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)​

 

[AFLATPEG]

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.

how'd you improve your verbal?

 

[patel202]

I had very similar application as yours. I just had a little more GPA. You would be fine with the DO programs. If you are going MD programs, you have to take the MCAT again. But make sure that the score doesn't go down!

 

[patel202]

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

I had very similar application as yours. I just had a little more GPA. You would be fine with the DO programs. If you are going MD programs, you have to take the MCAT again. But make sure that the score doesn't go down!

 

[eDITN]

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?

You are in good shape for mid-tier. Top tier is a crapshoot but you have an okay GPA, decent MCAT, strong EC's (I think) and are a URM which will help you out. Wouldn't surprise me at all if you got a few looks from top tiers but don't get your hopes up and apply broadly to be sure you get an acceptance somewhere. I wouldn't retake the MCAT if I were you.

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 :/

Yeah, retest for sure (especially if you want MD). I wouldn't apply this coming cycle either. Take two years off and bolster your EC's (which are weak) - do something interesting and unique that you are passionate about.
Really try to improve your MCAT to 32+ and apply early in June 2014 with your improved EC's - you should be good to go then.

 

[darklabel]

29 ( PS 10/ V 10/BS 9)

sci/cum = 3.22/3.45 (Should go up after this semester to a ~3.3/3.5)

Have decent EC's and enrolling into a decent SMP next year (Barry).

Also URM(Listing both hispanic and aa) and disadvantaged (if that matters).

I know I am set for DO (and with grade replacement, should have ~3.6 for both cum and sciGPA) but was wondering if I even have a shot in hell for MD.

Decent EC's also (~1000 hours volunteering, shadowing, leader of multiple clubs, research for 2 years, worked to supplement parent's income etc).

So should I retake? I am scared of getting below and a 29 just kills me..

 

[eDITN]

29 ( PS 10/ V 10/BS 9)

sci/cum = 3.22/3.45 (Should go up after this semester to a ~3.3/3.5)

Have decent EC's and enrolling into a decent SMP next year (Barry).

Also URM and disadvantaged (if that matters).

I know I am set for DO (and with grade replacement, should have ~3.6 for both cum and sciGPA) but was wondering if I even have a shot in hell for MD.

Decent EC's also (~1000 hours volunteering, shadowing, leader of multiple clubs, research for 2 years, worked to supplement parent's income etc).

So should I retake? I am scared of getting below and a 29 just kills me..

URM definitely matters.

I think you will definitely get some looks from MD schools provided you do well in your SMP. Do you think you can improve your MCAT? If you feel like you didn't score as well as you anticipated, then it could help you. But, if it you studied quite a bit for the 29 and are concerned that you may not improve much (if at all), then it isn't worth it. I think you have more than a "shot in hell for MD" with your current score.

 

[darklabel]

URM definitely matters.

I think you will definitely get some looks from MD schools provided you do well in your SMP. Do you think you can improve your MCAT? If you feel like you didn't score as well as you anticipated, then it could help you. But, if it you studied quite a bit for the 29 and are concerned that you may not improve much (if at all), then it isn't worth it. I think you have more than a "shot in hell for MD" with your current score.

Thanks for the advice, I did study for the 29 and while I could do better (I believe the difference between a 29 and a 30 is huge), I am worried about retaking and getting lower.

Any other suggestions?

 

[eDITN]

Thanks for the advice, I did study for the 29 and while I could do better (I believe the difference between a 29 and a 30 is huge), I am worried about retaking and getting lower.

Any other suggestions?

I actually think the perceived difference between a 29 and a 30 is a bit overstated. If you were to retest and only improve by 1 point (to 30), I don't think that would automatically make your application much stronger. Yes, a 29 "sounds" weaker than a 30, but the reality is that there is only a 1 point difference and that improvement isn't really all that impressive.

