Forum Members Official "Should I Retake?" Thread

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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)​

 

[godawg300]

I want to get more peoples opinion on if I should retake.

May 2014: 10/9/10 29 total
GPA: 3.71 and 3.77 science

Top 5 school and URM, AA male

Took the mcat without Ochem and physics 2. Studied for 6 weeks and taught myself Ochem out of a book. On my exam I think I probably just missed 2-4 on Ochem and physics was okay because I had AP physics and did well.

Did not take all aamc practice test but was averaging a 29 on the 4 that I took. 27,27 and then 31 and 31 on the later ones. I could retake in august and maybe try this spinach method that I read up on here. Looks like he went from a 30 to a 40. Any thoughts?

 

[BobGadha]

I want to get more peoples opinion on if I should retake.

May 2014: 10/9/10 29 total
GPA: 3.71 and 3.77 science

Top 5 school and URM, AA male

Took the mcat without Ochem and physics 2. Studied for 6 weeks and taught myself Ochem out of a book. On my exam I think I probably just missed 2-4 on Ochem and physics was okay because I had AP physics and did well.

Did not take all aamc practice test but was averaging a 29 on the 4 that I took. 27,27 and then 31 and 31 on the later ones. I could retake in august and maybe try this spinach method that I read up on here. Looks like he went from a 30 to a 40. Any thoughts?

Hello, congrats on finishing your MCAT and scoring in the high 20's without having taken two of the necessary courses! It's actually quite impressive. There are no "quick fixes" for the MCAT. Since you scored your average, I don't know how helpful it would be to retake, unless you significantly shake up the way you study for the exam. In other words, have you taken all the required courses since taking the MCAT? If you're planning on taking the test again without those courses, I would suggest not to retake. It will look terrible if your score stays the same or, god forbid, goes down. You do know that you will have to take those courses to apply to medical school, right? Generally, high school AP classes will not suffice. There are some schools that only require Orgo I, but Orgo II can be substituted with Biochem. You'll have to go through the MSAR to see which requirements schools have and whether or not you've met them.

Since you are URM, and of course you should contact a professional advisor regarding this, I think you should be fine to get into a USMD school, albeit not necessarily a "top-tier" or "top-mid-tier" school.

 

[godawg300]

Hello, congrats on finishing your MCAT and scoring in the high 20's without having taken two of the necessary courses! It's actually quite impressive. There are no "quick fixes" for the MCAT. Since you scored your average, I don't know how helpful it would be to retake, unless you significantly shake up the way you study for the exam. In other words, have you taken all the required courses since taking the MCAT? If you're planning on taking the test again without those courses, I would suggest not to retake. It will look terrible if your score stays the same or, god forbid, goes down. You do know that you will have to take those courses to apply to medical school, right? Generally, high school AP classes will not suffice. There are some schools that only require Orgo I, but Orgo II can be substituted with Biochem. You'll have to go through the MSAR to see which requirements schools have and whether or not you've met them.

Since you are URM, and of course you should contact a professional advisor regarding this, I think you should be fine to get into a USMD school, albeit not necessarily a "top-tier" or "top-mid-tier" school.

I've now completed the prerequisite courses so I should be good on that. I'm sure I can improve the science sections. My verbal was consistently either a 10 or a 9, so I don't think that would change.
I'm confident that if I took it now I would at least get 11s on the science sections as I probably wouldn't miss as many physics or Ochem problems. I'd like to try for at least mid tier so if I'm scoring at least 33+ would that warrant a retake? I'll also study for 12 weeks this time and so more practice test

 

[Shinobiz11]

Deciding on a retake. 24 (8/6/10). 3.6 & 3.4. URM applying to DO and instate/low tier MD. Seriously need to know now, only have enough money to apply to more schools or take the test again.

