Forum Members Official "Should I Retake?" Thread

[QofQuimica]

---

Members don't see this ad.

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

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

Definitely DO retake:

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

Definitely do NOT retake:

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

​

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

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

 

[eDITN]

Hey guys...I'm afraid my app is pretty average when it comes to LORs, ECs, gpa, etc., and was just wondering if you think an MCAT retake would improve my chances for the upcoming application cycle. I have a BA in Psych (neuroscience minor) and a BS in Human Bio (chem minor), but have been out of school for two years. I took my first MCAT at the end of finals week in May 2011 and didn't fare very well (10V/8BS/6PS=24P). I tried again in July 2011 and did much better, 10V/12BS/9PS=31Q.

So here's my question....would an improved third MCAT score give me a some extra leverage or does it just sound like a waste of time??? I have nothing but time to study and am confident that I can raise my score. Since my scores are nearly two years old and my time out of school is the same, I'm thinking it might not be a bad idea to demonstrate that I'm still dedicated and willing to work hard for what I want. PLEASE HELP!

I wouldn't retest. Apply early and broadly this upcoming cycle (assuming your GPA and ECs are solid) and you should have some success. Instead of studying again, do something that would bolster the rest of your application with your free time.

 

[prettycherish]

Alright,

So I took the MCAT last may and received a 27R (PS 8/ VR 9/ BS 10). I received three interviews: from Creighton, St. Louis University, and New York Medical College. I felt so confident about the NYMC & SLU ones BUT I got wait-listed to Creighton and St. Louis University.

Rather than twiddling my thumbs hoping I get an alternate accepted later this spring, I started thinking ahead for reapplication. I already have quite a decent application. 3.78gpa, 3.58 sci gpa. . . Have done microbiological research the past 1.5 years, AMSA secretary, a manager at my retail job, and volunteering at Hospice among other things.

I've already begun to apply to volunteering at the county clinic, along with looking into a scribe position. Should I retake my MCAT along with super-boosting my resume? I was planning on beginning studying the week of 2/11 and requesting off work from 4/28 till the MCAT. Also, since I have my score to submit, would you guys suggest taking the 5/31 or 6/21?

I'm just a ball of nerves and at a loss. :cry:

 

[eDITN]

Alright,

So I took the MCAT last may and received a 27R (PS 8/ VR 9/ BS 10). I received three interviews: from Creighton, St. Louis University, and New York Medical College. I felt so confident about the NYMC & SLU ones BUT I got wait-listed to Creighton and St. Louis University.

Rather than twiddling my thumbs hoping I get an alternate accepted later this spring, I started thinking ahead for reapplication. I already have quite a decent application. 3.78gpa, 3.58 sci gpa. . . Have done microbiological research the past 1.5 years, AMSA secretary, a manager at my retail job, and volunteering at Hospice among other things.

I've already begun to apply to volunteering at the county clinic, along with looking into a scribe position. Should I retake my MCAT along with super-boosting my resume? I was planning on beginning studying the week of 2/11 and requesting off work from 4/28 till the MCAT. Also, since I have my score to submit, would you guys suggest taking the 5/31 or 6/21?

I'm just a ball of nerves and at a loss. :cry:

My first and foremost advice would be to try as hard as you can to get off one of these waitlists. Keep updating each school with new achievements and showing your interest. You have had three interviews which is pretty solid - try as hard as you can to get one of them to stick.

If it doesn't work out, I would recommend retesting. You had a decent cycle (three MD interviews) with a pretty low MCAT which signifies that the rest of your application is pretty solid. If you can get yourself above a 30, I think your chances would increase greatly. Take some time off of work and study, study, study. Which materials did you use last time? I would recommend reading all the material on this forum because there are a lot of suggestions in terms of materials you can use. I would suggest giving yourself at least 2 months to study while not working full time (if you can possibly manage to do so). In terms of the actual date, that would be up to you. However, if you are not scoring in your target range 7-10 days before the exam, you should push it back.

Hope that helps a little bit and keep your head up!

 

[icevermin]

Hi I'm curious myself. cGPA 3.67, sGPA of 3.51 scored 29 twice. The dean of a school told me if I score above 30 a third time I'll have much better chances but honestly I really don't want to subject myself to this type of stress if I don't have to.

I had two interviews this cycle but I applied super duper late everywhere. I was verified in September and only got secondaries in by October.

 

[SukiPirate]

On behalf of my boyfriend:

Texas resident, applying only to Texas schools and hoping to stay in state.

MCAT: 10 10 10 for a 30

GPA: Overall: 3.63 (or thereabouts) Science: 3.5 (maybe but not sure)

Undergrad School/Major: UT Austin with B.S. in Cell/Molecular Biology

First application cycle, applied late July/early August, got one interview, no waitlist or admission.

Second application cycle, applied late September, no interviews.

Now full time job (at least 40/hrs per week), no time to raise GPA or take graduate classes. Plans to retake MCAT in April for next application cycle.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[stolen_biscuit]

On behalf of my boyfriend:

Texas resident, applying only to Texas schools and hoping to stay in state.

