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)​

 

[Dawn Treader]

I just got my May MCAT scores back and I'm wondering if I should take it again or if I should just give up on life and find something else:
PS: 4 🙁🙁🙁
VR: 10
BS: 8
writing: R
Total 22R

Just as a note, I've done better on practice tests (highest being a 26)

 

[capn jazz]

I just got my May MCAT scores back and I'm wondering if I should take it again or if I should just give up on life and find something else:
PS: 4 🙁🙁🙁
VR: 10
BS: 8
writing: R
Total 22R

Just as a note, I've done better on practice tests (highest being a 26)

Okay, first of all, don't give up! Second of all, your main mistake was taking the MCAT without ever breaking a 26 on a practice test! Bad idea! You need to completely re-evaluate your study technique. You were clearly not solid on most PS topics and many BS topics. Look at SN2ed's post about a study schedule and go from there

 

[ibcdude]

I just got my May MCAT scores back and I'm wondering if I should take it again or if I should just give up on life and find something else:
PS: 4 🙁🙁🙁
VR: 10
BS: 8
writing: R
Total 22R

Just as a note, I've done better on practice tests (highest being a 26)

I feel like we are on the same boat...had a hard time cracking that score too...I took it in June 18th and now regret it because I wasnt ready even tho I studied for month and even took prep course. 🙁

 

[ladygwennie]

I feel like we are on the same boat...had a hard time cracking that score too...I took it in June 18th and now regret it because I wasnt ready even tho I studied for month and even took prep course. 🙁

Do not feel like its the end of the world, you never know how your score might turn out. I took an MCAT prep course, studied since december, and scored in the 30s on practice tests. Day of the test I scored a 25, 7 pts below my average. I know that I can do better, I also think that I clung to kaplan strategies that really did not work for me (but cos of the money I kept with em). I plan to retake August 25th and I plan to totally live up to the potential that I know I am capable of. You can always retake and nothing is hopeless!!!

 

[lofski12]

I just got my May MCAT scores back and I'm wondering if I should take it again or if I should just give up on life and find something else:
PS: 4 🙁🙁🙁
VR: 10
BS: 8
writing: R
Total 22R

Just as a note, I've done better on practice tests (highest being a 26)

Hey I didn't score much better than you, but don't you dare think about quitting. You're scores are perfect for starting to improve. Verbal is something that is difficut to enhance and you already have a 10, which a lot of kids would fight for. And physical and biological sciences can be improved with some studying and hard work. I totally think you could pick that PS up to a 10 and in that case you'd have a 28. But don't get down on yourself!!!!

 

[ibcdude]

Do not feel like its the end of the world, you never know how your score might turn out. I took an MCAT prep course, studied since december, and scored in the 30s on practice tests. Day of the test I scored a 25, 7 pts below my average. I know that I can do better, I also think that I clung to kaplan strategies that really did not work for me (but cos of the money I kept with em). I plan to retake August 25th and I plan to totally live up to the potential that I know I am capable of. You can always retake and nothing is hopeless!!!

Thanks, that's really encouraging! That give me a boost of confidence. I honestly don't know why I was not able to get my score to the high 20s and 30s. Verbal def. killed me, but I should have gotten my science scores over 10s on practices. I will have to reevaluate!

 

[malekb88]

Hello

Just want to thank everyone who posts advice on this forum, really appreciated.

I took my MCAT on the 28th of May and just got my scores in yesterday, am facing a dilemma:
9 VR
12 PS
11 BS
WS Q

I know that it is a 32 but I was doing in the 35-36 range on practice exams. My GPA is at a 3.77, around a 3.5 for the sciences. My major downfall is a huge lack of extracurricular activities. I have only been volunteering for six weeks now (I am putting in a decent amount of hours though). I have no research nor was I a member of any clubs, no shadowing either...I know I can scratch together a few random volunteer events I've participated in but I'm worried. I was hoping that my MCAT would have been higher and that would have been my edge. Should I resit for the exam? I am hoping to get into Wayne State University's Medical School or somewhere else in the midwest.

I am contemplating delaying submission of my app. and retaking the exam in august. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[muhali3]

Hello

Just want to thank everyone who posts advice on this forum, really appreciated.

