Forum Members Official "Should I Retake?" Thread

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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)​

 

[Dchurch]

PS-9
VR-7🙁🙁
BS-10

I have a 3.72 gpa, 1 year of research, and 6 months volenteering..i want to go allopathic....but
is this score even good enough for DO school?

**** verbal reasoning!!!!!

 

[johnwilson]

Should I retake?

VR-6
PS-11
BS-10
WS-O

sci gpa 3.74
cumu gpa 3.28
but 3.95 last 80 hrs

I have 3 months research, lots of ec's
Applying in Texas

 

[reads7187]

10PS/9VR/S/10BS = 29S

I had a 3.35 overall GPA, 3.7 GPA senior year (Neuroscience major at a top school). I was a 2-season athlete, studied abroad, volunteered with Special Olympics and Relay for Life, did research 2 summers.

Ideally, I'd like to go to UMass, applying under an EDP. Can anyone shine some light on what my chances of that would be, as well as what my chances of getting into a school in general would be? Thanks...

 

[reidmike]

MCAT score from 5/22/09: 10P 7V😡 10B and Q (27Q) on writing section. I am happy about the balanced science sections, but will I have to retake just from the verbal section? My range for AAMC (I took all available) practice tests was 27-30 with average sections of 9P 8V 10B. The reason I am hesitant to retake is that my verbal section has been so variable and I could end up with the same score or worse. My physical science section is a point better than my usual. I also studied really hard for this test, but am not a great standardized test taker.

Other details include: I am a Florida resident, applying to MD schools, hospital volunteer 1.5 years, two summers of shadowing (plastic surgeon/family physician), 2 years of AMSA directorship, 2 years of biological research, poster presentation, hospice volunteer 2 years, center for adults with developmental disabilities volunteer 3 months (tutoring/aid). My science GPA is 3.87 with a cumulative GPA of 3.91 and I go to the University of Florida.

I would appreciate any help!! I previously signed up for the 7/31 test just in case, but if you think that I still have a shot at some interviews then I will take my chances and just apply with what I have.

 

[drzing]

MCAT score from 5/22/09: 10P 7V😡 10B and Q (27Q) on writing section. I am happy about the balanced science sections, but will I have to retake just from the verbal section? My range for AAMC (I took all available) practice tests was 27-30 with average sections of 9P 8V 10B. The reason I am hesitant to retake is that my verbal section has been so variable and I could end up with the same score or worse. My physical science section is a point better than my usual. I also studied really hard for this test, but am not a great standardized test taker.

Other details include: I am a Florida resident, applying to MD schools, hospital volunteer 1.5 years, two summers of shadowing (plastic surgeon/family physician), 2 years of AMSA directorship, 2 years of biological research, poster presentation, hospice volunteer 2 years, center for adults with developmental disabilities volunteer 3 months (tutoring/aid). My science GPA is 3.87 with a cumulative GPA of 3.91 and I go to the University of Florida.

I would appreciate any help!! I previously signed up for the 7/31 test just in case, but if you think that I still have a shot at some interviews then I will take my chances and just apply with what I have.

dont retake just for verbal...i did and my sciences actually went down by a point each. youve got good stats so you should be fine

 

[drzing]

10PS/9VR/S/10BS = 29S

I had a 3.35 overall GPA, 3.7 GPA senior year (Neuroscience major at a top school). I was a 2-season athlete, studied abroad, volunteered with Special Olympics and Relay for Life, did research 2 summers.

Ideally, I'd like to go to UMass, applying under an EDP. Can anyone shine some light on what my chances of that would be, as well as what my chances of getting into a school in general would be? Thanks...

DO NOT retake....your scores nice and balanced and you have good EC's/gpa. you should b e a shoe in

 

[jackson1]

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.

I think since you're fine with DO schools you should be good since you're at or above average for most of the DO programs. If you did want to retake, however, I think you could improve since PS is your weakest area. I got a 26 my first time (PS 7, VR 10, and BS 9) and improved to 31 (PS 10, VR 11, and BS 10). The sciences are definitely easiest to improve on so it's up to you but I think you'll definitely get in somewhere DO with your current score!

