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)​

 

[adimelon]

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?

I don't know how friendly GA is for in states, but in my opinion you are in the grey area. If you think you can do better on the MCAT, then I would say go for it. If not, then try applying or else apply to a SMP to strengthen your credentials.

 

[adimelon]

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

Unless you are aiming for top 20 schools, I think you are good to go for this cycle. Why hold back? You have a solid GOA, good ECs. I don't see why your state schools wouldn't interview you. Apply to all new schools, state schools and look up for more schools in that MCAT range on the MSAR+ a few reach schools.

Good luck!

 

[amberlynnp13]

I will be ready to take mcats next summer.. I'm take organic chem 1 and physics 1 in the fall then organic chem 2 and physics 2 in the spring.. What's the best way to study for mcats!? Should I get review books? Sign up for Princeton or Kaplan review? Both? Should I start reviewing things now even though in a year away from being ready!?

 

[adimelon]

-->

 

[adimelon]

I will be ready to take mcats next summer.. I'm take organic chem 1 and physics 1 in the fall then organic chem 2 and physics 2 in the spring.. What's the best way to study for mcats!? Should I get review books? Sign up for Princeton or Kaplan review? Both? Should I start reviewing things now even though in a year away from being ready!?

I would start off by prepping for Verbal. Subscribe to the economist, read articles on JAMA and read critically. Secondly, pay attention in class. Make sure you understand all concepts. Don't hesitate to visit office hours. If you have time, then start prepping for bio. Bio is 65% memorization and 35% application. You would probably have to review bio at least a couple of times anyway. But your goal should be 1) do well in your classes. Understand all concepts 2)Prepare for verbal. Even if you are an avid reader, you want to get used to the format for verbal.
Since the format of the MCAT is changing, I would contact AAMC and get an idea of what more they will be testing in the new section

 

[amberlynnp13]

I would start off by prepping for Verbal. Subscribe to the economist, read articles on JAMA and read critically. Secondly, pay attention in class. Make sure you understand all concepts. Don't hesitate to visit office hours. If you have time, then start prepping for bio. Bio is 65% memorization and 35% application. You would probably have to review bio at least a couple of times anyway. But your goal should be 1) do well in your classes. Understand all concepts 2)Prepare for verbal. Even if you are an avid reader, you want to get used to the format for verbal.
Since the format of the MCAT is changing, I would contact AAMC and get an idea of what more they will be testing in the new section

Ok thanks so much!

 

[Schwester]

Took the May 22 test and just got my scores this week:
27
VR: 11
BS: 9
PS: 7
I took physics 14 years ago, and I really underestimated the amount of time I needed to get back up to speed, so I went in very underprepared for the PS section.
I'm contemplating a late August retake with some serious time spent on physics (and a bit of organic chem review) in the interim.

Thoughts?

 

[jnberkner]

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.

I know that my downward trend looks really bad which is the main reason I'm considering retaking. On my practice tests in my last try were at the lowest a 7 so I'm not sure what happened. I am considering do schools and was planning on applying to both from the beginning. Also my gpa is a 3.45 and I have. 3.6 science gpa.

 

[adimelon]

Took the May 22 test and just got my scores this week:
27
VR: 11
BS: 9
PS: 7
I took physics 14 years ago, and I really underestimated the amount of time I needed to get back up to speed, so I went in very underprepared for the PS section.
I'm contemplating a late August retake with some serious time spent on physics (and a bit of organic chem review) in the interim.

Thoughts?

What are the rest of your stats?
You will most likely need to retake if you are applying to MD schools. For DOs you might be competitive depending on your other stats and EC. For MD Schools, might be stretch without a stellar GPA and EC's(your state school might be liberal).

 

[anonymousplatypus]

Since nobody responded to my last one 🙁...

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

My school goals are California schools. 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??

 

[godawg300]

Since nobody responded to my last one 🙁...

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

My school goals are California schools. 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??

Unless you are killing verbal don't retake. I know someone that had a similar score with higher science scores and went one point up on verbal and 2 points down each on the sciences. Verbal seems to be the most volatile. Were you averaging 12s on verbal?

 

[mk2015]

Not sure if I should retake.

Total:29
PS: 10
VR: 8
BS: 11

Considering retaking based on my verbal score. My overall score is about cosistent with my AAMC practice tests except I was consistently scoring around 10-11 on VR.

The rest of my stats:
senior biology major with philosophy minor at SLAC.
cGPA: 3.80
Intend to apply MD schools in PA

 

[The quiet one.]

