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)​

 

[nr6unhH]

Hello,

current graduating senior (well graduating in 3 yrs, don't know exactly what to do for a gap yr)

got 27Q in August 2010. 11 ps/ 6 v / 10 bs

which was around my practice range(26~29; 6~8on verbal). I'm retaking it on January 29th, hoping to increase verbal score..

took AAMC #11 recently. got 26. 10ps/ 7 v/ 9 bs

I should hope for the best and retake and increase my verbal this saturday right? D:

undergrad gpa both overall & science : 3.97
not significant EC, just volunteering, clinical research, and tissue culture research

 

[SN2ed]

revasquez: You have to retake.

nr6unhH: Definitely need to retake. Also, your verbal score still isn't high enough and it's probably not a reliable 7 either. For verbal, the lowest acceptable score is usually an 8. Below that, your chances of getting in take a nosedive. Also, work on your ECs.

Pax Thien: No ECs is a kiss of death. It is highly unlikely that you'll get in anywhere. That said, your MCAT is fine. However, your GPA is low. Nevertheless, your biggest problem are your ECs. Don't have any, don't waste your money applying.

 

[hockeyhy]

Took my mcat last year

Got a 35R

Breakdown

13 9 13

I was averaging 38-39's on practice tests

This app cycle has blown hard. I've only received 2 interviews, and been waitlisted at one school.

I'm thinking of retaking and trying to hit a 40, is this dumb?

Stats:

GPA: 3.6 ish, both science and cumulative

EC's:
Average
year of volunteering, some shadowing, 2 summers of research, leadership in a student organization for 3 years

 

[SN2ed]

Took my mcat last year

Got a 35R

Breakdown

13 9 13

I was averaging 38-39's on practice tests

This app cycle has blown hard. I've only received 2 interviews, and been waitlisted at one school.

I'm thinking of retaking and trying to hit a 40, is this dumb?

Stats:

GPA: 3.6 ish, both science and cumulative

EC's:
Average
year of volunteering, some shadowing, 2 summers of research, leadership in a student organization for 3 years

Your problem isn't your MCAT. You must have either a glaring weakness somewhere else in your application, you applied too late, and/or you didn't choose your schools well. Considering how high your score is, it must be a significant problem that I doubt a higher score will alleviate. Your MCAT would be fine for any school, including the top ranked ones.

 

[DrCheerful]

?

 

[Schrdngrs Ct]

First MCAT; 28 = PS 12, VR 7, BS 9
Second; 31 = PS 12, VR 8, BS 11
wt avg GPA 3.5 = Fr 2.3, So 3.1, Jr 3.6, Sr 4.0

I've been out of school and working for 1.5 years now and the last time I even touched the MCAT books were over a year ago. I retook some of the AAMC recently, did better, but I feel like I subconsciously remember the answers so it may not be an accurate representation.

Obviously the answer is ALWAYS retake the mcat but I'm hesitant I may do worse and condemn myself since I work two jobs and don't have time for the good ol' fashion 350+ hrs of hardcore studying. I'm sure there are a number of you out there in the same boat so I'm just wondering how others are weighing their options. Thanks!

 

[WashMe]

Re-post, as I got no response.

30 (10,10,10)
3.6 GPA

Amazing EC's. Should I?

Don't retake if you're content going to any medical school, but not necessarily having your pick. If you are aiming for a "top" school, you should retake to make up for your GPA. Don't retake if looks like you're not going to add 4-5+ points to your score, because you don't want to risk scoring a 28 on a retake or something.

First MCAT; 28 = PS 12, VR 7, BS 9
Second; 31 = PS 12, VR 8, BS 11
wt avg GPA 3.5 = Fr 2.3, So 3.1, Jr 3.6, Sr 4.0

I've been out of school and working for 1.5 years now and the last time I even touched the MCAT books were over a year ago. I retook some of the AAMC recently, did better, but I feel like I subconsciously remember the answers so it may not be an accurate representation.