 

[jackson1]

PS-9
VR-7🙁🙁
BS-10

I have a 3.72 gpa, 1 year of research, and 6 months volenteering..i want to go allopathic....but
is this score even good enough for DO school?

**** verbal reasoning!!!!!

I think that score should be good enough for DO schools, but not for allopathic. I would retake if you're set on the MD route.

 

[jackson1]

Should I retake?

VR-6
PS-11
BS-10
WS-O

sci gpa 3.74
cumu gpa 3.28
but 3.95 last 80 hrs

I have 3 months research, lots of ec's
Applying in Texas

I'm not too familiar with texas schools, but I'd imagine that 6 will get you screened out of a lot of schools. If you think you could improve it to an 8 or higher I would recommend retaking.

 

[jackson1]

10PS/9VR/S/10BS = 29S

I had a 3.35 overall GPA, 3.7 GPA senior year (Neuroscience major at a top school). I was a 2-season athlete, studied abroad, volunteered with Special Olympics and Relay for Life, did research 2 summers.

Ideally, I'd like to go to UMass, applying under an EDP. Can anyone shine some light on what my chances of that would be, as well as what my chances of getting into a school in general would be? Thanks...

I wouldn't retake unless this score was a lot lower than practice scores, your 29 is really balanced. I'd think you would get in somewhere if you apply really broadly to mostly MD schools and maybe a couple DO.

 

[blakel]

Hi all just took 5/22. Advice needed. I am already verified by AMCAS but only with a few schools. I got a 29 10-9-10 and was shooting for 30. Should I retake July 31? I live in southern california and have a GPA of 3.73 and science GPA of 3.94. I was getting around 30-32 on practice tests.

 

[G1SG2]

Hi all just took 5/22. Advice needed. I am already verified by AMCAS but only with a few schools. I got a 29 10-9-10 and was shooting for 30. Should I retake July 31? I live in southern california and have a GPA of 3.73 and science GPA of 3.94. I was getting around 30-32 on practice tests.

I would definitely not retake. You have a pretty good GPA and a balanced score, and your score is not too far from your average.

 

[Cetsiphon]

Hi guys,

I just got my scores back. 9BS 11VR 9PS O

I was averaging around 32 on practice tests.

I am from Wyoming so my main hope is to get into University of Washington, which regularly takes people with or below 29. My cGPA is 3.72 and sGPA is 3.59.

Should I bother to retake?

Also, how does retaking affect the app process? I am already submitted and verified, so if I don't retake I'll be complete mid July. If I do retake, can I still get interview invites or will schools wait for my second score?

Thoughts?

 

[albertarenee]

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.

ya, im going to go balls to the wall alternating between verbal and physical science practice for the first few weeks of study and am also looking into getting a private tutor. i had done kaplan online on my own and felt that i had gotten alot out of it, but i really feel that having insight from someone else who did well on their MCAT would definitely help me. im going to do berkeley review, and if it gets to where my practice tests arent so hot, then i will definitely wait until the next application cycle.

thanks for the advice!!!

 

[Zona Pellucida]

My practice averages:
PS: 10.5
VR: 10.1
BS: 11.1
Composite: 31.7

5/22:

PS: 8
VR: 9
BS: 10

Total: 27Q

Already have a July 31st date if needed. Do not think I am going to cancel this.

I know I can obtain a higher score as I've done it in practice. I am just petrified of getting a similar result or even going down. My PS is usually higher and I ran out of time and freaked out during the first passage. I had no time to recheck so I knew that would be on the low side. Verbal is random for me.. anywhere from an 8-13 usually. BS I was expecting to be higher (11 for this test) and wasn't expecting as much organic. I also made some VERY dumb mistakes and chose answers I knew were incorrect right after the test as the concepts were pounded in my head throughout Biochemistry.

3.76 cGPA, 3.67 sGPA, Volunteer in ED, Shadowed Derm and Emergency, Research, Poster Presentation, Conference, Teaching, etc..

I hate this test.

 

[jackson1]

My practice averages:
PS: 10.5
VR: 10.1
BS: 11.1
Composite: 31.7

5/22:

PS: 8
VR: 9
BS: 10

Total: 27Q

Already have a July 31st date if needed. Do not think I am going to cancel this.