 

[BobGadha]

I've now completed the prerequisite courses so I should be good on that. I'm sure I can improve the science sections. My verbal was consistently either a 10 or a 9, so I don't think that would change.
I'm confident that if I took it now I would at least get 11s on the science sections as I probably wouldn't miss as many physics or Ochem problems. I'd like to try for at least mid tier so if I'm scoring at least 33+ would that warrant a retake? I'll also study for 12 weeks this time and so more practice test

Absolutely. The difference between a 29 and 30 is significant (at least in comparison to a 35 vs. 36--there are kind of diminishing returns the higher above 34 you go), let alone the difference between a 29 and a 33! By all means, retake away! Best of luck, my friend. If you keep up your hard work, I'm sure you'll do well on the next go.

 

[BobGadha]

Deciding on a retake. 24 (8/6/10). 3.6 & 3.4. URM applying to DO and instate/low tier MD. Seriously need to know now, only have enough money to apply to more schools or take the test again.

I vote re-take. 24 is rather low, especially with a 6 in verbal. You may (a very qualified may, depending on the rest of your app) get into a DO school, but to increase your chances in this very competitive process, you should retake. Best of luck!

 

[godawg300]

Absolutely. The difference between a 29 and 30 is significant (at least in comparison to a 35 vs. 36--there are kind of diminishing returns the higher above 34 you go), let alone the difference between a 29 and a 33! By all means, retake away! Best of luck, my friend. If you keep up your hard work, I'm sure you'll do well on the next go.

Ya, I started my prep today. Extremely motivated to get it up!

 

[carmdub6192]

I am planning to take the MCAT June 21, but I am starting to get worried because my scores have been between a 23-27. I have a 3.7 science and cumulative gpa, have ECs in research, shadowing, and volunteering experience in a clinical and non-clinical setting. I have already submitted my AMCAS application, if I do not do well on the June 21 exam would it still be plausible to take an exam in August, as well?

 

[BobGadha]

I am planning to take the MCAT June 21, but I am starting to get worried because my scores have been between a 23-27. I have a 3.7 science and cumulative gpa, have ECs in research, shadowing, and volunteering experience in a clinical and non-clinical setting. I have already submitted my AMCAS application, if I do not do well on the June 21 exam would it still be plausible to take an exam in August, as well?

Possible, though not recommended.

 

[BobGadha]

Hey guys. So, I have been answering questions on this particular thread for awhile now and found myself repeating my advice often. So, I thought it would be helpful to create a blog that summarizes things I (and others) have repeated and some general guidelines. This particular post on the blog is about re-taking the MCAT:
http://theprancingpremed.wordpress.com/category/mcat/retaking-the-mcat/

I hope you all find this to be helpful!

 

[Heplayer92]

Dang...almost re-considering re-taking this exam.
(PS/VR/BS)
AAMC3: 10/10/9 = 29 (Taken 1/2 way into content review)
AAMC4: 12/10/13 = 35
AAMC5R: 11/10/10 = 31
AAMC7R: 11/8/10 = 29
AAMC8R: 9/11/10 = 30
AAMC9: 13/9/11 = 33
AAMC10: 12/8/12 = 32

AAMC R Average = 30
AAMC CBT Average = 32.25
Also, I did AAMC 3-11 last year, but don't really remember any details.

My 07/13/2013 MCAT = 11/8/11 = 30. GPA is 3.69/3.64.

2 more practice tests left...but I'm not where I wanna be. Any suggestions?

 

[anonymousplatypus]

Retake a 33? :\
PS/VR/BS- 12/9/12
GPA/sGPA - 3.81/3.81 (likely to go down, haha)

My goal is California schools, doesn't matter which one. I was hoping for a higher MCAT score to offset my lack of outstanding ECs... and the unbalanced and single digit verbal scares me
Although my average was a 32, I was consistently scoring 35+ for the last 4 AAMC tests

Help??

 

[BobGadha]

Dang...almost re-considering re-taking this exam.
(PS/VR/BS)
AAMC3: 10/10/9 = 29 (Taken 1/2 way into content review)
AAMC4: 12/10/13 = 35
AAMC5R: 11/10/10 = 31
AAMC7R: 11/8/10 = 29
AAMC8R: 9/11/10 = 30
AAMC9: 13/9/11 = 33
AAMC10: 12/8/12 = 32

AAMC R Average = 30
AAMC CBT Average = 32.25
Also, I did AAMC 3-11 last year, but don't really remember any details.