Obviously the answer is ALWAYS retake the mcat but I'm hesitant I may do worse and condemn myself since I work two jobs and don't have time for the good ol' fashion 350+ hrs of hardcore studying. I'm sure there are a number of you out there in the same boat so I'm just wondering how others are weighing their options. Thanks!

A 31 is good enough. A 3.5 is a bit low but is still acceptable, considering the strong upward trend. If your work experience is meaningful, and if you have other EC's knocked out (volunteering, shadowing, etc.), then you'll probably be OK if you apply broadly. You don't want to risk a drop in your score, because 30+ somehow manages to look WAY better than "20-something".

 

[captainmike]

I got a 36 Q first time, retook and got a 44 S 🙂

Most said I didn't need to retake but I needed to strengthen my ap as much as possible to try to compensate for my below average EC's. I did gain interview invites to Harvard and UPenn so I need to get into some volunteer work to keep polishing up. Will a great MCAT be enough to offset the lack of "extras"?

 

[Schrdngrs Ct]

I got a 36 Q first time, retook and got a 44 S 🙂

Most said I didn't need to retake but I needed to strengthen my ap as much as possible to try to compensate for my below average EC's. I did gain interview invites to Harvard and UPenn so I need to get into some volunteer work to keep polishing up. Will a great MCAT be enough to offset the lack of "extras"?

Most of us who are asking whether or not we should retake the mcat are concerned we won't get the rest of our application fully noticed. One thing I recall being said at an open question session was that the GPA and MCAT are like the frosting of a cake that makes someone want to initially cut into it. But... if the rest of the cake isn't up to par then that's just disappointing. Unless you're only a frosting lover! 😉

With that being said it sounds like you still have significant enough EC to get some top schools to invite you! a 44...👍 nice job btw!

 

[hockeyhy]

If you retake the MCAT and achieve the same score or only an improvement of 1, how is that viewed?

 

[TheGloaming]

I got a 36 Q first time, retook and got a 44 S 🙂

Most said I didn't need to retake but I needed to strengthen my ap as much as possible to try to compensate for my below average EC's. I did gain interview invites to Harvard and UPenn so I need to get into some volunteer work to keep polishing up. Will a great MCAT be enough to offset the lack of "extras"?

A 44 S? You also only have one post. I am going to have to say you are no Abe Lincoln and I'm sure most others would agree.

 

[WashMe]

If you retake the MCAT and achieve the same score or only an improvement of 1, how is that viewed?

Poorly

A 44 S? You also only have one post. I am going to have to say you are no Abe Lincoln and I'm sure most others would agree.

I'm inclined to agree with you, BUT some people do score 44 on the MCAT, and such a person is not unlikely to make an SDN account just to brag about it in one post.

 

[Schrdngrs Ct]

Poorly



I'm inclined to agree with you, BUT some people do score 44 on the MCAT, and such a person is not unlikely to make an SDN account just to brag about it in one post.

Glad I wasn't the only one thinking that in the back of my head. I figured I'd try to make my second post supportive. 😀

 

[koala37]

I am such a bad test-taker. I am struggling to get a decent mcat score just so that at least I have a shot at D.O. School. should one just give up if they have to take the mcat three or more times and thats the main downfall of their app? I have a ton of extracurriculars, a 3.75 sgpa, 3.7 overall gpa, just got published, but its the mcat that is proving to be my greastes hurdle. Should one just give up under these circumstances?

 

[TheGloaming]

I am such a bad test-taker. I am struggling to get a decent mcat score just so that at least I have a shot at D.O. School. should one just give up if they have to take the mcat three or more times and thats the main downfall of their app? I have a ton of extracurriculars, a 3.75 sgpa, 3.7 overall gpa, just got published, but its the mcat that is proving to be my greastes hurdle. Should one just give up under these circumstances?