I know I can obtain a higher score as I've done it in practice. I am just petrified of getting a similar result or even going down. My PS is usually higher and I ran out of time and freaked out during the first passage. I had no time to recheck so I knew that would be on the low side. Verbal is random for me.. anywhere from an 8-13 usually. BS I was expecting to be higher (11 for this test) and wasn't expecting as much organic. I also made some VERY dumb mistakes and chose answers I knew were incorrect right after the test as the concepts were pounded in my head throughout Biochemistry.

3.76 cGPA, 3.67 sGPA, Volunteer in ED, Shadowed Derm and Emergency, Research, Poster Presentation, Conference, Teaching, etc..

I hate this test.

I would definitely retake if I were you. Your practice averages indicate that you're capable of doing really well. You'd be set for DO with your score but if you want to go for MD I think you should keep your July test date and aim for 30+. You can do it!

PS-I'm an upstate NYer too🙂

 

[drzing]

1st MCAT-last year
P:10
V:9
B:10
W: T

New MCAT-May
P:9
V:9
B:9
W: T

Applying this cycle. Have a solid GPA, great references, volunteering, researching...basically everythings good except for my MCAT score going down from a 29->27.

Should I retake? opinions WANTED!

 

[042887]

I don't know what to do. My GPA is a 4.0. I took the MCAT and made 9 in V,P,B a 27R overall. Should I retake? I do have biochemistry research (1yr), 100+ hours volunteering, medical shadowing, ect. I'm looking to apply to Texas schools.

 

[reidmike]

I have the same stats as you Drz. I have a 3.91 GPA, 3.87 science, research, poster presentation, really good LORS and ec's, shadowing, volunteering, Hospice volunteer, AMSA diectorships etc. I can't do this test again & take chances that my scores will down. I'm a Florida resident and attend University of Florida. I'm okay with where I am....I hope the schools are :/!!!

V-7
B-10
P-10

 

[ODOPHI]

Hey everyone,
so my case is a little weird. I took MCAT twice, I got the same score of 20 both times, the first time my verbal was HORRIBLE and I mostly concentrated on that and then the other 2 sections paid for that. I luckily still interviewed at 2 schools and was placed on the waitlist because of the fact that I applied late since I didn't know whether or not I should have applied with my mediocre mcat scores and was waiting to speak with the representatives from the school and see what they would advise me to do. So my interviews were really late. I spoke to one of the representatives from the school and she told me based on my current stats now (Im in graduate school 3.88 so far, ECs etc) that I shouldn't have to retake mcat ????????? I'm scheduled for the end of July to retake but Idk, im very anxious about it and Im scared to end up with the same score i have been studying day in and day out since the semester was over, but found it weird she told me I shouldn't retake I guess since I had already scored interview with my previous stats and now have another semester of grades to show? What do you guys think?

 

[Lucky27]

Reapplying after being waitlisted at my top choice school.

Took the MCAT twice:

Attempt 1 5/08 PS 8 VR 8 WS Q BS 9 25Q

Attempt 2 8/08 PS 7 VR 12 WS O BS 9 28O

I am a nontraditional student with a B.S. in Women's Studies and Public Health.

Science GPA 3.2
Overall GPA 3.5

I'm retaking a course I did poorly in, but I have so many credits it won't affect my GPA much.

I have excellent work and volunteer experience, shadowing experience, and solid recommendations.

I work fulltime, taking a summer course, would need to find time to study after not looking at any of this material for a year. I'm not sure how much time I could devote to studying.

Should I retake for the 3rd time?

 

[capn jazz]

Hey everyone,
so my case is a little weird. I took MCAT twice, I got the same score of 20 both times, the first time my verbal was HORRIBLE and I mostly concentrated on that and then the other 2 sections paid for that. I luckily still interviewed at 2 schools and was placed on the waitlist because of the fact that I applied late since I didn't know whether or not I should have applied with my mediocre mcat scores and was waiting to speak with the representatives from the school and see what they would advise me to do. So my interviews were really late. I spoke to one of the representatives from the school and she told me based on my current stats now (Im in graduate school 3.88 so far, ECs etc) that I shouldn't have to retake mcat ????????? I'm scheduled for the end of July to retake but Idk, im very anxious about it and Im scared to end up with the same score i have been studying day in and day out since the semester was over, but found it weird she told me I shouldn't retake I guess since I had already scored interview with my previous stats and now have another semester of grades to show? What do you guys think?

