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]

The odds that you'll repeat the bio score are very low; you'd probably hit 12-13. The odds that you'll repeat the physics score are high, and it's not likely that you'll do better than a 12-13 on a retake. Verbal is a crap shoot, so you're probably looking at 9-13 on a retake. The way I see it, you'd hit a 33 on the low end and a 39 on the high end, with the most likely scenario being that you land from 35-37.

Not worth a retake in my opinion. Matriculants at top schools average about 36 on the MCAT, so your score is good enough. A 3.75 isn't great, but if you went to a tough UG or did an interesting major then you'll be fine. Also, if you're an athlete or a minority you'll have a leg up.

Good advice, but the bolded text is 😕

A 3.75 isn't great if you're trying to get into top schools, unless you went to a really tough UG

 

[hiya20]

A 3.75 isn't great if you're trying to get into top schools, unless you went to a really tough UG

I don't know how much undergraduate university really matters tbh.

 

[NOLA2UNC]

So, I just got my MCAT back and am freaking out about the odds of actually improving. Not desiring to do anything rash, I would like to re-take the MCAT in August (ideally) or September ("suboptimal").

Here's the score. 29Q: PS 9, VR 11, BS 9

With less than desirable GPAs (cGPA 3.56, sGPA 3.3), I think I need to show I can handle the science because I am a bio/philosophy double. Does anyone think that I can improve my score within a 4 month period? I just put a deposit down on a Princeton Review Small Group Course (soo much $$$) if it is do-able. Alternatively, I could take their Hyperlearning Course if I thought I needed more background info; but I just took the MCAT so I am hoping all of that is still fresh.

Thanks for any input. It's definitely appreciated.

 

[MedianEminence]

i took mcat once in sept 2009 and got 29 (9PS 9VR 11BS)

now im studying to retake, i have a month left til my exam and my scores are not to promising

TPR 1: 12PS 7VR 12BS
TPR 2: 12 10 13
TPR 3: 12 10 10
TPR 4: 12 7 13

i know the TPR BS is inflated and my verbal sucks... should i continue practicing?

 

[mtou]

hello! i am a graduating senior,,, at one of mid-tier UCs.

I recently got my scores back which was: PS-9 VR-9 BS-12, total 30Q.

i have good gpa (cGPA-3.94, sGPA-3.96) but have zero clinical experience haha. So i was going to depend on a good mcat but failed... since i wanted go get into MD/MPH program at one of top 30 schools i was going to retake it.

my aamc average was ps~11 vr.9 bs~13. haha.

is it worth retaking it? if i do, i have a year to study,,, cuz i will be out of america to do something else 🙂)

 

[Poozer]

Alrighty just got my MCAT score back: 32R, 12PS, 11BS, 9VR, which is frustrating because usually I score the highest on the VR.

That said said, I am not entirely eager to retake, because I imagine the PS will drop and the VR will go up and the whole thing will pretty well even out in the end.

GPA is 3.4, but it significantly trended upward (all A's senior year). GPA was mainly due to a terrible freshman year... due to a severe head trauma/accident which sort of prevented learning/ability to function (read hospitalized).

I'm two years out of undergrad at this point, have gotten an A in 2 postbac (Dartmouth lets employees take courses), and I have 3 publications (1 is first author) to my name and a couple more pubs to come in the next 6 months. I'm a clinical research assistant, so I've got oodles of lab work and patient interaction under my belt at this point. Oodles is also a fun word.

If I were to retake it would be in 2 weeks. Thoughts/advice?

 

[CMoney2010]

UGH.
First time (7/2010) 27Q (9PS 8VR 10BS)

Second time (4/2011) 28R (9PS 8VR 11BS)

WHATTTTTT!!?! I studied hard this time around and averaged 30 on the last 3 AAMC's.

GPA is 3.8
sGPA is 3.7
Working as Research Assistant for 2 years...
Good EC and LOR.

thoughts?

I plan to apply broadly but am still unsure if the MCAT score is going to kill my chances at a regular MD school (not trying to get into Harvard here)...
I am loathe to believe that just the MCAT can totally preclude you from any chances at a school. OY.

 

[startswithb]

Alrighty just got my MCAT score back: 32R, 12PS, 11BS, 9VR, which is frustrating because usually I score the highest on the VR.

That said said, I am not entirely eager to retake, because I imagine the PS will drop and the VR will go up and the whole thing will pretty well even out in the end.

GPA is 3.4, but it significantly trended upward (all A's senior year). GPA was mainly due to a terrible freshman year... due to a severe head trauma/accident which sort of prevented learning/ability to function (read hospitalized).