I took my MCAT on the 28th of May and just got my scores in yesterday, am facing a dilemma:
9 VR
12 PS
11 BS
WS Q

I know that it is a 32 but I was doing in the 35-36 range on practice exams. My GPA is at a 3.77, around a 3.5 for the sciences. My major downfall is a huge lack of extracurricular activities. I have only been volunteering for six weeks now (I am putting in a decent amount of hours though). I have no research nor was I a member of any clubs, no shadowing either...I know I can scratch together a few random volunteer events I've participated in but I'm worried. I was hoping that my MCAT would have been higher and that would have been my edge. Should I resit for the exam? I am hoping to get into Wayne State University's Medical School or somewhere else in the midwest.

I am contemplating delaying submission of my app. and retaking the exam in august. Any advice is appreciated!

Your stats are pretty average but your non-existent ECs will really hurt you. There needs to be something that shows that you're not just a hermit who is good at school, but that you are someone who is interested in medicine and has the potential to become a good doctor. Even if you improve your score, I don't think it will make that much of a difference. I wouldn't retake unless you are 100% sure that you'll do better. Even then, I don't know if you'll be accepted, all you have to show is a very short amount of volunteering. I don't know when you're applying, but you need to do more things like shadowing, research, leadership, etc. If you're applying right now, retaking is the only thing you can do to make your app better, but it could also make it worse. I would personally take a year off to do some things to improve the app.

 

[Zona Pellucida]

Hello

Just want to thank everyone who posts advice on this forum, really appreciated.

I took my MCAT on the 28th of May and just got my scores in yesterday, am facing a dilemma:
9 VR
12 PS
11 BS
WS Q

I know that it is a 32 but I was doing in the 35-36 range on practice exams. My GPA is at a 3.77, around a 3.5 for the sciences. My major downfall is a huge lack of extracurricular activities. I have only been volunteering for six weeks now (I am putting in a decent amount of hours though). I have no research nor was I a member of any clubs, no shadowing either...I know I can scratch together a few random volunteer events I've participated in but I'm worried. I was hoping that my MCAT would have been higher and that would have been my edge. Should I resit for the exam? I am hoping to get into Wayne State University's Medical School or somewhere else in the midwest.

I am contemplating delaying submission of my app. and retaking the exam in august. Any advice is appreciated!

Keep the score. Good work.

Get some ECs.

 

[linkin06]

i have a july 3rd cancellation deadline, so i'm all for suggestions.

BUMP

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 🙂

 

[sareeb]

I am wondering if I should apply this year or just try to retake the mcat next summer after taking a princeton review course. I would love to just apply now though. Let me know if it sounds like I have what it takes to be a somewhat good candidate.

I just got my mcat score today. 8 phys. sci. 8 bio. 9 verb. and R. My overall gpa is 3.67 and my BCM is 3.55. My extracurriculars: research in bio and chem., chem publication, tutor, teaching assistant, volunteer at 2 hospitals, poster presenter at two conferences, 2 awards for chem., in an honours fraternity, and jobshadowing experience.

Thank you for reading this. Any input would be greatly appreciated. And just a caveat...I will be applying to med schools with mcat averages of 26-27.

 

[muhali3]

I am wondering if I should apply this year or [...]
Thank you for reading this. Any input would be greatly appreciated. And just a caveat...I will be applying to med schools with mcat averages of 26-27.

The rest of your application is great except for your MCAT. You should def apply this cycle, hopefully they'll see past the MCAT score and look at your ECs.

 

[G1SG2]

I am wondering if I should apply this year or just try to retake the mcat next summer after taking a princeton review course. I would love to just apply now though. Let me know if it sounds like I have what it takes to be a somewhat good candidate.

I just got my mcat score today. 8 phys. sci. 8 bio. 9 verb. and R. My overall gpa is 3.67 and my BCM is 3.55. My extracurriculars: research in bio and chem., chem publication, tutor, teaching assistant, volunteer at 2 hospitals, poster presenter at two conferences, 2 awards for chem., in an honours fraternity, and jobshadowing experience.

Thank you for reading this. Any input would be greatly appreciated. And just a caveat...I will be applying to med schools with mcat averages of 26-27.

