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)​

 

[SwimKid]

yes, i'm starting to lean that way too

thanks!

 

[jai87]

hello, this is my first post.

i need some advice here.
I got a 32O(11/10/11) and my GPA is 3.6
My ECs consist of LOTS of community service hours, heavy involvement with my church fellowship, summer missions to Africa, and 2 year exposure at a bio lab(worked there as a workstudy). i didn't really like the lab atmosphere so i started focusing on clinical and community health.

I'm aiming towards the california schools(UCLA, UCI, USC, etc) and i know that they are much more competitive than the national average. Should i retake the MCAT?

my diags were around 34-37.
any advice would be appreciated. Thank you 🙂

 

[chief illiniwek]

hello, this is my first post.

i need some advice here.
I got a 32O(11/10/11) and my GPA is 3.6
My ECs consist of LOTS of community service hours, heavy involvement with my church fellowship, summer missions to Africa, and 2 year exposure at a bio lab(worked there as a workstudy). i didn't really like the lab atmosphere so i started focusing on clinical and community health.

I'm aiming towards the california schools(UCLA, UCI, USC, etc) and i know that they are much more competitive than the national average. Should i retake the MCAT?

my diags were around 34-37.
any advice would be appreciated. Thank you 🙂

your ECs and GPA seem great, and assuming you get good LORs, i think with your current stats you would definitely get some looks at the UC schools (probably with one acceptance). however, since your MCAT is right around average for these schools, I think this will hamper your chances a little bit. your diagnostic exam scores indicate you could do better on the MCAT, so if I were you, I would definitely retake the exam this coming spring. with a score of 34 (the minimum of your diag tests), your chances of getting 1+ acceptances would skyrocket. but, whatever you choose, i wish you the best of luck.

 

[SN2ed]

hello, this is my first post.

i need some advice here.
I got a 32O(11/10/11) and my GPA is 3.6
My ECs consist of LOTS of community service hours, heavy involvement with my church fellowship, summer missions to Africa, and 2 year exposure at a bio lab(worked there as a workstudy). i didn't really like the lab atmosphere so i started focusing on clinical and community health.

I'm aiming towards the california schools(UCLA, UCI, USC, etc) and i know that they are much more competitive than the national average. Should i retake the MCAT?

my diags were around 34-37.
any advice would be appreciated. Thank you 🙂

Your GPA and MCAT are decent (by the way, your GPA is not great, decent, not great), but slightly below average for California schools. I think your ECs might be what gets you in. They look really good, but I don't see that any clinical experience which can hurt your chances. Where the summer missions to Africa missionary trips or health related? If you spend some time to gain some clinical experience I think you stand a good shot at one of the relatively less competitive California schools. In other words, you have a good chance for schools like UCD, UCI, and USC. However, you will probably have some trouble with UCLA, UCSF, UCSD, etc. Regardless, you shouldn't bank on any California schools. These are among the toughest schools to get in to (well most of them anyway). You should apply more broadly.

 

[chief illiniwek]

Your GPA and MCAT are decent (by the way, your GPA is not great, decent, not great), but slightly below average for California schools. I think your ECs might be what gets you in. They look really good, but I don't see that any clinical experience which can hurt your chances. Where the summer missions to Africa missionary trips or health related? If you spend some time to gain some clinical experience I think you stand a good shot at one of the relatively less competitive California schools. In other words, you have a good chance for schools like UCD, UCI, and USC. However, you will probably have some trouble with UCLA, UCSF, UCSD, etc. Regardless, you shouldn't bank on any California schools. These are among the toughest schools to get in to (well most of them anyway). You should apply more broadly.

alright, alright. 😛

 

[jai87]

thank you all for your input 🙂

 

[desigirl419]

With that GPA don't retake the MCAT. You will get love from some higher tier schools, esp if you go to a decent undergrad. Honestly, there are many people who "underperformed" relative to their practice scores. 🙄

Thanks Rzarecta. Anybody else? I mean, given my ECs-- which seem like a pile of dirt next to those crazies on mdapplicants.com who basically found a cure for cancer---, is a Northwestern, University of Pittsburgh, UChicago calibur school too much of a stretch?

For those of you who didn't see my first post, I'm working with a 32S (and contemplating a retake, I've begun studying), 4.0GPA, 3 years Neuroscience research with honors thesis plus fellowship, captain of competitive dance team, clinical volunteering, and for now that's about it.