What schools are you applying to??? I've never heard of ANYONE getting in anywhere with a 20! Definitely retake!

 

[ncguy2005]

I guess I'll add mine. I was unsuccessful and am already making mental notes on how to improve my application for admission Fall 2011.

My MCAT is:

9PS,10VR,10BS M writing 29M

I didn't apply that broadly and I lacked a lot of EC, but I feel like having a 30+ MCAT score wouldn't be a bad thing.

When I studied for it the first time I studied for less than 2 months and mainly did content review (big mistake)

My biggest fear is that I will have problems relearning all the material since I've focused primarily on finishing my degree in music these past two semesters.

Any input?

 

[drzing]

I guess I'll add mine. I was unsuccessful and am already making mental notes on how to improve my application for admission Fall 2011.

My MCAT is:

9PS,10VR,10BS M writing 29M

I didn't apply that broadly and I lacked a lot of EC, but I feel like having a 30+ MCAT score wouldn't be a bad thing.

When I studied for it the first time I studied for less than 2 months and mainly did content review (big mistake)

My biggest fear is that I will have problems relearning all the material since I've focused primarily on finishing my degree in music these past two semesters.

Any input?

i wouldnt take it again....apply this year to a few schools that you want to go to and can realistically get into..think mostly DO schools...and you shouldnt have a prob and wont have to take a year off.

 

[drzing]

Hey everyone,
so my case is a little weird. I took MCAT twice, I got the same score of 20 both times, the first time my verbal was HORRIBLE and I mostly concentrated on that and then the other 2 sections paid for that. I luckily still interviewed at 2 schools and was placed on the waitlist because of the fact that I applied late since I didn't know whether or not I should have applied with my mediocre mcat scores and was waiting to speak with the representatives from the school and see what they would advise me to do. So my interviews were really late. I spoke to one of the representatives from the school and she told me based on my current stats now (Im in graduate school 3.88 so far, ECs etc) that I shouldn't have to retake mcat ????????? I'm scheduled for the end of July to retake but Idk, im very anxious about it and Im scared to end up with the same score i have been studying day in and day out since the semester was over, but found it weird she told me I shouldn't retake I guess since I had already scored interview with my previous stats and now have another semester of grades to show? What do you guys think?

you better study your butt off...if your making 20's then you better pick it up and move that score up....sorry to be harsh, but you really should ONLY do MCAT stuff from now till your test...if you have a job, try and either take a leave of absence but if you cant then drastically reduce your hours and study alot. im taking the test for the 3rd time after i went town the 3nd time, and that is eactly what im doing...instead of working 40 hours a week im working 20, i canceled the cable, and all i do is go to the library and work my butt off. this will be the LAST time i take that stupid exam

 

[brianmed]

I guess I'm in need of some more advice, since I've been annoying my friends, advisers, and professors for long enough about this issue. Should I take it again?! My breakdown for a 33S from the August 2006 paper/pencil administration...

PS - 12
VR - 09
W - S
BS - 12

Volunteered at the same hospital for two summers, did some lab research (hated it), TA'd a science lab class for a year, 3.7 or 3.8ish GPA, with a 3.6 or 3.65 BCPM GPA, from Maryland

Most people are quick to tell me that I should NOT take it again. But my thing is, I applied to a lot of top-tier schools, mostly in the New England and Mid-Atlantic region (Columbia, Penn, and dare I even mention Harvard). I've been told that top schools are kind of a crapshoot regardless of your stats, but what are my chances?

Does my S in Writing counterbalance my 9 in Verbal at all? I know some schools don't even consider the writing score, but they see it, right?

HELP!

GET OVER YOUR SELF!! those capitals are said nicely! but seriously thats a great score a 9 is just about as good as a 10 no one will be pissed about that. you have a competitive score so stop being so absurd isnt a 33 like 90th percentile anyway??

