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)​

 

[gujuDoc]

I got a 27 P on the 6/15 exam with this breakdown:
PS: 8
VR: 9
BS: 10

My gpa is 3.52. State of residence is New Jersey. I've shadowed two doctors for, and i've been working in a clinic for a few months. I also have some sport and volunteering ECs. I am not a URM but English is my second language.

I'm just wondering if you guys think I have any shot for this cycle or if I should be set on retaking the MCAT.
Id appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Try talking with the deans of both RWJ and NJMS and see what they say. If you do end up applying, try applying to both of those schools plus schools like Albany, NYMC, RFU, etc.

 

[Schaden Freud]

I think you should re-take, especially since your GPA is not stellar.

I got a 27 P on the 6/15 exam with this breakdown:
PS: 8
VR: 9
BS: 10

My gpa is 3.52. State of residence is New Jersey. I've shadowed two doctors for, and i've been working in a clinic for a few months. I also have some sport and volunteering ECs. I am not a URM but English is my second language.

I'm just wondering if you guys think I have any shot for this cycle or if I should be set on retaking the MCAT.
Id appreciate any advice. Thanks!

 

[islandgrl]

What's your homestate?

Good ole Maryland.

 

[annawhisky]

What is your home state of residence???

Hi GujuDoc,

Thanks for responding. I am a NY resident.

 

[tourniquet1963]

im also a NY resident and got a 27M (9,8,10).. i feel i should retake without even trying to apply.. unless u guys think i have a chance in a NY school or anywhere around here.

 

[Schaden Freud]

Retake. A 27 is a longshot unless you have some compensating features (e.g.: stellar GPA and exceptional extracurriculars).

im also a NY resident and got a 27M (9,8,10).. i feel i should retake with even trying to apply.. unless u guys think i have a chance in a NY school or anywhere around here.

 

[jochi1543]

Bump for July 24 release.

 

[shaqkillz451]

30 with low verbal?

 

[Cataract]

July 24th too. I could really use some advice.

PS 10
VR 8
BS 10
WS Q

Total = 28Q

GPA = 3.65
Science GPA = 3.67
NY Resident
Lots of research experience, summer research program
Lots of leadership activities

Primary application already submitted. Should I continue with this year? I'm hoping for NY schools: Buffalo, Stony Brook, Upstate, Albert Einstein.

Do I have a shot at these schools or Drexel, Tufts, BU?

 

[gujuDoc]

Hi GujuDoc,

Thanks for responding. I am a NY resident.

Hmm I'd try talking to the adcom directors of the SUNYs, Albany, and NYMC. You might have a shot at one of those schools though may be not the more top tier schools like the IVYs and NYU, Mt. Sinai, etc.

Other schools to look into are schools like RFU. If you don't think you can do significantly better on the MCAT another option would be to look into an SMP program (Special Masters Program that allows you to take first year med school classes----some of these programs give guaranteed interviews).

 

[gujuDoc]

Good ole Maryland.

I can't speak for Umaryland, but I can advise you to apply broadly and to the lower tier schools like Albany, NYMC, RFU, etc.

I'd also advise you to talk with admissions directors of schools of interest where you are close to the averages. If English is not your first language then try to adress that fact. If you don't wish to retake and don't get in this year another option would be to consider SMPs. SMPs = Special Masters Programs that allow you to take first year med school classes and prove yourself giving you a higher chance of getting in somewhere.

 

[dwightbean]

i was a long shot to begin with.

aug 2006 - 29N: 10P, 10V, 9B
july 2007 - 27R: 9P, 10V, 8B

so i've actually lowered my score. my gpa is almost around 3.1 due to a semester of failing grades my junior year. however, my last three semesters i averaged about a 3.8, and my post-bacc (two more semesters) is about a 4.0. also, my undergrad is an ivy league, i have some research, and lots of leadership ECs. also, i'm a texas resident. should i even bother?

honest opinions (or even inspirational words) please.

 

[saidel273]

32R with PS:13, VR:7, BS:12

Do you people think it is worth it to apply with these scores. I mean 7 is very low and does not look good on the application. What do you guys think, wait another year and reapply?