MCAT: 10 10 10 for a 30

GPA: Overall: 3.63 (or thereabouts) Science: 3.5 (maybe but not sure)

Undergrad School/Major: UT Austin with B.S. in Cell/Molecular Biology

First application cycle, applied late July/early August, got one interview, no waitlist or admission.

Second application cycle, applied late September, no interviews.

Now full time job (at least 40/hrs per week), no time to raise GPA or take graduate classes. Plans to retake MCAT in April for next application cycle.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Those numbers will not keep him out of TX schools. There must be something else missing from his app, or he is not selling it well enough in his PS/descriptions. Does he have leadership experiences? Volunteering? Non-medical interests he pursues? (I have noticed that TX schools in general don't target high scores; each school has something they are looking for with extracurriculars to round out the candidate.) On a more rare note, there might be a red flag somewhere (LORs?).

Some schools have reapp seminars. If he lives close to a med school, he can schedule a meeting and ask or suggestions to make himself a better candidate.

I would not recommend taking the time to try and raise the MCAT (unless his scores are timing out) without addressing the rest of the app first.

 

[gettheleadout]

Just got my scores back from my first time ever taking the MCAT.

36O (12p 12v 12b)


GPA is 3.9 at Duke Undergrad. Majoring in Bio minor in psych and looking to get into a top med school.


Is my MCAT high enough for JHop/Harvard/Columbia?

36 won't maximize your chances, but it's not going to the be reason for a rejection either. It's right around their averages.

 

[eDITN]

On behalf of my boyfriend:

Texas resident, applying only to Texas schools and hoping to stay in state.

MCAT: 10 10 10 for a 30

GPA: Overall: 3.63 (or thereabouts) Science: 3.5 (maybe but not sure)

Undergrad School/Major: UT Austin with B.S. in Cell/Molecular Biology

First application cycle, applied late July/early August, got one interview, no waitlist or admission.

Second application cycle, applied late September, no interviews.

Now full time job (at least 40/hrs per week), no time to raise GPA or take graduate classes. Plans to retake MCAT in April for next application cycle.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Why is he applying so late?

Early August is late and late September is extremely late, especially for Texas. Keep in mind that most of the Texas schools start interviewing in August. Your boyfriend has very mediocre stats and should be applying as early as possible in order to maximize his chances of admission.

Also, did he apply to every school in Texas? He should be applying to every school right in May when TMDSAS opens.

Hopefully, his full-time job is medically related and that will help add a push to his application. Its hard to say for sure his chances without knowing a little bit about his EC's. He could retest but I think there are other problems here.

 

[eDITN]

Hi I'm curious myself. cGPA 3.67, sGPA of 3.51 scored 29 twice. The dean of a school told me if I score above 30 a third time I'll have much better chances but honestly I really don't want to subject myself to this type of stress if I don't have to.

I had two interviews this cycle but I applied super duper late everywhere. I was verified in September and only got secondaries in by October.

Apply earlier! You have mediocre stats - you should maximize your chances by applying in June to a broad range of schools.

In terms of a retest, I think you have two options.
1) Take the MCAT again but I think you need to score at least 31-32 for it to really improve your application. Simply improving one point to 30 is not going to be worth the "stress" of retesting.
2) With your current MCAT, you apply early, broadly, and include some DO schools as well. You will get an acceptance somewhere, I think.

To anyone reading this thread, if you have borderline stats (<3.7, <30), apply EARLY! It is simply a waste of money to apply so late - maximize your chances. This doesn't apply just to those borderline applicants either, but it just seems to hurt their chances the most.

 

[reece05]

here we go... non trad finished school 2006
i am a reapplicant this year...complete with all secondaries by end of august... i have 3.79gpa 3.66sgpa
30 MCAT PS10 V 11 BS 9
previous MCAT of 27
no interviews at all
i am a NY resident...and i am getting mixed opinions regarding my mcat, if i retake it i would push for a beginning of june retake...if i have to reapply again i do not want to wait another whole year...but i don't have anything different to put on my app, and i feel my experience has shown my commitment and dedication to medicine, and adding another experience won't boost my application too much.


so retake mcat or is something else holding me back?
thanks for the advice

 

[EarthtoneJon]

here we go... non trad finished school 2006
i am a reapplicant this year...complete with all secondaries by end of august... i have 3.79gpa 3.66sgpa
30 MCAT PS10 V 11 BS 9
previous MCAT of 27
no interviews at all
i am a NY resident...and i am getting mixed opinions regarding my mcat, if i retake it i would push for a beginning of june retake...if i have to reapply again i do not want to wait another whole year...but i don't have anything different to put on my app, and i feel my experience has shown my commitment and dedication to medicine, and adding another experience won't boost my application too much.


so retake mcat or is something else holding me back?
thanks for the advice

Nice balanced MCAT score and about average GPA for accepted students. The question is, where did you apply? If you applied to 5-15 schools, that may be the reason you didn't get an interview. If you applied to 20+ schools, focusing on schools whose average GPA and MCAT are close to yours, and still didn't get invited to interview anywhere, there is something else wrong. Could be that you have insufficient clinical exposure, thin volunteering and extracurricular activities, or something else.

