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)​

 

[FML]

FML: You shouldn't retake. You have a much higher chance of doing worse than doing better. Use your ECs to get you in. It's very possible. I have personally known someone with similar stats get into several top 10s. In fact, that person had a slightly lower MCAT and got in. If you retake and do worse (which is highly likely), you're in bad shape for top 10s. What FLs did you take anyway?

I took AAMC 3, 8-10 and one of the Kaplan ones off the premiere program (on a CD), and an EK test.

the reason I want to retake is bc I really think I can do better on verbal (my avg was around an 11-12) and bio. The bio section could have easily been a 12 on my real deal excpet for the fact that I compltely and utterly BLANKED on what glycolysis was (I know WTF? who does that?!) for one o-chem passage and probably got all 5-6 quesitnos wrong

going into the test, i though PS was my weakness (bc I really really hate gen chem, with a passion) so I think the only thing that could go down would be this score but I was avg decently on this section as well (10-11)

you really think I could score less than a 31 if I retook? I plan on doing content review just to refresh my memory for another week or two and then just straight practice tests (10 gold standard's and 3 AAMC's) with EK101 verbal and TPR sci workbook.

sorry that was serisouly long, but hopefully you kinda understood what I was trying to say 🙂

 

[flip26]

I took AAMC 3, 8-10 and one of the Kaplan ones off the premiere program (on a CD), and an EK test.

the reason I want to retake is bc I really think I can do better on verbal (my avg was around an 11-12) and bio. The bio section could have easily been a 12 on my real deal excpet for the fact that I compltely and utterly BLANKED on what glycolysis was (I know WTF? who does that?!) for one o-chem passage and probably got all 5-6 quesitnos wrong

going into the test, i though PS was my weakness (bc I really really hate gen chem, with a passion) so I think the only thing that could go down would be this score but I was avg decently on this section as well (10-11)

you really think I could score less than a 31 if I retook? I plan on doing content review just to refresh my memory for another week or two and then just straight practice tests (10 gold standard's and 3 AAMC's) with EK101 verbal and TPR sci workbook.

sorry that was serisouly long, but hopefully you kinda understood what I was trying to say 🙂

According to AMCAS stats of actual retesters, with a VR 9, on a retest there is approximately a one in 3 chance of going up, one in 3 of staying the same, and one in 3 chance of going down...the odds of you holding onto your PS and BS scores is worse...so you face a one in 3 chance of getting the Verbal score increase (and most of the people who raised a 9 only got it to a 10, a few more an 11, and then a handful a 12)...while at the same time you are putting your PS and BS scores at risk of dropping.

I say it is not worth it...

 

[SN2ed]

Going over your averages reaffirms my opinion that you should not retake. You'd be retaking to improve your VR at the expense of your PS and BS. Is a 1-2 point increase in VR worth a 1-2 point decrease in both PS and BS?

 

[zayka]

I'm a do NOT retake (I got 33), BUT I was really involved in a research project and kinda side-tracked studying (think 3 days). Plus, haven't learned any physiology till this year. I have a knack for memorizing.

I think that if you're SURE that you can do better than the past then retake. It's up to you - not so much a clear-cut score.

 

[zayka]

Not sure what I should do here...

31R (9PS / 11 VR / 11 BS)

Overall GPA 3.77
BCPM 3.81 (respectable undergrad liberal arts school)

Research: currently an NIH IRTA (will be for 2 yrs); one winter break, one summer at lab at JHU

Active in college student life (worked 3 years as band booker/promoter/managing bartender, super unique position)

Volunteering: 2 yrs with free clinic (syringe exchange, lab tech); Currently volunteering with Health Dept (syringe exchange, education; will have logged ~100 hrs by app time)

English major/pre-med; Completed English honors thesis, received honors at graduation, plus English departmental award

Around 50 hours shadowing (more soon)

Other stuff: traveled abroad to Peru, worked one summer on Wall Street

SO...
I'm already registered for the 4/18 MCAT, should I retake? I was averaging 31-33 on AAMC tests. I'm from Georgia and will definitely be applying to MCG & Emory. I'm not expecting to go to any top tier schools, but want to have at least a few out of state options. I'm thinking I probably need a few points higher than 31 for that?

Thanks!!

what is a band booker/promoter/managing bartender?

 

[EyeDR_oo]

Figured I'd ask..

GPA: 3.65
Pre-Req Science GPA: 3.72
Overall science GPA: 3.76
MCAT: V:8 P:10 B:10 = 28Q

Lots of clinical experience and TAing, research etc.

I really want to go to NYCOM, thats my dream school. What do yo u think?

Sound like good stats to me.

