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)​

 

[Dr. Zombie]

Verbal is not the best predictor. Most of these "advisors" never went through medical school. BS is the best predictor because it's the only section related to medical school.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Verbal is not the best predictor. Most of these "advisors" never went through medical school. BS is the best predictor because it's the only section related to medical school.

I've also consistently heard that verbal is the best predictor, from adcoms, med students, and advisors alike. no extra undergrad knowledge is going to significantly help you in medical school (also commonly told around the forum), and any gaps in basic BS will likely be filled pretty quickly once you begin studying what you need to know at that depth.

verbal is the toughest score to raise for a reason, because a lot of it comes from natural ability, but everyone has their own opinion on the subject.

 

[Dr. Zombie]

I respect your opinion shaped by personal experience.

In my case, I have yet to hear a fellow medical student or physician tell me that verbal correlates with success.

The reason why it's the hardest score to raise is because they give you a long winded story with ambiguous choices under a strict time limit.

90%+ class exams and board questions are more straightforward, my time limits have been reasonable and you already know what to look for in the choices. If you get it wrong, it was because of your scientific thought-process and not because you didn't form the correct opinion about the opinion of the author of the random article.

 

[purplecricket]

Hi everyone I'm in a bit of a bind here, would appreciate any advice.

I took the old MCAT April 2013 and got a 28: 7 PS, 11 VR, 10 BS
Undergrad cGPA 3.39
I did a biomed/pre-med post bac and graduated with a 3.76, then finished my masters with an M.S. gpa of 3.88, overall graduate GPA of 3.86.
ECs: rescue volunteer w/ cats and dogs, volunteered w/ blood donor services, over a year w/ free clinic, was VP of science-related club, 80 hrs of shadowing

The problem is that I'm scheduled to take the new MCAT this Saturday but I do not feel ready at ALL, also I kind of bombed my practice test . I'm strongly considering voiding this weekend and taking it again, but I'll probably have to take it in July, which is late enough to cause me some anxiety. If I do void, should I take my chances and just apply early with the score I've got, or move forward with retaking in July? Any thoughts/advice? 🙁

Also, I was fully planning on applying to DO schools as well, but I have been trying for MONTHS to get a DO in my part of the state to let me shadow them/get a DO letter to no avail.

 

[markymark71990]

Hi everyone I'm in a bit of a bind here, would appreciate any advice.

I took the old MCAT April 2013 and got a 28: 7 PS, 11 VR, 10 BS
Undergrad cGPA 3.39
I did a biomed/pre-med post bac and graduated with a 3.76, then finished my masters with an M.S. gpa of 3.88, overall graduate GPA of 3.86.
ECs: rescue volunteer w/ cats and dogs, volunteered w/ blood donor services, over a year w/ free clinic, was VP of science-related club, 80 hrs of shadowing

The problem is that I'm scheduled to take the new MCAT this Saturday but I do not feel ready at ALL, also I kind of bombed my practice test . I'm strongly considering voiding this weekend and taking it again, but I'll probably have to take it in July, which is late enough to cause me some anxiety. If I do void, should I take my chances and just apply early with the score I've got, or move forward with retaking in July? Any thoughts/advice? 🙁

Also, I was fully planning on applying to DO schools as well, but I have been trying for MONTHS to get a DO in my part of the state to let me shadow them/get a DO letter to no avail.

Don't take the MCAT if you're not ready, I can't stress that enough. You score is perfect for DO. Start shadowing a DO to show that's where your hearts at. What area of the country Do you live in where you can't find a DO to shadow?

 

[purplecricket]

Don't take the MCAT if you're not ready, I can't stress that enough. You score is perfect for DO. Start shadowing a DO to show that's where your hearts at. What area of the country Do you live in where you can't find a DO to shadow?