I'm two years out of undergrad at this point, have gotten an A in 2 postbac (Dartmouth lets employees take courses), and I have 3 publications (1 is first author) to my name and a couple more pubs to come in the next 6 months. I'm a clinical research assistant, so I've got oodles of lab work and patient interaction under my belt at this point. Oodles is also a fun word.

If I were to retake it would be in 2 weeks. Thoughts/advice?

Do not retake in 2 weeks! You score will not keep you out of med school.

 

[startswithb]

UGH.
First time (7/2010) 27Q (9PS 8VR 10BS)

Second time (4/2011) 28R (9PS 8VR 11BS)

WHATTTTTT!!?! I studied hard this time around and averaged 30 on the last 3 AAMC's.

GPA is 3.8
sGPA is 3.7
Working as Research Assistant for 2 years...
Good EC and LOR.

thoughts?

I plan to apply broadly but am still unsure if the MCAT score is going to kill my chances at a regular MD school (not trying to get into Harvard here)...
I am loathe to believe that just the MCAT can totally preclude you from any chances at a school. OY.

Lots of people get in with your stats. Apply early and broadly!

 

[ridethecliche]

Lots of people get in with your stats. Apply early and broadly!

No offense, but I think that the difference between GPA and MCAT scores would raise questions in a lot of places as to the academic rigor of the ugrad institution.

If you have that high a GPA, your score should be higher if you did well in the pre-reqs.

So yes, while many people get in with those stats, I would look at the AAMC stat sheet to see what the cost/benefit is to retaking if you can hit a certain target score.

 

[UTman7777]

.

 

[satellite8]

On a similar note,

I took the MCAT in May 2010 and got a 27Q (PS: 8, VR: 10, BS: 9) and retook it in April 2011 and got a 27S (PS: 7, VR: 10, BS: 10), so really no improvement. My cgpa/sgpa is 3.6, 3.5. Should I retake it again?

 

[ridethecliche]

Make sure you actually improve this time around.

Take TBR exams and do a ton of passage stuff. Take it only when you see real improvement.

 

[Tep]

11/10/14/P

3.72 Overall GPA, genetics major, science a bit higher than general
3 years non-clinical research
1 year clinical experience (pseudo volunteer/intern)
1 year work experience (MA)
Strong computer experience, some sports

Was scoring ~13-14/8-10/13-14 on practice tests before my first test, currently scoring ~13-14/11-13/13-14 on practice tests. I'm scheduled to retake on Saturday (21st) and I'm getting cold feet. I'm looking at top tier schools, and plan on submitting as early as possible (read: first week of June).

Planning on calling in sick tomorrow to take AAMC 11 in "real" circumstances.

Any thoughts on the retake? I understand that most of the feedback I'll receive from this post will be negative; I'm posting to see if anyone has any interesting insights other than "No."

 

[Tep]

You want to retake a 35. lol
Your cold feet are warranted, better hope you don't get stuck with a couple left-field passages.

Fair enough.

Just finished practice test 11 in a 'real' simulation. Was able to accurately predict my BS and VR scores before I saw the score report... made a ton of stupid mistakes with PS and missed the estimate by a fair amount. I'll see how I feel on test day and might just void it.

Score for the curious: 10/12/14, ~10/~5/~20 minutes left on each section.

 

[ecrun29]

I got a 35Q and I really feel like I should try again. I know it's a good score but I really feel like I can do better and I hate feeling like that. The breakdown is VS: 9 BS: 14 PS: 12. I was feeling really overwhelmed during the physical sciences and I really think I can do better. Also I did not feel prepared for the verbal at all. I know the bio is awesome but I just hate the imbalance. Any advice?

 

[ninerdynasty24]

Hi all, i've been debating if and when I should retake my MCAT and I would like some advice. Here are my stats.

1st MCAT: Sept. 2008 (10PS, 8VR, 12BS, OWS)
UG GPA: 2.98 (I really have no excuses, I just wasn't focused)
SMP GPA: 4.0 (graduating in August, but I have one more class in June)
Clinical Exp: 2 years working as an EMT (1 year on an ambulance, 1 year as an ER tech), 1.5 years volunteering at a hospital that allowed me to shadow different departments
Research Exp: 1 year, no publications but i had my own project I presented at a large conference
EC's: joined a social fraternity and held multiple leadership positions, also joined a premedical fraternity but i honestly didn't do much with them.
- Tutored/TA for the neuroanatomy course in my master's program


I plan on applying to DO schools and lower tier MD schools but I want to have my best chances by getting my application in as early as possible. With that being said, would taking a late August (19th or 23rd) MCAT be too late? Would it hurt my chances as opposed to just sending everything in with a 30O score in June? I don't think I would be able to do much better if i take my MCAT in July because I still have to take one class in June and it's a condensed Pharmacology course so I don't foresee much MCAT studying time. Thank you for any and all advice!