I would only retest if you think you can improve by 3 or more points (32+ in your case). Otherwise, all that time studying could be used to improve other aspects of your application that may have more of an impact than a 1 or 2 point boost on the MCAT.

 

[Lrnd Astronomer]

Hey guys,
(first time poster long time lurker)
I just received my MCAT score and was disappointed when I found out I got a 30 (10-P 8-V 12B). I scored on average about 3-4 points higher on my AAMC practice scores. I honestly wouldn't be so disappointed with my score if it wasn't for verbal being an 8 (my average was around a 10).
My cGPA is 3.93, and my sGPA is 3.88. I have a lot of research experience (4+ years), Hospital volunteering experience, and Community Service along with other ECs.

I was hoping that I could apply this year, and that I could apply to mid to upper tier schools. Should I retake the MCAT if I plan to apply this year?

 

[asecondtolife]

32 (11/10/11)

cGPA and sGPA = 3.9
Average ECs - shadowing (~50hrs), hospital volunteering (~200hrs), 2 years UG research and 1 year as lab manager, a few club officer positions

I scored between 34 and 36 on all my practice tests and my VR was a lot higher (with a low of 11 but usually in 12-13 range)

My main worry is I'm not good enough for California schools. I have family in Sacramento that need me nearby and so UCD is a top priority school for me.

 

[stargate16]

30 (10/10/10)

Cum gpa 3.71 Sci gpa 3.59

EC's: (Planning to apply 2014 for class of 2015) expected 100 plus hrs of shadowing (have 80 now), 200plus hospital volunteering, 3 yrs research 2 publications and some other clubs/community service.

MI resident/ Caucasian

My MCAT was 5 pts below my AAMC average, I also felt like I needed more work on content from my AAMC self assessment pkg percentiles, I went ahead and took MCAT anyways because of my practice test average of 35 (30-39). The test felt good though, so this has me worried if I retake and possibly do worse. I am okay with mid and low tier schools, but I would like to attend a school that is very research focused. I am about 80 percent sure I want to retake, but reading some scary posts with scores dropping has me concerned.

 

[Like]

30 (10/10/10)

Cum gpa 3.71 Sci gpa 3.59

EC's: (Planning to apply 2014 for class of 2015) expected 100 plus hrs of shadowing (have 80 now), 200plus hospital volunteering, 3 yrs research 2 publications and some other clubs/community service.

MI resident/ Caucasian

My MCAT was 5 pts below my AAMC average, I also felt like I needed more work on content from my AAMC self assessment pkg percentiles, I went ahead and took MCAT anyways because of my practice test average of 35 (30-39). The test felt good though, so this has me worried if I retake and possibly do worse. I am okay with mid and low tier schools, but I would like to attend a school that is very research focused. I am about 80 percent sure I want to retake, but reading some scary posts with scores dropping has me concerned.

Are you planning on applying for PhD/MD ? If yes, then you will need a retake and score ~35. You will have an entire year to prep so I don't see why it can't be done. On the other hand, if George Washington was your goal simply for the "research" prestige then I wouldn't say it's worth it. Plenty of schools offer research opportunities. Some schools such as Rochester even award "MD with distinction in research." 😍

 

[stargate16]

I am not interested in MD/PhD,after doing a lot of shadowing I realized I want to be an MD more than I previously thought. I do want to continue research on the side and would be happy with any tier, as long as I can have the opportunity to continue research. I am considering applying this year with what I have now, if it doesn't look like it's going well, I can retake the MCAT. I am still uncertain, but will make up my mind soon, I hope!

 

[Like]

I am not interested in MD/PhD,after doing a lot of shadowing I realized I want to be an MD more than I previously thought. I do want to continue research on the side and would be happy with any tier, as long as I can have the opportunity to continue research. I am considering applying this year with what I have now, if it doesn't look like it's going well, I can retake the MCAT. I am still uncertain, but will make up my mind soon, I hope!

