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)​

 

[WashMe]

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.

If you're looking at D.O. schools, and lower-tier ones, then you really are fine. If you're looking at any MD schools, you really are not fine. Good luck 🙂

 

[anteater2011]

Hi. I am also planning on applying to the lower tier DO schools. I currently have a 3.0 gpa but I will be retaking three classes that I got a C in. I am in my last year of undergrad and planning on taking a year off. I just got a job in the ER as a scribe, have over 200 hours of volunteering at the hospital, last year I got a grant for my research project and I am in a few clubs on campus. My MCAT score is PS 8/VR 6/BS 9/WS M.
Retake?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bali]

.

 

[WashMe]

Hey everyone,

My MCAT score is as follows

V: 12
PS: 11 (felt like i got a 14 on this section...wtf mate)
BS: 11
= 34R

cGPA: 3.75
sGPA: 3.71
Veryy highly ranked public university

Class: Junior

Major: Physics, Biology
Minor: History

Involved in several organizations on campus, have leadership in almost all of them. I'm also starting an international medical trip organization of my own in the next few weeks, pending paperwork.

Extensive volunteer experience at local hospitals (in several departments), at local high school science classes, and other miscellaneous areas (Habitat, etc.)

Winner of several university and state undergrad research fellowships. Extensive research experience at two different labs, currently working on writing up my research for publication. Expecting to tour local scientific conventions to present research. If I stay on in this lab next semester, I can probably count on more publications. I can expect pretty strong LORs when I apply next year.

Question: I am aiming for the top tier med schools, and my MCAT score was towards the lower end of my average when I was taking the practice tests. Should I retake it? I was aiming for a 35 at least, but now I'm not so sure if retaking it is worth it, don't want my score to go down.

I know GPA is an issue to but that's going to be a 3.8 at the end of this semester if things go smoothly.

Oh also, I talked to my premed advisor about this and he basically said it was my call, but I wanted to get a second opinion(s) from you guys. He also said that top tier adcoms would look at my double science majors and take that into account when considering my slightly lower than (their) average GPA, but that runs contradictory to everything I've heard about med schools not caring what you major in. Any thoughts?

Summary: Should I retake the MCAT if I'm aiming for TOP TIER schools?

PS sorry if this post is kind of disjointed i have class in about 7 minutes I have to run!

Thanks,

Bali

Tough call bro. I say retake it if you are 75% confident you will score 37+. Don't retake it for a 35 or 36, because it's not much more impressive as a "2nd MCAT score" if you know what I mean, compared to the 34 you already got.

If you have the money, why not do some cramming then take some AAMC full-lengths? If you take 2 full-lengths and don't score 37+, you have some thinking to do. If you're score 37+ on one, take a second one. If you score 37+ on the second one, retake the test.

Take the advice with a grain of salt. You have to go with your gut feeling on this one.

 

[gatorade848]

i got 11 11 9 on the first mcat I took. since my gpa is only 3.2 i wanted a high mcat (34) to compensate. When i was taking the test at first I was nervous (ps) then I settled down and concentrated (verbal), but then I underestimated the length of bio passages and ran out of time and had to guess on quite a few questions; thats why I only got a 9. in my ammc tests I made 32-33 but the highest sub score I got are 12 11 and 12. I am taking a year off so I will have my senior year grades to increase my gpa but I really want a 34 or above, should I retake? I am strongly leaning toward yes lol

 

[Bali]

Tough call bro. I say retake it if you are 75% confident you will score 37+. Don't retake it for a 35 or 36, because it's not much more impressive as a "2nd MCAT score" if you know what I mean, compared to the 34 you already got.

If you have the money, why not do some cramming then take some AAMC full-lengths? If you take 2 full-lengths and don't score 37+, you have some thinking to do. If you're score 37+ on one, take a second one. If you score 37+ on the second one, retake the test.

Yea, thats why my premed advisor said...not to retake if i think i'm only going to improve one or two points. looks like i got myself some thinking to do

thanks for your response

-Bali

 

[WashMe]

i got 11 11 9 on the first mcat I took. since my gpa is only 3.2 i wanted a high mcat (34) to compensate. When i was taking the test at first I was nervous (ps) then I settled down and concentrated (verbal), but then I underestimated the length of bio passages and ran out of time and had to guess on quite a few questions; thats why I only got a 9. in my ammc tests I made 32-33 but the highest sub score I got are 12 11 and 12. I am taking a year off so I will have my senior year grades to increase my gpa but I really want a 34 or above, should I retake? I am strongly leaning toward yes lol

Retake or apply to D.O. schools, either way.

