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)​

 

[heeshboy]

Tommy55, I wouldn't risk applying late in this cycle to off set your 31R. I think you're fine!

 

[EyezonU]

Hello all. Got my May 1st scores back today.

10 verbal
9 bio
8 physical
R writing ====> 27R

The only thing I studied was some slight g. chemistry (probably a day of studying total).

cGPA of 3.6 with a huge upward trend (straight C's frosh fall semester).

Currently working in a lab full-time (NIH research grant)

Other ECs are average: volunteering, mission trip, shadowing, working, etc.

Home state is ND.

The help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Kiwibuddy]

Hi all,
I am a Northwestern undergraduate. I took the May 1st exam and received my scores today. The MCATs have always posed a problem for me and my scores are as listed:

CA RESIDENT
Verbal: 8 (what i usually get)
Physical: 11
Biology: 11
Overall: 30R

Overall GPA 3.8
Science GPA 3.76

EC
100 Hours of clinical volunteer work
Residential Assistant
Research for 3 years
Health care volunteer work for 1 year

Overall, I feel that my MCATs are what would keep my application from being competitive in the top tier schools. I am applying to the following schools:

UCLA (top choice)
USC
(sister attended undergrad... don't know if these things are taken into consideration)
UC Irvine
UC San Diego
Case Western
Cornell
Mount Sinai
Northwestern (cousin attended)
Columbia (legacy- sister attended architecture grad school)

From your standpoint, would you recommend that I retake the test given my current stats? Would it put me at a disadvantage applying in September for this cycle? Thanks.

 

[ackackack]

Hey yall,

I'm stressing a lot over whether or not I should retake my MCAT (obviously).

First take: 7PS, 11VR, 9BS (27N)
Second take: 10PS, 8VR, 10PS (28P)

How will MD schools look at my scores? I went up 4 points in sciences but at the expense of a drop in verbal of THREE points! Will they give me a little credit for my previous VR score because the section can sometimes be hit-n-miss?

cGPA/sGPA: 3.67/3.71
Solid ECs (I hope)

My applications are pretty much ready to go (except for a committee letter) and I'm also scheduled for a retake on June 18th but I don't know if delaying my application is worth the risk of a possible decrease in scores...

Also, I'm a Texas resident and would love to stay in-state.

Thanks!

 

[jd1031]

Hi Folks,

I'm wondering whether I should retake my MCAT or just go ahead and apply to MD schools:

Only One Take: 9PS, 10VR, 9BS
cGPA/sGPA: 3.62/3.52
LORs: Solid
CA Resident

ECs:Ophthalmic Tech (2 years), Surgical Medical Mission to Philippines and charity work (1 month), Research (1 year), Healthcare Volunteer at a military hospital and shadowed a Neurologist (112 hours), Club Officer 4 years (one was Medical Mission Coordinator), Studied Abroad (Australia Fall 2007), International Peer Advisor (1 year), IM sports (coach/team captain)

Also, if any of you have a list of suggested schools to apply to, that would be much appreciated. Thanks!!!!

 

[random3d]

.

 

[kweekes80]

12ps,9vr, 13 bs.. good overall score but rejected everywhere but one waitlist is the verbal really that big of deal and did it really screw me??-thanks

 

[womp]

I retook a 34 (11-11-12) and ended up with a 38 (12-12-14) on the retake. Just got my score yesterday.

I felt horrible during my 34 test (physically in pain), so I decided to man up and retake, because I just knew the 34 was not reflective. My advisers tried to convince me not to retake, so it was good I didn't listen to them. Go with your gut. 👍

 

[MDToBeInNC]

OK what does everyone think?

MCAT: 13V, 10P, 9B
GPA: Science: 3.45 Cumulative: 3.8
non-traditional with lots of experience:
peace corps public health/HIV work in W. Africa
HIV medical case management with homeless/refugees in the US
plus other work in community health center and in emergency dept
think I've got good personal statement and LORs

I live in NC and would love to go to UNC-chapel hill but it's competitive.
Is it worth the blood, sweat and tears to improve the mcat score?
I'm going to take a few more science classes in the fall as I'm in the midst of applying to keep working on bumping that science gpa up. thoughts?.....