My 07/13/2013 MCAT = 11/8/11 = 30. GPA is 3.69/3.64.

2 more practice tests left...but I'm not where I wanna be. Any suggestions?

It's typical to score a couple points below your average. It probably wouldn't be wise for you to retake, in case you score the same or lower. I doubt you will score significantly higher, unless there is a way to markedly change your study habits.

 

[Heplayer92]

It's typical to score a couple points below your average. It probably wouldn't be wise for you to retake, in case you score the same or lower. I doubt you will score significantly higher, unless there is a way to markedly change your study habits.

Yarr gonna see how the next two go I guess. Got to go out and clear my head and rant a little bit lol. Exam is in 6 days so...we'll see XD Thanks for the response

 

[BobGadha]

Yarr gonna see how the next two go I guess. Got to go out and clear my head and rant a little bit lol. Exam is in 6 days so...we'll see XD Thanks for the response

Best of luck!

 

[6546]

Should I retake?

25
10 V 7 P 8 B

I applied to DO schools and was WL at Rowan and PCOM. Applied late to PCOM in January though.

 

[TxC]

Should I retake?

25
10 V 7 P 8 B

I applied to DO schools and was WL at Rowan and PCOM. Applied late to PCOM in January though.

Were you doing better, about the same, or worse on your practice exams if you took any? It's good to have an idea of whether you may improve or not on a retake.

 

[tpathiyil14]

I have a 11 Verbal, 10 Physical Science, 11 Biological Science. I did not take a writing portion. However my GPA is 3.5. And I do not have that much volunteering or job shadowing. I applied last year and did not get in (and no interviews in MD schools) should I spend the next couple of months only studying for the MCAT (like my dad suggest)? Or should I instead spend time volunteering, job shadowing, working as a scribe/emt training and then get into a masters program (I already finished applying to a couple.) and work on other aspects of my resume?

 

[godawg300]

I have a 11 Verbal, 10 Physical Science, 11 Biological Science. I did not take a writing portion. However my GPA is 3.5. And I do not have that much volunteering or job shadowing. I applied last year and did not get in (and no interviews in MD schools) should I spend the next couple of months only studying for the MCAT (like my dad suggest)? Or should I instead spend time volunteering, job shadowing, working as a scribe/emt training and then get into a masters program (I already finished applying to a couple.) and work on other aspects of my resume?

Where did you apply and were you early? Your mcat looks fine

 

[tpathiyil14]

Where did you apply and were you early? Your mcat looks fine

I applied to mostly Chicago schools. I dont have the MSAR so I looked up the average MCAT on each schools website. This year I am applying to: albany, UCLA, johns hopkins, loyola, oregon, rosalind franklin, rush, SLU, U of C, U of I, university of Iowa, University of Kentucky, University of Nebraska, University of North Carolina, University of Washington

U of C and Johns are my reaches. I probably have a couple more in there too. I am also applying to DO schools this time.

 

[whitehouses23]

Hey guys, I'm a Texas resident and just got my scores back. 8/11/10= 29 total. I was averaging 29-30, but I usually scored in the 9-10 region for PS. That 8 is seriously throwing me off. My gpa is 3.59sGPA/ 3.71cGPA, so not SUPER competitive. Should I retake??

 

[pb34]

Hey there,

Just got my scores back 8/9/9 -PS/VR/BS
GPA: 3.55 and cGPA: 3.55
ECs: 1+ year working full-time as an Ophthalmic Tech.
1+ year of volunteer EMT work (12+ hours/week)
Resident Advisor
LORs:Strong

I'm pretty positive I should retake. I am a Vermont resident and UVM is my top choice but I don't think even being instate will help me at this point.

My other question is when do the tests switch over to the new format? If I do retake I think I will wait and apply next cycle so I can apply early so I would likely take an MCAT early next year. Thanks for the help!

Also, I am focusing only on MD schools. Thanks in advance!

 

[striker112]

Also similar question to the above, should I retake

PS/VS/BS: 15/9/13
GPA: 3.55
Science GPA: 3.60

Mostly questioning because my GPA kinda blows and also my verbal leaves much to be desired. I'm mostly annoyed at my verbal score, which is lower than any I've gotten on the practice.