 

[canjosh]

Yea, thats why my premed advisor said...not to retake if i think i'm only going to improve one or two points. looks like i got myself some thinking to do

thanks for your response

-Bali

I would not retake. Diminishing returns above 35 really. You're within range of the most competitive schools already, it's going to be the other stuff that makes a difference...not a couple more points on the MCAT.

 

[Xaravir]

.

 

[gatorade848]

if your gpa is above 3.4 I dont see the point why you would risk those 14s... I came to US 10 years ago without knowing a word of engrish and I still managed to get a 11 on verbal; so its definitely possible for you to get at least a 10.

 

[WashMe]

Hello, I took the 8/20 exam and got a 14/8/14 Q. Should I retake for that verbal? 🙁

No. I'm going to make up some statistics here: You only have a 17.9% chance of scoring 28+ on the science sections on a retake. Should you retake 14/8/14 for 13/10/13? I see no reason to do so.

While that percentage is entirely made up, the point I made is legitimate.

 

[Xaravir]

.

 

[Mushufasa]

Hey guys

I have a 31O. 9 VR, 12 PS, 10 BS

GPA: 3.75
sGPA: 3.70

I have 2.5 years of research experience in a chemistry lab.

I've been heavily involved with a non profit organization for about 3.5 years and have about 1,500+ volunteer hours.

I come from a low-income background and am a first generation college student.

I feel I can do better on the MCATs with more preparation. I have fairly poor study habits when I'm not working within a structured environment (classes, etc). I couldn't afford to pay for a prep course, so I tried to study on my own. However, I feel I could have put a lot more time into mcat prep than I did. Ex: I only took about 4 practice exams before taking the real exam. I'm planning on applying in the next application cycle. I am planning on working as an EMT and an ER Scribe during my year off (currently a senior).

English is my 2nd language, hence the 9 VR (or that's what I tell myself so I can stop worrying about it... lol) What are my chances of getting in? Should I retake?

Thanks for the help guys! Really appreciate it.

 

[WashMe]

Hey guys

I have a 31O. 9 VR, 12 PS, 10 BS

GPA: 3.75
sGPA: 3.70

I have 2.5 years of research experience in a chemistry lab.

I've been heavily involved with a non profit organization for about 3.5 years and have about 1,500+ volunteer hours.

I come from a low-income background and am a first generation college student.

I feel I can do better on the MCATs with more preparation. I have fairly poor study habits when I'm not working within a structured environment (classes, etc). I couldn't afford to pay for a prep course, so I tried to study on my own. However, I feel I could have put a lot more time into mcat prep than I did. Ex: I only took about 4 practice exams before taking the real exam. I'm planning on applying in the next application cycle. I am planning on working as an EMT and an ER Scribe during my year off (currently a senior).

English is my 2nd language, hence the 9 VR (or that's what I tell myself so I can stop worrying about it... lol) What are my chances of getting in? Should I retake?

Thanks for the help guys! Really appreciate it.

You essentially match the average medical school matriculant with regard to GPA, MCAT, research, etc. Whatever that ultimately means depends on you. Will you get into a top 20 school? Probably not. Will that matter at the end of this? Only if you need an ego massage. Are your qualifications likely to get you into medical school somewhere and allow you to become a physician someday? Probably.

Good luck.

 

[WashMe]

I'm just scared that adcoms might think my score is too unbalanced. I'm a native speaker of English and I was really disappointed when I found out my verbal score was 8 since I was getting mostly 10s on practices. 🙁

I feel like a 13/10/13 is a better score than a 14/8/14.

Just act like you aren't a native English speaker... problem solved 😉

Seriously though, I think 14/8/14 > 13/10/13

For that matter, wouldn't you be ridiculously impressed to see a 15/6/15? I know I would. If you get two 15's on the sciences, I don't care if you get a 3 on VR, that's an F'in accomplishment. Just tell your interviewer, "I had an off day on VR because I just had trouble relating to the passages, but as you'll see I scored in the ~99th percentile on each of the science subsections..."

You'll be fine.

 

[deleted336217]

Looking for straightforward, realistic responses, because to me, my score is already wishy-washy...🙄

Applying to both DO and MD schools at the end of this school year (my senior year) from a premier Jesuit university.

cGPA will be ~3.6
sGPA will be ~3.3

K thanks bye!

 

[allinblue]

PS: 11
VR: 11
BS: 13
WS: T
Total: 35T

I know it's a good score, but I don't know if it's competitive for top tier schools. I'm aiming for a top 10 school, and 35 is just such a mediocre score with which to apply to those schools. Should I retake to improve on my PS and VR so as to make my score more competitive? Or is the opportunity cost of retaking too high and I should focus my efforts elsewhere?