Total :28

PS:11
VR:6
BS:11

Average EC's... i have over 100 hours of volunteering, 50hours of shadowing, 20 hours of research.

Never received a 6 before in all of my aamc practice tests. I thought after the actual exam the verbal was surprisingly easy, so i am in shock. I go to a UC school in california with an overall GPA of 3.71 and science GPA slightly higher than that.

 

[godawg300]

Total :28

PS:11
VR:6
BS:11

Average EC's... i have over 100 hours of volunteering, 50hours of shadowing, 20 hours of research.

Never received a 6 before in all of my aamc practice tests. I thought after the actual exam the verbal was surprisingly easy, so i am in shock. I go to a UC school in california with an overall GPA of 3.71 and science GPA slightly higher than that.

I would retake. A 6 is a killer for most MD programs.

 

[anonymousplatypus]

Unless you are killing verbal don't retake. I know someone that had a similar score with higher science scores and went one point up on verbal and 2 points down each on the sciences. Verbal seems to be the most volatile. Were you averaging 12s on verbal?

I was averaging 10s-11s on Verbal. But on the sciences, I was hitting 13-14 by the end. I just don't know if my score is good enough :\

 

[godawg300]

I was averaging 10s-11s on Verbal. But on the sciences, I was hitting 13-14 by the end. I just don't know if my score is good enough :\

I was getting 10-11s on verbal and got a 9..,.if you apply to the right schools, otherwise retake if u are confident u can improve.

 

[Heplayer92]

I was averaging 10s-11s on Verbal. But on the sciences, I was hitting 13-14 by the end. I just don't know if my score is good enough :\

Here's the general SDN consensus on verbal it seems:
9 isn't going to hurt you.
8 is cutting it close, but not a deal breaker.
7 may get you screened out at some places...and is becoming dangerous territory
<6 will definitely get you screened out unless you have some amazing story, or your state schools are incredibly generous.

33 is awesome though, 90% percentile. Seriously, be proud of your achievements.

 

[Schwester]

What are the rest of your stats?
You will most likely need to retake if you are applying to MD schools. For DOs you might be competitive depending on your other stats and EC. For MD Schools, might be stretch without a stellar GPA and EC's(your state school might be liberal).

cGPA 3.38, sGPA 3.34 (3.47/3.75 postbac) math major
MPH in Health Services
15 years full-time EMS, including 8 as paramedic and 4 as supervisor and preceptor
Volunteer EMS on campus and in community
Paramedic instructor x 3 years
Incorporated non-profit to support EMS personnel in crisis and serve on board of directors
No research
Excellent LORs from MDs/DOs, EMS coordinator, EMS medical director, my boss, organic chem prof from postbac, and math prof from undergrad

Wouldn't be able to re-take until mid-August, which is pretty late.

I've been mostly focused on MD because I want to stay close to home and there aren't a lot of COMs in the area, but I'm not opposed to DO. (Most of my favorite ED docs are DOs, and I taught the incoming DO residents ACLS last month, and they were awesome.)

 

[adimelon]

If

cGPA 3.38, sGPA 3.34 (3.47/3.75 postbac) math major
MPH in Health Services
15 years full-time EMS, including 8 as paramedic and 4 as supervisor and preceptor
Volunteer EMS on campus and in community
Paramedic instructor x 3 years
Incorporated non-profit to support EMS personnel in crisis and serve on board of directors
No research
Excellent LORs from MDs/DOs, EMS coordinator, EMS medical director, my boss, organic chem prof from postbac, and math prof from undergrad

Wouldn't be able to re-take until mid-August, which is pretty late.

I've been mostly focused on MD because I want to stay close to home and there aren't a lot of COMs in the area, but I'm not opposed to DO. (Most of my favorite ED docs are DOs, and I taught the incoming DO residents ACLS last month, and they were awesome.)

Looking at your stats, seems like you have improvement but you are still in the lower end of the spectrum. Since you are taking your MCAT pretty late into the cycle, I would apply next cycle(If you want to apply to MD) and over the year take a few upper level classes to enhance your GPA further. If that is the case, then I would take a little more time studying for the MCAT since the new MCAT is in effect after next January.

Additionally, look into Temple ACMS...thats a good way to get into medical school..think about it..PM me if you want to discuss this further.

 

[skesh93]

Hi everyone!