I live in the D.C./Maryland area, the main issue I've been running into is that they don't allow non-medical students to shadow :\

 

[markymark71990]

I live in the D.C./Maryland area, the main issue I've been running into is that they don't allow non-medical students to shadow :\

I find that strange. How are you supposed to get into medical school if they won't let you shadow? I would keep searching there's gotta be a DO out there who will let u shadow him

 

[purplecricket]

I find that strange. How are you supposed to get into medical school if they won't let you shadow? I would keep searching there's gotta be a DO out there who will let u shadow him

I agree! They must know how important shadowing is. But I'll definitely keep searching. At this point I think I'm just worried I'll do even worse percentile-wise on the new MCAT. Ugh. 😕

 

[Dr.RoseQuartz]

I took the old MCAT last chance in January and scored a 30, with PS 8, BS 10, and VR 12. GPA about 3.5, Sciences GPA about 3.4. I have a lot of volunteer hours and a good amount of shadowing, plus some leadership experience, as well as a management job (over 40 employees). I am historically better at Psych stuff than I am sciences and Biochem was my best science class overall. Should I retake? I feel like the added material won't be a problem, but I also feel like taking it in January meant there were a lot of people that weren't quite prepared but wanted to take the old test. I am mainly concerned that I will get a lower score even if I perform better on the test. Thoughts?

 

[spaingirl17]

Hi! Like everyone else, I'm trying to decide if I should take this new MCAT in May. My previous MCAT was:
PS 8, VR 10, BS 10 = 28
I'm going for Allo schools, and I'm a TN resident, although I am really hoping to go OOS. GPA is solid at 3.87, Bio major, Spanish minor, Neuroscience concentration, graduated May 2014 and applying this coming cycle

ECs: 3.5 years of research in a psych/neuroscience lab (in which I did my Honors thesis); summer clinical research internship at Vandy with shadowing (only have that one summer of shadowing though); public health research in Palau; played varsity soccer for 1 year and lacrosse for 3 years during college; president of club; in a cappella music group; various awards; PBK; speak spanish proficiently and some german; part-time jobs; etc.

My main issue here besides the low score is the high cost of retaking. I'm currently teaching in Spain, so I would have to fly to Germany to retake the exam which is obviously not going to be cheap. I have been studying for the last two months just in case, really focusing on the physics and biochem. My advantage is that the psych/sociology part isn't too bad since I studied neuro, and I've been doing really well on the CARS questions so far, but the biochem is coming along more slowly than I had hoped since I've never taken a biochem class. Could really use some advice, thanks! 🙂

 

[cryhavoc]

I'm afraid to retake MCAT?

I got a 27 on my first try. Sometimes I wonder if I got lucky. I can get into a DO school with a 27. But then I think, "I'm a sociology major and the new MCAT has sociology, social science, etc." Then I think how well I did in biochem and how poor I did in ochem. It makes me wonder if I can do better on the new MCAT. And get into allopathic schools.

But then I think, I could do worse and ruin my chances of osteopathic schools.

I don't know what to do. 3.7ish GPA, 3.35 science GPA (probably, maybe, I won't know my new GPA for another few weeks). Clinical, community and research experience.

 

[Doctorista]

Hey all, I'm a non-traditional med student (3 years out) trying to decide if I should take the new MCAT. I tried to rush to retake the old MCAT but messed up and ended up dropping 🙁 Any chance I can get in with my scores, or should I retake? I really appreciate the advice!!

Background:

• MCAT (first try) PS 10, VR 9, BS 10 = 29 || (second try) PS 9, VR 9, BS 10 = 28
• 3.65 cGPA / 3.55 sGPA
• Science Major at Ivy Undergrad
• E/Cs - 4+ years of research/ shadowing/ leadership experience
• NY residence
• Not interested in DO schools
• Have not taken Biochem yet

 

[TopCat23]

Looks there's quite a bit of postage on this thread so I'll just post my stats:

1. 27 - PS 09, VR 08, BS 10 in September 2014
2. 29 - PS 11, VR 06, BS 12 in August 2013
3. 25O - PS 07, VR 08, BS 10 in April 2012

GPA 3.2 and planning on enrolling in a postbacc program to remedy that.

First time I took the MCAT I hadn't finished all the prerecs and didn't have a solid study plan.
Second time I had dedicated quite a bit of time (6 months) but screwed up on the Verbal section. Third time I put in less time (3 months) but it looks like I plateaued (?)

My question, like most everyone on here, is should I retake the MCAT? And if so, should I try and squeeze it in for this app cycle (and during my post bacc program)? Or wait until next cycle?

Thanks for any bit of advice!

 

[JessebenBenjamin]

Looks there's quite a bit of postage on this thread so I'll just post my stats:

1. 27 - PS 09, VR 08, BS 10 in September 2014
2. 29 - PS 11, VR 06, BS 12 in August 2013
3. 25O - PS 07, VR 08, BS 10 in April 2012

GPA 3.2 and planning on enrolling in a postbacc program to remedy that.