I have a good GPA (>3.9) from a top 10 school and average EC's. I'm not a minority. But I'm also not applying this cycle (took it after sophomore year), so I still have plenty of time to retake...

I know most of you will be tempted to say no and that I'm crazy. But everyone that I've known or heard of to get into a really good med school have had MCAT scores above 37. And at the end of the day there is still a difference between a 35 and a 37.

Thanks a lot!

 

[dehydrogenase]

-

 

[WashMe]

Looking for straightforward, realistic responses, because to me, my score is already wishy-washy...🙄

Applying to both DO and MD schools at the end of this school year (my senior year) from a premier Jesuit university.

cGPA will be ~3.6
sGPA will be ~3.3

K thanks bye!

You're probably solid for a couple DO acceptances. You'd probably need some luck to get MD interviews.

PS: 11
VR: 11
BS: 13
WS: T
Total: 35T

I know it's a good score, but I don't know if it's competitive for top tier schools. I'm aiming for a top 10 school, and 35 is just such a mediocre score with which to apply to those schools. Should I retake to improve on my PS and VR so as to make my score more competitive? Or is the opportunity cost of retaking too high and I should focus my efforts elsewhere?

I have a good GPA (>3.9) from a top 10 school and average EC's. I'm not a minority. But I'm also not applying this cycle (took it after sophomore year), so I still have plenty of time to retake...

I know most of you will be tempted to say no and that I'm crazy. But everyone that I've known or heard of to get into a really good med school have had MCAT scores above 37. And at the end of the day there is still a difference between a 35 and a 37.

Thanks a lot!

As far as I can tell, 37-35=2. Now, you shouldn't retake a 35 for a 2 point increase. If you think you can score 3+ points better, that's another story. On numbers alone, you're probably sitting in a good position for some acceptances at top 25 schools. Top 10 schools are a different beast though. You may get in with a 35... or you may not get in even if you retook and scored a 40. It's tough to say what they want, but there are plenty of people at my school who scored 35 or less.

BS: 12
VR: 13
PS: 8
WS: S

33S

cGPA: 3.69
sGPA: 3.63

I received As in Physics I and Chemistry II, and Bs in Physics II and Chemistry I, if this matters.

I'm obviously concerned about the physical science section. On practice tests, I was scoring 10s and 11s on physics. I knew coming out of the exam that physics had been bad, and I feel quite confident that if I retook, I could improve in physics. That said, my practice tests scores for bio were 9-11 and for verbal were 10-12. It seems very likely that, if I retook, these scores would go down.

So is 12/10/11 (33) better than 13/8/12 (33)? More importantly and realistically, is 11/10/10 (31) better than, or at least equal to, 13/8/12 (33)?

In essence, how important is a balanced score?

I will be applying to a range of schools including some upper tier schools in my state, but would be quite satisfied with admission to a mid-level school (i.e. with MCAT average around 30-32).

Thanks very much for any advice.

First off, your score is 8/13/12 (in order). Now, due to randomness I believe that VR is the least reliable test (and I think most others would agree). That is, you're likely to perform similarly on PS and BS on retakes, while VR is up in the air. A somewhat unbalanced 33 should still get you some acceptances if you apply broadly. Your GPA is slightly below average but your MCAT is above average. Remember, you only need to fall just above the median applicant quality in terms of overall qualifications. Almost half of applicants each year get in somewhere...

 

[allinblue]

WashMe what school do you go to?

 

[WashMe]

WashMe what school do you go to?

A top 5 where nobody wants to live. Well, I guess that leaves Harvard, Hopkins, WUSTL, and Penn hahaha

 

[citrusguy2010]

Hi,

Just took the 8/19 MCAT and got my score of 31R
Bio: 11
Physics: 10
Verbal: 10

uGPA: 3.39, sGPA: 3.26

in a MPH program right now in Epidemiology. Planning on applying to MD schools first day in June, but have great ECs. Should I retake?

 

[eldoctor]

PS: 11 VR: 09 BS: 11 WR: T

AAMC average: 12 11 12

English is second language (learned at age 12), which I guess explains VR (but not the writing...).

California resident hoping to stay in CA.

May or may not be URM (South American??)

Other: GPA 3.8, clinical/bench research/ECs up the wazoo

 

[RajP01]

I took the MCAT once and got a 27N with 10 PS, 7VR, 9BS and the second time got a 28M 10PS, 8VR, 9BS. Im aiming for a MD school and am retaking the MCAT. I just signed up for a kaplan course and am studying much harder. I was just wondering do you guys think taking it a third time will look bad to adcom even if i get a good score of about a 35-37, which I have been averaging on my practice tests.