It won't hurt to schedule a retake, but first and foremost, make sure you are applying broadly and appropriately.

 

[jemstone]

Hey, folks! So, do I retake?

Here I am:

VR – 8 (This goose egg came out of nowhere! However, I never practiced verbal other than when I had to do it for a practice test )
PS - 11
BS - 11

Total = 30Q

sGPA = 4.0
cGPA = 4.0

What I view(ed) as an average total amount of EC's with a couple interesting ones. Applied this cycle, have only gotten a couple interviews from some in-state schools, and am already wait-listed at one.

I desire mid-ranked M.D. schools in the U.S.; however, despite this realistic approach, I have not gotten much love. It's now January 13, 2013, and I'm being realistic about what to expect and starting to think about what to do.

I studied for 5 weeks over summer while continuing volunteering, and I took my MCAT the 6th week. It has been so long since this time that I don't remember what AAMC tests are numbered or the order for that matter, so I'll riddle off the scores I believe I remember. I took them in the order they were in on AAMC's website. Here is the evolution of my test scores over this short period of time:

Diagnostic (Kaplan) – 25
AAMC tests (as I recall)- 29, 30, 31, 29, 32, 34, 34.

To be honest, I was strictly content (and some passages) for 4 weeks, and then I crammed all of those tests into like 1.5 weeks, taking my last one two nights before my actual test. I realize that a 6 week run may have been a bit foolish in retrospect. I may not have given myself the appropriate amount of time to learn the test entirely itself. Nevertheless, I saw what I was capable of, but still choked on test day. Maybe I hadn't practiced enough over time to develop consistency? I had scores as high as 13 on the sciences and 10 on VR (usually more around 9 VR).

Do I retake this MCAT or focus on the other parts of my application? We can agree it isn't my GPA, but is the reason I may not get in this year (it's looking like it) MORE LIKELY due to some other part of my application than my MCAT? Thank you.

I've come across a similar situation this cycle. I have a similar score (8 in verbal) and it seems to really throw adcoms off despite the rest of my seemingly decent application. I would say it's safe to assume that the 8 in verbal automatically wait lists us. I'm currently studying to take the MCAT again and focusing heavily on verbal. In our case, the 8 is a "yellow flag". Do with this information what you will.

 

[reece05]

Nice balanced MCAT score and about average GPA for accepted students. The question is, where did you apply? If you applied to 5-15 schools, that may be the reason you didn't get an interview. If you applied to 20+ schools, focusing on schools whose average GPA and MCAT are close to yours, and still didn't get invited to interview anywhere, there is something else wrong. Could be that you have insufficient clinical exposure, thin volunteering and extracurricular activities, or something else.

It won't hurt to schedule a retake, but first and foremost, make sure you are applying broadly and appropriately.

I applied to about 25 schools-- 20 were definitely in my range of stats...
I have decent volunteering and clinical experiences... I am a non trad and have been working in a private medical practice for 3 years as the office manager....only thing I feel I can really improve on would be mcat... I am an NY resident and I've been told mixed things about a 30 mcat score...most people I've spoken with say for instate NY you really need a 32? Any truth in this?

 

[Mdreapplicant]

going to be reapplying next year assuming I don't get in off any waitlists.

30 MAT (12/9/9)
GPA 3.68, sGPA 3.75

A bit weak EC's imo.



Problem with why I feel I can do better than a 30 was that I was studying for the MCAT while working full time and taking classes. I was usually too burnt out and just mainly did content review, and not many practice problems. Now I have a lot of free time (8+ hours day), and could actually dedicated myself and take the test after doing lots of practice. I would only retake it if my practice exams are in the 33+ range.

Thoughts?

 

[BABSstudent]

going to be reapplying next year assuming I don't get in off any waitlists.

30 MAT (12/9/9)
GPA 3.68, sGPA 3.75

A bit weak EC's imo.



Problem with why I feel I can do better than a 30 was that I was studying for the MCAT while working full time and taking classes. I was usually too burnt out and just mainly did content review, and not many practice problems. Now I have a lot of free time (8+ hours day), and could actually dedicated myself and take the test after doing lots of practice. I would only retake it if my practice exams are in the 33+ range.

Thoughts?

Why not build up your ECs?

 

[Mdreapplicant]

Why not build up your ECs?

I'm building them up too. I have a lot more shadowing and work experience than previous cycle. I recently lost my job and trying to find a medically relevant one is hard. So I'm going to do some volunteer work and maybe retake the mcat until I can get a position

 

[loltopsy]

Yeah.

 

[BABSstudent]

3.3 undergrad + 33 taken 3 years ago. SMP currently with ~3.8 gpa. If I don't get accepted for this fall (1 waitlist, 1 decision pending), I plan on retaking in early May since schools don't accept such old MCATs. I also got that MCAT with about 30 minutes of sleep the night before. This time, I have the power of ambien. My ECs, shadowing, research are all in the 'way too much' catagory. Because of the SMP schedule, I'd probably end up sabotaging some of my grades in the month leading up to it, but that doesn't matter much. I feel confident I can bring it up to a 35+.