Any suggestions? I'm honestly a bit afraid of retaking because what if it goes low?!?! I also work full time so idk if I can even take time to study again.

 

[godawg300]

Also similar question to the above, should I retake

PS/VS/BS: 15/9/13
GPA: 3.55
Science GPA: 3.60

Mostly questioning because my GPA kinda blows and also my verbal leaves much to be desired. I'm mostly annoyed at my verbal score, which is lower than any I've gotten on the practice.

Any suggestions? I'm honestly a bit afraid of retaking because what if it goes low?!?! I also work full time so idk if I can even take time to study again.

Are you joking? Your GPA is fine. and your MCAT score is great....realistically you will go down.

 

[csn897]

PS/VS/BS: 10/7/9 (26)
Practice FL Averages: 10/10/10 (30)
cGPA: 3.38* (not sure how AMCAS or ACOMAS will weight my GPA)
*Took most core classes through my school's Honors Program
LOR: Strong
ECs: Very Strong
Clinical Experience: Strong
Economically Disadvantaged

Comments: I was shocked seeing my score after averaging about a 30 on AAMC FLs. I was going to apply very early to low tier MD schools in addition to DO, but I'm not sure if its worth applying this cycle if I will retake in August. I'm also looking at applying to post baccs/SMPs. Is it worth retaking my MCAT? Should I even bother applying to newer/low tier MDs this cycle? I understand schools probably won't look at my application until they get my retake score, so I was wondering if I should just submit my application now and tell them I'm retaking my MCAT.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

EDIT: I noticed on the AAMC MCAT and GPA chart that my chances of acceptance for someone with my stats is 19%, but increases to 24.1% (27-29 MCAT), and 36.8% (30-32 MCAT). Still relatively low chances but it's still unclear what to do.

 

[Primo Beats]

The first MCAT I took was in August 2012: 11/9/10

Just graduated from a florida undergrad program (major in biochem w/ minor in math) a month ago and reapplying w/ a cgpa of 3.53 and a sgpa of 3.29 (AOgpa is 4.00)

I'm applying to DO and MD, already verified in AMCAS and AACOMAS w/ all of my LORs submitted.

Do you think its necessary for me to retake the MCAT if I prefer to attend MD over DO? I dont know whether I should spend my time right now prewriting secondaries or studying for the test. Let me know what you all think.

 

[Dtran904]

PS/VR/BS: 8/9/10. 27
cGPA: 3.4 - 3.5 depending on how I do in my summer classes right now since I will be sending updated transcripts.
AAMC Average practice: 29 ~ 30.
LOR: Strong
EC/Volunteering: Very strong, clinical and nonclinical.
Worked throughout undergrad 15-25hrs a week.

Should I retake? I'm in Florida looking to apply both MD and DO with a preference towards lower tier MD schools. I've submitted both AACOMAS and AMCAS. Applied to all instate schools and some out of state with lower MCAT ranges. I'm not really sure if I should retake as I don't know how much a ~29 would do for me when I could do other things outside of studying for the MCAT. I'm scheduled right now for a July 12th retake. Don't know if I should go through with it. Any opinions?

 

[Goro]

If you want to go to an MD school, you'll need to retake and score > 30 to be competitive. But first, fix your deficits. You are competitive for nearly all DO schools. Suggest that you skip the Touros and CCOM.

Comments: I was shocked seeing my score after averaging about a 30 on AAMC FLs. I was going to apply very early to low tier MD schools in addition to DO, but I'm not sure if its worth applying this cycle if I will retake in August. I'm also looking at applying to post baccs/SMPs. Is it worth retaking my MCAT? Should I even bother applying to newer/low tier MDs this cycle? I understand schools probably won't look at my application until they get my retake score, so I was wondering if I should just submit my application now and tell them I'm retaking my MCAT.

Those stats are greatly misleading. You have to look at individual schools, not the nationwide cohort, which is skewed by legacies, people with compelling life stories, URM and applicants to Southern and Midwestern schools, which all lower the median. As an example, the <10th%ile for MCAT scores at a typical med school, like Drexel, will be 28 (median 31). The US median is for 10th%ile and less is 27 (the median for med school matriculants is 33....so you're not in a good place.