 

[flip26]

I retook a 34 (11-11-12) and ended up with a 38 (12-12-14) on the retake. Just got my score yesterday.

I felt horrible during my 34 test (physically in pain), so I decided to man up and retake, because I just knew the 34 was not reflective. My advisers tried to convince me not to retake, so it was good I didn't listen to them. Go with your gut. 👍

One of the few legit reasons to retake, IMO...nice job.

 

[allinone]

3.1 GPA

01/31/2009 07 06 K 05 18K
08/15/2008 06 06 L 02 14L
04/05/2008 08 05 K 03 16K
01/27/2007 04 05 L 05 14L

I'm only interested in Puerto Rico med schools where minimum varies from 18 to 24.

I wasn't even called for interview with the 18K 🙁

Should i retake or just leave to a foreing med school? (I was thinking Unibe in Dominican Republic)

 

[jai87]

should i retake? or just apply?

aug/08 32 11/10/11 O
apr/09 30 10/10/10 P ( i had been getting mid 30s on my practice tests so i decided to take it again)


cGPA: 3.6
sGPA: 3.5

california resident...

help please~~~~~~

 

[koogles]

...

 

[premedmind]

Lolz, you shouldn't become a doctor. Your MCAT scores suck, do you realize that? A 14, really? A lot of people on this forum could beat that score just by doing one section and leaving everything else blank. You are not fit for any type of work involving patients.

This is what is wrong with these forums.

Elitists who believe that MCAT scores correlate with one's aptitude of becoming a physician.

I'm sure you'll be a great doctor.

muhali3: I think it goes without saying, you need to hit the books, HARD. Those are the kind of scores I would expect from someone who has taken no pre-requisites. Don't lose hope if this is what you really want.

 

[muhali3]

^That's pretty embarrassing. Imma send him an apology right now.

 

[UTmike]

Does anyone know if it's possible to be registered for 2 different MCAT dates at the same time? (ie can you be registered to take the June 18th test date and July 2nd, even though neither of them have been given yet?)

 

[flip26]

Does anyone know if it's possible to be registered for 2 different MCAT dates at the same time? (ie can you be registered to take the June 18th test date and July 2nd, even though neither of them have been given yet?)

Nope, only can be registered one at a time...

 

[premedmind]

If he really did not take the pre-reqs, then I'm sorry for coming off as "elitist", but it looks like he is already applying so I'm assuming that he has taken the pre-reqs. Yes, I shouldn't have been so condescending, but a 14 is an average of less than 5 per section. If he has taken the pre-reqs and is only able to pull those scores, with K/Ls in writing, then I would think he either cheated all through school (since his gpa is 3.0+) or that he is incapable of understanding even the simplest of questions.

Also, I do think the MCAT does somewhat correlate with aptitude as a physician. It tests how well you can understand cause-and-effect relationships and your ability to decipher information given to you; skills you should have as a physician. The MCAT correlates highly with USMLE Step 1 scores, and the purpose of the Step 1 exam is to see how well you can apply scientific concepts to medical practice.

Anyways, back to the purpose of this thread, should he retake if he wants to get accepted to med school? Yes, he should and he needs to study A LOT. If he continues to get the same scores, even after his 5th try, then I would recommend that he pursue something else and stop wasting time and money pursuing a career that he just may not be fit for.

Fair enough...obviously not everyone is cut out to be a physician. Everything happens for a reason as I like to think.

 

[drzing]

should i retake? or just apply?

aug/08 32 11/10/11 O
apr/09 30 10/10/10 P ( i had been getting mid 30s on my practice tests so i decided to take it again)


cGPA: 3.6
sGPA: 3.5

california resident...

help please~~~~~~

most definetly take it again...you went down in 2 sections and that will make them look down on you..just take it end of july and study some PS and ochem (seems ochems making a comback)....

i wouldnt apply if my scores decreased

 

[flip26]

should i retake? or just apply?

aug/08 32 11/10/11 O
apr/09 30 10/10/10 P ( i had been getting mid 30s on my practice tests so i decided to take it again)


cGPA: 3.6
sGPA: 3.5

california resident...

help please~~~~~~

Quit while you are ahead.

Do NOT retake again.