I took my MCAT May 17th, got a 28 (P10, V8, B10).
Biochem major 3.95 science GPA, 4.0 cumulative
3 years of research with 2 publications underway
Working as an ER scribe for 1.5 years
Shadowing - 50+ hours
Volunteering - 75 hours (not the best, had to quit after sophomore year, too much on my plate)
Also work as a tutor, chem lab TA, student admissions representative/tour guide
Strong LORs from research advisor, professors, and MD/DOs I've worked with

I'm signed up to take the July 24th MCAT, but do you think I should retake it or just focus on completing my application as soon as possible and hopefully get in to an MD program? I'm afraid of getting a lower score and don't wanna mess up my chances. Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much! 🙂

 

[TxC]

Hi everyone!

I took my MCAT May 17th, got a 28 (P10, V8, B10).
Biochem major 3.95 science GPA, 4.0 cumulative
3 years of research with 2 publications underway
Working as an ER scribe for 1.5 years
Shadowing - 50+ hours
Volunteering - 75 hours (not the best, had to quit after sophomore year, too much on my plate)
Also work as a tutor, chem lab TA, student admissions representative/tour guide
Strong LORs from research advisor, professors, and MD/DOs I've worked with

I'm signed up to take the July 24th MCAT, but do you think I should retake it or just focus on completing my application as soon as possible and hopefully get in to an MD program? I'm afraid of getting a lower score and don't wanna mess up my chances. Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much! 🙂

Great GPA. Depending on your state of residency, you may have a shot at MD schools. Also apply to low tier schools.

I definitely think more volunteering will help if you can get it.

Just curious, how can your cGPA be perfect when your sGPA isn't?

 

[718347212]

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?

I think you're in great shape for D.O. schools. Retaking may hurt your chances if you don't show an improvement (at least a couple of points).

 

[718347212]

Hi all,

I decided not to retake.

 

[taina]

PS 9 VR 10 BS 10
GPA 3.9 for both science and cum.
pretty legit rec letters (i hope..) and possible paper being published.. thoughts on retaking

 

[skesh93]

Great GPA. Depending on your state of residency, you may have a shot at MD schools. Also apply to low tier schools.

I definitely think more volunteering will help if you can get it.

Just curious, how can your cGPA be perfect when your sGPA isn't?

lolololol, oops, definitely did not mean to write 4.0 cumulative, i meant 3.95. my baddd.
I'm from IL, so I possibly have a chance at the University of Illinois schools, you think? Definitely thinking about a lot of low tier schools.

 

[TxC]

lolololol, oops, definitely did not mean to write 4.0 cumulative, i meant 3.95. my baddd.
I'm from IL, so I possibly have a chance at the University of Illinois schools, you think? Definitely thinking about a lot of low tier schools.

I see. I feel like you have a shot at all the schools in the state except for Univ. of Chicago and Northwestern. Definitely apply to the privates ones in your state like Rosalind Franklin and Rush.

Again, I do think that your high GPA can make up for the lower MCAT. I don't think you should retake unless if your practice scores are much higher. Get your app in ASAP and do some volunteer work this summer if possible.

Good luck!

 

[TxC]

PS 9 VR 10 BS 10
GPA 3.9 for both science and cum.
pretty legit rec letters (i hope..) and possible paper being published.. thoughts on retaking

Great GPA. Is your goal to 1) get into a medical school or 2) get into a school like Harvard? If you choose option 1, I think there's no need to retake but make sure to apply broadly (get the MSAR). PS is apparently the "least important" section on the MCAT and a 29 isn't a bad score.


Good luck!

 

[taina]

Great GPA. Is your goal to 1) get into a medical school or 2) get into a school like Harvard? If you choose option 1, I think there's no need to retake but make sure to apply broadly (get the MSAR). PS is apparently the "least important" section on the MCAT and a 29 isn't a bad score.


Good luck!

thanks! i've applied pretty broadly (about 35 schools plus texas schools).. just hoping to get in SOMEWHERE!

 

[ehs1894]

Got a 28 total, 9PS/9VR/10BS and have a 3.56 total gpa after graduating from a good school (top 20ish if that makes a difference)

I didn't study much and/or well the first time but am worried I won't do any better. I got a 28 on my first full length and spent a few weeks cramming (got up to a 32) before taking it and went in without confidence.

do I have any chance of getting in anywhere? I'm nervous about retaking and not doing any better. thanks for any advice!

 

[TxC]

Got a 28 total, 9PS/9VR/10BS and have a 3.56 total gpa after graduating from a good school (top 20ish if that makes a difference)

I didn't study much and/or well the first time but am worried I won't do any better. I got a 28 on my first full length and spent a few weeks cramming (got up to a 32) before taking it and went in without confidence.

do I have any chance of getting in anywhere? I'm nervous about retaking and not doing any better. thanks for any advice!

