR to 11 or 12, you are looking at a much better rate of interview invites. This is just going by experience and advice from an extreme example of someone who had a 14-7-13 spread and was lucky to get off the wait-list into a still-great school, but it was nerve-wracking. Of course a 9 is not as desperate, but it is, to the adcom, "just average."

I just started my junior year at Cornell with a 3.90 GPA and MCAT 33M (PS: 12, V:9, BS:12). I've done the whole research/volunteer/clinical thing, but am so torn about whether or not to take the MCAT again. I'm planning on applying next summer (2013) by the way. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[vokuf]

In gray area, what should I do?

First MCAT April 2012: 22Q ( 8 PS, 6 V, 8 BS )
2nd MCAT August 2012: 27Q ( 10 PS, 8 V, 9 BS )

GPA: 4.0
I am an immigrant who came to the US when I was two. So my biggest weakness is reading and english, out of all my subjects. Reason I had a 4.0 is because I am a Chemistry major so it's all math. Since August, I've been trying to improve my reading skills. Reading one book per week and going over ExamKrackers verbal questions. I applied in this cycle and waiting on responses. Only MD. Could not get a fantastic letter of rec from a DO doctor so I'm not applying to DO. I'm a cali resident.

Thanks for any advice!!

 

[Plane]

Decent scores, but in the big picture they are par for applicants (28), and well below the average for matriculants (31). You may want to think about repositioning yourself for DO school, unless you want to gamble on MD and risk losing a year. You could just ask your MD to rewrite a letter geared towards DO and start shadowing a DO in the meantime.

Coming to the US when you are two is not an excuse for weaknesses in English or reading ability. Reading books will not help you perform better on the VR section either. Being a Cali resident means you will be paddling upriver, so you should carefully consider your next move.

In gray area, what should I do?

First MCAT April 2012: 22Q ( 8 PS, 6 V, 8 BS )
2nd MCAT August 2012: 27Q ( 10 PS, 8 V, 9 BS )

GPA: 4.0
I am an immigrant who came to the US when I was two. So my biggest weakness is reading and english, out of all my subjects. Reason I had a 4.0 is because I am a Chemistry major so it's all math. Since August, I've been trying to improve my reading skills. Reading one book per week and going over ExamKrackers verbal questions. I applied in this cycle and waiting on responses. Only MD. Could not get a fantastic letter of rec from a DO doctor so I'm not applying to DO. I'm a cali resident.

Thanks for any advice!!

 

[vokuf]

Decent scores, but in the big picture they are par for applicants (28), and well below the average for matriculants (31). You may want to think about repositioning yourself for DO school, unless you want to gamble on MD and risk losing a year. You could just ask your MD to rewrite a letter geared towards DO and start shadowing a DO in the meantime.

Coming to the US when you are two is not an excuse for weaknesses in English or reading ability. Reading books will not help you perform better on the VR section either. Being a Cali resident means you will be paddling upriver, so you should carefully consider your next move.

Okay, I'm sorry. I'm going to go kill myself. Bye.

 

[Plane]

Please... I'm being honest, and I sincerely hope you expected no less. I have a family member with your score who is very happy at DO school.

 

[hieu]

Hi,

I just wanted some opinions on whether I should retake or not. I'm mainly aiming to go to the University of Alabama in Birmingham or South Alabama.

My scores are 14ps, 8vr, 8bs M"chocked...". English is my second language (Vietnamese) so my verbal has always ranged around 6-9.

GPA-3.86
Math+science GPA-roughly 3.9

thanks

 

[lml2014]

Great GPA and very good MCAT.

The only thing I would worry about is a balanced score. A person with a 11-11-11 spread could be seen as a better applicant. If you could maintain your 12s and up your VR to 11 or 12, you are looking at a much better rate of interview invites. This is just going by experience and advice from an extreme example of someone who had a 14-7-13 spread and was lucky to get off the wait-list into a still-great school, but it was nerve-wracking. Of course a 9 is not as desperate, but it is, to the adcom, "just average."

Yeah, that definitely makes sense. Thanks for you help!