Foolish...

 

[SN2ed]

I'll probably be doing a round up post sometime this week. Possibly tomorrow.

 

[jimhsu]

A retake question with a twist - just finished junior year:

Test Date: 08/07/2008
Verbal Reasoning (VR): 10 Percentile Range: 68.3 - 85.3
Physical Sciences (PS): 14 Percentile Range: 98.2 - 99.6
Writing Sample (WS): S Percentile Range: 93.5 - 98.8
Biological Sciences (BS): 12 Percentile Range: 87.9 - 94.8
Total Score: 36S Percentile Range: 95.7 - 97.2

Now if I wasn't registered to take the MCAT, I would not retake. I now know that retaking a 36S is foolish, but I didn't a year ago. I managed to get the above score by studying without a program, but with AAMC tests. Thing is, I was pretty clueless about admissions a year ago compared to now, and am subscribed to the Kaplan online program right now. Should I ditch it and concentrate on AMCAS - yes I know it would then be a waste of money, or go ahead and try to pull up verbal and delay the AMCAS?

PS Oh, reg. date this year is 7/30 - which means scores will be back 9/1.

 

[CielloStelatto]

A retake question with a twist - just finished junior year:

Test Date: 08/07/2008
Verbal Reasoning (VR): 10 Percentile Range: 68.3 - 85.3
Physical Sciences (PS): 14 Percentile Range: 98.2 - 99.6
Writing Sample (WS): S Percentile Range: 93.5 - 98.8
Biological Sciences (BS): 12 Percentile Range: 87.9 - 94.8
Total Score: 36S Percentile Range: 95.7 - 97.2

Now if I wasn't registered to take the MCAT, I would not retake. I now know that retaking a 36S is foolish, but I didn't a year ago. I managed to get the above score by studying without a program, but with AAMC tests. Thing is, I was pretty clueless about admissions a year ago compared to now, and am subscribed to the Kaplan online program right now. Should I ditch it and concentrate on AMCAS - yes I know it would then be a waste of money, or go ahead and try to pull up verbal and delay the AMCAS?

PS Oh, reg. date this year is 7/30 - which means scores will be back 9/1.

I would go ahead and apply now. So you'll lose a bit of money - but less money than actually taking it again, including work time lost studying, etc. I wouldn't think that a 10 will really hold you back, except maybe from a few tip top schools who are having a bad day and are looking for balanced scores. I recall lots of good schools having a verbal average of just over 10, which means plenty of people have 10s or 9s. It should be enough to get you an interview if everything else about you looks good.

 

[jimhsu]

The rest should be fine ... 3.9 ish GPA, three summers (40 hour weeks) research at Baylor, upcoming publication as 1st author, etc. I absolutely hate bragging though so I'll leave it at that.

I'll most likely have a talk with my parents tonight armed with a spreadsheet...

 

[flip26]

The rest should be fine ... 3.9 ish GPA, three summers (40 hour weeks) research at Baylor, upcoming publication as 1st author, etc. I absolutely hate bragging though so I'll leave it at that.

I'll most likely have a talk with my parents tonight armed with a spreadsheet...

Retaking a 36? Insane.

 

[MC23]

This might be a very dumb question, but how reliable are your 'feelings' after the MCAT? I felt like crap coming out of each and every section except for the writing sections. I ran out of time usually and I just wasn't understanding too much. I panicked. I'm guessing I got a 29-30 on this whereas I've been averaging a 35 on 5 AAMC practice tests.

And yet for some reason when it asked "Do you want this MCAT graded?" I worked up the courage to say 'yes' but I regretted it right afterwards.

Have any of you previous test takers taken it, thought, "Wow that section is going to get at most an 8" and then found yourself being very pleasantly surprised? And by very pleasantly, I mean 11+ on that section. I'm choosing between the abandonment of applying this year and taking another test before September. (My GPA sucks - 3.4)

 

[jackson1]

This might be a very dumb question, but how reliable are your 'feelings' after the MCAT? I felt like crap coming out of each and every section except for the writing sections. I ran out of time usually and I just wasn't understanding too much. I panicked. I'm guessing I got a 29-30 on this whereas I've been averaging a 35 on 5 AAMC practice tests.