EDIT: I noticed on the AAMC MCAT and GPA chart that my chances of acceptance for someone with my stats is 19%, but increases to 24.1% (27-29 MCAT), and 36.8% (30-32 MCAT). Still relatively low chances but it's still unclear what to do.[/QUOTE]

 

[csn897]

If you want to go to an MD school, you'll need to retake and score > 30 to be competitive. But first, fix your deficits. You are competitive for nearly all DO schools. Suggest that you skip the Touros and CCOM.

Comments: I was shocked seeing my score after averaging about a 30 on AAMC FLs. I was going to apply very early to low tier MD schools in addition to DO, but I'm not sure if its worth applying this cycle if I will retake in August. I'm also looking at applying to post baccs/SMPs. Is it worth retaking my MCAT? Should I even bother applying to newer/low tier MDs this cycle? I understand schools probably won't look at my application until they get my retake score, so I was wondering if I should just submit my application now and tell them I'm retaking my MCAT.

Those stats are greatly misleading. You have to look at individual schools, not the nationwide cohort, which is skewed by legacies, people with compelling life stories, URM and applicants to Southern and Midwestern schools, which all lower the median. As an example, the <10th%ile for MCAT scores at a typical med school, like Drexel, will be 28 (median 31). The US median is for 10th%ile and less is 27 (the median for med school matriculants is 33....so you're not in a good place.

EDIT: I noticed on the AAMC MCAT and GPA chart that my chances of acceptance for someone with my stats is 19%, but increases to 24.1% (27-29 MCAT), and 36.8% (30-32 MCAT). Still relatively low chances but it's still unclear what to do.

[/QUOTE]

Hi Goro,

Thanks for your advice. Should I retake my MCAT this August if I'm set on applying to DO school this cycle? I'm convinced the 7 VR is a fluke because I never scored less than a 10 VR in any of my practice tests. Do you think it is better to just apply early (by early July) with my 26 MCAT? By the way, my sGPA is 3.29.

 

[Goro]

I think that with a 26 and your GPA, you're likley to land lots of IIs. Your 26 is within two points of all but four DO schools (RVU, DMU, CCOM and TUCOM-CA). So you have 29 others to think of, max.

So apply broadly! IF you decide on a retake, you can always update your schools later.

Hi Goro,

Thanks for your advice. Should I retake my MCAT this August if I'm set on applying to DO school this cycle? I'm convinced the 7 VR is a fluke because I never scored less than a 10 VR in any of my practice tests. Do you think it is better to just apply early (by early July) with my 26 MCAT? By the way, my sGPA is 3.29.

 

[csn897]

I think that with a 26 and your GPA, you're likley to land lots of IIs. Your 26 is within two points of all but four DO schools (RVU, DMU, CCOM and TUCOM-CA). So you have 29 others to think of, max.

So apply broadly! IF you decide on a retake, you can always update your schools later.

Hi Goro,

Thanks for your advice. Should I retake my MCAT this August if I'm set on applying to DO school this cycle? I'm convinced the 7 VR is a fluke because I never scored less than a 10 VR in any of my practice tests. Do you think it is better to just apply early (by early July) with my 26 MCAT? By the way, my sGPA is 3.29.

Thanks Goro. Last question, when you say apply broadly, would 15 schools be ideal for my stats?

 

[Goro]

I'd say 15-20.

Thanks Goro. Last question, when you say apply broadly, would 15 schools be ideal for my stats?

 

[carmdub6192]

I'm taking the MCAT June 21, still haven't gotten anything above a 28 though which is scaring me... I've already submitted my AMCAS.
Georgetown Undergrad, just graduated in May.
cGPA: 3.71* (not sure how AMCAS will weight my GPA)
LOR: Strong (pre-Med committee just notified me of being "Highly Recommended")
ECs: Strong (volunteering, club sports, etc.)
Clinical Experience: Strong (basic science research, clinical research, and shadowing)

As a California resident, if my MCAT does not prove to be strong will (which based on the practice test I don't know if it will) are there any schools in-state that I will have a better chance (and which schools anywhere I would)? I'm getting concerned I'm screwed... and the pre-MCAT jitters don't help. Also, seeing as how I already submitted, can I still take the MCAT in August again?