First time I took the MCAT I hadn't finished all the prerecs and didn't have a solid study plan.
Second time I had dedicated quite a bit of time (6 months) but screwed up on the Verbal section. Third time I put in less time (3 months) but it looks like I plateaued (?)

My question, like most everyone on here, is should I retake the MCAT? And if so, should I try and squeeze it in for this app cycle (and during my post bacc program)? Or wait until next cycle?

Thanks for any bit of advice!

Do you sincerely think you can get a least a 30? If not, in my humble opinion I would say do not retake and focus on increasing your GPA and ECs.

 

[JessebenBenjamin]

Hey all, I'm a non-traditional med student (3 years out) trying to decide if I should take the new MCAT. I tried to rush to retake the old MCAT but messed up and ended up dropping 🙁 Any chance I can get in with my scores, or should I retake? I really appreciate the advice!!

Background:

• MCAT (first try) PS 10, VR 9, BS 10 = 29 || (second try) PS 9, VR 9, BS 10 = 28
• 3.65 cGPA / 3.55 sGPA
• Science Major at Ivy Undergrad
• E/Cs - 4+ years of research/ shadowing/ leadership experience
• NY residence
• Not interested in DO schools
• Have not taken Biochem yet

I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I imagine 1 response would be better than no response. Based on other information I have read here you only have a chance at low-tier schools. Increase the GPA for a more solid chance, or re-take the MCAT and improve by at least 3 points (otherwise don't bother to re-take).

 

[DrivenDoc933]

I'm afraid to retake MCAT?

I got a 27 on my first try. Sometimes I wonder if I got lucky. I can get into a DO school with a 27. But then I think, "I'm a sociology major and the new MCAT has sociology, social science, etc." Then I think how well I did in biochem and how poor I did in ochem. It makes me wonder if I can do better on the new MCAT. And get into allopathic schools.

But then I think, I could do worse and ruin my chances of osteopathic schools.

I don't know what to do. 3.7ish GPA, 3.35 science GPA (probably, maybe, I won't know my new GPA for another few weeks). Clinical, community and research experience.

If you do decide to retake the MCAT, here's a post on figuring out when to take the new MCAT. Let me know what you think! Good luck!!

 

[stonyalltheway]

New MCAT takers (April 2015), check out this poll to find out where you rank in terms of total score percentile range!

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/poll-official-april-mcat-2015.1135080/

 

[megmaden]

Hello!

I understand that this may be very difficult to answer do to it being the new MCAT and that these are only percentiles but I am looking for advice about retaking the MCAT again.

I took the April 2015 MCAT and my overall preliminary percentile range is 73-83.

I am curious as to everyone's opinion on this new MCAT and how much percentile ranges will be focused on as opposed to scores during this cycle.My

My other info is cGPA 3.65, sGPA 3.68, good ECs (volunteering, leadership, shadowing, research, jobs), good LORs, MI resident

Thanks for any help you can give!

 

[rederza]

I guess it's worth a shot.

Old Mcat: 26
New April 2015: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 69% - 84% Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills 82% - 97% Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 51% - 66% Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 80% - 95% MCAT Total Score 74% - 84%

GPA: 3.93 Sci:~about the same

Pharmacy School Gpa: 3.08

I only finished one semester of p school.

EC: research, lots of volunteering in health settings, including health fairs, and various events (too many place to list~ 300+ hours), shadowed three different physicians, currently working as an intern for a doctor, (~300 hours so far in the past three months), a few leadership positions here and there, lots of hours as a science tutor

I'm probably missing something. Got good rec letters as well, working on my dr one right now. I might not apply till mid June. Should I retake?

 

[markymark71990]

Hello!

I understand that this may be very difficult to answer do to it being the new MCAT and that these are only percentiles but I am looking for advice about retaking the MCAT again.

I took the April 2015 MCAT and my overall preliminary percentile range is 73-83.

I am curious as to everyone's opinion on this new MCAT and how much percentile ranges will be focused on as opposed to scores during this cycle.My

My other info is cGPA 3.65, sGPA 3.68, good ECs (volunteering, leadership, shadowing, research, jobs), good LORs, MI resident

Thanks for any help you can give!