 

[FML]

so right now I'm 50/50, which is all thanks to you guys lol bc I was very gung ho about taking it again before until I posted here.

also don't know if you missed this before or if it doesn't matter, but I am finishing my undergrad in 3 years (2.5 actually)... I didn't know if this would impact my app in that it would be an additional con on my app?

basically I;m trying to figure out the pros and cons of my app as a whole and right now that mcat score is seeming like a con, so that's why I wanted to retake....

I guess I technically have until april 10th to decide if I actually want to take it or not... figuring that if I;m not avg. 37+ on my practice tests a week before that date then I won't take it

sound like a good-ish plan?

 

[flip26]

so right now I'm 50/50, which is all thanks to you guys lol bc I was very gung ho about taking it again before until I posted here.

also don't know if you missed this before or if it doesn't matter, but I am finishing my undergrad in 3 years (2.5 actually)... I didn't know if this would impact my app in that it would be an additional con on my app?

basically I;m trying to figure out the pros and cons of my app as a whole and right now that mcat score is seeming like a con, so that's why I wanted to retake....

I guess I technically have until april 10th to decide if I actually want to take it or not... figuring that if I;m not avg. 37+ on my practice tests a week before that date then I won't take it

sound like a good-ish plan?

FWIW: my last AAMC practice exam a few days before was a 37, my highest AAMC practice score...the range of AAMC and Kaplan scores I had was 33 to 39...and I made a 33 on the real thing...

I believe the range of scores you receive on the AAMC practice tests is a very reliable indicator of the score range you will get on the actual test. At first I was bummed, then I realized I was fortunate to score in my practice range, albeit at the low end.

I wouldn't retake my 33 under any circumstances, but mine is balanced 11s and that really helped me decide.

 

[FML]

FWIW: my last AAMC practice exam a few days before was a 37, my highest AAMC practice score...the range of AAMC and Kaplan scores I had was 33 to 39...and I made a 33 on the real thing...

I believe the range of scores you receive on the AAMC practice tests is a very reliable indicator of the score range you will get on the actual test. At first I was bummed, then I realized I was fortunate to score in my practice range, albeit at the low end.

I wouldn't retake my 33 under any circumstances, but mine is balanced 11s and that really helped me decide.

my range was 33-38 so I didn't make my range on practice tests....

 

[flip26]

my range was 33-38 so I didn't make my range on practice tests....

I know it is easy for me to say this, but I wouldn't retake if I got your score, either.

Good luck. Hope it works out for you whatever you do.

 

[SN2ed]

FML: Since it sounds like you're dead-set on a retake, make sure you are getting your target score (37+) on NEW practice tests. Retaking old practice tests is a complete waste of time and will lull you into a false sense of security.

snook: Did you apply to all of the Florida schools? Your stats don't look that bad for some of the them. Also, when did you complete your graduate school? Was it in time for your first application?

junkct: The degree to which a retake hurts or not depends on the previous score. If, as in your example, someone made the upper 20s the first time, but got a 40 the second, it wouldn't hurt them too much. However, that is far from your case. You're starting with a 33. In order for a retake to not hurt you, you have to score much better (+4ish). Furthermore, you stand a very good chance of losing points in PS and BS for a 1-2 point increase in VR. Hence, I do not think a retake is remotely worth it. Lastly, if you do not do significantly better, it will look bad for you. Adcoms expect an improvement with a retake, this is especially the case with 30+ scores.

MDhopeful21: You might get screen out from a few schools, but even that is unlikely.

 

[FML]

FML: Since it sounds like you're dead-set on a retake, make sure you are getting your target score (37+) on NEW practice tests. Retaking old practice tests is a complete waste of time and will lull you into a false sense of security.

snook: Did you apply to all of the Florida schools? Your stats don't look that bad for some of the them. Also, when did you complete your graduate school? Was it in time for your first application?

junkct: The degree to which a retake hurts or not depends on the previous score. If, as in your example, someone made the upper 20s the first time, but got a 40 the second, it wouldn't hurt them too much. However, that is far from your case. You're starting with a 33. In order for a retake to not hurt you, you have to score much better (+4ish). Furthermore, you stand a very good chance of losing points in PS and BS for a 1-2 point increase in VR. Hence, I do not think a retake is remotely worth it. Lastly, if you do not do significantly better, it will look bad for you. Adcoms expect an improvement with a retake, this is especially the case with 30+ scores.

MDhopeful21: You might get screen out from a few schools, but even that is unlikely.

sound advice once again 🙂

I do have new practice tests (just boutght all the GS ones and still have 3 AAMC ones I can take)

so I'm just gonna study and take practice tests and if I'm not averaging 37+, I will not retake. Now onto the dilemma which is my personal statement lol......