 

[DrHKitty]

Hi all,
I'm hoping to gain a little re-take advice myself.

I have taken the MCAT 3 times now.
July 2009: 24 (PS 10, VS 6, BS 8)
August 2009: 28 (PS 11, VS 8, BS 9)
September 2010: 26 (PS 7, VS 10, BS 9)

I graduated with a 3.51 GPA. I was wait-listed at a med school for the 2010 application cycle and re-took the MCAT after I finally got the rejection. Since it didn't go so well I decided to sit the 2011 application cycle out and get a Master's and am hoping to re-apply this year. I have been taking post-bac classes and have a 4.0. I figure that using AMCAS's system, my total "undergrad" GPA will be a 3.56 with these post-bac classes.

I am getting a Master's in Biology at the moment and have a 4.0 so far (I've taken 12 of the 30 required hours). I am just wondering if I should try to take the dreaded test again. My top school pick says that they only look at the most recent MCAT so I don't think my taking it so many times will be much of an issue.

I'm just worried my score will go down again and I'll have really messed myself up.. I have lots of good volunteering and shadowing stuff so that's not really much of an issue here either. Any input would be REALLLYY appreciated!

 

[nia23]

Hi guys,
My GPA is 3.45

I do have like short-term experiences as research assistant, lab technician and also some months of volunteering at a hospital and pharmacy...

My MCAT score is:
VR-11 BS-11 PS-8 WS-O

I'm really not happy with the 8 in PS but I fear if I retake my VR will go down and possibly BS as well. Any advice?

 

[ridethecliche]

Hi guys,
My GPA is 3.45

I do have like short-term experiences as research assistant, lab technician and also some months of volunteering at a hospital and pharmacy...

My MCAT score is:
VR-11 BS-11 PS-8 WS-O

I'm really not happy with the 8 in PS but I fear if I retake my VR will go down and possibly BS as well. Any advice?

What was your aamc average?

If you were to retake, how would you do things differently?

I think you'd have a good shot at DO schools with your stats. You probably need to beef up the EC's a bit though.

 

[gbc85]

Hey all,
Im hoping to get a little advice on whether or not I should retake. I just got my score yesterday from my April 16th exam, 10 BS/8 VR/9 PS/O WS for a total of 27O. My practice AAMCs were in the 27-29 range with one 30. cGPA is 3.75, sGPA is 3.65. Ive got typical EC's (shadowing, volunteering, academic honors, work, no research) and some very good LOR's and personal statement. I plan on applying broadly to schools that generally accept lower MCAT scores.

My main concern is that I can not find an open seat for the exam until Aug 6th, which puts me kinda late in the application cycle. Also not sure if I should retake as my actual score was kinda close to my practice exams, the only differance being my VR which I never got below a 10 on my practice exams. Not sure why/how I got an 8 on the actual exam.

Also, can anyone explain to me how having a retake day marked on the AMCAS app affects the whole process? Will schools not even look at my app until the new score is in? Or will schools that consider my scores acceptable (Im looking at you, FSU) still interview me while waiting for the new scores? Florida resident, by the way. Any info would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[ICUatUCI]

I got 11/6/10 M from 4/16 test.. That's my average. I got 6 27 on AAMC and 2 28 on AAMC. I am retaking it. 6 on verbal really sucks. But i don't know if i can get any better. What do you guys think. I don't know what i should focus my time studying. For BS and PS, do you guys think I need to know more content? i do miss 1 or 2 free response on each BS and PS. I don't know how i could improve my verbal. on lucky day i get 8, if not i end up with 6. mostly i get 6. english is my second language but i want to do better.

Also I am thinking of signing up for August MCAT. would that be too late? or should i sign up for late july one?

AAMC 3: 10/6/12: 28
4: 11/8/8: 27
5:10/6/11: 27
7: 8/8/11: 27
8: 9/6/12: 27
9: 10/7/10: 27
10: 12/6/10: 28
11: 10/7/10: 27
Thanks

 

[ICUatUCI]

Hey all,
Im hoping to get a little advice on whether or not I should retake. I just got my score yesterday from my April 16th exam, 10 BS/8 VR/9 PS/O WS for a total of 27O. My practice AAMCs were in the 27-29 range with one 30. cGPA is 3.75, sGPA is 3.65. Ive got typical EC's (shadowing, volunteering, academic honors, work, no research) and some very good LOR's and personal statement. I plan on applying broadly to schools that generally accept lower MCAT scores.