 

[Chemist0157]

27Q
PS: 9
VR: 10
BS: 8

I have a 4.0 GPA and just entering my junior year...one more year before I'll apply! I feel like I can maintain that kind of GPA until I finish my degree. I'm also from Arkansas.

Here's my activities:
ABS (Association of Baptist Students) leader for the past 3 years
SI (Supplemental Instructor) for Organic Chemistry this year (maybe more)
Eagle Scout
Honors College
Chemistry Club

By the time I apply, I will have shadowed a doctor and volunteered at a hospital or health clinic.

I'm thinking I need to retake...I'd like to go to Vanderbilt or Washington University in St. Louis; they're in neighboring states.

 

[scowdeva]

So, I have taken once on paper (PS7, VR12, Q, BS9) and just got my scores from July...and I did worse overall, although the range was narrowed a lot (PS8, VR10, R, BS8). I really studied the second time, although I was working 60 hour weeks at the time...but I thought I did really well afterwards.

Should I even consider taking it a third time? How is this viewed? I know I have more potential, get 32-35s on practice tests, but I just seem to freeze during the real thing. I have a slightly below average GPA, so that will not save a 28 and a 26 on the MCAT. Grrrrr, what do I do??

 

[elektroshok]

30 O
9 PS
10 VR
11 BS

All i wanted from the beginning of this was a 30..but It would have been nice to have a 32+
I am not applying until next cycle.. but do you think i should even consider retaking.. or just stick with this?

I really dont want to go through all the studying again.. and I am fairly sure I will get in somewhere..

Link to MDAPPS is in my sig...

Ahhhh

 

[J ROD]

So, I have taken once on paper (PS7, VR12, Q, BS9) and just got my scores from July...and I did worse overall, although the range was narrowed a lot (PS8, VR10, R, BS8). I really studied the second time, although I was working 60 hour weeks at the time...but I thought I did really well afterwards.

Should I even consider taking it a third time? How is this viewed? I know I have more potential, get 32-35s on practice tests, but I just seem to freeze during the real thing. I have a slightly below average GPA, so that will not save a 28 and a 26 on the MCAT. Grrrrr, what do I do??

I say take it at least one more time and try to work less and set aside a good amount of time (1-2 months) for it. Sounds like you made need to work on relaxing for the test as much as studying. It can be just as important. I know it hurt me for the PS (stupid mistakes) and maybe even the Verbal.

My feelings are take it until you get a score that you feel represents your abilities well enough. I rather try to explain 4 attempts and a 32-33 than two attempts with a 28 high. A good score is still a good score. You can at least said you did it once. Blame the first bad one on inexperience with the test, first time, etc. Second attempt, I worked too much.

It's all about spin!!

 

[gdawg102]

So, I have taken once on paper (PS7, VR12, Q, BS9) and just got my scores from July...and I did worse overall, although the range was narrowed a lot (PS8, VR10, R, BS8). I really studied the second time, although I was working 60 hour weeks at the time...but I thought I did really well afterwards.

Should I even consider taking it a third time? How is this viewed? I know I have more potential, get 32-35s on practice tests, but I just seem to freeze during the real thing. I have a slightly below average GPA, so that will not save a 28 and a 26 on the MCAT. Grrrrr, what do I do??

I'd say take it again. It sounds like perhaps your score may be due to fatique and nervousness on test day. Did you get to relax for several days before the exam? If you take a test panicking, it is my belief you are setting yourself to do worse than when you are at your best because you are too busy thinking about how hard the test is instead of focusing on the test itself. Plus, if your mind is tired, it doesn't want to work as hard as you would need it to when you are taking a test such as the MCAT, which requires intense reasoning skills. Even if you took it more than two times, you still want to get your target score to make up for your sub GPA, because now that's all you can do...or otherwise settle for foreign options....