 

[snook]

snook: Did you apply to all of the Florida schools? Your stats don't look that bad for some of the them. Also, when did you complete your graduate school? Was it in time for your first application?

Thanks for the reply. I applied, as an undergrad, to all FL schools, with the exception of FIU and UCF which were not open at the time. After getting rejected by all of them, I decided to do a SMP and will be graduating this July. I am planning on applying again to Med schol in May for 2010 admission.

 

[Blistex]

Took the mcat once...i got a 28R

Physical 10

Bio 10

Verbal 8

I really want to go to an M.D. school...Don't mind which one, but I really just want to go to a U.S. M.D. school!!!!!

Overall GPA: 3.62
BCGM: 3.59

I was a Pre-Law student when I first came into undergrad and I switched to Pre-Med in my Junior Year, Second semester...it was a bit intense. I didn't do so well first round...i got a C in one bio course and a B- in orgo 1.

I have some extracurriculars...I'm a Resident Assistant, I research at the Cardiac Cath Lab (since summer 2007), and I shadowed a nurse practicioner from Summer 2008 to the end of Fall 2008 semester, and am planning on shadowing him again starting in the summer. I am also going to be a tutor for science courses to other students currently taking the courses.

1. should i take the mcat again?

2. where can i go on this website to learn more about other parts of my application, such as the personal statement, and what to do with my year off, since i'm graduating this spring.

 

[flip26]

Took the mcat once...i got a 28R

Physical 10

Bio 10

Verbal 8

I really want to go to an M.D. school...Don't mind which one, but I really just want to go to a U.S. M.D. school!!!!!

Overall GPA: 3.62
BCGM: 3.59

I was a Pre-Law student when I first came into undergrad and I switched to Pre-Med in my Junior Year, Second semester...it was a bit intense. I didn't do so well first round...i got a C in one bio course and a B- in orgo 1.

I have some extracurriculars...I'm a Resident Assistant, I research at the Cardiac Cath Lab (since summer 2007), and I shadowed a nurse practicioner from Summer 2008 to the end of Fall 2008 semester, and am planning on shadowing him again starting in the summer. I am also going to be a tutor for science courses to other students currently taking the courses.

1. should i take the mcat again?

2. where can i go on this website to learn more about other parts of my application, such as the personal statement, and what to do with my year off, since i'm graduating this spring.

Probably, but what really matters is how did you prep, and assuming you took them, what kind of AAMC practice exam scores were you getting in the last 6 weeks or so of that prep?

 

[Pkl234]

Hey everyone,

31R
PS: 12
VR: 8
WS: R
BS:11

Cumulative GPA: 3.65
BCPM: 3.52

UCLA undergrad. Lots of non-medical ECs, but only about 6 months of clinical.

The verbal score scares me, and I know my GPA isn't stellar. so should I retake? im a California resident and im hoping to go allopathic. thanks a lot!!

 

[giggles43]

alright here goes. i would appreciate any advice 🙂

MCAT
PS: 10
VR: 8
BS: 10
W: Q
Composite: 28Q

GPA: 4.0
SGPA: 4.0

tons of volunteering, shadowing, research, medical missions, service

do I need to retake?. (Im a NC resident.student at wake forest)

 

[bozz]

alright here goes. i would appreciate any advice 🙂

MCAT
PS: 10
VR: 8
BS: 10
W: Q
Composite: 28Q

GPA: 4.0
SGPA: 4.0

tons of volunteering, shadowing, research, medical missions, service

do I need to retake?. (Im a NC resident.student at wake forest)

You should look at your state school's averages first. You've got 3 amazing schools in NC: Duke, Wake, UNC, and your state school East Carolina right? Look at East Carolina's average MCAT score. It's probably above a 30. You've got perfect everything. I would say retake it if you want to feel confident about an MD acceptance. In this day and age, we see people with 30-32 MCAT scores barely slipping by sometimes. Unless you think your extracurriculars are extraordinary, it's probably best to retake.

 

[drdude21]

what is a band booker/promoter/managing bartender?

my college has an on campus bar/music venue, run completely by students, that regularly gets us ranked among best college live music scenes in the country (school of less than 3000 students!)

so about 4 of us were trained to contact booking agents, negotiate, write contracts, etc, then host the band and run the show... it was pretty cool having around $40,000 a year at our disposal w/ basically no administrative interference. several people have gone on to work as professional booking agents for major venues
(& when i wasnt doing that, i tended bar)

 

[chanel]

I am pretty sure that I am not going to retake, but I just wanted to see if anyone else had any thoughts.