My main concern is that I can not find an open seat for the exam until Aug 6th, which puts me kinda late in the application cycle. Also not sure if I should retake as my actual score was kinda close to my practice exams, the only differance being my VR which I never got below a 10 on my practice exams. Not sure why/how I got an 8 on the actual exam.

Also, can anyone explain to me how having a retake day marked on the AMCAS app affects the whole process? Will schools not even look at my app until the new score is in? Or will schools that consider my scores acceptable (Im looking at you, FSU) still interview me while waiting for the new scores? Florida resident, by the way. Any info would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

i got the same score as you, mine is 11/6/10. 6 on verbal sucks. i thought for that test, i would at least get 8 on verbal. i thouht i did bad on ps and bs. i'm thinking of signing up for late july one.

 

[nia23]

What was your aamc average?

If you were to retake, how would you do things differently?

I think you'd have a good shot at DO schools with your stats. You probably need to beef up the EC's a bit though.

I'm not really sure what you mean by the aamc average. :$

I guess I would focus more on physics and general chem but the thing is I'm actually back in school for the summer so I won't be able to give it most of my attention like I'd managed to do last semester when I was working full-time. That's also why I'm hesitant to retake.

Yeah I'm working on the ECs. I do have a variety of things I've volunteered/worked at which could work to my benefit here. And I might have a published paper soon so keeping my fingers crossed for that!

Thank you for your help! 🙂

 

[ridethecliche]

Presumably, you took the aamc practice exams, right?

What was your average on those? If you scored within your average, then...

If your average was a 38 and you got a 33, then maybe you should take it again. If your average was a 31, then you should probably be pretty content.

 

[roadrunnersb2]

Here's my story: I'm a NJ resident, and I'm a junior at Muhlenberg College with a cumulative GPA of 3.821 and a science GPA of 3.8. My activities and experiences are as follows: peer tutor, transition mentor, president of Students in Newman, Hospice volunteer, co-chair of Dress Upon a Star. I have had lots of physician shadowing through my own doctors and through an internship. I am currently doing research and I was awarded a summer research grant for it. My personal statement is pretty good. I feel good as an applicant as far as my GPA and activities, but I just got my MCAT score back and I don't know what to think:

verbal reasoning- 8
physical sciences- 9
biological sciences- 10
overall score: 27M

I was shooting for a 30, but I am not devastated with a 27...the thing is, I studied REALLY hard for the MCAT. I started studying lightly almost a year ago, then over winter break I studied intensely. I took a Kaplan course and I took 10 full-length practice tests before I took the real thing. I'm not sure if I would do better if I were to take it again, because my scores on the practice tests were all over the place: one day a 25, then a 30, then a 27, then a 31, then back to a 26, etc.
I don't really care where I go to medical school...I'm not shooting for a top school or anything, and I would be happy being either a D.O. or an M.D.
So...what do you guys think? Am I still a competitive applicant for osteopathic schools with that score? Do I stand a chance for allopathic?

 

[roadrunnersb2]

Here's my story: I'm a NJ resident, and I'm a junior at Muhlenberg College with a cumulative GPA of 3.821 and a science GPA of 3.8. My activities and experiences are as follows: peer tutor, transition mentor, president of Students in Newman, Hospice volunteer, co-chair of Dress Upon a Star. I have had lots of physician shadowing through my own doctors and through an internship. I am currently doing research and I was awarded a summer research grant for it. My personal statement is pretty good. I feel good as an applicant as far as my GPA and activities, but I just got my MCAT score back and I don't know what to think:

verbal reasoning- 8
physical sciences- 9
biological sciences- 10
overall score: 27M

I was shooting for a 30, but I am not devastated with a 27...the thing is, I studied REALLY hard for the MCAT. I started studying lightly almost a year ago, then over winter break I studied intensely. I took a Kaplan course and I took 10 full-length practice tests before I took the real thing. I'm not sure if I would do better if I were to take it again, because my scores on the practice tests were all over the place: one day a 25, then a 30, then a 27, then a 31, then back to a 26, etc.
I don't really care where I go to medical school...I'm not shooting for a top school or anything, and I would be happy being either a D.O. or an M.D.
So...what do you guys think? Am I still a competitive applicant for osteopathic schools with that score? Do I stand a chance for allopathic?