 

[pride4jc727]

Fellow pre-meds,

I just got the scores for the July 24th MCAT. This is my first and only time taking the test. The overall score and breakdown are as follows:

Total Score: 28P 😕

PS: 9
VR: 8
BS: 11

I know this is a gray area kind of score. Other areas of my application are strong. I have a 3.89 overall GPA with a 3.92 BCPM GPA. I worked at heart and lung center in the dept of surgery as a student intern under the supervision of a research coordinator and cardiac surgeon who also happens to be the vice pres of medical affairs and chair of the surgery dept. I also was a clinical research associate at St Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport studying prostate cancer screening in male patients and visitors to the emergency department. Other significant extracurriculars include student government positions as publicity director and secretary of academics on the executive board. I also will be embarking on a pancreatic cancer research when I resume college next month. Finally, I have been a martial artist, training for over 13 years and teaching as instructor for six years. I know I just basically told my life's story, but I was wondering what I should do know with a 28P? I want to apply this year and I know there is one more test date in September. Is this an acceptable score to apply with or should I retake and definitely aim for over a 30? What are my chances for a medical school acceptance at this point?

 

[gujuDoc]

Fellow pre-meds,

I just got the scores for the July 24th MCAT. This is my first and only time taking the test. The overall score and breakdown are as follows:

Total Score: 28P 😕

PS: 9
VR: 8
BS: 11

I know this is a gray area kind of score. Other areas of my application are strong. I have a 3.89 overall GPA with a 3.92 BCPM GPA. I worked at heart and lung center in the dept of surgery as a student intern under the supervision of a research coordinator and cardiac surgeon who also happens to be the vice pres of medical affairs and chair of the surgery dept. I also was a clinical research associate at St Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport studying prostate cancer screening in male patients and visitors to the emergency department. Other significant extracurriculars include student government positions as publicity director and secretary of academics on the executive board. I also will be embarking on a pancreatic cancer research when I resume college next month. Finally, I have been a martial artist, training for over 13 years and teaching as instructor for six years. I know I just basically told my life's story, but I was wondering what I should do know with a 28P? I want to apply this year and I know there is one more test date in September. Is this an acceptable score to apply with or should I retake and definitely aim for over a 30? What are my chances for a medical school acceptance at this point?

What is your homestate. I think you have a chance somewhere. Maybe not Harvard or Hopkins but definitely a US MD school in the states somewhere. what state are you from? If you are from Fl. or Tx I think you'd have a shot for sure. I think even the SUNYs and Albany or NYMC or NJ schools if you are from one of those states would consider you as well from what I've seen on here and elsehwhere.

Bottomline: Outside of California which can go either way, I think you have a shot at state schools from whatever your homestate is and at lower tier schools and as per the rest of the schools it can go either way but there is no sure way to predict the future. However one thing can be said: You def. have a shot.

 

[gomed]

26Q

9 PS
9 BS
8 VR
Q WS


3.65 science gpa
3.89 all others
3.73 overall

shadowing doctor for two months
outstanding recs
research for four years
volunteer work four years
good essays
officer of two clubs


can this one exam hold me back? not aiming for top tier schools...lower to middle tier...what should i do?

 

[jamilla_w]

26Q

9 PS
9 BS
8 VR
Q WS


3.65 science gpa
3.89 all others
3.73 overall

shadowing doctor for two months
outstanding recs
research for four years
volunteer work four years
good essays
officer of two clubs


can this one exam hold me back? not aiming for top tier schools...lower to middle tier...what should i do?

Home state? URM status?

 

[gomed]

CA...what's urm?

 

[gomed]

Home state? URM status?

CA...what's URM?

 

[jamilla_w]

CA...what's URM?

Under represented minority. But it doesn't matter for CA public schools.

You're going to have a rough time. If I were you I would retake.

 

[Chemist0157]

Can someone help me out please? I'm clueless!

 

[pride4jc727]

What is your homestate. I think you have a chance somewhere. Maybe not Harvard or Hopkins but definitely a US MD school in the states somewhere. what state are you from? If you are from Fl. or Tx I think you'd have a shot for sure. I think even the SUNYs and Albany or NYMC or NJ schools if you are from one of those states would consider you as well from what I've seen on here and elsehwhere.