MCAT- 32Q (PS 12 VR 09 BS 11)
GPA- 3.92

ECs (brief)- various leadership positions in clubs, involved in research for an undergraduate honors thesis, certified EMT-B, volunteer at my university's health center

I am not sure the rest of my application is strong enough to make up for an average MCAT score. (I am also worried about my verbal score, is it too low?) Please let me know what you think! Thanks!

 

[SN2ed]

chanel: Don't retake.

 

[cablen64k]

This is a combo "what are my chances" and "should I retake", so here goes.

I am signed up for the April 4th MCAT, I took the 1/31 and got a 28R (9 PS 8 VR 11 BS). My GPA is low (3.3) and Science is about the same (History Bio double major, C in orgo killed my GPA one semester). I have done 3 summers of chart review research and 6 months of clinical research at a big city hospital. I am also the founding father and e-board member of a brand new fraternity on campus, so lots of leadership experience, for what its worth.

So I know I should retake. The thing is, on all my AAMC exams I averaged 31-36 with a Verbal in the 11-13 range (I took all the AAMC exams btw). After I took the 1/31 MCAT, I took Kaplan Full Length 3 and 4 and got 33 on both (10 12 11 on 3, 11 12 10 on 4).

Finally, during the exam on 1/31, my comp froze 10 minutes into the first section and I had to wait 45 minutes to restart. Plus, my clock was running before I even got back to my seat, so I lost a few minutes. I was flustered, and I know it royally screwed up my PS and VR sections.

So, two things. 1. Clearly I should retake, but should I keep focusing on VR or just recognize it as a fluke? And 2. Even with a score in my practice range of low-mid thirties, would I have any chance at a US MD school? I am fine with attending a DO school, and I leave in Buffalo, NY btw. Thanks so much for your help, I've really been agonizing over this.

 

[junkct]

After getting a 33 on my 1/31 test (13PS/8VR/12BS) I decided to retake on 3/28 because my practice averages had been around a 37ish. Now, with a week until the test, I'm second-guessing myself. Will it hurt me if I don't make a significant improvement? I know I will make an improvement, as I've never scored below a 34 on a practice test (I attribute 1/31 to a fluke), and as I'm retaking my AAMCs I've been getting 40+ (of course, I do understand they are retakes and all, so the scores aren't necessarily good predictors at this point, I'm just using them for practice). However, I cannot reasonably expect an increase of more than 3 points or so, given my practice averages. Normally I would suck it up and accept the 33 I got, but the 8 in VR is just killing me and I know it will hold me back from where I want to go to school (top-tier... my gpa/ecs/etc are all good enough). I will not let myself apply to med school with an 8 when I know I can do better. This is why I'm retaking the test. But my sciences are already strong and I know I can't expect much of an improvement there, so overall my score will probably increase about 3-4 points. Is that enough of an improvement for adcoms? Or will I be looked at negatively for a small increase?

 

[flip26]

After getting a 33 on my 1/31 test (13PS/8VR/12BS) I decided to retake on 3/28 because my practice averages had been around a 37ish. Now, with a week until the test, I'm second-guessing myself. Will it hurt me if I don't make a significant improvement? I know I will make an improvement, as I've never scored below a 34 on a practice test (I attribute 1/31 to a fluke), and as I'm retaking my AAMCs I've been getting 40+ (of course, I do understand they are retakes and all, so the scores aren't necessarily good predictors at this point, I'm just using them for practice). However, I cannot reasonably expect an increase of more than 3 points or so, given my practice averages. Normally I would suck it up and accept the 33 I got, but the 8 in VR is just killing me and I know it will hold me back from where I want to go to school (top-tier... my gpa/ecs/etc are all good enough). I will not let myself apply to med school with an 8 when I know I can do better. This is why I'm retaking the test. But my sciences are already strong and I know I can't expect much of an improvement there, so overall my score will probably increase about 3-4 points. Is that enough of an improvement for adcoms? Or will I be looked at negatively for a small increase?

I never scored below a 33 on a practice test, and that is what I got on the real thing. Yeah, it sucks, and I was momentarily very bummed, but I got over it.

Diff #1 for me: I got 11s, balanced. I agree your VR 8 is a nagging problem. If I had your score, I would be leaning towards a retake, too.

Other big diff: you want top tier, and if that is your goal, your VR score will very likely hurt you at many if not most top tier schools. We all want some action at top tier, but I will be happy with any of my state schools...so your goals are a bit different than mine.

However, you really need to consider the AAMC stats on people who retake - it is on their website - and you run a much greater than average chance of having your BS and PS scores go down than even staying the same, much less going up, so beware what this retake could do to your composite MCAT. So you could bump up your VR, but lose points on your BS and PS, possibly ending up with an even lower aggregate MCAT...getting another 33 is not going to look good to top tiers, and going down will definitely be a red flag...