If you have ANY input at all, it is MUCH appreciated 😳

 

[gujuDoc]

Thanks Rzarecta. Anybody else? I mean, given my ECs-- which seem like a pile of dirt next to those crazies on mdapplicants.com who basically found a cure for cancer---, is a Northwestern, University of Pittsburgh, UChicago calibur school too much of a stretch?

For those of you who didn't see my first post, I'm working with a 32S (and contemplating a retake, I've begun studying), 4.0GPA, 3 years Neuroscience research with honors thesis plus fellowship, captain of competitive dance team, clinical volunteering, and for now that's about it.

If you have ANY input at all, it is MUCH appreciated 😳

There is no way to say for sure you'd get in those schools but I've heard of cases with people with those kinda stats getting into those schools. A lot hingest on your ECs, personal statement and secondary essays, how your present yourself in interviews and what the other profiles are of your competition. I think you do stand a shot though cuz I know of cases with people with a 30 MCAT score getting into Chicago and even know of a good friend in Cornell with a 3.98 and 31. He also had interview offers from UPenn, BU, acceptance from Tufts, and several other interview offers he turned down. Got into cornell in Dec.

I also heard of a case of a girl from Rutgers who had a 30 and 3.9 who got into UPenn with not too out of the world ECs. What I'd do is apply to a broad range of schools across the spectrum. Apply to all home state schools, a few of your dream schools and a few lower tier schools. See where things carry you to.

You should consider Tufts, BU, and some of the other top 50 schools that are not necessarily top 20 as well as top 20 and state schools and a few safeties. That's my opinion. I'd not retake with your GPA either and agree with the previous poster's opinion where you are concerned.

 

[desigirl419]

There is no way to say for sure you'd get in those schools but I've heard of cases with people with those kinda stats getting into those schools. A lot hingest on your ECs, personal statement and secondary essays, how your present yourself in interviews and what the other profiles are of your competition. I think you do stand a shot though cuz I know of cases with people with a 30 MCAT score getting into Chicago and even know of a good friend in Cornell with a 3.98 and 31. He also had interview offers from UPenn, BU, acceptance from Tufts, and several other interview offers he turned down. Got into cornell in Dec.

I also heard of a case of a girl from Rutgers who had a 30 and 3.9 who got into UPenn with not too out of the world ECs. What I'd do is apply to a broad range of schools across the spectrum. Apply to all home state schools, a few of your dream schools and a few lower tier schools. See where things carry you to.

You should consider Tufts, BU, and some of the other top 50 schools that are not necessarily top 20 as well as top 20 and state schools and a few safeties. That's my opinion. I'd not retake with your GPA either and agree with the previous poster's opinion where you are concerned.

So I guess bottom line is that there's a chance but there is no knowing for sure? Hmm, I take it you're from Boston? Haha, thanks so much for your input. I hope it works out. If I decide not to retake the MCAT I may take a more active role in service projects. Thanks.

 

[SN2ed]

Thanks Rzarecta. Anybody else? I mean, given my ECs-- which seem like a pile of dirt next to those crazies on mdapplicants.com who basically found a cure for cancer---, is a Northwestern, University of Pittsburgh, UChicago calibur school too much of a stretch?

For those of you who didn't see my first post, I'm working with a 32S (and contemplating a retake, I've begun studying), 4.0GPA, 3 years Neuroscience research with honors thesis plus fellowship, captain of competitive dance team, clinical volunteering, and for now that's about it.

If you have ANY input at all, it is MUCH appreciated 😳

You have better ECs and GPA than the vast majority of applicants. I have no idea what you're talking about when you say your ECs are a pile of dirt. While no one can tell you that you'll get in, you do stand a very good shot. At this point, your MCAT will not hold you back from any school.

Ugh. I hope I didn't fall for a troll post. It certainly looks like one.

 

[desigirl419]

You have better ECs and GPA than the vast majority of applicants. I have no idea what you're talking about when you say your ECs are a pile of dirt. While no one can tell you that you'll get in, you do stand a very good shot. At this point, your MCAT will not hold you back from any school.

Ugh. I hope I didn't fall for a troll post. It certainly looks like one.

SN2ed:

Oh No🙁! It is not a troll post.

I guess I could have phrased things in a less "trollish" way now that I think about it. I'm a first timer posting here, but I have been frustrated by troll posts that I have read and have thoroughly read all warnings! Some times I exaggerate things when written 🙁. Better watch out for that in those secondaries haha.