 

[nia23]

Presumably, you took the aamc practice exams, right?

What was your average on those? If you scored within your average, then...

If your average was a 38 and you got a 33, then maybe you should take it again. If your average was a 31, then you should probably be pretty content.

Oh! yeah my average was a ~31 or 32 I believe so you're right I won't retake. Thank you for your help!🙂

 

[yftyt2006]

Looking for advice on retake. I am skeptical about wanting to retake since it will be my 4th time (3rd this year). Any advice would be great. Just looking to get into an MD school.

3.59cGPA in Biomedical Engineering
3.42sGPA
Currently in a Masters of Engineering program with close association with my university's medical campus

MCAT Mar 2010; 20Q (10V-7P-3B) I was horribly sick during the bio section
MCAT Jan 2011; 26Q (7V-10P-9B)
MCAT Apr 2011; 27Q (8V-9P-10B)

Thanks.

 

[lzane1243]

Looking for some retake advice-

Got my scores from an April Test Date- 31Q (PS 9, VR 11, BS 11)

I knew my test was too early and I wasn't fully prepared. I only took 5 Kaplan full lengths and improved during each one (25-->34). I want to apply this cycle; would a July date be pushing it?

Other Stats:
cGPA 3.55, sGPA 3.51
Solid ECs and LORs
Want to go MD (not considering DO at this time)
Ohio Resident- want to go to ohio state or Cincinnati

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[ridethecliche]

Looking for advice on retake. I am skeptical about wanting to retake since it will be my 4th time (3rd this year). Any advice would be great. Just looking to get into an MD school.

3.59cGPA in Biomedical Engineering
3.42sGPA
Currently in a Masters of Engineering program with close association with my university's medical campus

MCAT Mar 2010; 20Q (10V-7P-3B) I was horribly sick during the bio section
MCAT Jan 2011; 26Q (7V-10P-9B)
MCAT Apr 2011; 27Q (8V-9P-10B)

Thanks.

Congrats on the improvement, but if you got really sick during a section, that would have been a good reason to void imho.

Some schools, however, take the best subscore from multiple exams. So if your in state schools do that, your score is a 30 which would help you out.

 

[Whatyousay]

Fair enough.

Just finished practice test 11 in a 'real' simulation. Was able to accurately predict my BS and VR scores before I saw the score report... made a ton of stupid mistakes with PS and missed the estimate by a fair amount. I'll see how I feel on test day and might just void it.

Score for the curious: 10/12/14, ~10/~5/~20 minutes left on each section.

Given the fact that you have a good first score under your belt, I'll say the odds that you'll void is 50/50 (I mean, most people leave the test less than optimistic, regardless of their actual performance).

I was in a similar situation. My first score was lower than my practice tests (still competitive), so I retook it the second time around. Even though I thought I did okay, I was tempted to void because I realized just how big of an unnecessary risk I was taking by having the exam scored a second time.

In the interest of full disclosure, my second score was higher than my first... and you know what? I don't think it was worth it. There were so many more meaningful things I could have been doing with my time instead of studying for a test that I already did pretty well on the first time around. Once you're in the 35+ range, you really need to ask yourself if some extra vanity points on the MCAT are worth the extra stress. If it is, then go right on ahead.

 

[nheit]

Hi, so heres my situation:

I took the MCAT last year in August and got a 33R, 10VR 12BS 11PS. I took a Princeton Review course that summer, but to be honest I didn't do much studying. During that summer, I also took analytical chem which was 4 hours, 4 days a week and worked 30+ hours a week in a research lab. I am a very studious person, so I made achem a priority, which in retrospect was a huge mistake. Getting a 33R was bittersweet for me. First, I knew it was a decent score, and I was satisfied with a 10 on VR (my biggest worry going into the test.) However, I scored higher on almost every practice exam I took (around 10 of them.) The first practice test I took I scored a 34, so it appears like that class didn't work so well. To TPRs credit though, I didn't do the necessary things out of class... The range and average of the practice scores were 30-38 and around 36. I'd be going for a 36, at least 13 on PS and BS.

I'm really shooting for top tier schools, MD or MD/PhD, for which my score would be low. Also, I'll be going to Mt. Sinai's BS program in the fall, in which they guarantee a med school interview for people who get a GPA above 3.5 and an MCAT score of 34. It would be nice to have that security, but I do realize that with one point under that, I'm very likely to get an interview (I hope.) I am doing some shadowing and volunteering, but I'll have a bunch of time on my hands this summer, way more than last year. I am very confident that I can improve my BS and PS scores, and I think I may be able to do better on VR because there's less pressure.