Bottom line: I am not retaking. I am applying broadly. If I don't like how this cycle goes, my Plan B will be to retake next January. I really don't think it will be necessary, but it is in the back of my mind. For you, this Plan B could be the other way to go...

 

[junkct]

I never scored below a 33 on a practice test, and that is what I got on the real thing. Yeah, it sucks, and I was momentarily very bummed, but I got over it.

Diff #1 for me: I got 11s, balanced. I agree your VR 8 is a nagging problem. If I had your score, I would be leaning towards a retake, too.

Other big diff: you want top tier, and if that is your goal, your VR score will very likely hurt you at many if not most top tier schools. We all want some action at top tier, but I will be happy with any of my state schools...so your goals are a bit different than mine.

However, you really need to consider the AAMC stats on people who retake - it is on their website - and you run a much greater than average chance of having your BS and PS scores go down than even staying the same, much less going up, so beware what this retake could do to your composite MCAT. So you could bump up your VR, but lose points on your BS and PS, possibly ending up with an even lower aggregate MCAT...getting another 33 is not going to look good to top tiers, and going down will definitely be a red flag...

Bottom line: I am not retaking. I am applying broadly. If I don't like how this cycle goes, my Plan B will be to retake next January. I really don't think it will be necessary, but it is in the back of my mind. For you, this Plan B could be the other way to go...

Yeah, I thought about my sciences going down as well, but I was always scoring 13-14 during practice tests (both AAMC and kaplan), so I feel like repeating 12+ on both of them won't be too hard. Honestly, if my composite were to go down on my second retake, my chances at a top school would be shot anyway (I doubt <33 will cut it for any of them), regardless of my score on the first one. I just can't see that happening with my score though. Call me ignorant or arrogant, but I'm almost 99.9% sure I'll get a higher score on a retake. I just wanted to know how MUCH of an improvement I would need in order for adcoms to deem my retake a good idea.

 

[SN2ed]

junkct: That's a very bad idea. To validate a retake with a 33, you probably need a 4+ improvement. An 8 in VR won't hold you back enough to force a retake. True, it is a hindrance for top tier schools, but I don't think anyone should bet on getting into one of those. It's the equivalent of winning the lottery. Could it happen? Sure. Even with a great application, is it likely, no. Furthermore, it's not as if top tier schools haven't accepted people with 8s. For instance, UCLA has accepted students with a verbal as low as 7 and UCSF has accepted people with 8s.

As you mentioned, don't pay attention to your AAMC scores. They're completely worthless. They aren't even good practice for you. Before you retake, since it seems like you're deadset on it, make sure you take a few tests that you've NEVER seen before. Unfortunately, given the time constrants I doubt that's possible.

While you may have scored 13s and 14s on some practice tests, they either don't count or don't matter. They don't count if you are scoring these now on tests you've already taken. They don't matter if these are your old scores because you haven't done enough new tests to verify that you're still getting 13s and 14s. It's is HIGHLY likely that your scores have gone down without going over NEW practice passages.

The end result is that you're sacrificing your science scores for what will probably be a small boost (if any) in verbal.

 

[domani]

hello friends,

I'm signed up for the 05/28 exam, but I'm having doubts about retaking.

My Stats:
First MCAT: 14B/9PS/9V: 32
GPA Overall: 3.88
GPA BCMP: 3.92
Ivy league school.
Fairly good EC's with summers volunteering at an undeserved hospital in India and 2 publications

I want to shoot for schools like Baylor, Mount Sinai, Albert Einstein, and some top 10 schools. My score is so unbalanced, is a retake in order?

 

[domani]

anyone?

 

[flip26]

anyone?

I wouldn't retake that score...

 

[junkct]

I wouldn't retake that score...

I would retake. two sub-10 scores are gonna hold you out of the schools you want to go to. If that 14 in BS is a fluke, then it'll probably go down. but to be honest, if you get a 13 in BS and raise your PS/VR scores, it shouldn't be a problem (everyone knows the diff between a 13 and a 14 is usually 1-2 questions)

 

[flip26]

I would retake. two sub-10 scores are gonna hold you out of the schools you want to go to. If that 14 in BS is a fluke, then it'll probably go down. but to be honest, if you get a 13 in BS and raise your PS/VR scores, it shouldn't be a problem (everyone knows the diff between a 13 and a 14 is usually 1-2 questions)

Read this:

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/examineedata/retestbs.htm

One third of the people who retook a BS 14 went down 4 or more points on retake.

27 percent went down 3 points.

18 percent went down 2 points.

18 percent went down 1 point.

0 percent scored 14 or 15.

So, your score in all likelihood is going down, the question is not if, but how much...