All I meant to say is that those profiles on Mdapplicants are so intimidating no matter who you are. All my older friends have been saying that this whole process is a disorderly crap shoot so I guess I was just trying to bring some order to it and get a gauge on where I stand by consulting those who have some experience with it.

I will try to phrase things in a less trollish way. But I really do appreciate your and anybody's input. It's hard to find honest answers, that's why sdn is so great. Thanks a ton 😳, and again my apologies for any trollish tendencies in previous posts

 

[gujuDoc]

So I guess bottom line is that there's a chance but there is no knowing for sure? Hmm, I take it you're from Boston? Haha, thanks so much for your input. I hope it works out. If I decide not to retake the MCAT I may take a more active role in service projects. Thanks.

I am not from Boston but I know quite a few people who've gotten interviews from my own alma mater USF with those kinda stats at BU or Tufts. quite a few have gotten in over there. I was using them as examples of midtier schools you should apply to.

 

[gujuDoc]

You have better ECs and GPA than the vast majority of applicants. I have no idea what you're talking about when you say your ECs are a pile of dirt. While no one can tell you that you'll get in, you do stand a very good shot. At this point, your MCAT will not hold you back from any school.

Ugh. I hope I didn't fall for a troll post. It certainly looks like one.

I don't think they are a troll. I have seen mdapps of various people and compared to the ECs on some of those mdapps hers looks like peanuts. So if you flip through that website you can see how intimidating it is and esp. for a first time poster who doesn't know that those things don't represent the majority.

 

[SN2ed]

Ah my mistake. Sorry about that. Yeah, don't pay attention to MDApps.

 

[pinoyunggoy]

Hey guys,

I got a 31S on the real thing in september, and I am scheduled for a january test date. I posted this a while ago http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=7258615#post7258615 I've been taking some AAMCs over again, and I truly feel like I don't remember anything from when I took them in the past. I've seen improvement (31-> 35, 30->36 and such) on all of the tests I have taken. Seeing that I've taken these tests before, I'm still hesitant and I'm taking these scores with a grain of salt, although I feel like I really don't remember much. What do you guys think of these increases? Are those significant enough to warrant a retake?

 

[rocketbooster]

Hey guys,

I got a 31S on the real thing in september, and I am scheduled for a january test date. I posted this a while ago http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=7258615#post7258615 I've been taking some AAMCs over again, and I truly feel like I don't remember anything from when I took them in the past. I've seen improvement (31-> 35, 30->36 and such) on all of the tests I have taken. Seeing that I've taken these tests before, I'm still hesitant and I'm taking these scores with a grain of salt, although I feel like I really don't remember much. What do you guys think of these increases? Are those significant enough to warrant a retake?

You are retaking AAMCs? No. TRUST ME, I did the samething as you. My retaken AAMCs were much higher than the first time I took them months before. I made the same claims you are making now. On my real MCAT retake, my PS stayed the same and BS increased by 1. I didn't bother retaking any VR AAMCs because I knew without doubt I would remember some of those passages.

Take some NEW CBTs.

 

[pinoyunggoy]

You are retaking AAMCs? No. TRUST ME, I did the samething as you. My retaken AAMCs were much higher than the first time I took them months before. I made the same claims you are making now. On my real MCAT retake, my PS stayed the same and BS increased by 1. I didn't bother retaking any VR AAMCs because I knew without doubt I would remember some of those passages.

Take some NEW CBTs.

I don't really have anymore CBTs to take besides like 3 Princeton ones, but those are ridiculously hard. I'm retaking cause I got an 8 in verbal. I'm not quite sure what to do, and the test is in less than 3 weeks. I feel like my studying has been much better around this time, but I mainly just want to increase my verbal score to 10+. I'm hoping to get into Cali med schools, and a 31 with an 8 in VR isn't going to cut it. What do you guys suggest I do then if I don't have any more practice tests?

 

[BloodySurgeon]

I don't really have anymore CBTs to take besides like 3 Princeton ones, but those are ridiculously hard. I'm retaking cause I got an 8 in verbal. I'm not quite sure what to do, and the test is in less than 3 weeks. I feel like my studying has been much better around this time, but I mainly just want to increase my verbal score to 10+. I'm hoping to get into Cali med schools, and a 31 with an 8 in VR isn't going to cut it. What do you guys suggest I do then if I don't have any more practice tests?