 

[G1SG2]

GET OVER YOUR SELF!! those capitals are said nicely! but seriously thats a great score a 9 is just about as good as a 10 no one will be pissed about that. you have a competitive score so stop being so absurd isnt a 33 like 90th percentile anyway??

Lol, that post was from 2007. That person is a medical student now.

 

[drzing]

Lol, that post was from 2007. That person is a medical student now.

well that made my night

 

[premed bedhead]

Hey, I'm applying this year and am considering retaking the MCAT on July 17 to improve my 31Q (9V/11B/11P). Is it worthwhile for me to retake it? Or would the late release of my score (August 18) disadvantage me more than a potential score increase of 2-3 points?

I am thinking that perhaps med schools would review my application with my current score instead of setting my application aside until my 2nd MCAT score arrives. Hope this is reasonable to assume.

Thanks!
-CA resident (trying to go to UCLA or UCSF)

GPA: 3.7; BCPM GPA: 3.63 at top 15 university
lots of EC, including comm. service, president of a few clubs, journal publication, intern at World Health Organization

 

[G1SG2]

Hey, I'm applying this year and am considering retaking the MCAT on July 17 to improve my 31Q (9V/11B/11P). Is it worthwhile for me to retake it? Or would the late release of my score (August 18) disadvantage me more than a potential score increase of 2-3 points?

I am thinking that perhaps med schools would review my application with my current score instead of setting my application aside until my 2nd MCAT score arrives. Hope this is reasonable to assume.

Thanks!
-CA resident (trying to go to UCLA or UCSF)

GPA: 3.7; BCPM GPA: 3.63 at top 15 university
lots of EC, including comm. service, president of a few clubs, journal publication, intern at World Health Organization

Um, why would you retake that?

 

[capn jazz]

The averages at UCLA is a 33 and at UCSF is a 35. Was a 31 your average on practice tests? Is there any particular reason to believe you'd actually improve from a 31 or do you just want to improve? Unless you were scoring 35 averages on practice tests and have some reason to believe your MCAT was a fluke, retaking could be dangerous.

 

[premed bedhead]

Thanks for getting back to me, guys! 31Q was my actual score when I took it last summer. Now, I am consistently scoring 32-34 on practice tests.

Thus, it's hard for me to be complacent knowing that my 31 might disadvantage me during this application cycle... I just don't know what to do because I hear about the advantages of applying early, and a July 17 MCAT might not put me in that boat.

 

[linkin06]

ranged from 36-42 on aamcs, but just laid a 10V, 11P, 11B. boo...

 

[terrypk1]

hay people.
I need an honest and good piece of advice. I just got my mcat score a hour ago. It ended up being 35 O. THis seems good but i totally bombed my verbal getting only 8 on it.

so it's like this
VR 8
PS 14
BS 13
GPA at 3.89 to 4 depending on which school you are looking. I am from UBC in Canada btw.
I have quite a bit of volunteering work..if the most you can get will be 10, i have roughly 8.

so my target was first tier to second tier. I have finished my third year, but i am doing coop program in research. so i won't be graduating next year.

please tell me what i should do when there is still time.

THANK YOU ALL

 

[Oden52]

Should I retake?

PS: 9
VR: 9
BS: 8
WS: Q

GPA: 3.87

My ECs include: CNA for 3 years, Hospice Aide for 2.5 years, Hospice Volunteer for 2.5 years, 1 year of research, ~70 hours of physician shadowing.

I am a Wyoming resident and can apply for the WWAMI program.

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[premedstdnt]

PS: 10
BS: 11
VR: 8
WS: Q
GPA (cum): 3.75
GPA (science): 3.85

do i need to retake?? :-(

 

[asanjuan]

Hey Everyone,

I know this is probably just another "I'm panicking because I bombed my MCAT post" but I do really need some advice.

I took the May 28th MCAT and just found out my scores today. I definitely will retake it, but was wondering if taking a July 30th administration of the exam would be too late in this year's application cycle.

Since this is a numbers game .. here are mine.

PS: 8
VR: 9
BS: 9
WS: T
GPA: 3.96

I would appreciate any advice.

 

[ladygwennie]

Hi all,

I am pretty decided on retaking, but I would very much appreciate any advice as far as applying or anything else (whether i should submit now or wait etc).