Go for it! 😛 It's good that you're planning on doing more research as that greatly helps with matching into residency of choice.

 

[stargate16]

Thanks! So, you think I stand a chance, especially in MI? I know I have zero chance at UM, but I am hopeful about Wayne.

 

[Like]

Thanks! So, you think I stand a chance, especially in MI? I know I have zero chance at UM, but I am hopeful about Wayne.

Try Wayne for sure. You stand a good chance if you apply broadly.

 

[stargate16]

Do you think 15-20 schools is enough? I have the MSAR too, which should help.

 

[Like]

Do you think 15-20 schools is enough? I have the MSAR too, which should help.

Should be more than enough. Check this out:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=994203

 

[Bila2059]

Hey everyone, I've had this "should I retake" question in my mind since I received my 2nd MCAT score. Here are my stats:

3.75 GPA, higher science GPA
1st MCAT attempt: 8/9/10
2nd attempt: 10/11/8

I am not really sure what happened in Bio because I never scored lower than a 10 on that section in any of the practice tests.

My ECs include tons of shadowing and research, including one pub and a pending pub. I believe I am okay for DO but what about MD? Is taking it a third time too much of a risk?

Thanks and best of luck to us all!!

 

[Like]

Is taking it a third time too much of a risk?

Lol I'm taking it for a fourth time. Who really knows..😀

 

[Lexipi]

*

 

[Like]

Are you confident you can repeat (or improve) your science scores and score higher on verbal?

 

[Lexipi]

Are you confident you can repeat (or improve) your science scores and score higher on verbal?

Honestly, I think it would be hard to replicate that PS score (highest I ever got on my practice tests was a 9). Verbal I think I could improve but not not by much (I was averaging 8s). If I do retake, I would have to do it after school ends in June (my classes keep me extremely busy, would not have any time to study for verbal and re-study sciences). So that would either mean that I submit my app with a pending MCAT or wait until the next cycle to apply...

Do you think that the 6 will get me screened out?

 

[Like]

Honestly, I think it would be hard to replicate that PS score (highest I ever got on my practice tests was a 9). Verbal I think I could improve but not not by much (I was averaging 8s). If I do retake, I would have to do it after school ends in June (my classes keep me extremely busy, would not have any time to study for verbal and re-study sciences). So that would either mean that I submit my app with a pending MCAT or wait until the next cycle to apply...

Do you think that the 6 will get me screened out?

🙁 yes, unfortunately...but don't underestimate the power of the URM status. The two might just cancel each other out if the rest of your application is solid. So don't retake unless you've done some studying and you're very confident of improving your scores.

 

[alwayshopeful12]

I am a little confused about what to do about my MCAT score.

I was getting 32-34 on AAMCs. Ended up with 31 (11 V / 10 P / 10 B) on the actual :/

I have a 3.9 cumulative and science GPA.
I have shadowed in clinics and hospitals, volunteered in a hospital and a non-profit organization for children w/ terminal illnesses, researched in a neurology lab for 1+ year, held leadership positions on campus, done ECs outside of the medical field during the summer, etc.

I am wondering if my MCAT score would hinder my application if I were to apply this cycle. I am looking at schools like Baylor (in Texas), Emory (in Atlanta), JHopkins (Maryland), University of Florida/ Miami/Texas.

Any advice would be amazing!

 

[steadylaughing8]

3.96 Science GPA
3.93 Overall GPA

I've taken the MCAT twice, scoring a 29 (11 BS, 10 PS, 8 VR) both times. I'm planning on applying early decision to a Florida med school. Should I retake a third time?

 

[nazanin ahmadie]

MCAT SCORE:
PS 12
BS 10
VR 6
28M

overall GPA from UCLA : 3.52
Overall GPA UCLA+ CC: 5.78
science GPA: 5.70

I also have shadowed doctors at UCLA medical center in geriatric and gynecology departments, did tutoring and was teacher assistant in chemistry back in CC.
I know i will have strong recommendation letters. I am not sure if i need to retake my MCAT or not! I mostly score the same all practice tests.