I had the same dilemma back when I retook the exam and thought the same as well. I once got a 44 on my practice AAMC and thought to myself, ok now I know these are wrong lol. There are A LOT of MCAT material, some are better than the rest, but if your short on supplies I dont think you have much of a choice. We have The Gold Standard, TPR, TBR, EK, Kaplan, AAMC (if you have a subscription to Kaplan or TPR I would also suggest asking if they have a paper-back copy of the discontinued AAMC 1 and 2--they are super easy but at least they are practice), or even go to your local borders and find those semi-useless unknown review to the mcat with practice problems they have there. Best of luck!

 

[afarooq2]

Hey guys, so I'm looking for some advice and I figured this thread has the most comments so I should just post it here... I'm new to SDN so don't kill me haha.

So my situation is, I was supposed to take the January 31st MCAT, however I have pushed it to March 28th. The thing is, I studied all winter break, for a total of about 5 weeks max, and took 4-5 practice tests averaging about a 31ish, which didn't really do it for me. I realized I had a TON of content weakness which was my main downfall partially because it was too much to cover in a month, and I hardly practiced verbal.

So I basically have two months now, any suggestions?? I'm trying to make a study plan, I want to take a test each weekend and gradually take more and more as the date comes closer. With class and all, I think one test a week will suffice till about a month before the test, with period studying during the week. If this plan sucks, please let me know haha.

The materials I have are: All Kaplan online, textbook, notecards, everything from the package. EK Orgo, Physics, Gen Chem content books, and 1001 passages for everything and I just ordered 101 Verbal.

Any help?? And I'm shooting for a 33-34

 

[lebron]

hey ive been reading these forums for a while so i thought id finally sign up. I took the mcat in august 08 and got a 32q. 12p, 8v, 12b. Im currently a junior, 3.67cGPA, 3.60sGPA.
I'm from ohio so im thinking of staying close. My goal is osu or case (since i attend one of those) but i dont know if that 8 in verbal is gonna cut it for me. Ive been trying to look around at other mid to lower schools too because of that verbal(around 15 or so total) and it seems like the 8 is borderline cutoff. My question is, should i retake in may and reapply with hopefully a 9 or 10 in verbal or just apply with my score since i could risk getting lower scores in the sciences? By the way, highest aamc practice test was 36 and lowest 31 and highest combined was 38.

Thanks!

 

[SN2ed]

lebron: Unfortunately, you'd probably have to retake if you're deadset on those schools. You should be looking for a 35+ score for OSU (12 PS, 11 VR, 12 BS the average for OSU). I say 35+ because your GPA isn't that good. The average for OSU is a 3.8 cGPA and sGPA. For Case, you might be able to get by with an 8, but they may have a VR cutoff of 9. I'm not sure about the cutoff, but last year they didn't accept anyone with a VR lower than 9 (same for OSU). Whichever school you currently attend, you'd have a better shot at that school because you could get friendly with the medical school.

 

[bmmmmd]

Should I retake? I scored 29M (10 V, 9 P, 10 B) in 2007 and had 3.29 s GPA and 3.64 cumulative. My graduate GPA is 3.8 (I have my master's). I have substantial volunteering, shadowing, and research experience. So far 1 post-interview rejection, 1 post-interview waitlist, 1 upcoming interview, 4 pre-interview rejections, and 7 schools that are still considering my application.

I feel it's time to start planning to reapply in case things don't work out this year.

 

[thechampion]

.

 

[IncuSpy]

I really appreciate all the advise that goes around here. Can you all take a stab at my situation?

First MCAT: 9 PS, 5 VR, 10, BS - 24S
Second MCAT: 9, 9, 9 - 27T
GPA: 3.55

Im applying to 15 schools. All my apps were early (done in August/Sept). So far, 5 rejections with no interview, one interview on hold, and 9 schools I havent heard from.

I am thinking about retaking the MCAT a third time in May, waiting another year, and reapplying even though this cycle hasnt ended. Thus, prepare for May/June MCAT and reapply and if good news comes from schools just drop it. But if not, back up on 3rd MCAT and reapply.
What do you all think? Do I need to be more patient with this cycle?