AAMC average: around 32

5/28/09

PS: 9
VR: 8
BS: 8
W: Q

25Q 🙁🙁🙁🙁

Very much below my average.

I have a 4.0 gpa, senior in a psychology/behavioral neuroscience BS program, 26 years old, so really cannot afford to stretch this to the next cycle. ECs include physician shadowing in county hospital, volunteering in the county hospital primary care clinic, research, including acceptance into honors research capstone program, Lab TA for anatomy and physiology courses, tutor/mentor for disadvantaged students, president of on campus club, officer of AMSA premedical on campus, published twice in community college yearly publication, published in the Indy Star, served as an editorial board member of community college publication, membership in other on campus clubs/activities, and more older and less consequential ECs (other physician shadowing and volunteering from the age of 13 etc). Have an associates degree in liberal arts with summa cum laude honors (made dean's list for every semester in college). My LORs are good and not a problem, the only thing holding me back is the MCAT and I feel quite devastated today, but I believe in dusting myself off and moving on and kicking it in the butt in August. Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[rbkrist]

08 PS 🙁
10 VR
10 BS
Q

28Q

I have a 3.97 @ UF and consider myself well rounded in research, service, and leadership. Good LOR just this stupid MCAT is holding me back. I'm guessing this MCAT score will knock me out of acceptance to a top med school and I'm contemplating whether or not to retake it in August. Even if I do retake in August, isn't that too late for this cycle? Maybe I'll just take a year off...

 

[rule out normal]

32Q:

PS 12
VR 9
BS 11

My last four AAMC tests (7-10): 33,33,36,35

Here is why I am asking you guys about a retake:

-32 was two pts below the average of my last four tests
-had a wobbly desk (should have told them about it, but didn't)
-thought I was taking an 8AM test, but it was actually a week later at 12PM (forgot I had rescheduled months before)
-was told about the accidental death of someone I knew, about 3 hours before the test

I only had a 3.3 undergrad, but I went back and did post-bacc and got a 3.88. So my overall science GPA is like a 3.5. I have tons of volunteer (hands-on w/ patients) experience and shadowing experience. I worked in a hospital briefly. I have no research experience...could not get any for the life of me. I got a DUI conviction at the age of 20. It is a legally sealed conviction by law. I am now 26.

The last 78 credit hours I earned, I got a 3.8. I have a total of about 180.

Basically, my undergrad career is a tale of two halves.

Should I retake the test on July 17, while everything is still fresh on my mind? I know the material EXTREMELY well.

 

[ahs4n]

Should I retake my test?

BS 10
VR 9
PS 9
W Q
28Q

I averaged a 31.5 on my AAMC tests, which I guess isn't a big difference from that.

I have a 3.88 sgpa and 3.88 cgpa

EC's are volunteering, 1.5 year research, shadowing, and leadership positions

I'm a Georgia resident and was thinking EDP to Medical College of Georgia possibly?

 

[linkin06]

i'll try to have a more detailed description so i get some responses.

on my AAMCs, i was averaging about 37-38 and had a range from 36-42.
i would get about 10-12 on verbal, had a lot of 13-14's on bio and phys.

today, got my score of verbal 10, bio and phys 11. a

i have a 3.8 GPA w/ 3.78 science at duke. extracurricular, i tutored last year in the city some elementary students. i'm also president and was treasurer of a club where my peers and i go room to room playing music (i play violin and wrote about it in my PS) for patients. i've shadowed a little bit on my own, and i also was part of Cincinnati College of Med summer program where we got to see all kinds of surgeries, attend grand rounds, get lectured by physicians, dissect cadaver, learn clinical skills (it was awesome! everyone should look into it). i've done research going on 3 summers now here at home in cleveland and was even able to contribute and be listed as an author in a publication. also did research at school during year.

i'm registered for 7-17 because i wanted the insurance policy, and now it looks like i should do it? i have till 7-3 to cancel. i would LOVE to go to OSU right now, grown up a big buckeye all my life. but i'm scared now that my MCAT is just mediocre and that i've hurt my chances somewhat.

suggestions would be greatly appreciated 🙂

 

[lofski12]

Here's my situation:

24Q --> 7VR 8PS 9BS

I have a 3.8 science gpa and 3.9 overall. I'm from Texas so that's a plus, being that our schools don't weight the MCAT as heavily as others in the country. I have plenty of shadow and volunteer hours and I'm the president of volunteer activities for an organization in my hometown. Plus... I'm Hispanic and from a medically underserved area.