Any advice?

Rock the MCAT! Check out the 30+ study habits thread that is stickied.

 

[GameTheory29]

Hey everyone I'm mostly a lurker, but if anyone has some thoughts, I would definitely appreciate it.

I graduated last may, didn't apply last cycle and took the MCAT in October and got a 10BS/12VR/10PS

My gpa is c3.43 and i would like to ideally go to an in-state medical school in Virginia since that's where I live and went to undergraduate, but I'm certainly open to and plan to apply broadly

My ECs include shadowing, hospital volunteering, an overseas educational/health related trip to Kenya with the Maasai, and now I'm mostly working as a part time ER scribe (20-30 hours per week) since May 2012. I've always had a general interest in medicine, but being an ER scribe helped me see what medicine and being a physician was about outside of an abstract idea and that it's something that I could and would want to do for a career


I'm leaning towards a re-take this May (I want to get the application in early), mostly cause I want this cycle to go well. Also, my first MCAT effort in terms of preparation and planning seemed to be pretty poor in terms of being consistent and focused and not getting through as much material as I hoped. I'm flip-flopping with the idea a bit, but I know at the end of the day it's my decision, but I was wondering if anyone had some input.

 

[stolen_biscuit]

Hey everyone I'm mostly a lurker, but if anyone has some thoughts, I would definitely appreciate it.

I graduated last may, didn't apply last cycle and took the MCAT in October and got a 10BS/12VR/10PS

My gpa is c3.43 and i would like to ideally go to an in-state medical school in Virginia since that's where I live and went to undergraduate, but I'm certainly open to and plan to apply broadly

My ECs include shadowing, hospital volunteering, an overseas educational/health related trip to Kenya with the Maasai, and now I'm mostly working as a part time ER scribe (20-30 hours per week) since May 2012. I've always had a general interest in medicine, but being an ER scribe helped me see what medicine and being a physician was about outside of an abstract idea and that it's something that I could and would want to do for a career


I'm leaning towards a re-take this May (I want to get the application in early), mostly cause I want this cycle to go well. Also, my first MCAT effort in terms of preparation and planning seemed to be pretty poor in terms of being consistent and focused and not getting through as much material as I hoped. I'm flip-flopping with the idea a bit, but I know at the end of the day it's my decision, but I was wondering if anyone had some input.

I would be surprised if your MCAT holds you back for those schools, so I wouldn't waste time retaking. Your GPA is going to be more of a problem. Can you take a few classes this summer/fall/spring? If you take a couple higher level Bio each semester and ace them, that would be more impressive. Continue the ECs and PT job at the same time, of course.

 

[mathwhiz09]

I would be surprised if your MCAT holds you back for those schools, so I wouldn't waste time retaking. Your GPA is going to be more of a problem. Can you take a few classes this summer/fall/spring? If you take a couple higher level Bio each semester and ace them, that would be more impressive. Continue the ECs and PT job at the same time, of course.

I agree. Your MCAT score is fine, but your GPA will hurt you. Look into bumping that a bit if you can, or be prepared to potentially answer questions in an interview about "low" grades (not necessarily low, but just not as high as the competition)

 

[GameTheory29]

I would be surprised if your MCAT holds you back for those schools, so I wouldn't waste time retaking. Your GPA is going to be more of a problem. Can you take a few classes this summer/fall/spring? If you take a couple higher level Bio each semester and ace them, that would be more impressive. Continue the ECs and PT job at the same time, of course.

hey, that's interesting, I didn't think about that and now it may be to late to take a course if i want to apply this summer. I know there are always more classes I could take at community college, but in terms of upper level bios I've already taken in undergraduate: neurobiology, developmental biology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, immunology, biochemistry, neurophysiology, psychopharmacology, microbiology, and nuclear structure and gene activity seminar. i don't know if they all count as upper level, and i certainly didn't plan to write them all out haha

i didn't do too poorly in any of these classes, only one B-. I was wondering if such a transcript helps me or if you still think taking more courses would help. I don't make excuses, I didn't do so great in the beginning of college and I had credits coming in for several of the general education requirements, so I got transfer credit for a few courses


i looked at the MSAR and it seems that my mcat seems to be in range for a few of these schools, but the reason I asked if i should retake is because I'm wondering if stepping up on my mcat score would help make up for where I'm weaker in GPA, or if I should go a different route

 

[stolen_biscuit]

hey, that's interesting, I didn't think about that and now it may be to late to take a course if i want to apply this summer. I know there are always more classes I could take at community college, but in terms of upper level bios I've already taken in undergraduate: neurobiology, developmental biology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, immunology, biochemistry, neurophysiology, psychopharmacology, microbiology, and nuclear structure and gene activity seminar. i don't know if they all count as upper level, and i certainly didn't plan to write them all out haha

i didn't do too poorly in any of these classes, only one B-. I was wondering if such a transcript helps me or if you still think taking more courses would help. I don't make excuses, I didn't do so great in the beginning of college and I had credits coming in for several of the general education requirements, so I got transfer credit for a few courses


i looked at the MSAR and it seems that my mcat seems to be in range for a few of these schools, but the reason I asked if i should retake is because I'm wondering if stepping up on my mcat score would help make up for where I'm weaker in GPA, or if I should go a different route

Sorry - I'm at the end of my app cycle, so my timing is off. I was thinking you meant you still had a year, not just a couple of months. Oops! A strong upward trend is definitely better than a smattering of good and bad grades.