 

[SN2ed]

Since no one has responded, I'll give it a shot.

bmmmmd:You might need to retake, but your case is a tough one. You have a weak undergrad GPA, however, you also have a good graduate GPA which should alleviate that problem. Your ECs look fine. It could be that you didn't apply broadly enough. By broadly, I don't mean applying to Stanford and Harvard. What schools did you apply to?



thechampion: You need to either do some post-bac to raise your GPA or retake the MCAT. Your relatively low GPA and low MCAT is probably what hurt your application the most. One of the few cases where one could get away with both is if you have an in-state school that heavily favors in-state residents.



IncuSpy: Similar to the case above, your GPA and MCAT are too low. Unless you have a relatively easy to get into in-state school, you'll need to do something post-bac or raise your MCAT.

 

[IncuSpy]

thanks for your advise. I definitely think i should have a back up plan to repeat MCAT and maybe reapply.

I think for my next year off I want to go for experience over GPA boosting post bac classes. That is, I want to spend a year working in health care policy and reform in Washington DC. Is there much of a preference between one or the other in this situation, especially if I'm working to boost my MCAT?

 

[8mile]

Hi,

I'm a CA resident, I have a 3.85 science and cumulative GPA from a top UC, I scored a 32Q on my mcat (PS:11, VR:10, BS:11), I'm hoping to get into UC Davis or UC Irvine with those stats. I don't mind going out of state, so do I need to retake?

I feel like if I retake my verbal will stay the same, PS will go up and BS will go down, lol.

What do you guys think?

thanks

 

[SN2ed]

Hi,

I'm a CA resident, I have a 3.85 science and cumulative GPA from a top UC, I scored a 32Q on my mcat (PS:11, VR:10, BS:11), I'm hoping to get into UC Davis or UC Irvine with those stats. I don't mind going out of state, so do I need to retake?

I feel like if I retake my verbal will stay the same, PS will go up and BS will go down, lol.

What do you guys think?

thanks

No. Don't retake.

 

[IncuSpy]

I think for my next year off I want to go for experience over GPA boosting post bac classes. That is, I want to spend a year working in health care policy and reform in Washington DC. Is there much of a preference between one or the other in this situation, especially if I'm working to boost my MCAT?

?

 

[bmmmmd]

Since no one has responded, I'll give it a shot.

bmmmmd:You might need to retake, but your case is a tough one. You have a weak undergrad GPA, however, you also have a good graduate GPA which should alleviate that problem. Your ECs look fine. It could be that you didn't apply broadly enough. By broadly, I don't mean applying to Stanford and Harvard. What schools did you apply to?



thechampion: You need to either do some post-bac to raise your GPA or retake the MCAT. Your relatively low GPA and low MCAT is probably what hurt your application the most. One of the few cases where one could get away with both is if you have an in-state school that heavily favors in-state residents.



IncuSpy: Similar to the case above, your GPA and MCAT are too low. Unless you have a relatively easy to get into in-state school, you'll need to do something post-bac or raise your MCAT.

14 schools total; those that that look promising are West Virginia (post-interview waitlist), Medical College of Virginia (pre-interview), and George Washington (pre-interview)

Just got invited for the GW interview last week

 

[CKSPIKE]

MCAT 1 : Bio 8 Phys 6 Verb 10
MCAT 2 : Bio 10 Phys 8 Verb 9

GPA 3.98 Science GPA 3.96

500+ Shadowing hours

4000+ Clinical Work (phlebotomy and ER tech)

300+ Volunteer hours


Any wisdom to share? I was getting 33-37 on the KAPLAN tests.

 

[Dr Lyss]

MCAT 1 : Bio 8 Phys 6 Verb 10
MCAT 2 : Bio 10 Phys 8 Verb 9

GPA 3.98 Science GPA 3.96

500+ Shadowing hours

4000+ Clinical Work (phlebotomy and ER tech)

300+ Volunteer hours


Any wisdom to share? I was getting 33-37 on the KAPLAN tests.

CKSpike, your gpa & clinical experiences are great. A 27 MCAT might give you some trouble though, but at least your sub scores are high enough to beat any cutoffs (usually anything under an 8 won't meet the cut off). You might have a good shot at your state schools or maybe some lower tier schools. If you want to greatly increase your chances I would re-take and shoot for at least a 30. Best of luck

 

[SN2ed]

CKSPIKE: Had you already taken those Kaplan tests? Considering it's your second time taking the MCAT, I don't think you'd choke again. Also, what Kaplan tests did you take?

bmmmmd: Are the two Virginia schools DO? They aren't in the MSAR. Looks like GW might be a good fit based purely on stats.