And yet for some reason when it asked "Do you want this MCAT graded?" I worked up the courage to say 'yes' but I regretted it right afterwards.

Have any of you previous test takers taken it, thought, "Wow that section is going to get at most an 8" and then found yourself being very pleasantly surprised? And by very pleasantly, I mean 11+ on that section. I'm choosing between the abandonment of applying this year and taking another test before September. (My GPA sucks - 3.4)

I wouldn't worry too much and I think you were smart to get it scored. I felt absolutely awful after each section and didn't think i'd get more than an 8 or 9 on any, but ended up with 10+ on each section. I got exactly around my average so I'm sure they just curve it easier and I would expect that you got around your average too.

 

[wdhero]

MCAT:
PS - 12
VR - 8
BS - 11
Overall: 31N

Overall GPA: 3.48

Resident: MD

Here's my story!! When I took this MCAT a year ago, I wasn't fully prepared (my average test scores were around 27-29) and somehow did better than what I expected. I always thought I could do better if I studied enough, but now having registered and a week and a half left for the MCATs, I realized that the MCATs is not just about memorizing science facts and you just gotta learn how to answer the questions well. I'm pretty sure my average test score will go up since then, but honestly if I get unlucky somehow, my test score, might in fact drop. I thought I got an overall grasp on the verbal passages, but I cannot still seem to answer the questions correctly. And the writing score is also a concern. Considering how I wanted to use my MCAT score as a huge edge, this is quite a disappointment.

Considering how there is a risk factor involved with my scores dropping, should I just apply or retake as planned? Would a boost in my verbal score to a 10 (being realistic) while maintaining my other scores give me a better shot at med school? (I'm particularly really looking into University of Maryland at Baltimore, being a MD resident and all) And would this be worth taking the risk that my score might drop?

Thank you!!

 

[flip26]

MCAT:
PS - 12
VR - 8
BS - 11
Overall: 31N

Overall GPA: 3.48

Resident: MD

Here's my story!! When I took this MCAT a year ago, I wasn't fully prepared (my average test scores were around 27-29) and somehow did better than what I expected. I always thought I could do better if I studied enough, but now having registered and a week and a half left for the MCATs, I realized that the MCATs is not just about memorizing science facts and you just gotta learn how to answer the questions well. I'm pretty sure my average test score will go up since then, but honestly if I get unlucky somehow, my test score, might in fact drop. I thought I got an overall grasp on the verbal passages, but I cannot still seem to answer the questions correctly. And the writing score is also a concern. Considering how I wanted to use my MCAT score as a huge edge, this is quite a disappointment.

Considering how there is a risk factor involved with my scores dropping, should I just apply or retake as planned? Would a boost in my verbal score to a 10 (being realistic) while maintaining my other scores give me a better shot at med school? (I'm particularly really looking into University of Maryland at Baltimore, being a MD resident and all) And would this be worth taking the risk that my score might drop?

Thank you!!

So you already took it once and scored 3 or 4 points above your practice exam average, yet you are registered to retake a perfectly good score in a week or so? And it sounds like you have done no prep since the last exam? Are you nuts?

Have you gone through a cycle? If not, and your goal is UMBC, why not apply there with the score you have - do they have EDP? - or apply broadly, and see where the chips fall.

If by later in the fall to early winter, your cycle is going badly (no interviews, or no acceptances at rolling schools), you could shoot for a January - April retake.

I doubt if your MCAT will be the problem if you are unsuccessful, so only retake if you are positive it is the problem. Your GPA is really a much bigger problem than your MCAT - any thought given to boosting that?

And the best way to test your MCAT is to go through a cycle, with a retake backup plan.

 

[SN2ed]

Retake Round-up

Remember to post your state.

IndigoBoy0: First off, don't worry about the application cycle, focus on improving your MCAT. A 25 will not get you in and if you rush the MCAT again, you'll be faced with another retake. The good news for you is that your verbal score is solid. Both BS and PS are relatively easy to raise. I suggest you pick up EK Bio + EK Bio 1001, BR O-chem, BR Physics and Gen-Chem. With these books, you'll hopefully be able to get your BS and PS in the 10+ range. Another option would be getting the corresponding TPR Hyperlearning books.

bradtigris: Absolutely not. That score will not hold you back.