Are we talking about MD or DO (probably fine for DO)? Also, what is your state of residency?

 

[ehs1894]

Are we talking about MD or DO (probably fine for DO)? Also, what is your state of residency?

Thanks for responding! I live in Mass so state schools wouldn't be an easier route really. I would really prefer MD but am not picky on the school - I would go where they would take me!

 

[TxC]

Thanks for responding! I live in Mass so state schools wouldn't be an easier route really. I would really prefer MD but am not picky on the school - I would go where they would take me!

I certainly would not say that you don't have a chance at MD schools, but it may be a bit challenging (https://www.aamc.org/download/321508/data/2013factstable24.pdf).

Retake if you have enough confidence. But at least what you have right now is a balanced score. If you have good EC's I think you might as well just apply.

 

[jmac123]

I applied to one MD school for 2013 entrance, got the interview, got wait listed, then declined. I knew I wasn't at the top of my game to apply, which is why I only applied to one school just to see what would happen.

1st MCAT: 11VR, 7PS, 9BS, Q WR; Total: 27Q
2nd MCAT (just retook it this summer): 9VR, 8PS, 9BS; Total: 26

I went down one point because of my Verbal Reasoning...I don't know what happened there because that's usually my strongest point.

Undergrad cGPA: 3.75; science GPA: 3.56
Currently working on my MPH in Health Administration and Policy, 4.0 GPA.
OK resident; 82 hours of shadowing and still going; multiple volunteer and extracurriculars; work part-time through school; interning and working this summer; participated in a medical mission trip to a 3rd world country; already pretty involved on one of the campuses I'm applying to.

Should I retake? I'm applying for 2015 entrance, so if I retake it will have to be soon---in August/early September, but I could really cram in the studying.

 

[LChristmas]

7PS, 10V, 8BS; total:25
URM, cGPA 3.4, Masters in Genetics, >400 hrs clinical experience.
Retake in September or apply now?
Planning to apply to MD schools

Thanks for your advice!

Acceptance into a MD school will be difficult with a 25. If you think you will be able to improve your score, then yes I would suggest you retake this September. Your verbal score is very good, and I think if you take your VR skills and apply them to the PS and BS passages you have the chance to bump your score up a few points. You still have plenty of time to study and improve your score.

 

[mtnd2]

Feeling happy about my score but as a CA resident I'm sort of having doubts and am considering retaking.

I'm gonna be a senior this fall, taking a gap year. I currently have a 3.68 cumulative, 3.57 science GPA. By the time I graduate I'm expecting a 3.72 cGPA, 3.63 sGPA.
Actual MCAT score: 10PS/11VR/10BS, first attempt.
Average on AAMCs was 31.something, I scored 34s in the last two I took (AAMC 11 and 4).
Very strong LORs
Heavy involvement in public health initiatives (started programs/led teams etc.), ~2 years of weekly hospital volunteering, some shadowing.
Always had a part-time job, sometimes had two at a time.
Research: currently have 1 second author pub, with two manuscripts in preparation (1 first author, 1 second author). This year I will be completing an honors thesis.
Other ECs include two club sports and leadership roles on campus.

 

[GARNET2014]

Hi, would love advice from SDNers...

Scored a 29 (10P/9V/10B) last year-- Applied pretty broadly, but my LOR committee letter was not released until October and I had limited experience. I only had one interview for the 2014 application cycle and ended up on the waitlist... but never received an acceptance.

I took the MCAT again in June after studying significantly more and received the same score 29 (9P/9V/11B)-- still hurts. I was scoring consistently in the 30s on practice tests leading up to this exam. My AMCAS application is already submitted with all letters of recommendation. I have been working during my gap year as a clinical research assistant---tons of patient content everyday and working on getting a publication done by the end of the summer for which I will be the first author.

sGPA= 3.61 and cGPA =3.66 Both with a strong upward trend over four years at a top 20 university.

Is it worth it to try and retake the MCAT in August or September?

 

[godawg300]

Hi, would love advice from SDNers...

Scored a 29 (10P/9V/10B) last year-- Applied pretty broadly, but my LOR committee letter was not released until October and I had limited experience. I only had one interview for the 2014 application cycle and ended up on the waitlist... but never received an acceptance.

I took the MCAT again in June after studying significantly more and received the same score 29 (9P/9V/11B)-- still hurts. I was scoring consistently in the 30s on practice tests leading up to this exam. My AMCAS application is already submitted with all letters of recommendation. I have been working during my gap year as a clinical research assistant---tons of patient content everyday and working on getting a publication done by the end of the summer for which I will be the first author.

sGPA= 3.61 and cGPA =3.66 Both with a strong upward trend over four years at a top 20 university.