IncuSpy: Whether you should go on that trip or not depends on how your present ECs pan out. If they're solid, it'd be a waste. If you need stronger ECs, then it's not a bad idea. Either way, you must bring up your MCAT if you want a decent chance at any US medical school. Your overall GPA (and hopefully your science & math GPA) isn't horrible, but could use some work. If your science & math GPA are low, then take some classes instead of the trip.

 

[CKSPIKE]

SN2ed I took KAPLAN tests from 2006 and 2007 the 2 years I took the mcat

 

[SN2ed]

SN2ed I took KAPLAN tests from 2006 and 2007 the 2 years I took the mcat

That explains why your test results don't match your practice tests. Do NOT reuse old practice tests. They've lost all of their predictive power and shouldn't be used again. When you retake again get NEW practice tests. What happened to you (high practice test, low actual), shows exactly why it's not a good idea to retake practice tests.

 

[CKSPIKE]

What I meant is that in 2006 I used the 2006 and in 2007 i used the 2007.

 

[olemissbabydoc]

That explains why your test results don't match your practice tests. Do NOT reuse old practice tests. They've lost all of their predictive power and shouldn't be used again. When you retake again get NEW practice tests. What happened to you (high practice test, low actual), shows exactly why it's not a good idea to retake practice tests.

Chances are the company didn't change much, if anything, and remarketed their tests.

Use a different prep company for all new material for more valid results.

 

[bmmmmd]

CKSPIKE: Had you already taken those Kaplan tests? Considering it's your second time taking the MCAT, I don't think you'd choke again. Also, what Kaplan tests did you take?

bmmmmd: Are the two Virginia schools DO? They aren't in the MSAR. Looks like GW might be a good fit based purely on stats.

IncuSpy: Whether you should go on that trip or not depends on how your present ECs pan out. If they're solid, it'd be a waste. If you need stronger ECs, then it's not a bad idea. Either way, you must bring up your MCAT if you want a decent chance at any US medical school. Your overall GPA (and hopefully your science & math GPA) isn't horrible, but could use some work. If your science & math GPA are low, then take some classes instead of the trip.

Sorry to be vague. I meant West Virginia University School of Medicine and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Both are MD.

Several people that I have talked to that went to VCU call it the Medical College of Virginia or MCV, but you're right MSAR doesn't call it that. I'm still not clear on the preferred nomenclature.

 

[georgeyb]

I read this article summarizing the major reasons to retake the MCAT. It also had a link to AAMC's statistics on MCAT retakers, and has numbers on how many improved and how many got worse. Pretty interesting, and also useful in deciding if it's worth retaking. Hope this helps!

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/30461_should-i-retake-the-mcat-

 

[Cali787]

Hi everyone! This is my first time here, so apologies if I get any lingo wrong 🙂.

I took the MCAT this past summer, and got a 32S (11 VR, 10PS, 11BS). I had been doing significantly better on my practice tests (consistently getting around a 36 - my lowest practice was a 31, my highest 39) so I was pretty bummed, but I know that a 32 is a solid score.

I was hoping to apply to some top-tier schools (Penn, UCSF, Yale, etc.), but I'm worried that this score isn't really exceptional enough to even get me a secondary / interview.

I went to Stanford as an undergrad, and my GPA was 3.8 (Science GPA around 3.7). I think I have okay EC's (shadowed a neurosurgeon, did some volunteer work at free clinic / peer counseling center, am now working full-time in reproductive health), and okay LORs.. I'm just super-conflicted about the MCAT.

I keep going back and forth on whether to re-take it - I'm just scared I won't improve significantly / even if I improve by one or two points it won't make enough of a difference.

What do you guys think? Thank you SO MUCH for your advice. 🙂

 

[SN2ed]

If you're absolutely dead set on top-tier schools, then yes, you will have to retake. Additionally, your ECs are not good enough for top-tier schools, so you'll need to work on those as well. Keep in mind that if you've already taken those practice tests, those score are WORTHLESS. As is, you would stand a great shot at non-top tier schools. Lastly, don't worry about getting secondaries, they'll give you those even if you don't have a chance at the school. That's one of the ways they make easy money off of applicants.