I would definitely retake and apply next year. You have good ECs but your MCAT is low and your GPA is not too competitive either (especially the BCPM). If you want to go to an allopathic school, I would take a year off, take a course, get a better MCAT score and then apply. Good luck.

 

[mpatel621]

So I took the May 28th MCAT and this was the breakdown:

PS - 11
V - 7
W - S
BS - 10
Total - 28S

I know that verbal really sticks out, and I'm registered for the July 30 retake, but do I even have a shot with this score? I'm a GA resident so I know I have a slight advantage over other states because most GA schools aren't top list schools. I do have a cGPA of 3.99 and a sGPA of 3.97. I have a lot of shadowing and community service along with many academic awards and research throughout my collegiate career. Any and all advice will be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Prince Abubu]

Applying to D.O. schools this year.
cGPA - 3.26
sGPA - 2.99

MCAT - 10P/9V/9B - 28 O

I was averaging a 31 on AAMC practice tests. I was very disappointed with my performance, but I also do not want to begin the studying process over again. What should I do?

 

[MDew]

Hey So I'm a New york state resident and got at 28Q (9/9/10) on my mcat this past May. I studied for the exam but didn't to great. I have the following stats and activities:

*EMT for 2 years with campus team
*Public health research on vertical farming
*Anatomy Teaching assistant
*Vice president of Premed association
*Volunteer at Emergency department 100hr
*Volunteer for prek-12 science enrichment program 2 years
*Inner city health clinic coordinator (summer volunteer)
* worked 20 hours a week at a retail store while in school
* CGPA: 3.73 *sGPA:3.68

I was wondering if anybody had any advice, should I retake? I am registered to retake August 21st but am afraid I will do worse the second time around, so I'm confused. Will taking again in August delay my application?

 

[kung1616]

I got a total of 35
PS:14
VR:7🙁
BS:14

GPA:3.9 science GPA: 4

Yeah...the verbal killed me..English is NOT my native language so I guess that's part of the reason why I didn't do well on VR. Should I retake? I'm afraid that I won't be able to get 14 on both PS and BS...

Opinions are appreciated!! Thanks a lot

 

[KG216]

I got a total of 35
PS:14
VR:7🙁
BS:14

GPA:3.9 science GPA: 4

Yeah...the verbal killed me..English is NOT my native language so I guess that's part of the reason why I didn't do well on VR. Should I retake? I'm afraid that I won't be able to get 14 on both PS and BS...

Opinions are appreciated!! Thanks a lot

In the Kaplan course we were told that verbal is one of the most heavily weighed scores from the test. With that being said, most people don't score 14's on every section and then a 7 on VR- so there always is a possibility that it would not hurt you as much as people who score under a 30 and have a 7VR. Would you be against re-writing? A 35 is excellent overall, good job😎 Its a sticky situation because it's not like you had a 6, 7 and an 8 where I would say to definitely retake it.... I would speak to a pre-med advisor if possible!

 

[Dr Wake N Bake]

Hey So I'm a New york state resident and got at 28Q (9/9/10) on my mcat this past May. I studied for the exam but didn't to great. I have the following stats and activities:

*EMT for 2 years with campus team
*Public health research on vertical farming
*Anatomy Teaching assistant
*Vice president of Premed association
*Volunteer at Emergency department 100hr
*Volunteer for prek-12 science enrichment program 2 years
*Inner city health clinic coordinator (summer volunteer)
* worked 20 hours a week at a retail store while in school
* CGPA: 3.73 *sGPA:3.68

I was wondering if anybody had any advice, should I retake? I am registered to retake August 21st but am afraid I will do worse the second time around, so I'm confused. Will taking again in August delay my application?

I think your ECs are pretty sick nasty! Your GPA is solid. Even though your MCAT score may be meh, I still think your application is very competitive. Unless you've been consistently scoring in the low to mid 30s on your practice tests, taking the test again in August doesn't really add that much to your situation. In fact, it only diverts precious time that you should be spending on your apps and adds unnecessary stress. Not to mention med schools won't be able to consider your scores until around September 21st.
You've got a solid app with some ECs that I would trade some MCAT points for in a heartbeat. Best of luck!

 

[luigi777]

Hi! I need to know if I should retake the MCAT or not...I have already taken it twice and have applied with my second score...and did not get in.