Bottomline: Outside of California which can go either way, I think you have a shot at state schools from whatever your homestate is and at lower tier schools and as per the rest of the schools it can go either way but there is no sure way to predict the future. However one thing can be said: You def. have a shot.

My home state is New Jersey and I had on my list the state schools. However, my goal is to break the magical 30 mark and expand the list of schools that will look at me. Should I do so or not? Also, how do the medical schools look at multiple test takes? Do they take overall scores of each administration or do they take the highest scores from each section of each test administration (i.e if first was 27P with 12, 9, 6 and second take was 31Q with 11, 8, 12; or would it be the highest scores from each take added to get 12, 9, 12 and Q to get 33Q?)?

 

[pianogirl0104]

I took the MCAT August 2006 and got a 25Q: PS 7, VR 9, BS 9

I retook on July 24 and got a 27Q: PS 10, VR 9, BS 8

I'm mad that I went down in BS, and I'm upset that I didn't do better overall. I was averaging 29 on AAMC CBTs, so I know I can do better.

I'm a TX resident (white, female) and my GPA is a 3.2 with a science GPA of 3.3. I'm an engineering major at a top engineering school, which helps to explain my non-stellar GPA. I still have one year left, and I can (hopefully) bring my GPA up to about a 3.5. I'm a Hospice volunteer, Red Cross volunteer, lots of experience working in doctor's offices, and I do research in a biology lab. Should I retake the MCAT? Ugh, I can't imagine taking it a third time, but I'll do whatever it takes. Please let me know, any advice would help!

 

[Cladbolg]

Just got scores back from the July 24th test.. 10 PS 8 VR 11 BS = 29 M.
I would like to mention that I am an international student. I worked my butt of for verbal but no luck... anyway my GPA atm is 3.37 will hopefully get up to 3.42 by the end of next semester which is when I am done with college.
Extras include:
-Shadowing a doctor for 32 hrs.
-Volunteering at a doctors office for 32 + 16 hrs.
-National Dean's List twice.
-My Universities Dean'sList for 3 semesters.
-Volunteering at a hospital in a third world country (Pakistan).
-Doing research next semester in archeological chemistry, which will eventually be published but not by the time I hear back from med schools.
-Will be tutoring students at my college in 1st year anatomy and physiology and 1st year Gen. chemistry for 1 semester.
-Will volunteer at a hospital some next semester.

Applying for 2008 btw, still haven't submitted primaries.

My Questions are:
What are my chances at an M.D school?
Do you think I should retake the exam next year and apply for 2009 (I really really do not want to study again)?
Should I try D.O schools and what is my shot there (am a little hessitant since limited practice rights outside US)?
Would you suggest D.O over an M.D from one of the top 3 carribean med schools?
Go back to Pakistan and study from one of the top 2 schools there (this option is the cheapest but my father will be dissapointed)?

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Being a minority will help, you still may be borderline with the MD schools, I would apply to some DOs, and try to get some more clinical experience. Possibly take a year off to boost your resume. The big thing I see with you and getting into an MD school is actually your GPA. Your MCAT is fine, within the range you need, but the GPA is slightly lacking.

 

[dwightbean]

more advice please. also, i guess i'm an urm.

i was a long shot to begin with.

aug 2006 - 29N: 10P, 10V, 9B
july 2007 - 27R: 9P, 10V, 8B

so i've actually lowered my score. my gpa is almost around 3.1 due to a semester of failing grades my junior year. however, my last three semesters i averaged about a 3.8, and my post-bacc (two more semesters) is about a 4.0. also, my undergrad is an ivy league, i have some research, and lots of leadership ECs. also, i'm a texas resident. should i even bother?

honest opinions (or even inspirational words) please.

 

[af75]

PS:11
VS:10
BS:9
WS:T

Total: 30T

GPA: 3.5 from Ivy

I know that 30 is not a bad score, but I was hoping to have at least a 10 on BS. I'm applying to state schools, including UMDNJ (NJ is my home state).