I was at a pre health expo talking to some mayo admissions members and they said they will almost entirely have to go off of percentiles because they won't be able to recognize a 'good' score

 

[magictouch]

33 MCAT 13p/9v/11b in January

3.5 gpa as a BME undergrad at a state flagship
~3.95 last semester

My average AAMC was a 36, with 11's on verbal the last 4 tests.


~100 hrs hospital volunteering
~2 service trips
~a summer of research + presented at a fair
~ held a job for past 3 semesters

If it were the old test I'd definitely retake because I'm confident I can do better but I haven't taken college sociology and would need to review since AP psych. I have taken Biochem and read probably 40 scientific articles for my major this semester so I am confident in my experiment analysis for the new mcat

 

[uwbadgers4]

I'm a URM student. I got a 58-68 overall MCAT.

Chem:39-54
Cars: 73-88
Bio:52-66
Psych:74-89

I am from Wisconsin. Would love to know if I should retake. Please help. 3.76 gpa 3.67science Great ECs and rec letters. REALLY HOPING FOR UW-MADISON

 

[asa123]

Please help!

Not UMR.

New MCAT 53-63%

GPA science: 3.86
GPA non-science: 3.89
Overall GPA: 3.86

Thinking of DO?

 

[ksturdy]

So I'm debating on whether or not to take the new MCAT. I applied to med school once before in the summer of 2013, however my application wasnt complete until September due to my late MCAT. I graduated in 2013 with a GPA of 3.12 overall.

First MCAT taken in July 2013: 10 Biological, 6 Verbal, 9 Physical (25 total)
Re-take MCAT taken in December 2014: 9 Biological, 10 Verbal, 8 Physical (27 total)

I focused a lot on verbal for my re-take, which is probably why the score went up so much, but I definitely studied for Bio and PS, too, so the decrease in the score is frustrating. I'd like to say my overall score is a 29, but very few schools will view it that way. I think my ECs and research/work experiences are pretty solid. I'm starting a SMP in August which should help prepare me for med school, as well as give me more recent LORs.

Should I take the new test? I'm leaning toward yes, but would like to not have to sit through the longer version.

 

[markymark71990]

So I'm debating on whether or not to take the new MCAT. I applied to med school once before in the summer of 2013, however my application wasnt complete until September due to my late MCAT. I graduated in 2013 with a GPA of 3.12 overall.

First MCAT taken in July 2013: 10 Biological, 6 Verbal, 9 Physical (25 total)
Re-take MCAT taken in December 2014: 9 Biological, 10 Verbal, 8 Physical (27 total)

I focused a lot on verbal for my re-take, which is probably why the score went up so much, but I definitely studied for Bio and PS, too, so the decrease in the score is frustrating. I'd like to say my overall score is a 29, but very few schools will view it that way. I think my ECs and research/work experiences are pretty solid. I'm starting a SMP in August which should help prepare me for med school, as well as give me more recent LORs.

Should I take the new test? I'm leaning toward yes, but would like to not have to sit through the longer version.

what SMP did u get into? I would say retake for MD schools and no for DO

 

[ksturdy]

what SMP did u get into? I would say retake for MD schools and no for DO

I got into a few programs and accepted the offer from Tulane's Biochemistry program. It's a newer SMP at Tulane which means there are fewer students and more time with the faculty one-on-one. At the end of the SMP, students take the same Biochemistry Shelf exam that some medical schools require their students to take before USMLE Step 1. This will be a great thing to have on my application if I can say I scored in a certain percentile of the medical students at Tulane.

 

[XxThaDoggxX]

I was at a pre health expo talking to some mayo admissions members and they said they will almost entirely have to go off of percentiles because they won't be able to recognize a 'good' score

Did they happen to say what they considered a good percentile?

 

[markymark71990]

Did they happen to say what they considered a good percentile?

They didn't. Its tough because the new test gives a broader range. I'd day 73-83 and up would be a solid overall score

 

[Altius Premier Tutor]

Hey if you guys have questions about retaking or preparing for the exam, visit our Altius Page. Go to exhibition forms>test prep>mcat>Altius Test Prep.

 

[mikil100]

33 MCAT 13p/9v/11b in January

3.5 gpa as a BME undergrad at a state flagship
~3.95 last semester

My average AAMC was a 36, with 11's on verbal the last 4 tests.