The question is how bad do you want it. If becoming a doctor is a your true dream and goal, then do what it takes. If you give up, you will have to live the rest of your life with that on your mind. I know someone from my hometown that graduated about 4 years ago. She has applied multiple times(not sure on the number) and just got in to a couple MD schools. If your only barrier is the MCAT, I would say giving up should not be an option yet. Just make sure you are completely prepared when you take it.

 

[aliblack]

Retake or no? I got 30Q (11 BS/ 10 V/ 9 PS) in June 2010. cGPA = 3.88, scGPA = 3.75. I expected to do a lot better on the MCAT based on my practice exams. I went ahead and applied this cycle with the 30Q, hoping for the best.

I have no acceptances anywhere yet, (1 am on 1 waitlist, waiting to hear back from 3 schools I already interviewed at, with 3 more interviews coming up). Because so many of my interviews are late (read: Jan, Feb, March) I'm afraid I'll be drawn out waiting for decisions all the way through the end of the spring. What will I do if I didn't get in anywhere and it's May and time to start revamping my AMCAS? It will be too late to change much about my application to reapply at that point and I don't want to take another whole year off between applying...

I don't know if I should start studying to retake the MCAT this spring in case things do not work out, or if I should use the time in another way - more volunteering/shadowing/clinical experience. My pre-med advisor told me the 9 in PS is a problem 😕

 

[goldenstar]

deleted

 

[captainmike]

I'm not really sure how the fact that I only made one post somehow renders the post untruthful, but its not that important. At the end of the day, I'm just like everyone else, just hoping at least one school will give me the chance to "live the dream". Good luck.

 

[rpdnathan]

. I'm retaking the MCAT and I cannot take it during May or June. I would like to know whether taking the exam in beginning of August gives enough time for results to come in and for my application to be submitted fairly early in the admissions game.

 

[littleman25]

So I just got my second mcat score and am still afraid that i'm not very competitive.

First MCAT 6V 10PS 10BS 26R

2nd MCAT 10V 10PS 11BS 31Q

Cum GPA 3.4 (started off freshman 3.04, sophmore 3.37, junior 3.51, senior 3.71)

EC- I have volunteered in an ER for 1.5 years, research for 1.5, played college hockey for 4 years (club), worked as an ER tech for a summer, have lots of physician shadowing, and am currently about to start working as an ER tech again

Undergrad school was UC Berkeley but i'm an Idaho resident. Should i retake my mcat or do post-bac or should i just apply this next round?

Thanks everyone!!

 

[tttgo]

I'm probably going to be in the same boat as you in a year. I'm a 2nd year at cal with a 3.3. I'll need to raise it quite a bit. What major are you? Since you're already a senior, isn't this your year off? I think another year off (applying in 2014) would help if you to add more ecs. If you're sure about med school, I wouldn't consider other options, but that's just me.

 

[Schrdngrs Ct]

rpdnathan I took the mcat in August my first time and then applied once I saw my score in September. By the time you complete your secondaries (I'm assuming you'll have multiple and most requiring extensive time to develop a solid essay) it'll be mid-late October. For some schools that is nearing the end since cutoffs are usually Oct 15, Nov 15, Dec 15, and few in January. But!! if everything else in your application is solid, you'll still have a fair chance for an interview. Obviously with rolling admissions you're competing at a greater applicant-to-slot ratio.

 

[littleman25]

I'm an IB major. But yeah this next year is technically going to be year off. Just not sure whether or not to go ahead and apply or do a post-bac. But like you said, if I can gather a few more ec's I might just apply. Hopefully it works out. What's your major? I'm guessing either IB or MCB lol

 

[koala37]

does taking the mcat 3 times seriously hurt your chances of admission to D.O. or M.D. schools or do some schools look at it favorably cuz it shows you not giving up. The rest of my app is good, i took the MCAT once already, scored a 22, n just retook it on Jan 29th and am waiting for the scores. Is it advisable to take it a third time or should Caribbean be the next step?

 

[tttgo]

I heard it's bad to take it more than 3 times, so 3 might be ok. Since your other stats are good, you should aim higher. Your mcat score should be easier to change than say your gpa. See you you do and retake if needed. Was it your study habits or other reasons for not doing well?