 

[WashMe]

Hi,

Just took the 8/19 MCAT and got my score of 31R
Bio: 11
Physics: 10
Verbal: 10

uGPA: 3.39, sGPA: 3.26

in a MPH program right now in Epidemiology. Planning on applying to MD schools first day in June, but have great ECs. Should I retake?

Well, what's your graduate GPA thus far? If you crush your graduate coursework, you may be OK. The MCAT score isn't the problem; your GPA is about 0.35 below where we'd all like to see it, and your sGPA is sub par. If you get interviews, explain that your undergrad GPA shows that you hadn't tuned your study habits, but you have since become an excellent graduate student. You could also consider DO schools, where your undergraduate performance is passable (regardless of your MPH performance) and your MCAT is above average.

PS: 11 VR: 09 BS: 11 WR: T

AAMC average: 12 11 12

English is second language (learned at age 12), which I guess explains VR (but not the writing...).

California resident hoping to stay in CA.

May or may not be URM (South American??)

Other: GPA 3.8, clinical/bench research/ECs up the wazoo

If by "stay in CA," you mean a UC school or Stanford, you might be looking at a retake. Too many smart people in CA want to stay there. You wouldn't have any trouble pulling down acceptances at many private schools and even some OOS publics, unless you bomb the interviews.

I took the MCAT once and got a 27N with 10 PS, 7VR, 9BS and the second time got a 28M 10PS, 8VR, 9BS. Im aiming for a MD school and am retaking the MCAT. I just signed up for a kaplan course and am studying much harder. I was just wondering do you guys think taking it a third time will look bad to adcom even if i get a good score of about a 35-37, which I have been averaging on my practice tests.

I'm no expert in the arena of multiple retakes... I'd imagine that if you scored a 37, nobody would care about those other two scores. If they ask you about it in interviews, just say something like "it took me a few tries to figure out my study methods, but I was fine once I learned how to efficiently manage a large amount of information. I have since applied those techniques to my coursework and I have found increased success there as well."

 

[Gibson2010]

PS: 11
VR: 9
BS: 12
W: T
(32T)

cGPA: 3.85, sGPA: about 3.9
UCI, Neurobiology

I was hoping to have a shot at some of the more prestigious medical schools like UCLA, UCSD, and Stanford. Should I retake it if this is my goal?

 

[hatteapear]

Hi,
I have a miserable GPA (3.3 cGPA, 2.75 sGPA) from a UC, and I pretty much have my heart set on going to an MD school.
This is my first time writing the MCAT and I got:
VR 11
PS 11
BS 9
Writing: Q
(31Q)

I took the Kaplan course and around 12 practice tests. My average for the last three was

VR 12.33
PS 9.66
BS 10.66
(32.66)

However, in the last two weeks of studying my scores ranged widely (I actually scored a 28 one morning, sat down and took another one and got a 35 in the afternoon).

Out of the 12 practice tests I took, I only scored below a 12 on Verbal 3 times, so this 11 is disappointing. Looking at the distribution curve there is a sharp drop after an 11, with very few people scoring 12s or 13s which was what I was consistently scoring.

Anyhow, I knew I messed up on verbal after the test but I did surprisingly well on physical sciences which I don't know if I could repeat.

Do I even have a shot of getting in or should I take the gamble and try again? (Remember I'm from California, land of the uber competitive med schools)

Thanks!

 

[Monkeys]

Hey guys, I just got my score back today, I made a 32S (11-10-11), which I'm pretty upset about. I made 31-34 on the AMCAS tests, so I guess it was to be expected, but still I'm disappointed. I'm hoping to go somewhere in the top 30 or 35, my cGPA is 3.52 but I have a higher sGPA for sure, just not sure by how much (probably about 3.6-3.65).

I really feel like I could have done better on the MCAT, even when I was studying for it I had terrible terrible sleep patterns and just found it so hard to really focus, I feel like I spent too many hours a day devoted to the task but without any really solid goals to work towards (score aside) if you guys know what I mean.

Thus, I feel like retaking could probably get me a 34+ if I work really hard which I really plan on doing.

I used the EK books to help me prepare, but

As far as extracurriculars, I did research the summer after my freshman year and got published as a co-author, and now I'm doing EMS for the on campus EMS and I'm going to apply to become a supervisor for the service. I also plan on doing some shadowing hopefully next summer, please let me know what you guys think I should do.

Thanks in advance!

 

[aru4ualways]

hi my gpa is 3.2 froma top 100 us school . i did 3 years of extensive undergrad research .

my last mcat score was 12/10/9 Q
this time is 10/10/10 O

should i retake . i know the last time as well as this time i only studied for about 2 weeks since i was working a lot .

or do you think i should just concentrate on getting a killer GPA ( i am in the masters program , 1st semester) and try getting good recco from the doctors .

i dont have nay shadowing experience yet , but i am talking with a couple of dctors so that they let me shadow them / work for them .

your opinions would greatly help me !

thanks
Arun

NEVER SAY NEVER !