 

[QuantumFlame]

I have a friend, who asked me for advice, his situation is the following (yes...i realize how cliched this sounds, and yes, I asked his permission to post his scores here...don't troll this please.)

8/10/12 MCAT: 31 (13PS - 6VR - 12BS)
GPA: 4.00
No research, average to below average EC

He has not submitted his primary yet, and is shooting for low-mid tier state schools mainly in the southeast. Should he retake? Take a gap year? Still apply?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[EarthtoneJon]

I have a friend, who asked me for advice, his situation is the following (yes...i realize how cliched this sounds, and yes, I asked his permission to post his scores here...don't troll this please.)

8/10/12 MCAT: 31 (13PS - 6VR - 12BS)
GPA: 4.00
No research, average to below average EC

He has not submitted his primary yet, and is shooting for low-mid tier state schools mainly in the southeast. Should he retake? Take a gap year? Still apply?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

The general rule (posted as a sticky somewhere) is that you shouldn't retake if you scored 31+ unless one of your section scores was below 8. In your friend's case, that 6 in VR may get him screened out of certain schools. I say retake. A more balanced 29 or 30 (say, 12/8/9 or 10/9/11) will be better than a 31 with a 6 in VR.

 

[cheechootrain]

I have a friend, who asked me for advice, his situation is the following (yes...i realize how cliched this sounds, and yes, I asked his permission to post his scores here...don't troll this please.)

8/10/12 MCAT: 31 (13PS - 6VR - 12BS)
GPA: 4.00
No research, average to below average EC

He has not submitted his primary yet, and is shooting for low-mid tier state schools mainly in the southeast. Should he retake? Take a gap year? Still apply?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

If your friend had submitted her application in June, she might have a chance. But she will have difficulty getting any interviews this late in the game. AMCAS is still backed up. It looks like the train has left the station.

 

[MCATChallenger]

Hi all,

Here are my scores,

First attempt: 29 M (PS 10 VR 9 BS 10)
Second attempt: 25M (PS 10 VR 6 BS 9)
Third attempt: 29Q (PS 11 VR 9 BS 9)

My overall GPA is 3.80 and my science GPA is 3.75

Texas Resident. Worked for 3 years in research, have a few publications and posters to my name.

Should I be worried about re-taking the MCAT again? I am not sure how else to improve my application. I have not yet heard from any of the TX schools I have applied to.

 

[Jloyay]

Hey guys, I'm planning to apply for some US Med schools (as a Canadian) but I'm not sure if I can do it given my average MCAT score and low GPA.

My GPA is only in the vicinity of 3.60, and my MCAT was 13P-10VR-10BS R

I've also worked at a street festival to raise money for epilepsy research, volunteered in a hospital for 1 year, and am doing a 4th year research project.

I was wondering what you would do if you were in my situation? I'm currently in my senior year.

 

[h0trice]

34N (13 physical, 7 verbal, 14 biological)
i really screwed up verbal/writing, but idk if its worth the risk to my other two sections by retaking.

please help 🙁

EDIT: also i'm at about a 3.35 for my gpa (both sGPA and cGPA), hoping to get up to a 3.45 by the end of this year (senior year)

 

[MrsDewey]

I got a 21M on my MCAT today. VR:7 PS:7 WS:M BS:7. I know this isn't a great score, but it is well balanced and I am not looking to get into any highly competitive schools. I just want to be excepted any to ANY medical school. My gpa is currently a 3.1 but I still have a year left of undergrad and plan on increasing it during that time. I also have volunteer hours and will have 120 hours (or more) of job shadowing by the time I make it to medical school. Should I retake?

 

[NYbound21]

I got a 30R: 9V, 10PS, 11BS ..... Should I retake? My GPA is around a 3.57 with 2 years to go and I have one 2nd authorship that's going to be published soon, another 2nd authorship going to review, and working on a co-first authorship paper now. My practice test average was around a 30, so I'm skeptical going to retake...

EDIT: Also 9 was my highest Verbal, and I usually averaged 8's on verbal. I have good volunteering (2 years and counting), shadowing (currently shadowing 3hr/week), and research experience (since freshman year). I'm going to apply next round before my senior year. I should have pretty good LOR by end of this year.