Then look at the odds of raising the other scores...obviously you are willing to "trade" a couple of BS points for a couple of PS/VR points, but it is a very risky proposition that could blow up in your face.

 

[baller99]

so i took the mcat last august, i'm a junior right now at top 20 university.

mcat: 32 (11v,10ps,11bs)
gpa: 3.8
ecs: did research for 2.5 yrs (during school and summer w/ publications), volunteer for 1.5 yrs (but not too consistent), started shadowing, have leadership positions...i think these are pretty weak which is why i feel like i need the retake.

the thing is my goal is to get into a top 10 school preferably (ie. Baylor) .
my average aamc was 33 but i was super stressed (working full time) and going to kaplan (stressed me more). i know my stats are "good", but i was wondering if anyone in a similar position as me(or anyone) was able to get a better score on the mcat?

btw, the mcat sucks 🙂

oh also, does anyone have graphs of distributions of matriculants gpa/mcat for particular colleges? or just med school in general?

Thanks!

 

[SN2ed]

baller99: Don't retake, you scored very close to your average. Check out the MSAR for graphs. The LizzyM graph may also be useful.

 

[flip26]

baller99: Don't retake, you scored very close to your average. Check out the MSAR for graphs. The LizzyM graph may also be useful.

👍

 

[sarahl86]

Okay, now really...I'm getting near the point of applying a third time for several different factors (1st cycle I had a 25 MCAT, this time I had a 31R but wasn't complete until September)...my issue, that I have raised before on this thread somewhere:

10 PS
12 VR
9 BS

I'm not shooting for top-tier and I have an A in every single Biology class I took in my average state school...3.85c/3.73sci GPA. I'm just really nervous about a 9 in Bio, of all sections. I'm hoping for an allo acceptance, but I plan on applying to DO as well.

What would you do? Should I consider a retake? It'll be my third time for the MCAT too

 

[SN2ed]

sarahl86: Since you're applying broadly enough, your problem probably isn't your MCAT. Besides, a 9 in BS is FAR from holding you back. Now if you had a 7 or below, sure that could be a problem. My guess is that your ECs are not as good as they could be. Your September completion date was probably a hindrance as well. In other words, don't retake.

 

[junkct]

Read this:

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/examineedata/retestbs.htm

One third of the people who retook a BS 14 went down 4 or more points on retake.

27 percent went down 3 points.

18 percent went down 2 points.

18 percent went down 1 point.

0 percent scored 14 or 15.

So, your score in all likelihood is going down, the question is not if, but how much...

Then look at the odds of raising the other scores...obviously you are willing to "trade" a couple of BS points for a couple of PS/VR points, but it is a very risky proposition that could blow up in your face.

while these stats ARE based on real data, somehow I don't buy them. I think they apply if those are your AVERAGE scores. For instance, if you're averaging a 12 on practice BS and you get a 12 on the real thing, those stats might apply. But if you're averaging a 12 on practice BS and get a 9 on the real thing, then regardless of those stats, your score will most likely go up if you retake. that 9 was probably just a fluke. flip26, I know you said you were averaging pretty high on your practices and got a 33 on your real thing. Now, according to AAMC, if you retook your score is very likely to go down. However, just looking at your practice tests, do you honestly see yourself getting a lower score upon retake? These stats don't apply to anyone

 

[flip26]

while these stats ARE based on real data, somehow I don't buy them. I think they apply if those are your AVERAGE scores. For instance, if you're averaging a 12 on practice BS and you get a 12 on the real thing, those stats might apply. But if you're averaging a 12 on practice BS and get a 9 on the real thing, then regardless of those stats, your score will most likely go up if you retake. that 9 was probably just a fluke. flip26, I know you said you were averaging pretty high on your practices and got a 33 on your real thing. Now, according to AAMC, if you retook your score is very likely to go down. However, just looking at your practice tests, do you honestly see yourself getting a lower score upon retake? These stats don't apply to anyone

The AAMC stats are what they are - actual results for people who retake. Not sure why you don't "buy" them.

As for my case: my 33 was at the bottom of the range of scores I was getting, and approx 2 points below my average AAMC practice scores (i.e., real close and probably statistically significant). My guess is that if I took the real test 5 times, my average "real" score might go up towards if not equalling my average, but in the course of retaking I would not be surprised if I also scored below my current 33 once or twice, too, in addition to possibly snagging a couple of high 30s scores.

But that is the problem - how many bites at the apple should someone take to "prove" that their practice score average was correct? I am normally not a risk averse person, but when it comes to MCAT, I am standing pat on my 33 rather than risking a lower score or an unimproved score that would unbalance my 3 11s...just not worth it to me.