I still think raising the MCAT probably isn't worth it. A 32, especially balanced like yours, is nothing to scoff at. If you check out probability curves, you will find that MCAT doesn't have as much weight as GPA, unfortunately. Along the same lines, raising MCAT without raising GPA doesn't increase your chances significantly. The amount of studying you'd have to do to score a few points higher could be more useful somewhere else.

Do you have any leadership activities? That's something important that you didn't mention. Maybe spearhead an activity at your hospital volunteer job?
Teaching? If not, you might be able to do some tutoring locally?

If you read school specific threads from this cycle, you will notice there is certainly more to the numbers game. (You will see great stats being rejected while avg stats with interesting experiences are being interviewed.) Especially considering your GPA is lower than average, you should focus on what makes you stand out.

Another thing you can be doing in these last few months is writing essays. Your PS and most meaningful experiences essays are where you can really sell yourself. You should be spending a lot of time perfecting those.

Good luck!

 

[GameTheory29]

Sorry - I'm at the end of my app cycle, so my timing is off. I was thinking you meant you still had a year, not just a couple of months. Oops! A strong upward trend is definitely better than a smattering of good and bad grades.

I still think raising the MCAT probably isn't worth it. A 32, especially balanced like yours, is nothing to scoff at. If you check out probability curves, you will find that MCAT doesn't have as much weight as GPA, unfortunately. Along the same lines, raising MCAT without raising GPA doesn't increase your chances significantly. The amount of studying you'd have to do to score a few points higher could be more useful somewhere else.

Do you have any leadership activities? That's something important that you didn't mention. Maybe spearhead an activity at your hospital volunteer job?
Teaching? If not, you might be able to do some tutoring locally?

If you read school specific threads from this cycle, you will notice there is certainly more to the numbers game. (You will see great stats being rejected while avg stats with interesting experiences are being interviewed.) Especially considering your GPA is lower than average, you should focus on what makes you stand out.

Another thing you can be doing in these last few months is writing essays. Your PS and most meaningful experiences essays are where you can really sell yourself. You should be spending a lot of time perfecting those.

Good luck!

Good luck to you too!

Thanks, I appreciate the help. I've been meaning to pick up a volunteer activity or two that has caught my interest but I just have not gotten the chance to make time to apply. I've also wanted to spend a lot of time working on my PS, so you've definitely inspired me into that direction.


I'll give it my best effort this cycle, and if it doesn't work out then I can make decisions like picking up an anatomy/physiology course this summer/fall/next spring and maybe considering retaking the MCAT if i know I can do better.

 

[stolen_biscuit]

Good luck to you too!

Thanks, I appreciate the help. I've been meaning to pick up a volunteer activity or two that has caught my interest but I just have not gotten the chance to make time to apply. I've also wanted to spend a lot of time working on my PS, so you've definitely inspired me into that direction.


I'll give it my best effort this cycle, and if it doesn't work out then I can make decisions like picking up an anatomy/physiology course this summer/fall/next spring and maybe considering retaking the MCAT if i know I can do better.

Thanks - I'm done, so I can relax. 🙂

I think with that plan, you will likely be fine as long as you choose schools wisely. Best of luck!

 

[jvn3110]

32 MCAT (12v, 8p, 12b)
GPA: 3.96

Normally I score 10-11 for physical sciences for my practice tests but when I took my actual mcat, I blanked out. Also, I had not taken physics 2 yet and learned all of it during a one month holiday hell princeton review. I'm taking the class now.

I'm applying to all of the Texas medical schools but my goal is Baylor college of medicine.

EC: 2 years of Research, premed honors society, president of awareness org, ~100 miscellaneous volunteer hours, ~60 hours doctor shadowing, Freshman mentor, Study abroad to spain, Theater group (2 years)

I really feel like I can do better but I told myself if I scored above a 30, I wouldn't retake. Should I take it again? I would study over the summer (1st half) and take it midsummer.

 

[IgA]

I posted this as a thread in the "What are my chances" page, but figured I could get some responses here as well.

I just got my MCAT score and it is a 30 (11,8,11). My AAMC average was a 33 so I am extremely bummed about this.

I am a New York resident. My cGPA is a 3.61 and sGPA is a 3.52 with a pretty extreme upward trend.