 

[koala37]

tttgo, yeah I dunno wat happened....I got a 22 cuz my verbal was very low I got a (9 PS, 9 BS, 4 in verbal) so I am hoping I did better in verbal this time, but lets see. I did a ton of practice, I am mapping the passages for verbal, but i still my verbal scores on AAmcs fluctuate like crazy......I dont know what to do. I even got a aplan tutor for verbal 🙁

 

[koala37]

~ Kaplan

 

[tttgo]

Have you looked at the verbal guides on SDN? For material, did you try EK verbal 101 or TPRH verbal? I think the quality of your studying matters too. Good luck.

 

[BeagleMcGee]

Really need some input as whether I should retake.

32R (10 Physical, 10 Verbal, 12 Biological) - taken May 2010
This was my third attempt. The previous two were 28P (Sept. 2008) and 27Q (March 2009).
I've got a 3.49 cGPA, 3.45 sGPA.

I've applied twice, once after the 27Q and most recently with the 32R. Got only one interview (UT-H).

Please help!

 

[WashMe]

Really need some input as whether I should retake.

32R (10 Physical, 10 Verbal, 12 Biological) - taken May 2010
This was my third attempt. The previous two were 28P (Sept. 2008) and 27Q (March 2009).
I've got a 3.49 cGPA, 3.45 sGPA.

I've applied twice, once after the 27Q and most recently with the 32R. Got only one interview (UT-H).

Please help!

Well the problem isn't your MCAT, it's your GPA. Have you considered getting a one-year masters or something, just to show that you can pull the 4.0? GPA<3.5 puts you in a rough place, considering that the average 3.7GPA student accepted to medical school will have a full 0.2 point advantage (which is actually very significant when it reflects several years of work). Good luck!

 

[Gottibabe]

So I have a 3.04 Cumulative gpa and a 3.13 science.

Very low yes I know (Organic chemistry was the death of me).

I'd like to know what kind of MCAT I should have to be looked at from med-school's.

I'm not expecting to apply to Harvard or anything near it but the Med Schools that are more towards the bottom of the barrel with some wishful thinking mediocre's.

My extra-curricular's are nice and fluffed with being the VP of our AMSA pre-med chapter in our school. I haven't done any volunteering or research but I'm going to start volunteering in the the next few weeks which would give me about 6 months exp before I send out applications. And hopefully plan on doing some research in Genetics over the summer (crossing those fingers and toes).

So, yea... What kind of MCAT should I aim for?

 

[WashMe]

So I have a 3.04 Cumulative gpa and a 3.13 science.

Very low yes I know (Organic chemistry was the death of me).

I'd like to know what kind of MCAT I should have to be looked at from med-school's.

I'm not expecting to apply to Harvard or anything near it but the Med Schools that are more towards the bottom of the barrel with some wishful thinking mediocre's.

My extra-curricular's are nice and fluffed with being the VP of our AMSA pre-med chapter in our school. I haven't done any volunteering or research but I'm going to start volunteering in the the next few weeks which would give me about 6 months exp before I send out applications. And hopefully plan on doing some research in Genetics over the summer (crossing those fingers and toes).

So, yea... What kind of MCAT should I aim for?

I think the simple answer is "the higher the better". 35? 40? You really need to crush the test, because there are 20,000 other people out there with better GPA's who won't even get accepted to medical school in this next cycle. Good luck! And think about D.O. schools. Retake ochem if it will boost your GPA for D.O. schools (which sometimes allow grade replacement).

 

[DrFLAGATORS]

Ive already asked this on a another thread, but...

cGPA: 3.38
sGPA: 3.28
MCAT 1: 20N - 7PS, 5VR, 8BS
MCAT 2: 30Q - 10PS, 9VR, 11BS

Great EC, 3 years of research - 1 Pub, 2 years off to work and help familia, applying to SMP to boost my GPA

I am applying for the first time this June for Fall 2012 class. I really want to go MD.