~100 hrs hospital volunteering
~2 service trips
~a summer of research + presented at a fair
~ held a job for past 3 semesters

If it were the old test I'd definitely retake because I'm confident I can do better but I haven't taken college sociology and would need to review since AP psych. I have taken Biochem and read probably 40 scientific articles for my major this semester so I am confident in my experiment analysis for the new mcat

Do not retake a 33.. you would be crazy to retake that. The verbal score will exclude you from some top tier schools but you would probably be in their bottom 10% anyways. Apply broad and enjoy medical school

 

[Altius Premier Tutor]

Retake the MCAT if: 1) You have strong reason to believe you will improve your score, 2) You have time to prepare adequately, and 3) You are committed to BEHAVING differently during your MCAT studies this second time. Regarding #1, for example, if you were averaging a 515 (35 old scale) on your last three full-length practice tests and earned only a 500 (25 old scale), that's a significant drop and you have a large upside. OR, perhaps you were scoring well going in, but you know that you had a complete nervous meltdown on test day, or let your timing get way off. If, like one student of ours, you earned a 39 (~420 new scale) and REALLY want to retake it to beat your buddy who got a 43 (525), you should swallow your pride before shooting yourself in the foot. Regarding #2, do NOT fall victim to what I call "quick turnaround death." This is when a student takes the MCAT, scores poorly, wants to retake, has only a limited number of test dates available with little time to study, but decided to "go for it." FIRST, students always stop studying on test day, so you haven't worked an MCAT passage in at least a month, and they almost always take another month deciding what to do, then jump into another test?? Read: superdumb. With respect to #3, we instruct our students that a retake should be treated like a second-chance at life. Many times in life we don't get those, but when you do they are awesome. However, when you mess something up the first time, and you get your second chance, shouldn't you take it even MORE seriously? Shouldn't you work even harder? Yet, the overwhelming majority of retakes happen on less study and preparation the SECOND time than the student devoted the first time. We've helped many students make double-digit jumps on retakes, but it is always when we approach it as "Lesson learned; Go back to the beginning and do things the right way this time." My rule: If your BEHAVIOR changes during your second MCAT-prep attempt, your score will change. We encourage students to metamorphosize themselves in terms of seriousness and dedication while mounting an "all hands on deck" second campaign. Students who make such meaningful changes always push their scores up. Those who RUSH IN (#2), or do the same thing again hoping for a different result (#3), get only disappointment.

 

[Altius Premier Tutor]

Don't want to start an argument, but I completely disagree with @pithy84
Every single person who interviewed me told me that the verbal score is most important. They also said it is the best predictor of how you will do on your boards. You are literally the only person I have ever heard say that verbal is the least important.

Exactly why one should take advice from internet boards with a grain of salt. I'm new here and I've already read more "head-shaking" advice than I care to. As someone who has been advising students on admissions for over a decade, and having current and former members of actual ADCOMS on our team, we can tell you unequivocally that 1) the BS is the most predictive section in terms of Step1--and ADCOMS know this and talk about it frequently (Here's an example of the kind of research they reference: https://www.stfm.org/fmhub/fm2010/February/Jira105.pdf). That said, anecdotally, most ADCOMS love a good VR/CAR score, but in strictly empirical terms, BS is king! The new BB will probably take this throne, but adding bio-relevance to the physical sciences will also most likely make the new CP section more predictive for Step 1.

 

[Jumb0]

PS: 11
VR: 11
BS: 12

34 (94th %ile)

AAMC practice average: 34.5 +/- 2

 

[Dreamstoo]

PS: 11
VR: 11
BS: 12

34 (94th %ile)

AAMC practice average: 34.5 +/- 2

Your AAMC practice tests show you scored where you should be. Don't retake also a 34 is great, very very few schools have slightly higher averages than that (35, 36).

 

[sarma1400]

I'm a URM student. I got a 58-68 overall MCAT.