Freshman Fall: 3.11 (C+ in General bio 1)
Spring: 3.28 (B- in General bio 2)
Fall: 3.3
Spring: 3.19 (B- in Analytical Chem and calculus 2)
Summer (Physics 2 and lab taken at my university): 4.0
Fall: 4.0
Spring: 4.0
Fall: 3.96
Spring: 4.0

I graduated from a NY state school this past May.

Some important science/math classes that I have received A's in are:
Calculus 1, Biochemistry, Orgo 2, Human Physiology, Neuroscience, Immunology, Evolution, Evolution of Human Health, Physiology Lab, Neuro Lab, Phyics 2, and two semesters of undergrad research.

My ECs:

- Volunteer EMT-B for 1.5 year, about 6-12 hours per week (give or take)
- 100+ hours volunteering in the hospital (ER and on some floors)
- Employed as a patient care tech at a different hospital for about a year (16-24 hours per month)
- two semesters and a summer of undergrad research at a medical school (poster presentation at the end)
- 50 hours of shadowing a dermatologist (will do some more shadowing before applying)
- 50 hours volunteering at an adult home
- some tutoring - high school kids for biology - haven't calculated total time, but it wasn't too much - I would say 20-30 hours.
- Also involved in some clubs on campus


Currently, I am working in NYC as a research technician at a top research institute. I started working in June, right after I graduated and have been here over 8 months now.


Like I said, I am so bummed about my MCAT and told myself I definitely would not retake a 31 and definitely would retake a 29. With a 30, I don't know what to do. How is my application looking if I were to apply this year with a 30? Should I retake. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[turtleyanddoggy]

Hi, just wondering if I should retake if I'm aiming for a CA MD school or UCs? CA resident.

34 MCAT (14PS 9 VR 11 BS)
cGPA: 3.8, sGPA 3.88

Wondering if I should retake again; on AAMCs my range was 34-39 with an upward trend although average was around 35-36. Verbal was also always either a 10-11 on the practice tests. I'm just worried that the score might be unbalanced. Thanks

 

[Farmerboy]

Similar question to jumpbean2:

I got my MCAT scores back: 37 (13 VR, 12 PS, 12 BS)

Is my MCAT high enough for Harvard, or would it be advisable for me to retake? The HMS Admissions FAQ states that their average for matriculating student is:

Verbal-10.76
Physical Science-12.48
Biological Science-12.36

Listed below is my other information, as I know some of you need it to make a recommendation.

First generation immigrant. NOT a URM. GPA is 3.86 at a flagship state school. Double degree in cell bio/econ. Barry Goldwater Honorable Mention, won one of the big UK fellowships (Rhodes/Gates/Marshall - don't want to specify which for privacy reasons). About 150 hours shadowing a neurologist. Been an EMT on an ambulance for several years - couple hundred hours volunteering each year, have run over 100 911 calls, including several serious ones. On my school's crew team, have won medals at several club regettas. Was president of freshman hall council and editor-in-chief of undergraduate science research journal. Worked at NIH, and on campus lab for 2.5 years. Have been undergraduate teaching assistant.

 

[calimedical]

Hi, just wondering if I should retake if I'm aiming for a CA MD school or UCs? CA resident.

34 MCAT (14PS 9 VR 11 BS)
cGPA: 3.8, sGPA 3.88

Wondering if I should retake again; on AAMCs my range was 34-39 with an upward trend although average was around 35.5. Verbal was also always either a 10-11 on the practice tests. I'm just worried that the score might be unbalanced. Thanks

Yeah, I'm in almost the same boat. 33 (11 PS 8 VR 14 BS). Same goal of going to a UC. Anyone with a good advice for us?

 

[HopelesRomantic]

.

 

[hizziaips]

Similar question to jumpbean2:

I got my MCAT scores back: 37 (13 VR, 12 PS, 12 BS)

Is my MCAT high enough for Harvard, or would it be advisable for me to retake? The HMS Admissions FAQ states that their average for matriculating student is:

Verbal-10.76
Physical Science-12.48
Biological Science-12.36

Listed below is my other information, as I know some of you need it to make a recommendation.

First generation immigrant. NOT a URM. GPA is 3.86 at a flagship state school. Double degree in cell bio/econ. Barry Goldwater Honorable Mention, won one of the big UK fellowships (Rhodes/Gates/Marshall - don't want to specify which for privacy reasons). About 150 hours shadowing a neurologist. Been an EMT on an ambulance for several years - couple hundred hours volunteering each year, have run over 100 911 calls, including several serious ones. On my school's crew team, have won medals at several club regettas. Was president of freshman hall council and editor-in-chief of undergraduate science research journal. Worked at NIH, and on campus lab for 2.5 years. Have been undergraduate teaching assistant.

Do you really need someone to tell you that 37 > 35.6?

 

[otreezieo]

MCAT scores ->11/7/12 = 30 with a overal GPA 3.62 Science GPA around 3.6

Cali resident

Would schools screen me out because of the 7? Should i retake? I'm from Cali and wanted to apply this cycle but looks like all the test dates up to May are filled in Cali

 

[Farmerboy]

Do you really need someone to tell you that 37 > 35.6?