Should I retake MCAT? Was thinking May 21 date.

 

[tttgo]

You do have 3 months to prep, but will you have time to study in between classes/work? I would wait another cycle if possible and secure the high mcat score first. What are you scoring on practice tests? Let's say you get a 31 this time. I don't think that will help as much compared to if you fully dedicated 3 months for only mcat and scored even higher.

 

[DrFLAGATORS]

You do have 3 months to prep, but will you have time to study in between classes/work? I would wait another cycle if possible and secure the high mcat score first. What are you scoring on practice tests? Let's say you get a 31 this time. I don't think that will help as much compared to if you fully dedicated 3 months for only mcat and scored even higher.

Not taking any classes, just working. Will go part-time and I plan on studying 40 hours a week. Def want to get at least 33. Yeah a 31 would be a bummer and waste of time.

04/23/10 - The 20N was a total eff up - lower than my diagnostic.

08/03/10 - 30Q - the highest I scored on my practice tests was 32. I was working full-time, though, thats why I know I can score higher if I sit one more time.

I want to apply early and broadly this June/July, then start my SMP in the fall. I am hopeful to score high and achieve some interviews while in the SMP. My ideal situation would be to get into an SMP with a high linkage and matriculate into the same school.

 

[nr6unhH]

nr6unhH: Definitely need to retake. Also, your verbal score still isn't high enough and it's probably not a reliable 7 either. For verbal, the lowest acceptable score is usually an 8. Below that, your chances of getting in take a nosedive. Also, work on your ECs.

I did retake. Got same score on sciences but only one point up in verbal...

10BS 11PS 6V - August 2010
10BS 11PS 7V - January 2011

WHAT TO DO...

just stick with the score? apply early as possible to raise up the chance of acceptance?

or

possible retake?

 

[deleted261193]

help!!

i got a 32S (VR: 12, PS: 9, BS: 11). i know it's above a 30, but i didn't really get to study nearly as much as i wanted to (as in i was balancing it with a full courseload + work, so i didn't get to do mcat everyday). i also skipped a ~2-3 on physics, guessed on ~6 in physics, which would explain the low score. i went into the mcat not knowing all of my physics, and not reviewing all of the bio. my verbal score is lower than my avg (13-14). basically, in general, i didn't feel that prepared but i got it scored anyway (probably not a good decision but it's too late now).

should i retake? my gpa is a low 3.7, and i'd like to go to schools like nyu/columbia/mt sinai. i know it's still good enough of a score to probably get me into med school, but i really feel like i could do a lot better, and hopefully it would put me at a more competitive level. my ec's are probably above average, but they're not stellar, so i could use any boost. the second time around, i'm going to be taking less classes (done with most of my grad requirements), and i'm going to take a prep class (princeton).

thanks!

 

[CHOIBOY]

Hey guys,

I tried my best this year but wasn't lucky enough. I consider myself very practical and thought that I had a good chance, but I guess I was not as aware of myself as I should hahaha

SO I'm writing my first post here to determine whether or not I should better my MCAT score for a better shot next year, since I believe that is the most significant thing that I think I can improve.

Here are my scores from an MCAT exam I took two years ago.
Verbal: 8
PS: 11
BS: 12
Total: 31 S

-I graduated last year from Penn State University with honors in Biology (B.S.) and just a B.A. in Psychology (GPA 3.8).
-In terms of ECs, I worked as a Research Assistant in a plant lab for almost 3 years, during which I was able to get my name on three publications.
-I was also a TA for core Biology courses for two years.
-I also have 400 hours of volunteering in a Hospital ER located overseas.

The type of school that I was aiming for were Columbia/NYU/Pritzker/UofMiami/UCSD/etc.... I know some of those schools are a strecth but I thought it was worth a shot ;P

I know that I want to get into med school so I really need some feedback on what I should do. Help me out guys!!!

 

[BuffNerd]

Hey all,

I just got my score back: 30Q (9,10,11). My AAMC low was 29 and high was 34, so I'm fairly disappointed.