 

[violin791]

I retook the MCAT just this last June 21st. I had a 27 before, so I wanted to retake it to get a higher score. I was scoring relatively well on the practice exams, and I thought I could do it. When I took the exam, it definitely felt harder than the practice AAMC ones I took, and I had to do more random guessing at the end than I wanted to. I thought I did ok, but now I'm not so sure. If I do worse on this MCAT, those scores will probably be visible to all other schools I apply to, so now my question is, if I retook the MCAT one more time in August or September, and did well, will it look even worse? There's never been a real consensus on how many times retaking the MCAT looks on an application, and I'm freaking out as to what I should do. I have a lower GPA than average for most schools, but my extracurriculars are really good and I have fantastic recommenders. Essentially my numbers are not the best reflection of me, but anything without numbers is phenomenal.

 

[weston145]

I got a 28 overall. 7 VR 10 PS 11BS. I have a 3.96 GPA and a moderate amount of volunteering and shadowing.

 

[Mdplease1234]

Hey guys, reapplicant here, sitting this cycle out.


I have a 3.18uGPA w a 3.05 science gpa in biochemistry and molecular biology. I also have a masters in pharmacology (took med pharm w 2nd year med students) and have a 3.81gGPA in science coursework and a 3.76gGPA overall. Have an mcat of 11/9v/11 and been studying for a retake in August (score was much 4pts lower than my averages, think I just choked).


Been on multiple medical mission trips to various countries, worked as a scribe. Had 5 md interviews, 3 wl this past year.

I'm doing the boston u mams program w intention of enhancing my academic profile and the opportunity to strengthen my app thru research the second year. Additionally, I'm hoping w a good gpa in an smp with an excellent track record and reputation will affirm my previous work and help demonstrate a trend, and open my app to schools all over the country. That being said, since my last mcat was in 2012 w a disappointing score, I plan on retaking with hopes of breaking 35. Thoughts?

 

[Pierre Escargot]

Hello all. I'm currently applying to medical school at SUNY Buffalo through the early decision program. I've just completed my junior year (also at UB) and have a GPA of 3.92 with a good amount of extracurricular activities, both medicine-related and otherwise. I'm wondering whether or not I should retake the MCAT.

Total: 32
VR: 9 (this is what concerns me)
BS: 12
PS: 11

I would feel quite a bit better if verbal reasoning was at least in the double digits... does anyone see enough disparity between VR and BS/PS to warrant attempting the test again?

Thank you all in advance.

 

[pkhpkh3]

Wondering about a retake...

I have a 3.87 overall GPA and a 3.80 science GPA and just got my scores back today: 34 (9VR/14PS/11BS)

I know that 34 is a great score, but the 9VR scares me. On all of the AAMC practice tests I scored at least a 38, never getting below 12 in any individual section.

I want to be a competitive applicant for top tier med schools, but I'm worried that I might be screened out because of the verbal. I have great ECs and very strong letters of recommendation. Besides these unbalanced scores, I lack significant research experience, but that's about it.

Any thoughts regarding a retake? Do I still have a realistic shot at top schools, or is a 9VR enough to weed me out?

 

[DoubleThinker]

Similar to above posters, I got my MCAT score today, which is why I'm a first time poster.

So my GPA is 3.94 overall and the BCPM is slightly lower (maybe around 3.9).

So the MCAT overall is 34 (8VR/14PS/12BS)

I've heard from some people that double digits in the VR is "required" to get into top tier med schools, which are the schools that I am truly considering.

In all honesty, this score, as people above have stated, came as a huge shock to me. I never did worse than an 11 on the VR during any of my practice tests, except when I took AAMC 10 without studying many months ago and got a 10VR, which still beats my present score. Just really disappointing in all honesty. I guest that's the MCAT though...