 

[WashMe]

Hey guys, I just got my score back today, I made a 32S (11-10-11), which I'm pretty upset about. I made 31-34 on the AMCAS tests, so I guess it was to be expected, but still I'm disappointed. I'm hoping to go somewhere in the top 30 or 35, my cGPA is 3.52 but I have a higher sGPA for sure, just not sure by how much (probably about 3.6-3.65).

I really feel like I could have done better on the MCAT, even when I was studying for it I had terrible terrible sleep patterns and just found it so hard to really focus, I feel like I spent too many hours a day devoted to the task but without any really solid goals to work towards (score aside) if you guys know what I mean.

Thus, I feel like retaking could probably get me a 34+ if I work really hard which I really plan on doing.

I used the EK books to help me prepare, but

As far as extracurriculars, I did research the summer after my freshman year and got published as a co-author, and now I'm doing EMS for the on campus EMS and I'm going to apply to become a supervisor for the service. I also plan on doing some shadowing hopefully next summer, please let me know what you guys think I should do.

Thanks in advance!

You have a good shot at getting in somewhere with your current stats. If you're aiming for upper tier schools, you're probably looking at the following options:
(1) Retake the MCAT and score 40+, and maintain your GPA
(2) Retake the MCAT and score 34-35+, and boost your GPA to ~3.8 if possible through retaking classes you scored poorly in and/or getting 4.0 on everything from here on out.

Also, it sounds like your clinical experiences (i.e., with a doctor present-- I know there are other forms of clinical experience) are lacking. Then EMS thing is good though. When you say you hope to do some shadowing next summer, I hope you don't also plan on applying next summer. In order to have substantial volunteering/ clinical experiences by next summer's app season, you need to get on it NOW (seriously, start lining something up this week). It will look good, and it will help you figure out if you really want to be a doctor.

 

[Monkeys]

You have a good shot at getting in somewhere with your current stats. If you're aiming for upper tier schools, you're probably looking at the following options:
(1) Retake the MCAT and score 40+, and maintain your GPA
(2) Retake the MCAT and score 34-35+, and boost your GPA to ~3.8 if possible through retaking classes you scored poorly in and/or getting 4.0 on everything from here on out.

Also, it sounds like your clinical experiences (i.e., with a doctor present-- I know there are other forms of clinical experience) are lacking. Then EMS thing is good though. When you say you hope to do some shadowing next summer, I hope you don't also plan on applying next summer. In order to have substantial volunteering/ clinical experiences by next summer's app season, you need to get on it NOW (seriously, start lining something up this week). It will look good, and it will help you figure out if you really want to be a doctor.

Woops. Okay then, I guess I'll start looking at trying to get some good clinical experiences then, it's shouldn't be too hard since I live near a pretty big medical center. However, since I'm getting my intermediate certification for EMS, I have to do clinicals this semester, which is also going to be taking up a lot of time.

To be honest, I don't really know how strict shadowing is and whether or not it's something that is a very regular kind of thing, like certain days and set hours a week, or whether it's more flexible. I certainly think that next month wouldn't be too crazy to do some shadowing, but this month is practically booked cause I'll be in the ER in my free time for the clinical rotations.

Thank you so much for your post, you've really given me some hope, especially after my having felt so disheartened at my score :/

 

[WashMe]

Woops. Okay then, I guess I'll start looking at trying to get some good clinical experiences then, it's shouldn't be too hard since I live near a pretty big medical center. However, since I'm getting my intermediate certification for EMS, I have to do clinicals this semester, which is also going to be taking up a lot of time.

To be honest, I don't really know how strict shadowing is and whether or not it's something that is a very regular kind of thing, like certain days and set hours a week, or whether it's more flexible. I certainly think that next month wouldn't be too crazy to do some shadowing, but this month is practically booked cause I'll be in the ER in my free time for the clinical rotations.

Thank you so much for your post, you've really given me some hope, especially after my having felt so disheartened at my score :/

Yeah, just remember that you're already sitting in an OK position, so anything you do to boost your application will just determine where you might get in. As I said before, your EMS stuff is great. The only reason I suggest some shadowing -- even if you can only get 50 hours in between now and next summer -- is that it might help you answer the following questions:
(1) Why do you want to be a DOCTOR? (not a paramedic, EMT, nurse, PA, etc.)
(2) What exposure have you gotten to know what it's like to be a doctor?