If I had scored a couple of points below the low end - say a 30 - or if I had bombed a section - say a 7 - I would definitely retake.

I will add that I have a 3.9+ GPA and that also factors into my decision to not retake. Although I really don't believe the idea that low GPAs can be compensated with a high MCAT, with my high GPA I do not feel the need to get a higher MCAT than the one I got, and I am counting on the combo (3.9/33) to open plenty of doors - maybe not as many as a 3.9/35+, but plenty nonetheless.

And I am not holding my breath for schools like Michigan and Wash U...but I wouldn't have been holding my breath for them with anything less than a 37, either.

Finally, as I have stated elsewhere, assuming you took enough AAMC practice exams to get a true reading (say 5 or more?), I would tell someone to believe in the range more than in your average, especially if you are scoring in a fairly tight range as I was (33 to 37 on 5 AAMC exams - I am already forgetting how many I took - but I did have a 39 on a Kaplan practice test that I did not particularly believe applicable for predicting the real MCAT).

I believe that people should only retake if they got a truly aberrant score on the real exam, or if they bombed a section that they had been consistently scoring higher on, or if their composite score is so low that it places them more than 2 points below, say, the averages at their state schools. Other reasons to retake could include illness on test day, a freak out during the test where you fail to finish any sections, etc., but in those cases, one should cancel the score so it would not technically be a "retake."

Finally, there is the practical question of when to retake vis-a-vis where you are in the app timetable. I am presently putting the finishing touches on my PS, getting everything lined up to apply in early June. I have a full plate right now, and I am greatly relieved to put the MCAT in my rear view mirror. I would not want to be spending any more of my valuable time now "prepping" for another MCAT with the pressure of improving what is already a pretty damn good score...I am focused on the app process now, and have even started looking at essay prompts for the schools I am applying to...I would hate to have an MCAT retake hanging over my head right now.

 

[sarahl86]

sarahl86: Since you're applying broadly enough, your problem probably isn't your MCAT. Besides, a 9 in BS is FAR from holding you back. Now if you had a 7 or below, sure that could be a problem. My guess is that your ECs are not as good as they could be. Your September completion date was probably a hindrance as well. In other words, don't retake.

I admit I didn't have research experience at the start of this cycle (but since January have been doing clinical Psychiatry research with a chance for a presentation in the coming months and possibly a job if I don't get in this cycle), but after:
- volunteering at a hospital for 2 1/2 years (primarily ER, but I like it the best)
- working 1 1/2 years as a CNA in a group home
- currently working full-time as a health educator in a substance abuse treatment program with Deaf patients
- coordinating blood drives at my UG for 4 years
- president of Tri-Beta
- tutoring science for 2 1/2 years

I really am at a loss for what more I can do EC-wise. I have 30 hours experience in shadowing a Dermatologist and have some bunched in with my ER and current work with psychiatrists as well...maybe I should do more? I dunno. I just wasn't sure how horrible it would look to have a 9 in my UG major subject - and I was really hoping I wouldn't have to do the MCAT a third time. Thanks for the help!

 

[SN2ed]

sarahl86: Yeah, those ECs look good. Keep it up. Just apply early and broadly. Again, YOU SHOULD NOT RETAKE. The 9 doesn't matter, regardless of which section it's in. Where did you apply last time?

 

[sarahl86]

sarahl86: Yeah, those ECs look good. Keep it up. Just apply early and broadly. Again, YOU SHOULD NOT RETAKE. The 9 doesn't matter, regardless of which section it's in. Where did you apply last time?

Maryland, NYMC, Drexel (where I received my interviews - WL at Maryland, no news from NYMC and my Drexel interview is in 2 weeks), Temple, Jefferson, VCU, GWU, Georgetown, Rochester, Wake Forest, Boston, Pitt - the later ones not being the best selection. I plan on adding a ton of schools this next round, probably for 25+ total and a few DO schools. Just not sure which ones yet.

 

[SN2ed]

Maryland, NYMC, Drexel (where I received my interviews - WL at Maryland, no news from NYMC and my Drexel interview is in 2 weeks), Temple, Jefferson, VCU, GWU, Georgetown, Rochester, Wake Forest, Boston, Pitt - the later ones not being the best selection. I plan on adding a ton of schools this next round, probably for 25+ total and a few DO schools. Just not sure which ones yet.

I think 25 schools, including DO schools, would be good. I'll post up some school suggestions later today or tomorrow.

Edit: I'd guessing Muurland is Maryland and that Maryland is your home state. Try again on the schools you listed.

Mayo: Long shot, but might as well. They're weird about their application process. No one really knows what they're looking for in an applicant.