Here are my scores:
1st score in April 2007 - 24Q (ew): VR 7, PS 8, BS 9
2nd score in Sept 2007 - 27Q (not much better): VR 7, PS 10, BS 10

I took PR courses for the first test and then used their materials and did tons of practice tests/ questions for the second and I studied June- Sept about 55 hours a week...

I graduated in 2008 with a 3.92 with a summers worth of research experience and tons of volunteering. I am currently researching full time at a lab and volunteering.

I am scared that if I retake it, especially because I studied my butt off for the second one, that my score will not improve or go down.

However, I did not get in to med school my first round and I applied to 43 schools.

Any advice at all would be GREATLY appreciated!!! I am willing to get private tutoring...whatever it takes. I am just at such a loss. Thank you so so much!

 

[ksmi117]

Hi! I need to know if I should retake the MCAT or not...I have already taken it twice and have applied with my second score...and did not get in.

Here are my scores:
1st score in April 2007 - 24Q (ew): VR 7, PS 8, BS 9
2nd score in Sept 2007 - 27Q (not much better): VR 7, PS 10, BS 10

I took PR courses for the first test and then used their materials and did tons of practice tests/ questions for the second and I studied June- Sept about 55 hours a week...

I graduated in 2008 with a 3.92 with a summers worth of research experience and tons of volunteering. I am currently researching full time at a lab and volunteering.

I am scared that if I retake it, especially because I studied my butt off for the second one, that my score will not improve or go down.

However, I did not get in to med school my first round and I applied to 43 schools.

Any advice at all would be GREATLY appreciated!!! I am willing to get private tutoring...whatever it takes. I am just at such a loss. Thank you so so much!

If you are dead set on MD schools, yes you should retake. That 7 will hurt you. Did you apply to any DO schools last time?

Also, if you are applying next cycle (for Fall 2011), your 2007 scores will be expired at most schools. So you'd have to retake anyway.

 

[luigi777]

Thank you so much for your fast reply!!!

I did not apply to DO schools. I am currently looking in to that. With my scores, do I stand a chance? And since my verbal did not move the second time, do you think there will be improvement if I retake it?

 

[ksmi117]

Thank you so much for your fast reply!!!

I did not apply to DO schools. I am currently looking in to that. With my scores, do I stand a chance? And since my verbal did not move the second time, do you think there will be improvement if I retake it?

I don't know much about DO, but I think a 27 is fairly competitive. Also, I can't know how your verbal with change. If you don't change your approach, then no, I don't think it will get better. Check out some of the strategies the test prep companies suggest and see if they help.

 

[premedmind]

I am applying to MD schools (a longshot, I know) but primarily DO schools.

Would it be worth it to retake for these schools? Or should I go ahead and apply? I might do a bit better in verbal on a retake since a 5 was my lowest score, but who knows.

science GPA = 3.6
non-science = 3.8
Hispanic, NY State resident

NYCOM
LECOM
PCOM
TOUROCOM (NYC)
UMDNJ

MCAT: 5V (this is what worries me), 9PS, 10BS = 24Q

 

[rosenkruez]

I just got my score released and it's not looking good.
PS 11
VR 8
BS 12
WR M

I can live with PS and BS but VR and WR are killing me.
since I got 28P (9 9 BS 10 P) last year, I never thought WR would come out this bad.
My GPA is 3.51 and science GPA should be a bit lower.
Plenty of research experience (both scientific and medical), volunteer hours, medical conference experiences.

I am not sure I should retake the test just because of VR and WR.

 

[jackson1]

I just got my score released and it's not looking good.
PS 11
VR 8
BS 12
WR M

I can live with PS and BS but VR and WR are killing me.
since I got 28P (9 9 BS 10 P) last year, I never thought WR would come out this bad.
My GPA is 3.51 and science GPA should be a bit lower.
Plenty of research experience (both scientific and medical), volunteer hours, medical conference experiences.

I am not sure I should retake the test just because of VR and WR.

I probably would not retake if I were you. An 8 seems to be about the lowest score some schools will accept and I think if you apply broadly you'd probably get in MD somewhere.

 

[jackson1]

I am applying to MD schools (a longshot, I know) but primarily DO schools.