I definitely had to answer questions like that in my interviews, and it can be tough if you have little (or zero) shadowing.

Good luck!

 

[mickey512]

Just got my scores back

31P 10/9/12

cGPA and SciGPA above 3.8

NY Resident, looking to stay in the NYC area (NYU is my top choice). Solid EC's and good LOR's

HELP!!!

 

[citrusguy2010]

Well, what's your graduate GPA thus far? If you crush your graduate coursework, you may be OK. The MCAT score isn't the problem; your GPA is about 0.35 below where we'd all like to see it, and your sGPA is sub par. If you get interviews, explain that your undergrad GPA shows that you hadn't tuned your study habits, but you have since become an excellent graduate student. You could also consider DO schools, where your undergraduate performance is passable (regardless of your MPH performance) and your MCAT is above average.

I just started my MPH program and haven't had a first semester yet. I know my uGPA is on the low end but I went from a 2.8 after my first year and pulled it up there. I was overwhelmed and honestly a little immature at the beginning of college which is why I was where I was at. And as with any increase, mistakes were made along the way so yea...

 

[myu7]

Hi,

Just took the 8/19 MCAT and got my score of 31R
Bio: 11
Physics: 10
Verbal: 10

uGPA: 3.39, sGPA: 3.26

in a MPH program right now in Epidemiology. Planning on applying to MD schools first day in June, but have great ECs. Should I retake?

public or private med schools? in state or out?

 

[christinejoseph]

Hey all!

Long time lurker, first time poster 🙂

Thanks too, for great suggestion!

 

[Gibson2010]

PS: 11
VR: 9
BS: 12
W: T
Total: 32T

Major: Neurobiology
cGPA: 3.85, sGPA: around 3.9 (higher than cGPA) from a UC school
+ all the basics (research 2 yrs, volunteering 2 years, etc)

1) Should I retake if I hope to get into a UC school?
2) Should I retake if I hope to get into a top 20 school?

Thanks everyone

 

[Rext]

Hey everyone,

I was a 2pm, Sept 3 writer and have been debating whether or not to re-write. Here's my situation:

Score: PS 11/VR 11/ BS 11 R (33R)
Current Year: 2 (Wrote my MCAT after 1st year)
AAMC Practice Exam Scores (all taken under test-like conditions) across 6 exams:
PS: 10-13 (Avg: 11.3)
VR: 11-12 (Avg: 11.6)
BS: 11-13 (Avg: 11.7)

Canadian Citizen (i.e. International Applicant)
Undergrad Institution: I'm not sure how adcom views Canadian schools but for what its worth, I got to U of T
Major: Biomedical Toxicology and Health Studies
(Anticipated) cGPA: ~3.8 sGPA: 3.9+
EC: - standard clinical volunteering, school clubs, research, etc.
- should have a publication out by time of application
- co-founded school club for AIDS research
- executive of club for Doctors Without Borders
- various leadership roles on student unions

I think that if I take the MCAT again after 2nd year, I'll have much more extensive bio knowledge and can refine my VR skills even more. Do you think its worth it if I want to apply to a top 10?

Thanks a bunch

 

[WashMe]

Hey everyone,

I was a 2pm, Sept 3 writer and have been debating whether or not to re-write. Here's my situation:

Score: PS 11/VR 11/ BS 11 R (33R)
Current Year: 2 (Wrote my MCAT after 1st year)
AAMC Practice Exam Scores (all taken under test-like conditions) across 6 exams:
PS: 10-13 (Avg: 11.3)
VR: 11-12 (Avg: 11.6)
BS: 11-13 (Avg: 11.7)

Canadian Citizen (i.e. International Applicant)
Undergrad Institution: I'm not sure how adcom views Canadian schools but for what its worth, I got to U of T
Major: Biomedical Toxicology and Health Studies
(Anticipated) cGPA: ~3.8 sGPA: 3.9+
EC: - standard clinical volunteering, school clubs, research, etc.
- should have a publication out by time of application
- co-founded school club for AIDS research
- executive of club for Doctors Without Borders
- various leadership roles on student unions

I think that if I take the MCAT again after 2nd year, I'll have much more extensive bio knowledge and can refine my VR skills even more. Do you think its worth it if I want to apply to a top 10?

Thanks a bunch

Maybe someone else can chime in, but I think you'll want a much higher score if you're thinking you can outcompete US students for a Top 10 spot as a Canadian citizen... I could be wrong, especially if the other aspects of your application are outstanding.