 

[BABSstudent]

MCAT SCORE:
PS 12
BS 10
VR 6
28M

overall GPA from UCLA : 3.52
Overall GPA UCLA+ CC: 5.78
science GPA: 5.70

I also have shadowed doctors at UCLA medical center in geriatric and gynecology departments, did tutoring and was teacher assistant in chemistry back in CC.
I know i will have strong recommendation letters. I am not sure if i need to retake my MCAT or not! I mostly score the same all practice tests.

How is your GPA above a 4.0. It's impossible to get over a 4.0. Did you mean to write 3.78 and 3.7?

Or did you get a 2.26 and are adding it to the 3.52 you got at UCLA? I hope not because that's not how that works.

Finally are you trying to get in DO or MD schools?

 

[nazanin ahmadie]

haha i meant:
overall GPA from UCLA : 3.52
Overall GPA UCLA+ CC: 3.78
science GPA: 3.70

i want to get into a MD school

How is your GPA above a 4.0. It's impossible to get over a 4.0. Did you mean to write 3.78 and 3.7?

Or did you get a 2.26 and are adding it to the 3.52 you got at UCLA? I hope not because that's not how that works.

Finally are you trying to get in DO or MD schools?

 

[BABSstudent]

haha i meant:
overall GPA from UCLA : 3.52
Overall GPA UCLA+ CC: 3.78
science GPA: 3.70

i want to get into a MD school

If you want to get into an md school the 6 in VR is going to kill your app. I would retake.

 

[eDITN]

MCAT SCORE:
PS 12
BS 10
VR 6
28M

overall GPA from UCLA : 3.52
Overall GPA UCLA+ CC: 5.78
science GPA: 5.70

I also have shadowed doctors at UCLA medical center in geriatric and gynecology departments, did tutoring and was teacher assistant in chemistry back in CC.
I know i will have strong recommendation letters. I am not sure if i need to retake my MCAT or not! I mostly score the same all practice tests.

Yes, you need to retest and improve VR.

3.96 Science GPA
3.93 Overall GPA

I've taken the MCAT twice, scoring a 29 (11 BS, 10 PS, 8 VR) both times. I'm planning on applying early decision to a Florida med school. Should I retake a third time?

I have no specific knowledge of the school you are referring to, but I think it will be challenging with your current MCAT score. If you don't retest, you should apply widely and early (granted you have good ECs) but there are no guarantees.

I think your best shot would be to retest, study in a more effective way, and hopefully score 32+. However, given that you have already taken the test twice with no improvement, I'm not sure how feasible that option is.

 

[jeffs office]

If you want to get into an md school the 6 in VR is going to kill your app. I would retake.

What about a 6 in VR for DO schools. Is this still considered pretty low?

 

[BABSstudent]

What about a 6 in VR for DO schools. Is this still considered pretty low?

I have heard that is the lowest you want to go for DO schools. Keep in mind that I only know about MD schools. They tend to have cut offs at 7s.

 

[13132]

I just took the MCAT May 11th, and I confident that I definitely underperformed. I was averaging 34 after having taken all of the AAMC exams. Unfortunately, I was completely clueless when I took the real thing (probably nerves). By underperformed, I mean something like 10P, 11 V, 8 B<---- thats the section I panicked in.

Anyway, I want to schedule a retake just incase it is as bad as I think it will be. The next available date in my state is July 13. Is this too late for this coming cycle?

If not, I wanted to ask how that would work. Would it be wise for me to apply with my bad score and somehow send an updated score later? What if a school doesn't even consider me due to the bad score I apply with?

I'm more concerned about the logistics of the whole thing rather than whether I should retake it (I am convinced I should since I haven't felt as clueless since the first MCAT I took cold).