Is it worth it to try and retake the MCAT in August or September?

Is this really a question? You scored the same score twice and you want a third crack at it?

 

[sxld_cu]

Do you have to send all your scores when you apply? Or can you choose to just send your best score?

 

[Heplayer92]

Do you have to send all your scores when you apply? Or can you choose to just send your best score?

It automatically sends ALL of your scores to medical schools. You have no choice =/

 

[sxld_cu]

It automatically sends ALL of your scores to medical schools. You have no choice =/

Oh... well, that is unfortunate. I'm taking for the first time in August. Thanks for the heads up, Heplayer92 🙂 Definitely good to know!

 

[Heplayer92]

Oh... well, that is unfortunate. I'm taking for the first time in August. Thanks for the heads up, Heplayer92 🙂 Definitely good to know!

For sure, good luck!

 

[BigOlLollipop]

Should I retake? 25 (6/11/8) 🙁

 

[UNCGrunner]

Test Date: 6/13/2014
FL AAMC Average: 29
Post-test expected score: 28-30
Actual Score: 28 ( PS / V / BS) (12/6/10)

Pretty bummed about verbal, was hitting 8 or 9 on most practice exams. Really surprised at PS, thought I missed a lot of questions. Not sure what to do now, if I want to retake or not? Just pretty bummed..... Should I be okay for DO schools? (3.8 cgpa)

 

[peanut91mm]

I got a total score of 26. BS-10, VR-9, PS-7.... Keep wondering if I should retake??😕

 

[godawg300]

I got a total score of 26. BS-10, VR-9, PS-7.... Keep wondering if I should retake??😕

MD or DO? URM?

 

[miamiheatfan]

Retake? URM and Applying to both MD and DO. 25 (10PS 5VR 10BS)

 

[godawg300]

Retake? URM and Applying to both MD and DO. 25 (10PS 5VR 10BS)

If you are AA, the average matriculant MCAT is a 26. Applying to HBCU would be a good idea. For DO schools, just look at averages but a 5 in verbal I think is pretty killer. Retaking just because of that would be smart.

 

[qazx]

Hi,
I recently took the MCAT and got a 34 (PS 9, V 13, BS 12). I know this is a decent score, but the uneven distribution worries me (I'd be happier if it was 10, 12, 12). I was wondering how the single digit in PS would affect my application (i.e would I be screened out). I know that I can do better in the PS section (average practice score for PS was 11). I just had a blank out/existential crisis during the PS section (had to give myself a pep talk in the bathroom afterwards to convince myself to continue :/), so I am 95% sure that I can improve that section.

I know that realistically my other section scores could go down. However, if a double digit in all sections looks better than the funky distribution that I have, I am willing to chance it. Thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[sxld_cu]

Hi,
I recently took the MCAT and got a 34 (PS 9, V 13, BS 12). I know this is a decent score, but the uneven distribution worries me (I'd be happier if it was 10, 12, 12). I was wondering how the single digit in PS would affect my application (i.e would I be screened out). I know that I can do better in the PS section (average practice score for PS was 11). I just had a blank out/existential crisis during the PS section (had to give myself a pep talk in the bathroom afterwards to convince myself to continue :/), so I am 95% sure that I can improve that section.

I know that realistically my other section scores could go down. However, if a double digit in all sections looks better than the funky distribution that I have, I am willing to chance it. Thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hmm.. that is a tough situation. Sorry to hear about the bad news for PS 🙁 34 is a good score, although if you can improve it to a 11, I feel that a 36 is so much different than a 34. I think I would risk it but definitely give it some more thought. I am curious about your verbal scores! I'm in the opposite situation right now, with PS and BS usually dominating over a subpar verbal score. 13V is fantastic! Do you have any recommendations for how to improve?

 

[Dr.TonySoprano]

Hi,
I recently took the MCAT and got a 34 (PS 9, V 13, BS 12). I know this is a decent score, but the uneven distribution worries me (I'd be happier if it was 10, 12, 12). I was wondering how the single digit in PS would affect my application (i.e would I be screened out). I know that I can do better in the PS section (average practice score for PS was 11). I just had a blank out/existential crisis during the PS section (had to give myself a pep talk in the bathroom afterwards to convince myself to continue :/), so I am 95% sure that I can improve that section.

I know that realistically my other section scores could go down. However, if a double digit in all sections looks better than the funky distribution that I have, I am willing to chance it. Thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I'd only retake if you were scoring that high on Verbal consistently. Otherwise no