A few questions: 1) How bad would it look if I didn't improve much or did worse? 2) If I were to get higher PS and BS scores but a lower VR (say like 8), how would that be perceived by adcoms? 3) Is this really worth my time (keep in mind, the alternative is doing fun stuff/relaxing)?

 

[mievdi]

I graduated my 5th year (decided pre-med Junior year) with my BS in Human Biology and finished my premed tracking (technically finishing 1 class this summer and a independent study) and I already have a BS in Psychology and 2 specializations ('Health Promotions' and 'Bioethics, Humanities, and Society') completed from 2010 since I double majored. However, my GPA is a 3.40 and my science GPA is slightly higher depending on MD vs. DO calculations but its around a 3.5 for DO. My last MCAT scores (from last summer on August 24th, 2010) were 10 BS, 9 PS, 7 VR, and an R for the Writing section.

My major predicament is that my next exam is June 16th and I have only just finished reviewing exam krackers biology and chemistry for the past two weeks. I will finish physics and organic chemistry review by June 1st hopefully. This is just review, meaning only questions and chapter exams from the books and no practice tests. This means I will have 16 days total pretty much to truly study for the retake. Pretty big predicament. Can it be done?

Instead of a 3 month plan I have a 16 day one. My plan is to take 2-3 CBT's each week and focus hard on bringing up verbal reasoning, which I have yet to start, and focus on weaknesses. I do not want to move the exam because of my borderline grades and I just finished my 5th year so I want to apply early. But I will move it if I have no other option and if my practice tests show that I will most likely end up with even lower scores if I do retake it. Since I haven't been studying this stuff, and I am planning on pulling it off in 16 days, I wouldn't be surprised if I score even lower.

Any advice would be so helpful. Given the short time until the exam please let me know your ideas as soon as possible. Thank you so much.


P.S. If anyone has more time to respond could you possibly let me know of some of the best quality schools I could get into (keep in mind I live in MI) with my current scores since I am sending out my apps on June 1st? And sorry for the big post, it's my first one ever on SDN. Thank you so much. 🙂

 

[Whatyousay]

Hi, so heres my situation:

I took the MCAT last year in August and got a 33R, 10VR 12BS 11PS. I took a Princeton Review course that summer, but to be honest I didn't do much studying. During that summer, I also took analytical chem which was 4 hours, 4 days a week and worked 30+ hours a week in a research lab. I am a very studious person, so I made achem a priority, which in retrospect was a huge mistake. Getting a 33R was bittersweet for me. First, I knew it was a decent score, and I was satisfied with a 10 on VR (my biggest worry going into the test.) However, I scored higher on almost every practice exam I took (around 10 of them.) The first practice test I took I scored a 34, so it appears like that class didn't work so well. To TPRs credit though, I didn't do the necessary things out of class... The range and average of the practice scores were 30-38 and around 36. I'd be going for a 36, at least 13 on PS and BS.

I'm really shooting for top tier schools, MD or MD/PhD, for which my score would be low. Also, I'll be going to Mt. Sinai's BS program in the fall, in which they guarantee a med school interview for people who get a GPA above 3.5 and an MCAT score of 34. It would be nice to have that security, but I do realize that with one point under that, I'm very likely to get an interview (I hope.) I am doing some shadowing and volunteering, but I'll have a bunch of time on my hands this summer, way more than last year. I am very confident that I can improve my BS and PS scores, and I think I may be able to do better on VR because there's less pressure.

A few questions: 1) How bad would it look if I didn't improve much or did worse? 2) If I were to get higher PS and BS scores but a lower VR (say like 8), how would that be perceived by adcoms? 3) Is this really worth my time (keep in mind, the alternative is doing fun stuff/relaxing)?

(1) It certainly wouldn't do anything to help your application if you make the same score the second time around. Since many schools place the most weight on your most recent score (obviously varies from school to school, so you need to check to be sure), a lower score on the retake will make you that much less competitive.

(2) Since your PS and BS scores are fine already, raising those scores won't probably won't be enough to compensate for a significant drop in VR. Some schools have cut-offs for individual section scores, so it's "safer" to have 3 good-but-not-great subscores versus 2 great and 1 mediocre subscore (again, some schools don't care, but you'll have to call up the schools that interest you to be sure).