No, but that number, being an average, does not reflect the MCAT distribution for people with my background - a non-URM, not attending an Ivy League/top 10 undergrad, and probably younger than most other applicants. I'm afraid that the MCAT range for applicants with similar profiles to mine would be higher, and that is why I am inquiring whether to retake.

 

[hizziaips]

No, but that number, being an average, does not reflect the MCAT distribution for people with my background - a non-URM, not attending an Ivy League/top 10 undergrad, and probably younger than most other applicants. I'm afraid that the MCAT range for applicants with similar profiles to mine would be higher, and that is why I am inquiring whether to retake.

Don't retake. Your MCAT is outstanding and is already above median at Harvard. Scoring higher will not help you appreciably (there is very little difference between, say, 39 and 37), and there's always a chance that you score lower. Like everyone else whose MCAT score is "good enough" for a top school, whether or not you interview and are eventually accepted will depend on the other aspects of your application (research, volunteering, LORs, etc).

 

[Farmerboy]

Don't retake. Your MCAT is outstanding and is already above median at Harvard. Scoring higher will not help you appreciably (there is very little difference between, say, 39 and 37), and there's always a chance that you score lower. Like everyone else whose MCAT score is "good enough" for a top school, whether or not you interview and are eventually accepted will depend on the other aspects of your application (research, volunteering, LORs, etc).

Thank you kindly for the advice. I will consider what others say before coming to a consensus, but I will make my EC's my priority in the short-term.

 

[IgA]

Can anyone comment on my situation? It is a few posts back. I would really appreciate some input. Thanks!

 

[HoopHappy]

.

 

[dr bauer]

MCAT: 31 (11p 8v 12b)
sGPA: 3.59
cGPA: 3.77

Should I retake?

 

[brood910]

I am in the exact same position as you and don't know what to do!

MCAT: 32 (12p, 10v, 10b)
GPA: 4.0
Residence: MI

EC: 1.5 years of research, pre-med club e-board, 60 hours as a site leader for an alternative spring break, 120 hours in Tower Guard (sophomore volunteer honor society), 80 hours doctor shadowing, Study abroad to Virgin Islands and second to Dominican Republic, 100 hours hospital volunteering, a few awards outside scholarships, 50 miscellaneous volunteer hours

I want to go out of state and know that my score isn't the highest. I put in the time but definitely rushed studying and let nerves get to me on test day. My AAMC average was 34 ranging from 29-37. I told myself I wouldn't retake in the 30s but don't feel satisfied with my score.

Help!

Troll

 

[maybemed2013]

3.7 GPA
3.6 sciGPA
Black Female
FL resident
Below average EC but planning to work as a CNA soon.
MCAT 24 8/8/8

My AAMC average was about a 23 my highest was a 26 on AAMC 8.
On AAMC 10 I got a 23 and on AAMC 11 I got a 25.

I think my score started to decline after AAMC 8 because I begin to burn out.
I begin studying since May and think I studied for too long but I am also shocked I studied for so long and only got a 24. I was not in school or working all I was doing was studying, which lead to burn-outs.

I believe I can raise my PS and BS score at least 2 points but I am not sure if I can raise or even keep VR score.


This time I will begin studying in April and take the test in Aug. I been to use PR again and use the PR FLS that I did not use to gauge my score. I was going to retake only if I was getting at least a 30 consistently with no subsection lower than an 8.

 

[rule out normal]

3.7 GPA
3.6 sciGPA
Black Female
FL resident
Below average EC but planning to work as a CNA soon.
MCAT 24 8/8/8

My AAMC average was about a 23 my highest was a 26 on AAMC 8.
On AAMC 10 I got a 23 and on AAMC 11 I got a 25.

I think my score started to decline after AAMC 8 because I begin to burn out.
I begin studying since May and think I studied for too long but I am also shocked I studied for so long and only got a 24. I was not in school or working all I was doing was studying, which lead to burn-outs.

I believe I can raise my PS and BS score at least 2 points but I am not sure if I can raise or even keep VR score.


This time I will begin studying in April and take the test in Aug. I been to use PR again and use the PR FLS that I did not use to gauge my score. I was going to retake only if I was getting at least a 30 consistently with no subsection lower than an 8.

You should be good.

 

[SPTtoMD]

I have been waffling back and forth regarding whether or not I need to retake my MCAT--

MCAT is 30 (10P/9V/11B), well below my AAMC average of ~35
GPA: 3.7, both undergrad and grad, with an upward trend
sGPA: 3.8
PT student, switching to an MD after careful deliberation and research.

I also have worked with individuals with special needs since high school, done direct patient care at a variety of clinics (including foot evals at the Indian Health Board) for the past two years, international volunteer experience, several school and outside honors and awards, peer leadership at the state and federal level, 3 total years research experience, 300+ clinic volunteer hours and even more miscellaneous volunteer hours. I have also spent 50 hours shadowing MD's so far and have more ongoing observations set up. (I understand I will also need to explain why I am switching from PT to medicine, but I won't discuss that here.)