Should I retake to up the BS score, or is this OK for state schools?

 

[Cataract]

Any Advice?

July 24th too. I could really use some advice.

PS 10
VR 8
BS 10
WS Q

Total = 28Q at least an 8 in each 😳

GPA = 3.65
Science GPA = 3.67
NY Resident
Lots of research experience, summer research program, pending publication
Lots of leadership activities
Excellent community service

Primary application already submitted. Should I continue with this year? I'm hoping for NY schools: Buffalo, Stony Brook, Upstate, Albert Einstein, Rochester.

Do I have a shot at these schools or Drexel, MCW, Vermont?

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Retake if you know you can pull up the Verbal, if not i think you have a solid shot anyways.

 

[dwightbean]

i think you'll be fine, esp. for state schools. i'd definitely give it a try. that's just my gut reaction though; my stats are on this page & i'm perhaps not one to talk.

anyways, if you were to retake, did yo plan on waiting for the next application cycle?

PS:11
VS:10
BS:9
WS:T

Total: 30T

GPA: 3.5 from Ivy

I know that 30 is not a bad score, but I was hoping to have at least a 10 on BS. I'm applying to state schools, including UMDNJ (NJ is my home state).

Should I retake to up the BS score, or is this OK for state schools?

 

[elektroshok]

30 O
9 PS
10 VR
11 BS

All i wanted from the beginning of this was a 30..but It would have been nice to have a 32+
I am not applying until next cycle.. but do you think i should even consider retaking.. or just stick with this?

I really dont want to go through all the studying again.. and I am fairly sure I will get in somewhere..

Link to MDAPPS is in my sig...

Ahhhh

Any advice here?

 

[gujuDoc]

Any Advice?

Just to add Albany and NYMC to your list.

 

[gujuDoc]

more advice please. also, i guess i'm an urm.

Your MCAT isn't the issue. Your grades are. You should apply broadly and do a SMP if you don't get in and apply broadly.

 

[gujuDoc]

PS:11
VS:10
BS:9
WS:T

Total: 30T

GPA: 3.5 from Ivy

I know that 30 is not a bad score, but I was hoping to have at least a 10 on BS. I'm applying to state schools, including UMDNJ (NJ is my home state).

Should I retake to up the BS score, or is this OK for state schools?

Based on what my friends out at NJMS have told me of their scores, I think its just fine for NJMS and possibly RWJ. I think it will be fine for the lower tier NY schools as well. Just make sure everything else is good.

 

[gujuDoc]

I took the MCAT August 2006 and got a 25Q: PS 7, VR 9, BS 9

I retook on July 24 and got a 27Q: PS 10, VR 9, BS 8

I'm mad that I went down in BS, and I'm upset that I didn't do better overall. I was averaging 29 on AAMC CBTs, so I know I can do better.

I'm a TX resident (white, female) and my GPA is a 3.2 with a science GPA of 3.3. I'm an engineering major at a top engineering school, which helps to explain my non-stellar GPA. I still have one year left, and I can (hopefully) bring my GPA up to about a 3.5. I'm a Hospice volunteer, Red Cross volunteer, lots of experience working in doctor's offices, and I do research in a biology lab. Should I retake the MCAT? Ugh, I can't imagine taking it a third time, but I'll do whatever it takes. Please let me know, any advice would help!

I think you should put more effort into increasing your GPA through a SMP program or 1 year masters or 1 year of postbac bc that looks like a bigger problem. Being a Tx. resident you might have a shot with that MCAT but your GPA is still low. You could call up adcom directors and see what their advice is. I know someone who had your stats and did the Gtown SMP and is now in a Tx state school. She used to post on here as ChaeyMaey. Usually Tx. and Fl. schools are more forgiving of a 27 or 28 MCAT but yu should have a higher GPA to compensate for it. Like I said, call up the adcom directors and see what they say. Apply broadly and if you don't get in consider applying for one of the SMP programs somewhere and only retake if you think you can go significantly higher.