(3) Haven retaken an MCAT in the mid-30s for a slightly higher score, I would say it probably wasn't worth it. Unless you're confident that you can boost up your score by a significant margin (3+), don't waste your time studying for the MCAT again. However, if you legitimately feel like you can excel on the MCAT a second time around, far be it for me to stop you. You're also applying for MD/PhD, which is a lot more competitive GPA/MCAT-wise than MD, so I suppose you would need to consider that as well.

You also need to consider that retaking the MCAT at this point would probably hold up your application by at least a month, if not more.

 

[jls11]

I am a recent graduate from UC Berkeley with a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology (emphasis: Neurobiology). I took the MCAT last year, during my spring 2010 semester. At the time, I took a full 13-unit course load, including my first introductory neurobiology course, in addition to an MCAT prep course. I was also working, held a leadership position in my main extracurricular activity, and participated in campus events. I was insanely busy, almost never slept, and still managed to get a pretty good score. But, I'm just wondering if I should delay applications until August, study this summer, and see if I can improve.

My score is:
VR: 11
PS: 11
BS: 10
WS: R
Overall: 32R

I know this is a good score, but I'm worried that it's too low given that I have an overall GPA of only 3.49, and all of my bad grades (read: C's) come from core, lower-division science courses. I've done much better since getting into my upper division neuroscience classes, but I'm still worried that my poor performance during my younger years will hurt my chances of admission.

Any advice??

 

[rjs2131]

Hey All,

So I took the 4/16 MCAT and scored a 29S (10 sciences, 9 verbal). I have a 3.93 overall GPA (similar science GPA) and pretty good EC's and LOR's, but I feel like my MCAT score was way off...I had a 33 average on AAMC's 4-11 and made a 35 on AAMC 11, so really not sure what happened. I've signed up for July 16th but am going to go ahead and submit my app and apply. I really want to stay in state (NC) for med school but not sure if my MCAT will allow it. Is it worth retaking and if so, do you guys think I'm likely to improve? Any help is appreciated.

 

[Whatyousay]

I graduated my 5th year (decided pre-med Junior year) with my BS in Human Biology and finished my premed tracking (technically finishing 1 class this summer and a independent study) and I already have a BS in Psychology and 2 specializations ('Health Promotions' and 'Bioethics, Humanities, and Society') completed from 2010 since I double majored. However, my GPA is a 3.40 and my science GPA is slightly higher depending on MD vs. DO calculations but its around a 3.5 for DO. My last MCAT scores (from last summer on August 24th, 2010) were 10 BS, 9 PS, 7 VR, and an R for the Writing section.

My major predicament is that my next exam is June 16th and I have only just finished reviewing exam krackers biology and chemistry for the past two weeks. I will finish physics and organic chemistry review by June 1st hopefully. This is just review, meaning only questions and chapter exams from the books and no practice tests. This means I will have 16 days total pretty much to truly study for the retake. Pretty big predicament. Can it be done?

Instead of a 3 month plan I have a 16 day one. My plan is to take 2-3 CBT's each week and focus hard on bringing up verbal reasoning, which I have yet to start, and focus on weaknesses. I do not want to move the exam because of my borderline grades and I just finished my 5th year so I want to apply early. But I will move it if I have no other option and if my practice tests show that I will most likely end up with even lower scores if I do retake it. Since I haven't been studying this stuff, and I am planning on pulling it off in 16 days, I wouldn't be surprised if I score even lower.

Any advice would be so helpful. Given the short time until the exam please let me know your ideas as soon as possible. Thank you so much.


P.S. If anyone has more time to respond could you possibly let me know of some of the best quality schools I could get into (keep in mind I live in MI) with my current scores since I am sending out my apps on June 1st? And sorry for the big post, it's my first one ever on SDN. Thank you so much. 🙂

How were you doing your practice exams? If your exam score was significantly lower than your practices, then perhaps it might be worth a shot. If not, then 16 days is a very short time to significantly improve your score. DO NOT take the MCAT again if you feel like you'll score lower than the first time around, since that will do nothing but hurt your application, and will probably necessitate another retake. You'll probably be able to determine where you stand once you take a few practice exams in the coming weeks.

At the moment, you current scores should be competitive for some DO schools (although that 7 in VR hurts). I would probably post in the "What are my chances" forum to get a better idea of where your application stands as whole with your current MCAT score.

 

[chimparmy]

Edit: Nevermind, I think I figured it out.

 

[LittleLuck]

Good afternoon everyone,

I'm in need of dire help about whether to retake the exam

My score was a 29Q (10PS, 11V, and an 8BS) on 7/8/2010

My Overall GPA is 3.93 and my science GPA is 3.83. I was a Psychology major with a Biology and Chemistry minor.