I'm a little perplexed why you chose to take the test so early; have you even completed 100% of the pre-reqs that the exam addresses? As I see it now, your score (33) is within the range of your practice exams (32-38), and is only slightly below your average (34.6). Why not wait until 1/2 way through your 3rd year, then take a practice test and see how it goes. At that point, you can decide if you want to retake the test between Jan-May of your Junior year, and you'll have plenty of time to get your scores back before applications go out.

If you're going to retake, go in shooting for 36-7+, otherwise it'll look like you didn't learn anything in the intervening time lol

 

[Rext]

Maybe someone else can chime in, but I think you'll want a much higher score if you're thinking you can outcompete US students for a Top 10 spot as a Canadian citizen... I could be wrong, especially if the other aspects of your application are outstanding.

I'm a little perplexed why you chose to take the test so early; have you even completed 100% of the pre-reqs that the exam addresses? As I see it now, your score (33) is within the range of your practice exams (32-38), and is only slightly below your average (34.6). Why not wait until 1/2 way through your 3rd year, then take a practice test and see how it goes. At that point, you can decide if you want to retake the test between Jan-May of your Junior year, and you'll have plenty of time to get your scores back before applications go out.

If you're going to retake, go in shooting for 36-7+, otherwise it'll look like you didn't learn anything in the intervening time lol

Thanks a bunch for your awesome advice 🙂 I chose to write the MCAT early cause I had the last summer off. I had most of the pre-reqs done, the only thing I was missing was physics 2 (EM/theoretical) and bio (anything but evolution/ecology which was my entire first year course =.=). I'm planning to probably go abroad next summer (U of T offers some sick summer scholarships for abroad) which is why I took the MCAT this year. I'll definitely take your advice in waiting until my junior year and taking a practice exam to see how it goes. Thanks again

 

[WashMe]

Thanks a bunch for your awesome advice 🙂 I chose to write the MCAT early cause I had the last summer off. I had most of the pre-reqs done, the only thing I was missing was physics 2 (EM/theoretical) and bio (anything but evolution/ecology which was my entire first year course =.=). I'm planning to probably go abroad next summer (U of T offers some sick summer scholarships for abroad) which is why I took the MCAT this year. I'll definitely take your advice in waiting until my junior year and taking a practice exam to see how it goes. Thanks again

Yep no problem. Congrats on getting a solid score early on, and good luck if you end up retaking down the road 🙂

 

[citrusguy2010]

public or private med schools? in state or out?

i'm thinking any MD program - private or public works fine for me, in or out of state. i'm shooting for UC Davis, USC or UCSD (long shot I know) but any other schools?

though I am a CA resident right now but at Columbia University for my masters so would it be more beneficial to change residences to NY?

 

[daemon14]

Hey everyone! Long time board-creeper, first time poster!

I took the MCAT last year at the end of Summer 2009 - I ended up with a 32Q. My breakdown was 9BS 11V 12PS.

That breakdown is a little peculiar to me as I'm a Neurobiology major/Economics minor and should do best on the BS section. My practice tests beforehand were ranging from 32-39 (probably around a 35 average). I think it may be because I started feeling a little sick toward the end of the test, which would have been the BS section. However, I went ahead and submitted my scores because I didn't think I'd be able to sign up for another test before the last offering in September. I debated retaking the MCAT in the last offering cycle but decided to focus on other things (like shadowing, studying abroad, and working on stuff for my student organizations).

All in all, 32Q isn't a bad score but I feel I need more for my goals. I have a 3.89uGPA/3.91sGPA and am PBK from a top20 school; I'm aiming for a top20 medical school and have residency in CA. Looking at the MSAR, not only is a 32 on the lower end of the 10-90% scale for many top20 schools, but a 9 in the Biological Sciences is off the lower range. I have the general ECs as well - research 2+years, volunteering 3+ years, shadowing 50+ hours, exec of student organizations, performance group, as well as paid jobs like tutoring and helping out in the admissions office. Nothing spectacular, just did things I was interested in and had time for.

I'm applying for the 2012 matriculation cycle and should have a lightened load for my final semester in Spring 2011. I know that the general rule of thumb is to only retake if you can score 3+ more points - that would entail me getting a 12BS keeping the other 2 sections the same. However, considering my goals, would it be best for me to retake it? If so, any advice?

Thanks!

 

[WashMe]

Hey everyone! Long time board-creeper, first time poster!

I took the MCAT last year at the end of Summer 2009 - I ended up with a 32Q. My breakdown was 9BS 11V 12PS.

That breakdown is a little peculiar to me as I'm a Neurobiology major/Economics minor and should do best on the BS section. My practice tests beforehand were ranging from 32-39 (probably around a 35 average). I think it may be because I started feeling a little sick toward the end of the test, which would have been the BS section. However, I went ahead and submitted my scores because I didn't think I'd be able to sign up for another test before the last offering in September. I debated retaking the MCAT in the last offering cycle but decided to focus on other things (like shadowing, studying abroad, and working on stuff for my student organizations).