Chem:39-54
Cars: 73-88
Bio:52-66
Psych:74-89

I am from Wisconsin. Would love to know if I should retake. Please help. 3.76 gpa 3.67science Great ECs and rec letters. REALLY HOPING FOR UW-MADISON

I have talked to admissions folks at Madison and they stressed clinical experience as the most important thing for their school- given your academics are on par with medical school admittees (is that a word?). The low MCAT could be balanced out by stellar clinical/patient-care ECs and your decent GPA. However I dont know much about this new MCAT so I'm not sure how they will treat it. Huge bonus at UW madison for being an in-state resident though. Final answer- really depends on how good your ECs really are because a 58-68 overall is not exactly standout material.

 

[schwartzy]

I took the MCAT in August 2013 and got a 30 (11 BS, 8 VS, 11PS). I figured that would be enough to get into some lower tier med schools.
I am currently waitlisted at Irvine, Creighton, and SUNY Downstate.
I realize that I have to apply again for the next cycle without much time left to improve my application.
I had a 3.7 GPA at top-tier UC and was recently published for research, work at a clinic, have great LOR and other experiences with teaching.
Figured my strong grades in English classes, personal statement, and other writing samples would overcome the low score in verbal.
Should I retake the MCAT? Problem is, I have not studied the material in over a year and have not taken Psych or Soc.
I would have to take a course for a month and retake in August, not knowing how I would do.
What else could I do? More shadowing?
Where should I apply for this year, considering I am CA resident?

Thanks!

 

[gannicus89]

Don't want to start an argument, but I completely disagree with @pithy84
Every single person who interviewed me told me that the verbal score is most important. They also said it is the best predictor of how you will do on your boards. You are literally the only person I have ever heard say that verbal is the least important.

Interesting. I did not know that. What else did they say about the verbal section?

 

[random9488]

So I'm trying to decide if I need to retake the exam. I recently took the May 2015 mcat and these are the percentiles I received:

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 50% - 65%
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills 85% - 100%
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 49% - 64%
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 85% - 100%
MCAT Total Score 77% - 87%

I think my overall score is sufficient given that I have above a 3.9 GPA from a well ranked undergrad school, a unique graduate degree from another well ranked school, extensive patient and research experience, etc.

However, I was a little worried given that my science sections were only roughly above average. My science GPA is a 3.93 so I'm hoping that makes up for my lower performance there, but what do you guys think? I think my overall translates (if possible) to a 30-32, which will get me into a normal MD program, right? Thoughts?

 

[random9488]

Hello!

I understand that this may be very difficult to answer do to it being the new MCAT and that these are only percentiles but I am looking for advice about retaking the MCAT again.

I took the April 2015 MCAT and my overall preliminary percentile range is 73-83.

I am curious as to everyone's opinion on this new MCAT and how much percentile ranges will be focused on as opposed to scores during this cycle.My

My other info is cGPA 3.65, sGPA 3.68, good ECs (volunteering, leadership, shadowing, research, jobs), good LORs, MI resident

Thanks for any help you can give!

If my approximations are correct, a 73-73 corresponds to like a 29-31. What type of medical schools are you trying to get into? It seems like your other numbers are right around the averages for many schools as well, so it depends on which type of school you're trying to get into. Michigan has a ton of schools so that seems like it should get you some interviews there but you wouldn't be a guaranteed candidate but definitely a competitive one. My mcat scores are similar to yours, and I think if you're trying to apply this cycle that it wouldn't do much to retake unless you're confident you can definitely improve to around the 90th percentile.

 

[megmaden]

If my approximations are correct, a 73-73 corresponds to like a 29-31. What type of medical schools are you trying to get into? It seems like your other numbers are right around the averages for many schools as well, so it depends on which type of school you're trying to get into. Michigan has a ton of schools so that seems like it should get you some interviews there but you wouldn't be a guaranteed candidate but definitely a competitive one. My mcat scores are similar to yours, and I think if you're trying to apply this cycle that it wouldn't do much to retake unless you're confident you can definitely improve to around the 90th percentile.

Thank you for responding! At this point I am not going to retake and just go with the score I have. I am applying to the 5 public MI schools (4 MD, 1 DO) and then a couple of other DOs such as Rocky Vista, Marian, and Philly COM.

 

[random9488]

Thank you for responding! At this point I am not going to retake and just go with the score I have. I am applying to the 5 public MI schools (4 MD, 1 DO) and then a couple of other DOs such as Rocky Vista, Marian, and Philly COM.