 

[hanniballecture]

Hi all,

Here are my numbers:

7 PS, 14 VR, 10 BS (Composite of 31)

GPA (overall): 3.8
GPA (science): 3.7

I am confident in my extracurriculars, volunteerism, and clinical experiences. I am confident in my letters of recommendation and personal statement.

I am applying to a fairly non-competitive in-state MD program. Their average matriculant has a 28 MCAT, 3.7 overall GPA, and 3.6 science GPA.

I realize that my score is a bit unbalanced and that the seven is quite iffy, so I'm hoping for some advice on the matter.

So, should I retake?

 

[lcollier7]

Does anyone know the latest test date you can re-take for this application cycle and have scores released in a reasonable amt of time (as in you won't be at the very end of the applicant pool competing w/ the cream of the crop) I am taking my first MCAT June 20 an applying EDP to Mercer in GA- I just wonder if I should go ahead and sign up for another test date after I take my test just in case I end up needing to retake- I know spots are filling quickly for summer test dates if not already full in GA. Advice?

 

[recycledpaper]

If I got a 29 (11V 10BS 8PS), should I retake? I feel like with a decent verbal, which is where some applicants have their lowest score, I can up my score if I brush up a little bit on my sciences.

I did not review thoroughly for my sciences, so I'm sort of hopeful. However, if a 29 is decent, I'd rather not taint it with a sub-par follow-up score.

Thanks in advance for your insight.

PS: My GPA is not competitive for MD, only DO.

 

[eDITN]

Hi all,

Here are my numbers:

7 PS, 14 VR, 10 BS (Composite of 31)

GPA (overall): 3.8
GPA (science): 3.7

I am confident in my extracurriculars, volunteerism, and clinical experiences. I am confident in my letters of recommendation and personal statement.

I am applying to a fairly non-competitive in-state MD program. Their average matriculant has a 28 MCAT, 3.7 overall GPA, and 3.6 science GPA.

I realize that my score is a bit unbalanced and that the seven is quite iffy, so I'm hoping for some advice on the matter.

So, should I retake?

Crazy breakdown.

I'm surprised that your PS score is so low considering that your science GPA is 3.7. That low of a score indicates that there is a considerable gap in your knowledge in that section. So I have a few questions.

How did you study? Did you feel comfortable with all the topics covered in the PS section?

Could you replicate (12+) the VR score? Was that a fluke score or were you always scoring near perfectly on your practice tests?

I think if you can improve that PS a bit it would be worth it to retest, even if it means that you lose a few points in VR. Get that 7 up to at least a 9 and you should be in good shape at your state school.

 

[eDITN]

If I got a 29 (11V 10BS 8PS), should I retake? I feel like with a decent verbal, which is where some applicants have their lowest score, I can up my score if I brush up a little bit on my sciences.

I did not review thoroughly for my sciences, so I'm sort of hopeful. However, if a 29 is decent, I'd rather not taint it with a sub-par follow-up score.

Thanks in advance for your insight.

PS: My GPA is not competitive for MD, only DO.

If your GPA is only competitive for DO, then I would definitely not retake. You are in great shape in terms of MCAT for DO schools.

 

[armpitcurry]

If your GPA is only competitive for DO, then I would definitely not retake. You are in great shape in terms of MCAT for DO schools.

wth kind of answer is that?

If I got a 29 (11V 10BS 8PS), should I retake? I feel like with a decent verbal, which is where some applicants have their lowest score, I can up my score if I brush up a little bit on my sciences.

I did not review thoroughly for my sciences, so I'm sort of hopeful. However, if a 29 is decent, I'd rather not taint it with a sub-par follow-up score.

Thanks in advance for your insight.

PS: My GPA is not competitive for MD, only DO.

It all depends on how you feel like you can do. I got a 30 my first time and decided to retake because I know I can do so much better. People with <3.0 GPAs have gotten in with a 35 or higher score on their MCAT from the admission stats I looked at for various MD schools. Don't set you ceiling anywhere based on what others tell you, onlly you know what you are capable of.