 

[Piston95]

Hello everyone, Ive taken the test twice..got a 26 1st time, then a 28 (10-BS, 9-VR/PS). My cgpa is about 3.75, Sci gpa: 3.55. Im a texas resident and was expecting a little more love than i got. Only got 2 interviews (1 MD, 1 DO)- waitlisted @ both. Ive gotten one other MD interview OOS but really have no idea if ill get in. I should mention that I applied late, very very late. My 28 was from a September test, so my files werent up to date until Oct. I'm pretty much thinking I'll hafta reapply, and am prepping for a retake, but do u guys think an early app would really be the difference for me (for allopathic)? Or am i staring a retake in the face?

 

[SN2ed]

I think you might want to consider retaking the MCAT. What hurts your chances at most schools is the combination of a sub-par MCAT with a low GPA. Your best bet, based purely on stats, out of all of the Texas schools would be University of Texas SoM at San Antonio. You could get in there, but your chances are not that great unless you have some strong ECs. Applying early would help, however, I doubt it would be enough. If you don't get in, it's probably due to your MCAT and GPA.

 

[Piston95]

a 3.75 is low? damn, things have changed in the past few months

 

[SN2ed]

The 3.75 overall is decent and won't hold you back from the majority of schools. The problem is the BCMP being a 3.55 with a low MCAT. Even if you had a 3.7 across the board, your MCAT would still be low for allopathic schools. Again, it's not like your GPA kills your application by itself; it's having a low MCAT with that GPA that hurts. Solve the MCAT, and you're in okay shape stat wise.

 

[gator13doc]

Ok, so I just got my MCAT score back. I got a 9 physical/11 verbal/ 11 biological and an S writing.

I new my physical section would be low- I ran out of time and totally had to just bubble in 5-10 questions. I never ran out of time on practice tests, so this kind of put me in a funky mood for the rest of my exam. I really would like to stay in Florida for medical school, so I'm looking mostly at UF and USF. I know UF's average is a bit higher, around a 33-34, and USF is probably around a 31. I have a 3.73 GPA, 200ish hours of volunteering at the hospital, a semester of shadowing a doctor, 3 leaderships, and research.

Any opinion would be appreciated??

 

[gator13doc]

Oh, and my BCMP is probably a bit lower than that

 

[drdude21]

-

 

[gogirl]

I hope someone can give me some sound advice... I'm actually quite depressed. Just got my Jan 30 2009 score back:
28R (8/10/10). 🙁
My practice tests ranged from 28-32.

cGPA: 3.855
sGPA: 3.8

I have a lot of ECs - leadership positions in community service and honors organizations, hospital volunteering, 2 years of research, resident advisor, medical mission abroad.
I have a few honors awards and scholarships for merit and research.
I'll probably get some pretty good LORs as well.

I'll be applying this June. I had my hopes set on getting into a decent school, preferably somewhere in NY or Boston. If it's at all possible, I would really really like to NOT retake the MCAT. I felt that I burnt myself out studying for it so much the first time.

What do you guys think, can I get away without retaking it?

 

[chief illiniwek]

Ok, so I just got my MCAT score back. I got a 9 physical/11 verbal/ 11 biological and an S writing.

I new my physical section would be low- I ran out of time and totally had to just bubble in 5-10 questions. I never ran out of time on practice tests, so this kind of put me in a funky mood for the rest of my exam. I really would like to stay in Florida for medical school, so I'm looking mostly at UF and USF. I know UF's average is a bit higher, around a 33-34, and USF is probably around a 31. I have a 3.73 GPA, 200ish hours of volunteering at the hospital, a semester of shadowing a doctor, 3 leaderships, and research.

Any opinion would be appreciated??

disclaimer: i know nothing of UF or USF other than what you have given here

if you apply broadly, i would feel comfortable saying you will get at least one acceptance. but, if you have your heart set on just those two schools, i wouldn't count on getting in. you seem like pretty much the standard applicant for USF in every way - i hate to say it, but there is nothing i see here that would jump out at an AdCom to get you a guaranteed acceptance. for UF, your MCAT could be a bit of a hindrance, and again, they won't see anything extra-ordinary in your ECs or GPA. IMO, those 2 points between your 31 and the 33 they are looking for are big (as opposed to 38 vs 40).

so, if you are confident that you can do better (especially in PS) and really couldn't stand being in any other program, i would recommend you retake. if this score is average or above average for you (or you are willing to go anywhere that accepts you) then i wouldn't recommend retaking.