IRE: You might want to apply broadly and see what happens. Neither your MCAT or GPA are great, but you could get into a lower tier school and possibly a mid. It sounds like you might have choked on the MCAT since the difference between your real and practice are rather large.

tommy55: You shouldn't be so bent on the top tier schools. Even if you had a 35, that wouldn't give you a great shot. You do, however, have a good chance at getting in if you apply broadly. Simply put, your current list isn't good. You basically have a mix of top tier and/or in-state favoring schools. Again, you don't have a good chance at those schools, but you do have a solid shot at getting in IF you apply broadly.

EyezonU: You have a solid chance at your in-state school, but that's about it. Your GPA is low, yet you mentioned an upward trend which negates the low GPA. I'd apply to your in-state and see what happens.

Kiwibuddy: You stand a poor chance at most of those schools given your current MCAT (UCI is the exception). Everything else looks fine. Now should you retake, no. You said the MCAT has always been a problem. If you don't have a good chance at doing better, you should change your school list.

ackackack: You need to check with your in-state schools (and the other schools you're interest in) to see if they take the latest MCAT or if they take the highest score from each section. If they take the highest per section, you'll probably be fine. However, if they only take the most recent MCAT, you should probably retake.

jd1031: If you apply to lower tier schools, you might have a chance. Unfortunately, it looks like you'll need a retake. Still, it's probably worth it to apply to some lower tier schools and see what happens before you retake.

random3d: It looks bad when you have a 30 or above, retake, and do the same or worse. You should stop while you're ahead.

kweekes80: Absolutely not. Your MCAT is not holding you back. The other areas of your application are lacking and/or you applied to too many reach schools.

MDToBeInNC: Do NOT retake. Your MCAT is fine.

allinone: You need to stop retaking on whim. You should ONLY retake when you have a better MCAT average on NEW practice tests. The first thing you must do is figure out what went wrong during all of those past tests. Analyze everything, from past practice problems to sleeping habits. Everything. You should also look into the medical schools in the Caribbean.

jai87: You should apply broadly.

jimhsu: Please tell me you're just trolling.

wdhero: You scored above your average and you have a poor chance at improving, you should NOT retake. Don't count on another tests hitting your strengths because that rarely happens. Also, US medical schools don't care about your writing score unless if its one of the extremes. Again, you should ONLY retake if you are scoring significantly better on NEW practice tests.



And thus ends another Retake Round-up.

 

[Rorymc]

Hey everyone-- I'm looking for some advice.

I've taken the test 3 times-- 25, 26, 27. This summer I'll be attending University of North Texas's SMP. My GPA is 3.15, and my ECs are decent but nothing amazing.

Now, I know that it's looked down upon if you take the test multiple times, so I don't know if I should go through hell another time. I'm also shooting for D.O. schools for the most part. Any advice at all would be helpful. Thanks.

Have you applied to DO schools? I have 2 friends that have gotten in with similar numbers. If your 27 is what you feel is the best you can do then you need to really beef up your EC's and LOR's. Try to do some research. The SMP is a good idea too but DONT GIVE UP!! You have taken the MCAT 3 times so you obviously aren't a quiter.

 

[Rorymc]

Lolz, you shouldn't become a doctor. Your MCAT scores suck, do you realize that? A 14, really? A lot of people on this forum could beat that score just by doing one section and leaving everything else blank. You are not fit for any type of work involving patients.

Dude do you even realize what the idea of being a Doctor is??? It is helping people! What a rude and inconsiderate thing to say to someone. If you are so elite than don't infect people with your toxic egotistical ideas. Just dont say anything at all man. He is trying, he just needs to get help obviously. IF you get in I hope you change your attitude, people like you give the rest of us a bad name bro. 👎thumbdown👎

 

[DOCSDO]

Thanks Rorymc you took the words right out of my mouth. I could not have said it better myself. Muhali3 that was just horrible. How do you have the heart to say that to someone who IS trying and asking for advice? You need to reevaluate the reason YOU are looking into medicine.