Any opinions would be truly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SPionic]

3.71 cGPA, 3.74 sGPA, tons of research with a first-author pub, enough (170/40 hrs) volunteering/shadowing, plus patient contact through clinical research.
33 MCAT 8/13/12
I know that I have holes in my PS knowledge and am an excellent test-taker, so I could improve 3+ points with a month or so of focused review; however, my app is already verified and I am on a budget for choosing schools. That means I will only add schools I can get into with the scores I have now, not wild reaches. Is it worth ruining my summer to retake the whole exam just to fix the one subsection and submit very late (August) to Mayo/Case/Baylor/Pitt? I can't afford to submit applications to schools hoping I do better next time.

I know people talk about subsection screening for low verbal scores. How much is that a concern with PS?

Thanks.

 

[Pierre Escargot]

In all honesty, this score, as people above have stated, came as a huge shock to me. I never did worse than an 11 on the VR during any of my practice tests, except when I took AAMC 10 without studying many months ago and got a 10VR, which still beats my present score. Just really disappointing in all honesty. I guest that's the MCAT though...

I was the same exact way. Never got lower than a 10 on VR on a practice test, typically 11 or higher. I guess that May 22 VR section was really something else. At least I'm not alone in feeling that way.

 

[DoubleThinker]

I was the same exact way. Never got lower than a 10 on VR on a practice test, typically 11 or higher. I guess that May 22 VR section was really something else. At least I'm not alone in feeling that way.

Yeah I saw your post as well... Had similar thoughts...

 

[MedullaOblongata]

Hi
I have a 3.3 c and 3.5 s GPA. All A in last year in advanced classes, so an upward trend
Got BS 10 V 9 PS 8 Total= 27 on first attempt.
LOR= Very strong.
>2 year of volunteering clinical + leadership experience
great internship at a hospital with shadowing surgeons
Scribe in ER @ a great hospital for 6 months and still working
2 semesters of research. not published
Shadowed many MD and DO

what are my chances? in state (GA) and other relatively 'easy' MD schools and good DO schools?

 

[Sir T]

Hey all,

Recently received my scores 11/9/11 = 31. I have a 3.80 cGPA and a 3.73 sGPA. Strong letters of recommendations.

ECs:

50 hours biology tutoring
300 hours clinical volunteering
~40 hours shadowing
1300+ hours research in microbiology lab and neuroimmunolgy lab
-Research grant for year long project and also poster presentation
-Poster presentation at neuroscience symposium

AAMC Practice Exam 9: 12/11/13 (36)
AAMC Practice Exam 10: 11/9/11 (31)
AAMC Practice Exam 11: 12/9/14 (35)

I started studying during school and found it difficult. After school ended, I took a practice exam every day for about a week and a half leading up to my exam (looking back, not the best idea). I'm wondering if I should take a gap year to get more time and retake? And if a 33 or 34 would substantially boost my application to higher end schools?

Thanks

 

[Nelmezzodelcammin]

I just took the June 21 test and I should have voided. I was unable to fall asleep until 3am the night before and got less than 4 hours of sleep (due to some sort of odd test anxiety I guess). By the time I got to the bio section my brain was completely exhausted. I was rereading things 3 times, unable to analyze data quickly, guessed on too many things, ran out of time etc... I'm concerned that my bio will be (much) less than a 10.

I first took the mcat a year ago w/out having completely finished all the prereqs and got a 28 ( 9/10/9). After finishing my prereqs and taking a prep class I was scoring 33-36's on the AAMC tests with bio from 11-14. I am confident that I currently have the knowledge and skills to score at least 33ish with >10 in all sections. I am also fairly confident that my actual score won't be close to this.

Should I take the next possible mcat (July 2) and void if I don't think it went better than this last one?
Should I sign up for July 25th and wait for my scores before retaking? (I'm applying this cycle and time is a concern. I'd also love to be done with studying for this exam as soon as possible)

My gpa is 3.75 cum but 3.5 science. I was really hoping my mcat would make up for my borderline science gpa.
My EC's are decent (shadowing, clinical & non-clinical volunteering, and some other stuff...)

Any advice?