 

[gujuDoc]

My home state is New Jersey and I had on my list the state schools. However, my goal is to break the magical 30 mark and expand the list of schools that will look at me. Should I do so or not? Also, how do the medical schools look at multiple test takes? Do they take overall scores of each administration or do they take the highest scores from each section of each test administration (i.e if first was 27P with 12, 9, 6 and second take was 31Q with 11, 8, 12; or would it be the highest scores from each take added to get 12, 9, 12 and Q to get 33Q?)?

They look at your overall from your latest test administration and look for an increase in score. The only school I know of that takes best of subsections from different administrations is Tufts Medical School in Boston. However it is pretty tough to get in there.

I think you should have a shot for NJMS, possibly RWJ, and for some of the SUNYs, Albany, NYMC, etc. I'd apply broadly to all of those schools possibly Temple and Drexel in Penn and RFU in chicago, SLU, GWU, schools of that nature.

Look in the MSAR but I think you have a shot this year if you get on the ball with applications. Obviously schools like HMS are out of reach but the other schools like the ones I mentioned are not. You should be fine because the rest of your profile looks great and 28 isn't considered a bad score unless you live in California where even a lot of 30+ scores are rejected.

 

[gujuDoc]

Any advice here?

I wouldn't retake it. your stats seem fine. You do have some good ECs but not much clinical stuff outside of some shadowing. I'd do some more volunteering or try to get a job in a clinical setting of some sort. That would be better then just shadowing. Shadowing shouldnt be used to replace volunteering or working.

 

[gujuDoc]

27Q
PS: 9
VR: 10
BS: 8

I have a 4.0 GPA and just entering my junior year...one more year before I'll apply! I feel like I can maintain that kind of GPA until I finish my degree. I'm also from Arkansas.

Here's my activities:
ABS (Association of Baptist Students) leader for the past 3 years
SI (Supplemental Instructor) for Organic Chemistry this year (maybe more)
Eagle Scout
Honors College
Chemistry Club

By the time I apply, I will have shadowed a doctor and volunteered at a hospital or health clinic.

I'm thinking I need to retake...I'd like to go to Vanderbilt or Washington University in St. Louis; they're in neighboring states.

If you are aiming high then yes a retake is necessary but remember that even with high numbers there is no guarantee. My friend had far more extensive ECs then you, an MCAT 8 points higher, and a high GPA. She still ended up getting rejected from Vandy preinterview and waitlisted at WashU. Shoot for the stars but don't be disappointed if you land on the moon instead.

 

[gujuDoc]

May 31t: 26Q 4VR, 12PS, 10BS
July24th: 28Q 7VR, 10PS, 11BS
The only thing i have going for this mcat is the intense heat in the testing center. I have submitted my complaint and might get a letter stating that I took the test under nonstandard conditions.

3.8 GPA
Research for 1 year
other volunteering (hospitals, first aid squad, medical clinic)
Tutor
What do you guys say?
I live in NJ so I'm thinking of applying to NJ schools, I might have a long shot here.
Otherwise, its out for this season and i'll start preparing for next cycle's mcats.

I think you will have a shot at schools like NJMS and some of the schools from the neighboring NY. Albany, NYMC, some of the SUNYs, for starters. RWJ maybe as well. Maybe SLU, RFU, etc.

 

[elektroshok]

I wouldn't retake it. your stats seem fine. You do have some good ECs but not much clinical stuff outside of some shadowing. I'd do some more volunteering or try to get a job in a clinical setting of some sort. That would be better then just shadowing. Shadowing shouldnt be used to replace volunteering or working.

Does your clinical exposure have to involve direct patient care? I have been working for the airforce at a hospital with a joint venture with the VA system.

I can try to find somewhere to volunteer that is clinical soon if it is needed - I thought that the shadowing would give me the clinical/patient exposure part while holding this job (and the LOR i will get from my boss) will show the amount of leadership and responsibility. I work in a high profile office of the hospital, dealing with upper level managment almost every day.