 

[MD3939]

So I took the MCAT the first time and I didn't really study too much (working, classes, and volunteering). PS: 9 VR: 10 BS: 10. I had been scoring an average of 33 on practice exams so I thought that was lower than I was capable of. I had originally gotten a 27 on my first aamc test, so I figured I couldn't get lower than that if I retook. But I retook and my score went wayyy down PS: 8 VR: 8 BS: 9. Of course I wish I didn't retake, but too late for that.

I ended up with 2 interviews this application cycle and am still on one waitlist. If I don't get in I will do a post-bac program since my gpa is just okay, 3.6 overall and 3.5 science. Should I retake it again? Any advice for studying if I retake?

 

[recycledpaper]

If your GPA is only competitive for DO, then I would definitely not retake. You are in great shape in terms of MCAT for DO schools.

wth kind of answer is that?








It all depends on how you feel like you can do. I got a 30 my first time and decided to retake because I know I can do so much better. People with <3.0 GPAs have gotten in with a 35 or higher score on their MCAT from the admission stats I looked at for various MD schools. Don't set you ceiling anywhere based on what others tell you, onlly you know what you are capable of.

I kind of understand his answer; if you have no shot, why bother retaking?

However, knowing that 35+ MCAT scores have gotten into MDs is good to know. They must have some seriously awesome ECs and personal statements.

I'm currently taking some upper-div science courses at my alma mater as a post-bac student with hopes to increase my GPA. Anything less than a 4.0 in any course will suck but so far so good. I'm hoping to raise my GPA to 3.4+. If that were the case, I'd need to consider my chances of getting an MD acceptance if I were to, say, retake and get a 33+.

I'm also a CA resident and Asian, if that matters (I'm sure it does, unfortunately).

 

[recycledpaper]

So I took the MCAT the first time and I didn't really study too much (working, classes, and volunteering). PS: 9 VR: 10 BS: 10. I had been scoring an average of 33 on practice exams so I thought that was lower than I was capable of. I had originally gotten a 27 on my first aamc test, so I figured I couldn't get lower than that if I retook. But I retook and my score went wayyy down PS: 8 VR: 8 BS: 9. Of course I wish I didn't retake, but too late for that.

I ended up with 2 interviews this application cycle and am still on one waitlist. If I don't get in I will do a post-bac program since my gpa is just okay, 3.6 overall and 3.5 science. Should I retake it again? Any advice for studying if I retake?

Ah, sorry to hear about that retake. Gotta take the good with the bad, I suppose.

Honestly, I would retake, but you need to go all out. No excuses, just focus and you'll do well.

I would visit the MCAT section for studying advice. There's some good stuff there.

If you don't mind me asking, did you get DO or MD interviews? And what is your state of residence?

 

[MD3939]

Ah, sorry to hear about that retake. Gotta take the good with the bad, I suppose.

Honestly, I would retake, but you need to go all out. No excuses, just focus and you'll do well.

I would visit the MCAT section for studying advice. There's some good stuff there.

If you don't mind me asking, did you get DO or MD interviews? And what is your state of residence?

Thanks! They were MD interviews. My state of residency is Florida and I only applied to the 7 MD schools in Florida.

 

[hanniballecture]

How did you study? Did you feel comfortable with all the topics covered in the PS section?

I really...didn't study all that much. At least, not nearly as much as I should have. Physics is a weak area of mine, but I generally do well with general chemistry. I've taken three practice tests and scored a 7, 8, and 9, respectively. So, my actual MCAT also had the lowest PS score I've ever had. Part of the reason my science GPA is so high is because I've focused on biology and biochemistry courses. Biochemistry comes very naturally to me.

Could you replicate (12+) the VR score? Was that a fluke score or were you always scoring near perfectly on your practice tests?