 

[Pierre Escargot]

I just took the June 21 test and I should have voided. I was unable to fall asleep until 3am the night before and got less than 4 hours of sleep (due to some sort of odd test anxiety I guess). By the time I got to the bio section my brain was completely exhausted. I was rereading things 3 times, unable to analyze data quickly, guessed on too many things, ran out of time etc... I'm concerned that my bio will be (much) less than a 10.

I first took the mcat a year ago w/out having completely finished all the prereqs and got a 28 ( 9/10/9). After finishing my prereqs and taking a prep class I was scoring 33-36's on the AAMC tests with bio from 11-14. I am confident that I currently have the knowledge and skills to score at least 33ish with >10 in all sections. I am also fairly confident that my actual score won't be close to this.

Should I take the next possible mcat (July 2) and void if I don't think it went better than this last one?
Should I sign up for July 25th and wait for my scores before retaking? (I'm applying this cycle and time is a concern. I'd also love to be done with studying for this exam as soon as possible)

My gpa is 3.75 cum but 3.5 science. I was really hoping my mcat would make up for my borderline science gpa.
My EC's are decent (shadowing, clinical & non-clinical volunteering, and some other stuff...)

Any advice?

Are you absolutely certain that you didn't do well on the test you just took? If you are, I would probably go ahead and register for the next one so that you minimize the amount of additional studying that you'll have to do and also because the information will still be fresh in your head and you won't have to exhaust yourself "relearning" it -- it will be more of a reminder. Just my thoughts. Good luck with everything.

 

[jnberkner]

So I have now taken the MCAT three times the first i got a 26 (10B, 9V, 7P), 25(10B, 7V, 8P) and the last time a 24 (10B, 5V, and 9P). I feel pretty ****ty about that 5 and i feel like i can do a lot better in verbal than i did. but taking the test for the 4th time seems very redundant especially with my decreasing trend. how do med schools look at people who have taken the test 4 times? i would like to apply to both md and do schools but dont think my scores will get me into an md school. any advice would really help.

 

[godawg300]

So I have now taken the MCAT three times the first i got a 26 (10B, 9V, 7P), 25(10B, 7V, 8P) and the last time a 24 (10B, 5V, and 9P). I feel pretty ****ty about that 5 and i feel like i can do a lot better in verbal than i did. but taking the test for the 4th time seems very redundant especially with my decreasing trend. how do med schools look at people who have taken the test 4 times? i would like to apply to both md and do schools but dont think my scores will get me into an md school. any advice would really help.

Your score went down twice.... I think you need to look into DO. Is your GPA good? I can't imagine getting an MD acceptance with declining mcat scores. Your verbal went from a 9 to a 7 to a 5. That's not gonna look good no matter what.

 

[MedullaOblongata]

No one cares about me? 🙁

pasting my post again ...

Hi
I have a 3.3 c and 3.5 s GPA. All A in last year in advanced classes, so an upward trend
Got BS 10 V 9 PS 8 Total= 27 on first attempt.
LOR= Very strong.
>2 year of volunteering clinical + leadership experience
great internship at a hospital with shadowing surgeons
Scribe in ER @ a great hospital for 6 months and still working
2 semesters of research. not published
Shadowed many MD and DO

what are my chances? in state (GA) and other relatively less competitive MD schools and good DO schools?

 

[adimelon]

Hey Guys,
I am a non trad student with a 31 MCAT(11PS/10V/10BS) from 2012, 3.25 uGPA(sciences and cum) and a 3.96 SMP GPA.

I took my first MCAT in 2009 and had a horrible score 20 with a very low verbal(I wasn't ready for the test) years ago.
Currently I am schedule to take it on Wednesday(July 2nd). However, my verbal score is hovering around a 8 at the moment while my sciences are average 12-13 for PS and 13-14 for BS.-->I wanted some advice whether I should retake the MCAT or not. I mean I will go to the testing center and attempt the test, but I am already contemplating voiding the score. I am just scared that my verbal will be lower than before which adcoms might not look favorably upon. Additionally, I have reported on my AMCAS(that i submitted couple of weeks ago) that I retaking the MCAT. If I void, what is the best way to address this situation with medical schools. I don't want to give them a bad impression, yet I don't want to score my MCAT if I am mostly likely to score a lower VR section.

I would appreciate any advice.