I personally don't want to retake it, because... I'm receiving some help from connections. An advisor for a club I'm in is a professor at one medical school and told me she would put in a good word and write a letter to the dean of admissions. A relative holds a high position at another medical school and told me he would do the same. (he told me the range of matriculant MCAT scores was 19 to 35) They both were very assuring. Should I place my chances in their hands or retake?

The reason I don't want to retake is because I know I will get interviews at some schools and I can shine in that area.

 

[sgbak13]

sorry wrong thread

 

[sgbak13]

3.42 Berkeley GPA Cumulative
3.58 sGPA from all college classes
~3.5 cGPA from all college classes

Mediocre ECs with 200+ clinicals and 150+ community service

Got my MCAT of 31O. (12, 12 7V)
Usually got 33~37 from AAMC practice tests.

I am hoping to get into any allopathic medical schools with more interests in davis, irvine, usc, loma linda and NYMC. (CA resident)

Of course, I'm planning to apply to about 15 more schools (mostly non top 20)

I was thinking about retaking my MCAT in august but I was unsure since I understand applying late will hurt me. Should I retake it? (I am pretty although not 100% sure that i will do better on the august MCAT)

I understand that even if I do apply early, my late MCAT score release from August may hurt me according to rolling admission policies. Am i Correct?

Also, I have three lor from all science professors; should I ask a lor from my english instructor?


an extra question--do u know by when people usually submit their secondary applications?

 

[capn jazz]

Here's my situation:

24Q --> 7VR 8PS 9BS

You NEED to retake - the chances of you getting in with a 24 MCAT are completely abysmal regardless of your "connections." Jeez, try to get in on your own merit, not by relying on people who happen to know you who are accomplished. I really strongly doubt an admissions committee would admit a 24 MCAT on someone's recommendation alone.

 

[lofski12]

You NEED to retake - the chances of you getting in with a 24 MCAT are completely abysmal regardless of your "connections." Jeez, try to get in on your own merit, not by relying on people who happen to know you who are accomplished. I really strongly doubt an admissions committee would admit a 24 MCAT on someone's recommendation alone.

I completely agree with you, I just figured if they're offering to help, why not take it. I'm planning to apply with the 24, so matter how abysmal my chances are, just to give it a shot. Plus if I were to retake the MCAT for this cycle, I would do so in August to FULLY prepare, and thus my completed application would be reviewed pretty late, and we all know how late applications go. If I'm not accepted, I think it would be in my best interest to add to my array of EC's and medical experience and study with plenty of time and less stress.

What do you think?

 

[capn jazz]

I completely agree with you, I just figured if they're offering to help, why not take it. I'm planning to apply with the 24, so matter how abysmal my chances are, just to give it a shot. Plus if I were to retake the MCAT for this cycle, I would do so in August to FULLY prepare, and thus my completed application would be reviewed pretty late, and we all know how late applications go. If I'm not accepted, I think it would be in my best interest to add to my array of EC's and medical experience and study with plenty of time and less stress.

What do you think?

No, you really should not apply this cycle. Your references can vouch for you next year also! You would waste a significant amount of time and money as well as have to revamp your application next year as a reapplicant. Take a year off, ace the MCAT, and apply.

 

[lofski12]

That is true. It's just a bit frustrating having filled out my tmdsas and amcas applications only to not submit them. Thanks for the advice.

 

[McKitty]

You might not be too late in the cycle if you retook the MCAT in August. But you will need to send in your application now with a indication that you will retake the MCAT. While it is true that adcom will probably not review your app until your latest MCAT score are in, you will save time with verification (which is the longest part of the process). I have friends who took their first MCAT in August and still managed to get interview in December (and got accepted!) and I think plenty of ppl on this form have done so too. But the decision is still up to you and I wish you the best of luck! 🙂