I have a 3.97 GPA and will be graduating in May 2012 with a B.S. in Physiology/Nutritional Sciences (with an Econ minor).
I have been VP, and am currently president, of my campus Pre-health honor society. I am a resident adviser for a floor of pre-health underclassmen. I am involved with Relay for Life committee, Student Council, and I am a ambassador for the Department of Zoology.

I have had one summer internship at a medical school conducting research and I plan on conducting research for a full year starting at the beginning on my senior year and running up until I (hopefully) start med school.

I think I should have some pretty decent LOR's and I'd like to think that I would interview fairly well as well.

The school I want to go to most is University of Colorado Denver (I have in-state in Colorado). I will also apply to several other schools and I was hoping to be competitive as an out of state applicant at Baylor at UTSW (in addition to several "lower" texas medical schools).

Any advice? Is a re-take necessary? Thanks!!

 

[kschish17]

Hey Everyone,

I'm graduating from UC Santa Cruz this year and am really hoping to apply in June (MA resident so my top school is UMass).

3.67 c gpa/3.71 s gpa
I've been a student computer lab manager for the past 2 years, worked in a rehab/nursing home for a summer, played on the club lacrosse team for the past 2 years, and was treasurer of the American Medical Student Association Chapter on my campus and am currently the president. I have volunteered in a pathology lab (120+), emergency room (30+), and needle exchange program (40+), have shadowed md/pa/rn (80+), and shadowed mds at an in vitro fertilization clinic (60+). I'll also be working as a research tech in a pathology lab next year.

I did very poorly on my first try: 22
bs 9
vr 6
ps 7

I'm retaking it on May 20. I'm definitely waiting to see my scores so the earliest I could submit my app is the end of June, which puts me at a disadvantage already. I'm really nervous to retake it because of my first score, and the fact that it was 7-8 points below what I was scoring on practice tests.

What type of score should I be working towards to look competitive? What type of improvement do I need considering they'll see the 22?

Thanks soo much!

 

[themetalhawk]

[This post was deleted.]

 

[flybluebird98]

So, should I or shouldn't I? here's my story:

I took the MCAT when I was a junior and got a 28T (9,9,10; v,p,b). I already have applied once, but I applied my senior year in college and I only got wait-listed at one school. I graduated with 2 degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry from Cal Poly, and even though my final GPA was only a 3.74, I graduated with the top GPA in my major for my year. I have a lot of e.c. (I was a theatre minor, and was in a bunch of shows, etc), 4 internships, a job currently working for a pharm. company, a publication, and for this last year I have/will be accumulating about 6 hours of community service a week.

I re-took the MCAT this past Jan and got a 29R (9,10,10; v,p,b), and I'm concerned if I should take it again. I'm worried because even though my last test was taken 2 years ago, they're still going to see it, and I feel since I didn't drastically improve my score, I need to prove something. But, the thing is, I'm not great at std tests; I tend to over think the questions...so, am I good? I will be applying to mostly schools I didn't apply to before. I feel as though the rest of my application is really strong, but the MCAT may end up not letting me through the door for the potential for most schools to see me as the applicant I am and student I can be. Let me know what you think... 🙂

 

[ballucanbe]

I took the mcat last july and scored 28 M 7, 10, 11 (V,PS,BS). Due to the low score especially in verbal i decided not to apply last year. I retook the mcat in january and scored a 28M again 8,9,11 (V,PS,BS). For the second retake i took the kaplan course.

I have a 3.93 GPA with extracurriculars including volunteer, shadow, research and working as a scribe. My goal is to get into an MD or DO program preferably in new york ( i am a ny resident).

Should i retake the mcat for a third time for after scoring basically the same on two previous times taking different routes, or just go with these scores and apply early?