Goodluck to you allinone, make sure you figure out what went wrong during those times you took the exam. How were you studying? Had you taken all the pre-req courses? How were you averaging on the practice exams? Maybe a course will help? Whatever you do make sure you feel ready and confident the next time you take the exam. If this is really what you want to do, DON'T GIVE UP! Keep fighting until you achieve your goal.You're perseverance will pay off and you are going to become a GREAT doctor. 🙂

to you

 

[phliu]

I just got my MCAT score - P12/V6/B14 (32M). English is not my first language. 🙁
Please give me some advice! I will deeply appreciate that.

 

[laura18]

28N
PS 8
VR12
BS 8

I'm disappointed, trying to decide if I should retake. I have a 3.7 gpa. EC's include president of a volunteer group, hundreds of volunteer hours, including some in a hospital and a clinic, shadowing, working with physically and mentally disabled. I'm also a creative writer, I've read my work at conferences and reading series, won an award for a short story I wrote and will have a piece published in the fall. I feel I am very well rounded and I don't want my MCAT to be detrimental to my app...😕

 

[olemissbabydoc]

28N
PS 8
VR12
BS 8

I'm disappointed, trying to decide if I should retake. I have a 3.7 gpa. EC's include president of a volunteer group, hundreds of volunteer hours, including some in a hospital and a clinic, shadowing, working with physically and mentally disabled. I'm also a creative writer, I've read my work at conferences and reading series, won an award for a short story I wrote and will have a piece published in the fall. I feel I am very well rounded and I don't want my MCAT to be detrimental to my app...😕

What is your state of residence, and what were your practice scores?

 

[DKDawg]

I just got my retake score today. 10PS, 9VR 10BS. I had taken it last summer (8,9,8), but my grandmother had recently passed away and my mom was having some health issues too, so I really didn't perform well. The 9 in VR is below my practice average of 10, but the BS/PS are dead on.

I'm a non-traditional applicant with undergrad degrees in bio and economics from two different places, finishing in 2005. My GPA is probably low (BCPM: 3.39, AO:3.7, Overall:3.54). I live in Illinois, but paid taxes in CO for last year too, so I could apply in state in either one of these. (CO would be my top choice) I have a summer of volunteering when i was a freshman, and have worked in a clinical lab for the past 3+ years. Hopefully publishing at least two papers in the next year. (One from the clinical lab, another from my undergrad thesis).

1) Should I retake? I could definitely take the MCAT again, later this summer. Working full time is no excuse but I could have done a little better with the television.

2) Should I take some classes or even a post-bac?

I applied last year, without thinking/researching, in a big rush, before my MCAT scores, because i was so desheveled from all the personal stuff.

I'm hoping to apply next year, when my g/f has better clue about which state she will be going to for grad school. So I feel I have some more time to improve my app in whatever way people might think. It's ok to be brutal, and thanks in advance.

 

[artx2008]

I have just received my MCAT scores today.

PS: 13
BS: 12
VR: 10
WS: L

4.00 GPA

My writing section score is bothering me. Shall I retake the MCAT?

 

[albertarenee]

snip

 

[scoutnj19]

Hey everyone!

Okay, here's my breakdown...
I'm non-traditional... Have a degree in Communications and a minor in Business Administration...

GPA (Both): 3.65
MCAT: 29Q -> PS-9 VR-10 BS-10

I'm planning on applying EDP to U of Kansas Med.

I appreciate any feedback. My mdapps profile has all my ec's listed.

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?id=11095

 

[drzing]

PLEASE HELP WITH ADVICE!!

took the mcat before, got a 29 (10's in bs and ps, 9 in vr)
took the mcat may 22, got all 9's for a 27

what should i do? im applying this cycle! should i just register for another test in july and do it and study my butt off, or should i just not apply at all, save the money?

 

[angeladav]

PLEASE HELP WITH ADVICE!!

took the mcat before, got a 29 (10's in bs and ps, 9 in vr)
took the mcat may 22, got all 9's for a 27

what should i do? im applying this cycle!

should i just register for another test in july and do it and study my butt off, or should i just not apply at all, save the money?

I would register for another one, you are very close to 30+, so might as well try.

 

[jackson1]

I just got my MCAT score - P12/V6/B14 (32M). English is not my first language. 🙁
Please give me some advice! I will deeply appreciate that.