I been through one cycle with only one interview but only applied to 10 schools, 7 of them being in NY.

My pre-health advisor says I have no chance the second time around, especially with a BS of 8. But since last year I have had a full time job at a prestigious cancer lab, and have been volunteering at the hospital for a while now.

What are my chances of applying early and more broadly this cycle if I don't retake it. My scheduled date for a re-take is 7/28/11, which I know is late once again. All help will be greatly appreciated!!

 

[ridethecliche]

Honestly, with a score in your range and a score under 30, especially with a BS of 8, I wonder if schools question how rigorous your undergrad classes really were. IMHO, it lowers the impact of your gpa.

You have a great gpa, why not score higher on the MCAT and make the most of it? You should be able to get a 30/31 without too much issue if you actually understood what was taught to you in undergrad.

 

[minimack0123]

Alright, I just got my mcat score back today from April 29th and got a 29r. 9v, 10p, 10 bio and I'm pretty disappointed . I was scoring about a 32 average with a 30 as my lowest on the aamcs.
I have a 3.71 gpa cumulative, and a science gpa of about 3.6. I am a division I athlete, have about 50 hours of er shadowing, 20 of clinical volunteering, and a ton of extracurricular activities at school (aed officer and team captain, etc).
I live in Texas and plan on applying this cycle. Should I retake? I feel like I can do much better but a 29 is pretty average for most tx med schools. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Sorry for mistakes I am typing on my phone.

 

[brettlee01]

32R

PS 9
VS 11
BS 12

GPA: 3.9
sGPA: 3.94
Lots of research
Good ECs and Letters

Should I retake for the PS section?!!?😕

 

[nagakoichi]

Am I a competitive applicant with these stats? (I live in California now)
My mcat breakdown is verbal:8, bio: 11, PS:10
I don't have that much EC, just research, hospital volunteer, work in orthodontics, a lot of church activities, Red Cross for a year, School Department Tutor.
Also, I finished school and all of the above in 3 years. Will they consider this when examining my application?

I'm thinking of retaking the MCAT in August, but I'm not sure 100% sure that I can get a better score, but maybe I can do better. Should I just submit first then retake the MCAT in August? Or should I just apply early?

 

[gerrymcgraw]

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)​

Why do you say here do not retake? Is it because that score is very good?

And I believe the written section is important, so why not retake in the case that it didn't go so well there?

 

[gettheleadout]

Why do you say here do not retake? Is it because that score is very good?

And I believe the written section is important, so why not retake in the case that it didn't go so well there?

Why do you believe the written section is important?

 

[TNALgirl]

Alright, so I thought I'd ask you all your opinions.

Quick bg:

Less-than-stellar undergrad GPA (3.18) but did a biology/chemistry double major in 4 years, and did 2 years of research with lots of other ECs. The GPA actually does have some explanation (I just got diagnosed with UC about 2 months ago, and I've been struggling with it since college started), but no excuses, right?

1st time MCAT (I was an idiot and didn't study)- 25R; PS-6, VR-10, and BS-9.

Studied hard. Retook. Got a 28O (my essay questions were seriously awful; I'm a much better writer than that). Breakdown- VR-9, PS-9, BS-10.

Should I retake it a THIRD TIME?! I applied for this fall and didn't get in (duh). I've taught Micro and Bio labs for a year, and I'm going to a one-year masters program in medical science. I fall into the "gray area".

What do you guys think?

 

[gettheleadout]

Alright, so I thought I'd ask you all your opinions.

Quick bg:

Less-than-stellar undergrad GPA (3.18) but did a biology/chemistry double major in 4 years, and did 2 years of research with lots of other ECs. The GPA actually does have some explanation (I just got diagnosed with UC about 2 months ago, and I've been struggling with it since college started), but no excuses, right?

1st time MCAT (I was an idiot and didn't study)- 25R; PS-6, VR-10, and BS-9.

Studied hard. Retook. Got a 28O (my essay questions were seriously awful; I'm a much better writer than that). Breakdown- VR-9, PS-9, BS-10.

Should I retake it a THIRD TIME?! I applied for this fall and didn't get in (duh). I've taught Micro and Bio labs for a year, and I'm going to a one-year masters program in medical science. I fall into the "gray area".

What do you guys think?

Is the masters program an SMP? (Special Masters Program, you'd know if it was, what with the taking medical school classes and all)

 

[TNALgirl]

Is the masters program an SMP? (Special Masters Program, you'd know if it was, what with the taking medical school classes and all)

Yes, it's an SMP.

 

[effjay]

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