I have my doubts. I think it was a fluke. On practice exams, I haven't done better than an 11, but no worse than a 10.

I think if you can improve that PS a bit it would be worth it to retest, even if it means that you lose a few points in VR. Get that 7 up to at least a 9 and you should be in good shape at your state school.

I think I could improve PS too. But, I feel like the composite would drop. Is it worth a drop in composite (note: my practices were all 27s) for a more balanced score?

Note that for my school of interest students *are* accepted with 7s in their subscores. Perhaps with less frequency, but there are definitely accepted students with those kinds of subscores and composites of 26s, 27s, etc.

 

[table tennis]

Any advice will be appreciated. My STAT:
PS/VR/BS: 14/9/9 Q
oGPA3.52
sGPA 3.43
EC: some abroad medical outreach
tutoring high school kids
4 years reserach and school research awards
1 publications ( not the first author though)
just graduated from a samll private college. Applying this cycle.
will be very happy with any MD school admission.
Please advice whether I should retake my MCAT (originally plan to retake on 7/13/2013)
If I submit my application and indicated I will retake MCAT, will they review my case or schools will wait until they receive my new MCAT score?
Thanks!

 

[eDITN]

wth kind of answer is that?


It all depends on how you feel like you can do. I got a 30 my first time and decided to retake because I know I can do so much better. People with <3.0 GPAs have gotten in with a 35 or higher score on their MCAT from the admission stats I looked at for various MD schools. Don't set you ceiling anywhere based on what others tell you, onlly you know what you are capable of.

He/she said that their GPA was not competitive for MD schools so I assumed he wasn't planning on applying to them. I was just suggesting that his best shots on goal are for DO and that his MCAT is in good shape.

Being realistic in this entire process is an invaluable tool that you will learn when you end up applying. It can save you a great deal of money and, in some cases, a year(s) spent re-applying. Of course, there are some people with sub-3.0 GPA's that get into MD schools but the odds are certainly low and those people generally have a combination of excellent EC's and a very high MCAT. Is it possible? Of course, but you have to set realistic expectations. My advice was that the OP should apply to DO schools with his/her current MCAT. And I think that is a completely realistic answer that I stand by. He or she is certainly welcome to retake the MCAT but I don't think its necessary.

 

[eDITN]

I really...didn't study all that much. At least, not nearly as much as I should have. Physics is a weak area of mine, but I generally do well with general chemistry. I've taken three practice tests and scored a 7, 8, and 9, respectively. So, my actual MCAT also had the lowest PS score I've ever had. Part of the reason my science GPA is so high is because I've focused on biology and biochemistry courses. Biochemistry comes very naturally to me.


I have my doubts. I think it was a fluke. On practice exams, I haven't done better than an 11, but no worse than a 10.


I think I could improve PS too. But, I feel like the composite would drop. Is it worth a drop in composite (note: my practices were all 27s) for a more balanced score?

Note that for my school of interest students *are* accepted with 7s in their subscores. Perhaps with less frequency, but there are definitely accepted students with those kinds of subscores and composites of 26s, 27s, etc.

I think your best option is to retake and improve your PS. Since you didn't study very effectively last time, you have a ton of room to improve from a 7. I think if you could get PS up to a 10 and not lose too much on verbal (try to keep it at 12+), then your overall score would be viewed much more highly.

However, if you have some combination of extremely awesome ECs/URM/etc that boosts your application in other ways, then maybe you would be okay with not retesting. The reality is that those are the applicants that are getting in with 7 in subsections.

 

[RockDoc28]

I have good GPA and ECs, but my MCAT is holding me back. I've taken it three times and my highest score is 26N, which got me waitlisted second quartile at a small brand new DO school. I plan on applying to only DO schools during this next cycle if I don't get an acceptance. Should I retake? Do adcoms care a lot about how many tests it takes for you to get in or do they care more about how much you improve?

 

[OncoMD]

I agree!