I think you should be competitive for the 5 michigan schools given your in-state. Michigan will be tough because it's an elite school, but I still think you'll stand a solid chance at the rest of them as well. There's some chance as well, but given that you're applying to DO schools as well, I think staying the course is good. Maybe throw in a few other programs, both lower tier MD and any DO schools?

 

[megmaden]

I think you should be competitive for the 5 michigan schools given your in-state. Michigan will be tough because it's an elite school, but I still think you'll stand a solid chance at the rest of them as well. There's some chance as well, but given that you're applying to DO schools as well, I think staying the course is good. Maybe throw in a few other programs, both lower tier MD and any DO schools?

Yea I am only applying to UMich because my pre-health adviser used to be an adcom there and was crushed when I mentioned that I had less interest there than the other MI schools, I consider that one a reach (a very large one). Any suggestions for some other programs to apply to?

 

[Dreamstoo]

So I'm trying to decide if I need to retake the exam. I recently took the May 2015 mcat and these are the percentiles I received:

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 50% - 65%
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills 85% - 100%
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 49% - 64%
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 85% - 100%
MCAT Total Score 77% - 87%

I think my overall score is sufficient given that I have above a 3.9 GPA from a well ranked undergrad school, a unique graduate degree from another well ranked school, extensive patient and research experience, etc.

However, I was a little worried given that my science sections were only roughly above average. My science GPA is a 3.93 so I'm hoping that makes up for my lower performance there, but what do you guys think? I think my overall translates (if possible) to a 30-32, which will get me into a normal MD program, right? Thoughts?

So I'm a little iffy on how to give advice on this. Your CARs and Psych/Sociology are fantastic. If your sciences are on the high end of those numbers you listed then I think MD is within reach. If you got ~50% on both, that's equivalent to an 8 ish for the old test which can limit your chances. Although this score even on the low end would be very competitive for DO schools if you are interested in applying there.

Your overall test score translates from a 30-32 on the old scale yes, overall I think you should be fine as long as both the sciences are 50%+.

 

[random9488]

So I'm a little iffy on how to give advice on this. Your CARs and Psych/Sociology are fantastic. If your sciences are on the high end of those numbers you listed then I think MD is within reach. If you got ~50% on both, that's equivalent to an 8 ish for the old test which can limit your chances. Although this score even on the low end would be very competitive for DO schools if you are interested in applying there.

Your overall test score translates from a 30-32 on the old scale yes, overall I think you should be fine as long as both the sciences are 50%+.

Hey thanks for the response, I appreciate it. If they're on the lower end, do you think this would make me a borderline MD candidate? I was hoping if so, that my high science GPA and other variables would make up for it. Hmm, now you have me second-guessing myself.

 

[Dreamstoo]

Hey thanks for the response, I appreciate it. If they're on the lower end, do you think this would make me a borderline MD candidate? I was hoping if so, that my high science GPA and other variables would make up for it. Hmm, now you have me second-guessing myself.

Oh no you will still be a solid MD applicant. Just apply smartly. Sorry if I came off that way, didn't mean to.

 

[random9488]

Oh no you will still be a solid MD applicant. Just apply smartly. Sorry if I came off that way, didn't mean to.

Oh okay, sorry I misread it that way. I appreciate the thoughts! Best of luck to you as well

 

[OverlyRomantic]

Hey guys, should I retake? My score:

27 overall:
7 Physics
11 Verbal
9 Bio

I am applying extensively to DO schools. My cGPA is 3.39 and my sGPA is 3.14. I am registered for this Friday's exam, but I don't know if I'm fully prepared. I can just void the exam if necessary. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Dreamstoo]

Hey guys, should I retake? My score:

27 overall:
7 Physics
11 Verbal
9 Bio

I am applying extensively to DO schools. My cGPA is 3.39 and my sGPA is 3.14. I am registered for this Friday's exam, but I don't know if I'm fully prepared. I can just void the exam if necessary. Thanks for the advice!

You can always void and find a july test/august test date.

 

[OverlyRomantic]

You can always void and find a july test/august test date.

Thanks! Do you think I should even take the new MCAT, or is my current score fine for DO schools in accordance with my GPA?

 

[Dreamstoo]

Thanks! Do you think I should even take the new MCAT, or is my current score fine for DO schools in accordance with my GPA?

Your GPA isn't great for DO and your MCAT score is decent but any section below an 8 can hinder your chances.