All in all, 32Q isn't a bad score but I feel I need more for my goals. I have a 3.89uGPA/3.91sGPA and am PBK from a top20 school; I'm aiming for a top20 medical school and have residency in CA. Looking at the MSAR, not only is a 32 on the lower end of the 10-90% scale for many top20 schools, but a 9 in the Biological Sciences is off the lower range. I have the general ECs as well - research 2+years, volunteering 3+ years, shadowing 50+ hours, exec of student organizations, performance group, as well as paid jobs like tutoring and helping out in the admissions office. Nothing spectacular, just did things I was interested in and had time for.

I'm applying for the 2012 matriculation cycle and should have a lightened load for my final semester in Spring 2011. I know that the general rule of thumb is to only retake if you can score 3+ more points - that would entail me getting a 12BS keeping the other 2 sections the same. However, considering my goals, would it be best for me to retake it? If so, any advice?

Thanks!

If I were you, I'd keep hammering the material as much as possible and taking practice tests. If you reach the point where you're consistently scoring 36+, then sign up for a retake. If you don't hit that point, send in your applications and keep your fingers crossed

 

[MD please]

Hi everyone,

12 VR
10 BS
9 PS
31M

gpa = 3.3, sgpa = 3.3

I am set on going to an MD school. I am off this year and going to do an SMP next year. I know my GPA isn't great, so I want my MCAT score to make up for it. When i took it, I studied for 2 weeks for 10 or so hours a day, so i pretty much just crammed. Now i have a few months and I am fairly certain I could improve, but I'm not sure how much, or if it is necessary with the SMP. Any input would be great.

Thanks so much.

 

[hiyaman]

Hi y'all

I got a VR: 8 PS: 11 BS: 14 composite: 33Q

my cgpa is 3.5 sgpa is 3.45 shooting for midtier to low tier MD schools. (Dream school is UCLA DGSOM but tht's not happening) im a CA resident.

Should I retake cos of my low verbal? I was averaging 10's on aamc practice tests i dont know how this happened. It just did.
my gpa is low for MD schools, i really wanted a 34 or higher on the mcat.
but this is around my average (average is a 34.5)

 

[Lila122]

Hi everyone,

I just got my 2nd MCAT score back, and it was 1 point higher from the 1st time I took it, but I'm still kind of bummed out. These are my 2 scores:

6/17/10: P:8, V:10, W:Q, B:10
9/11/10: P:9, V:9, W:Q, B:11

Ugh.... I studied a lot more this time so I thought I'd improve more than by 1 point. On practice tests I had been consistently getting 10-11s on physical scis, and 11-12s on verbal and bio.

Anyways, do you think I should take it again in the spring? I would like to go to an MD school but it's not like I need to go to a big name private school. I'm from New York, and I'd love to go to a SUNY (esp Downstate or Stonybrook), or a private school in or close to NYC, but I'd be happy to go to school in any major city really.

Oh and for undergrad I went to Amherst college (a very good small liberal arts college) and had a 3.5 GPA there.

Sorry that was long but basically I'm wondering if I should take it a 3rd time or if it's a bad idea since I didn't improve that much the 2nd time....

THANKS!!!!

 

[bbllr3431]

Hey everyone,

My goal before taking the MCAT was just to hit the average marks for the TX medical schools. I got an 11/9/10 on the 9/11 exam and was wondering if I should retake them since I feel I could have done a lot better on my VR. My VR practice scores were generally 12's.

Other than that my GPA is a 3.7 w/ a 3.66 sci GPA. And i've had shadowing experience and over 2000 volunteer hours at various non profit organizations. The only thing I feel holding me back right now is a little bit more research experience and my MCAT score. Does anyone have any input on if I should retake the exam if I'm wanting to go to a tier two med school in TX?

 

[sifodyas357]

Got my mkitty scores today, didn't do as well as I thought....

26Q

7 PS 😕 (I was stunned at this because I was normally posting up 10+ on the AMCAS tests)
8 VS
11 BS
Q WS (apparently I can score high on the WS and not on the VS...who knew)

I know that with more studying/time I can bump my scores up a lot higher, but should I wait until the next cycle to apply with a 2nd MCAT score, or should I try to apply this year and hope to get into some DO schools?

About me:

Bioengineering major/math minor
Research Assistant 2 years
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 3 years
ESL Tutor
Various other clubs/societies w/ leadership position
local church leadership
4+ years of volunteer experience at a hospital

Any thoughts would be appreciated

 

[GuntherMurdock]

.