Any feedback would be great

 

[kitanai]

Should I do a retake? Second attempt: 32P 13P 7V 12B P, first attempt:28N 10P 7V 11B N. I am sure that I can maintain my sciences scores but I am so afraid that if on the third try my verbal will still stay the same and my sciences went up again. Adcoms may not like it. Any thoughts? I have registered on May 26, but I can still cancel it and get full refund. Your input guys are highly appreciated!!

 

[ebirdrugby]

Took MCAT July last year and got 32M --- 12PS, 8VR, 12BS.

English is my second language and I struggled reading the passages on the computer😴. Also, I ran out of time writing the 1st essay, so didn't finish that and so kept the 2nd essay very short. Therefore only M in writing.

3.9 overall and science GPA at Oregon.

Lots of EC but little in clinical settings. ~20hr volunteering in hospital, ~75 shadowing physicians. Will continue these so I'll have ~75hr volunteering and ~200 shadowing.

Not aiming for Harvard... just OHSU, UW...

I'd appreciate anyone's advice.

 

[ebirdrugby]

Deleted

 

[ebirdrugby]

Should I do a retake? Second attempt: 32P 13P 7V 12B P, first attempt:28N 10P 7V 11B N. I am sure that I can maintain my sciences scores but I am so afraid that if on the third try my verbal will still stay the same and my sciences went up again. Adcoms may not like it. Any thoughts? I have registered on May 26, but I can still cancel it and get full refund. Your input guys are highly appreciated!!

I'm in a similar situation 32M, 12PS, 8VR, 12BS.

I've been looking at forums a lot and people seem to think that you need at least an 8 in any category. If you can get that up to at least an 8, 32P is a very competitive score at most schools, but not top-tier.

I'm thinking about a retake myself because of the M, which is bottom 9-30% or something like that.

 

[ridethecliche]

I'm in a similar situation 32M, 12PS, 8VR, 12BS.

I've been looking at forums a lot and people seem to think that you need at least an 8 in any category. If you can get that up to at least an 8, 32P is a very competitive score at most schools, but not top-tier.

I'm thinking about a retake myself because of the M, which is bottom 9-30% or something like that.

From what I've read, no one cares about the writing section.

As long as your application essays look like english, you'll be fine.

 

[kitanai]

I'm in a similar situation 32M, 12PS, 8VR, 12BS.

I've been looking at forums a lot and people seem to think that you need at least an 8 in any category. If you can get that up to at least an 8, 32P is a very competitive score at most schools, but not top-tier.

I'm thinking about a retake myself because of the M, which is bottom 9-30% or something like that.

Thanks for the input. I'll do a retake for the VR section. Hopefully, I can pull out a 10 and increase my BS and PS by +1. I still have 3 months though to study for the MCAT. May 26 is my test date and the result release would be on June 28. July is the earliest time that AMCAS sends apps to medical schools right?

I don't think an M in writing matters for US medical schools, if you are Canadian it might, I am also reapplying to UW though! I got interviewed last cycle with a MCAT of 28N. Exit interview with the Dean said my MCAT and GPA didn't matter, it was all about my interview response. I hope this helps you out!

 

[ebirdrugby]

Thanks for the input. I'll do a retake for the VR section. Hopefully, I can pull out a 10 and increase my BS and PS by +1. I still have 3 months though to study for the MCAT. May 26 is my test date and the result release would be on June 28. July is the earliest time that AMCAS sends apps to medical schools right?

I don't think an M in writing matters for US medical schools, if you are Canadian it might, I am also reapplying to UW though! I got interviewed last cycle with a MCAT of 28N. Exit interview with the Dean said my MCAT and GPA didn't matter, it was all about my interview response. I hope this helps you out!

This actually helps me out, I'm applying for OHSU as first choice but I was worried if my unbalanced scores would be too low to get an interview. As I understand it now, if you received an interview, it means that your GPA, MCAT score, and extra curricular are competitive.
I hope you nail the next interview. Most importantly, make sure you can justify why medicine and that it fits what you wrote on the personal statement. Also, I've heard that they really like it if you can describe specific cases and how you felt about shadowing physicians.