Will a 30 hold me back from applying to MD schools around the Midwest, or does the rest of the application salvage it? I am in class from 8 to as late as 5 and have a job to help pay rent, leaving me with little wiggle room to study. However, I know I can do better and want medicine badly enough to retake the MCAT and improve my score by five points.

 

[maybemed2013]

I have been waffling back and forth regarding whether or not I need to retake my MCAT--

MCAT is 30 (10P/9V/11B), well below my AAMC average of ~35
GPA: 3.7, both undergrad and grad, with an upward trend
sGPA: 3.8
PT student, switching to an MD after careful deliberation and research.

I also have worked with individuals with special needs since high school, done direct patient care at a variety of clinics (including foot evals at the Indian Health Board) for the past two years, international volunteer experience, several school and outside honors and awards, peer leadership at the state and federal level, 3 total years research experience, 300+ clinic volunteer hours and even more miscellaneous volunteer hours. I have also spent 50 hours shadowing MD's so far and have more ongoing observations set up. (I understand I will also need to explain why I am switching from PT to medicine, but I won't discuss that here.)

Will a 30 hold me back from applying to MD schools around the Midwest, or does the rest of the application salvage it? I am in class from 8 to as late as 5 and have a job to help pay rent, leaving me with little wiggle room to study. However, I know I can do better and want medicine badly enough to retake the MCAT and improve my score by five points.

The only thing I found that might hurt your chances is if you do not finish your PT program before you start med school. I know a lot of med schools have a policy where your degree must be completed before starting.

 

[SPTtoMD]

The only thing I found that might hurt your chances is if you do not finish your PT program before you start med school. I know a lot of med schools have a policy where your degree must be completed before starting.

I definitely plan on finishing the PT program. 🙂 It's a clinical doctorate so I'm a nontrad at this point.

I'll also keep my fingers crossed for you. I had been thinking about you and hoping you scored well enough on the MCAT to achieve your goal.

 

[DocLakers]

I am new to SDN and am looking for some advice. I have a 3.53 sGPA and a 3.60 cGPA. I scored a 29O on the MCAT: 10PS 10BS 9VR. I applied very late in the past cycle, mid October. I only applied to 5 schools because I didn't want to waste all my money applying so late. I have had 2 interviews recently, one DO. and one MD, and am still waiting to hear back from them. I have not had any rejections yet, so still hopeful for the other three schools. I have very good ECs and am some what non-traditional. If I do not get in this cycle should I retake the MCAT or just apply immediately in the next cycle with the scores I have?

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Kiwanw]

Hi guys,
I've been looking for someone who's stats are pretty similar to mine but havent come across them yet.

PS 8
VR 9
BS 10

3.3 Sci and cGPA (I know, kind of pooped the bed on that one)

Black male, Bio major from Penn State, Virginia resident

2+ years Orgo research + publication, was a bio and orgo Tutor, I was an RA for 2 years, and had 2 other leadership positions on campus and 45+ shadowing hours with MD surgeon and DO. I've got Volunteer hours for days and im currently in an EMT course that'll finish up in May.

Im applying to mostly D.O. schools and some MD school (Penn State, about 4 other in state/ big ten schools) but I was wondering if applying to more MD schools would need me to retake to get above a 30?

Thanks, I've been watching this thread for a while, but was so scared to repost 😀 lol

 

[living2121]

30Q mcat 10 in all sections
3.78 cGPA 3.6 science gpa
Graduating with honor in biology
Pretty good ec
Summer research program
And 4 semester of research at my institution
URM female from a public school
What are my chances of getting into a mid-high tier school with these stats
Should I retake?

 

[darbsub]

I took my MCAT July 2012: 8VR 10PS 10BS WS-L... 28L
have a 3.7GPA with science GPA of 3.5

EC just volunteering at hospital and a summer of research.
Applied this past summer and received no interview invitations so I am very tempted to retake.

Not getting accepted has really thrown me off so any help is appreciated.

EDIT: I should also mention that I received all of my secondary applications and completed them, but my AMCAS was submitted in September because of my late MCAT test date :/

 

[BABSstudent]

I took my MCAT July 2012: 8VR 10PS 10BS WS-L... 28L
have a 3.7GPA with science GPA of 3.5

EC just volunteering at hospital and a summer of research.
Applied this past summer and received no interview invitations so I am very tempted to retake.

Not getting accepted has really thrown me off so any help is appreciated.

I had the exact same numbers of you and I decided to retake. I ended up with a 32 the second time and each section improved by a point (verbal improved by two). I ended up with a bunch of interviews, only attended three of them and was accepted to each one.

Like I said, I decided to retake and I am glad I did.

If this is the only thing you think that held you back (i.e. not applying late, good LORs, ECs and a solid app), then retaking will help.

What else can you do? If I were you, I would probably rework the primary application since you didn't receive a single secondary. There is probably a red flag somewhere in your application that you need to find because a 28 should get you an interview or two, especially to your state school.