Creighton

Medical College of Wisconsin

Howard University

Rosalind Franklin

Tulane University

St. Louis University

Albany

Albert Einstein COM

 

[otts27]

So here's the deal:
BS- 10
PS- 9
VR- 9
WS- O

I would like to do better! My concern about re-taking is that I'll be pushing my application process back. My top choice is Medical College of Wisconsin (average MCAT 30-31) and they have a very strict rolling admissions policy; they fill up their class very quickly. If I re-take, they won't look at my application til the end of July or later (I'll have to take a summer MCAT). The advisor there said that a fair amount of applications will have come in by then, so by that late in the summer, I feel like I'll damn well need a 30 or better! Would you re-take or just apply very early with the 28 MCAT?
(I've got a 3.82 GPA and great extra-curric's and clinical experience as a CNA and more)

 

[SN2ed]

Hmmm. This one is a tough call. You might want to give your application a shot first before retaking. Your GPA is solid and if your ECs are really good, you may still get into MCW. Also, none of your MCAT section scores are low, so you're good there. On the flipside, if you simply choked on your MCAT, then it's worth retaking (ie scoring mid-30s or above on practice tests).

 

[0Complications]

while these stats ARE based on real data, somehow I don't buy them. I think they apply if those are your AVERAGE scores. For instance, if you're averaging a 12 on practice BS and you get a 12 on the real thing, those stats might apply. But if you're averaging a 12 on practice BS and get a 9 on the real thing, then regardless of those stats, your score will most likely go up if you retake. that 9 was probably just a fluke. flip26, I know you said you were averaging pretty high on your practices and got a 33 on your real thing. Now, according to AAMC, if you retook your score is very likely to go down. However, just looking at your practice tests, do you honestly see yourself getting a lower score upon retake? These stats don't apply to anyone

I can see why you have trouble believing the stats, but they are what they are.

Also, for the 14 in BS, look at the N value. That is only based on the data from 11 testers, so I think that it is safe to say there are people who could retake a 14 and get a 14 or 15, but I think it would definitely be more variable than the PS section.

 

[0Complications]

So here's the deal:
BS- 10
PS- 9
VR- 9
WS- O

I would like to do better! My concern about re-taking is that I'll be pushing my application process back. My top choice is Medical College of Wisconsin (average MCAT 30-31) and they have a very strict rolling admissions policy; they fill up their class very quickly. If I re-take, they won't look at my application til the end of July or later (I'll have to take a summer MCAT). The advisor there said that a fair amount of applications will have come in by then, so by that late in the summer, I feel like I'll damn well need a 30 or better! Would you re-take or just apply very early with the 28 MCAT?
(I've got a 3.82 GPA and great extra-curric's and clinical experience as a CNA and more)

I don't know if this will help, but according to US News and World Report Ultimate Guide to Medical Schools they have MCW listed with MCAT averages:

Composite: 9.9
VR: 9.6
PS: 9.8
BS: 10.3
Writing: P

And their average GPA is a 3.74.


It looks like your score and GPA are right in line, but who's to say.

 

[Pkl234]

Hey everyone, could any pleeeease help me out? im really on the fence about this and so is everyone who i ask...

31R
PS: 12
VR: 8
WS: R
BS:11

Cumulative GPA: 3.65
BCPM: 3.52

UCLA undergrad. Lots of non-medical ECs, but only about 6 months of clinical.

The verbal score scares me, and I know my GPA isn't stellar. so should I retake? im a California resident and im hoping to go allopathic. thanks a lot!!

 

[SN2ed]

You have a tough case there. What schools were you thinking about?

 

[BlueElmo]

Hey everyone, could any pleeeease help me out? im really on the fence about this and so is everyone who i ask...

31R
PS: 12
VR: 8
WS: R
BS:11

Cumulative GPA: 3.65
BCPM: 3.52

UCLA undergrad. Lots of non-medical ECs, but only about 6 months of clinical.

The verbal score scares me, and I know my GPA isn't stellar. so should I retake? im a California resident and im hoping to go allopathic. thanks a lot!!

You are right on the borderline. I would lean on retake because your sGPA is on the low side. But then you aced the science sections of the MCAT. This is a tricky situation.
3.65 and a 31 is good, but don't bank on getting into UCs.
If you apply broadly, I don't think you have to retake. It's up to you. Do you feel like you can improve the VR and keep the Sciences relatively same? If yes, then you can retake. If no, then I say just keep that 31.

 

[bonedout]

Hey guys,

Just had a quick question... Kinda along the lines of this thread I hope. I am looking to stay in state (California), and I am wondering along what lines of GPA/MCAT I should be looking for. I am specifically looking at UCI, USC and UCSD for school. If anyone has any input, please share!! Thanks!