I don't think any MD school will take you with a 6 in VR, but you might have some luck with DO as long as you're ok going that route. My friend got into VCOM with a 6 in VR and only 23 total so I'd give DO a good look!

 

[jackson1]

I just got my retake score today. 10PS, 9VR 10BS. I had taken it last summer (8,9,8), but my grandmother had recently passed away and my mom was having some health issues too, so I really didn't perform well. The 9 in VR is below my practice average of 10, but the BS/PS are dead on.

I'm a non-traditional applicant with undergrad degrees in bio and economics from two different places, finishing in 2005. My GPA is probably low (BCPM: 3.39, AO:3.7, Overall:3.54). I live in Illinois, but paid taxes in CO for last year too, so I could apply in state in either one of these. (CO would be my top choice) I have a summer of volunteering when i was a freshman, and have worked in a clinical lab for the past 3+ years. Hopefully publishing at least two papers in the next year. (One from the clinical lab, another from my undergrad thesis).

1) Should I retake? I could definitely take the MCAT again, later this summer. Working full time is no excuse but I could have done a little better with the television.

2) Should I take some classes or even a post-bac?

I applied last year, without thinking/researching, in a big rush, before my MCAT scores, because i was so desheveled from all the personal stuff.

I'm hoping to apply next year, when my g/f has better clue about which state she will be going to for grad school. So I feel I have some more time to improve my app in whatever way people might think. It's ok to be brutal, and thanks in advance.

I wouldn't retake-your 29 is really balanced and I think if you apply broadly you could have a good chance. As far as the postbac goes, that's entirely up to you but it could help if you can bring the sGPA up to ~3.5 or so.

 

[jackson1]

I have just received my MCAT scores today.

PS: 13
BS: 12
VR: 10
WS: L

4.00 GPA

My writing section score is bothering me. Shall I retake the MCAT?

I don't think it's a very good idea to retake a 35, even with the L writing score. The general consensus is writing doesn't matter much unless you're applying to Canadian schools.

 

[jackson1]

ok here's the rundown:

-3.7 overall GPA, 3.55 science GPA, 4.0 non-science GPA

-total MCAT: 25, 10 bio, 8 phys, 7 verb

i am planning on signing up to take the MCAT again on august 22. is this the best plan for me??

That seems like a good plan, just don't rush and take it again if you find that you're not ready. If you retake, they definitely want to see a good improvement, so make sure your practice tests are where you want them to be even if that means delaying the test and applying next year.

 

[jackson1]

Hey everyone!

Okay, here's my breakdown...
I'm non-traditional... Have a degree in Communications and a minor in Business Administration...

GPA (Both): 3.65
MCAT: 29Q -> PS-9 VR-10 BS-10

I'm planning on applying EDP to U of Kansas Med.

I appreciate any feedback. My mdapps profile has all my ec's listed.

http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?id=11095

I probably wouldn't retake. Your 29 is balanced and right around the average for kansas med. Good luck!

 

[laura18]

I'm from North Dakota and plan to apply to my state school where I'm doing my undergrad and to some others in the midwest and beyond. Practice scores were in the upper 20's lower 30's, I know I could have done much better on the writing section.

 

[laura18]

What is your state of residence, and what were your practice scores?

I'm from North Dakota and plan to apply to my state school where I'm doing my undergrad and to some others in the midwest and beyond. Practice scores were in the upper 20's lower 30's, I know I could have done much better on the writing section.

 

[LaLaBell]

Should I retake?

P-7, V-11, B-9 Overall GPA 3.62 Science GPA 3.35

I have really good LORs. I've have a lot of EC's. Three years of interning in clinical research. Lots of shadowing. A month of volunteering in a clinic in West Africa. Working at a free inner city clinic. Etc.

I really like DO schools and would be absolutely fine with going to them however I would like to apply to a few MD schools as well. U of Kentucky, U of Louisville, University of Texas, Wright State and East Tennessee State.

I've lived in Ohio my whole life however my parents moved to Kentucky a year ago so I will technically be a Kentucky resident soon but I might be able to pull off Ohio residency if necessary.

Just wondering if any one had any advice as to whether it's worth taking again.