 

[majik1213]

May 31t: 26Q 4VR, 12PS, 10BS
July24th: 28Q 7VR, 10PS, 11BS
The only thing i have going for this mcat is the intense heat in the testing center. I have submitted my complaint and might get a letter stating that I took the test under nonstandard conditions.

3.8 GPA
Research for 1 year
other volunteering (hospitals, first aid squad, medical clinic)
Tutor
What do you guys say?
I live in NJ so I'm thinking of applying to NJ schools, I might have a long shot here.
Otherwise, its out for this season and i'll start preparing for next cycle's mcats.

I'd recommend getting that VR to at least an 8. I believe some schools frown heavily upon any section <8. A 28 is good, but the distribution needs to be more uniform.

 

[gujuDoc]

Does your clinical exposure have to involve direct patient care? I have been working for the airforce at a hospital with a joint venture with the VA system.

I can try to find somewhere to volunteer that is clinical soon if it is needed - I thought that the shadowing would give me the clinical/patient exposure part while holding this job (and the LOR i will get from my boss) will show the amount of leadership and responsibility. I work in a high profile office of the hospital, dealing with upper level managment almost every day.

Most would recommend either working or volunteering with direct patient contact. at one of the schools in Fl. they have a ranking system which they use to determine who to give interviews to and one of the things they score is direct patient contact which is worth 20pts to them. Even at USF, though they don't have an official ranking they've made it clear that patient contact through both shadowing and volunteerism is important. I however don't think that you necessarily need to do it as a volunteer and can do it in a work capacity and most people feel they get more out of a paid job working with patients not because they are paid but because paid positions are usually posiitions which involve more responsibility and training and really let you see the inner workings of the facilities where you work i.e. hospital, clinic, doctor's office, etc. It allows you to be involved in learning more medical skills and understanding the beauracracy involved in medicine.

 

[elektroshok]

Most would recommend either working or volunteering with direct patient contact. at one of the schools in Fl. they have a ranking system which they use to determine who to give interviews to and one of the things they score is direct patient contact which is worth 20pts to them. Even at USF, though they don't have an official ranking they've made it clear that patient contact through both shadowing and volunteerism is important. I however don't think that you necessarily need to do it as a volunteer and can do it in a work capacity and most people feel they get more out of a paid job working with patients not because they are paid but because paid positions are usually posiitions which involve more responsibility and training and really let you see the inner workings of the facilities where you work i.e. hospital, clinic, doctor's office, etc. It allows you to be involved in learning more medical skills and understanding the beauracracy involved in medicine.

Yeah, that sounds about right.

I will probably try and volunteer a day a week or something for a while - i cant afford to find another job that is totally in a clinical setting.
Thank you for the advice.

Everything else look decent to you?

 

[dwightbean]

thanks. very much appreciated. i almost had a mental breakdown when my new, lower, score was released yesterday. your advice is well taken.

Your MCAT isn't the issue. Your grades are. You should apply broadly and do a SMP if you don't get in and apply broadly.

 

[Terna]

Hello!
I am fairly certain that I need to retake, but my main question for SDN is: when? (January, or in April-June?)

I took the MCAT for the first time on July 24th, and my score was:
27 P

10 BS
10 VR
7 PS 🙁

I have been getting 30s over and over on my practice tests (with a very even distribution) , so I know I can do better.

Delaware resident (DE has _no_ state schools, but an agreement with Jefferson to save 20 seats for DE residents)
not a URM
female

Some other stats:
3.6 GPA at a top-20 LAC, 3.45 science GPA
One more year to go, which could further help my GPA.
Also I am a double major, English and Biology.


lots of extracurriculars:
3 season/year athlete (cross country and track)
hospice volunteering
hospital volunteering (3 diff. hospitals, 2 veterinary hospitals)
orthopedic internship
Wilderness EMT certified, trying to get an EMT job (?)
research for 2 summers, and will be 2 years of research in school with a biology honors project

So, SDN, what are your thoughts? January or spring/summer? My advisor said I shouldn't take it again until I can take 4 straight practice tests getting 34s, 11+ in PS. This seems a little high, but hopefully I can pull it off...

Thanks for any advice. 😀