Would it be worth it to retake for these schools? Or should I go ahead and apply? I might do a bit better in verbal on a retake since a 5 was my lowest score, but who knows.

science GPA = 3.6
non-science = 3.8
Hispanic, NY State resident

NYCOM
LECOM
PCOM
TOUROCOM (NYC)
UMDNJ

MCAT: 5V (this is what worries me), 9PS, 10BS = 24Q

Hmm that's a tough one. I think some DO schools could be forgiving of your verbal score if you apply widely (my friend got in DO with a 6VR). If you were scoring higher on practices though it might be worth retaking. DO schools seem to be a lot more forgiving about applying late so it might be worth retaking in September and trying to get that verbal up to at least a 7

 

[wuhantiyuyuan]

Here's my 8am score:

PS- 14
VR- 8
BS- 11
W- O

The verbal is kinda low, and I'm contemplating whether to retake it or not....

Most schools that I want to apply to average 10-10.5 each section.

Any insight would be helpful

 

[yoyoma]

Hey guys! First time poster here!

So I just got my results from the 2 PM June 18th test:

10 PS
7 VR
11 BS
Q WS

28Q total

I'm a Texas resident with a 3.74 overall GPA and a 3.64 BCPM. I have research experience, lots of diverse ECs, clinical experience, awards/honors, etc. I'm planning on applying to all MD schools in Texas and a few out of state, but do you think I have a chance with this 7 VR?

I'm scheduled for a retake on the 30th but I'm worried that my science scores may decrease, not to mention I still haven't been able to stabilize my VR scores...I dunno if it will be worth it.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[jackson1]

Here's my 8am score:

PS- 14
VR- 8
BS- 11
W- O

The verbal is kinda low, and I'm contemplating whether to retake it or not....

Most schools that I want to apply to average 10-10.5 each section.

Any insight would be helpful

I think you'll probably be ok, especially if the schools you're interested in have a 30-32 average mcat score. Your low verbal would probably be made up for by the high sciences as long as your gpa is competitive too. Apply broadly and I think you'll be fine.

 

[jackson1]

Hey guys! First time poster here!

So I just got my results from the 2 PM June 18th test:

10 PS
7 VR
11 BS
Q WS

28Q total

I'm a Texas resident with a 3.74 overall GPA and a 3.64 BCPM. I have research experience, lots of diverse ECs, clinical experience, awards/honors, etc. I'm planning on applying to all MD schools in Texas and a few out of state, but do you think I have a chance with this 7 VR?

I'm scheduled for a retake on the 30th but I'm worried that my science scores may decrease, not to mention I still haven't been able to stabilize my VR scores...I dunno if it will be worth it.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Hmm that's a tough one, would you be willing to apply to any DO to be safe? Texas schools seem pretty forgiving to in state residents so you might have a chance with that score. I definitely wouldn't retake on the 30th if you aren't sure you'll improve b/c going down would hurt you.

 

[s2thindi]

First off, I am heartbroken.

I scored a 10PS 9VR 10BS, 29R. I know this score isn't horrendous, but it isn't that great either....

I have a 3.92 overall GPA as well as a 3.92 Science GPA. I have amazing extracurriculars, letters of recommendations, and I interview well.

I must say that when I took the test it was NOTHING like I expected it to be, especially the Biological Sciences section. It was more like reading studies and deciphering graphs and what not.... I just don't think I was ready for the actual experience. I did put the time in studying originally though.

My lowest AAMC CBT test was a 28 and my highest was a 36. I think I was averaging 31-33.

Should I retake the test this cycle? Would it be too late? I don't really want to go through the process of REAPPLYING next year. I'm so afraid that my test score will drop...



Please help.

 

[jackson1]

First off, I am heartbroken.

I scored a 10PS 9VR 10BS, 29R. I know this score isn't horrendous, but it isn't that great either....

I have a 3.92 overall GPA as well as a 3.92 Science GPA. I have amazing extracurriculars, letters of recommendations, and I interview well.

I must say that when I took the test it was NOTHING like I expected it to be, especially the Biological Sciences section. It was more like reading studies and deciphering graphs and what not.... I just don't think I was ready for the actual experience. I did put the time in studying originally though.

My lowest AAMC CBT test was a 28 and my highest was a 36. I think I was averaging 31-33.

Should I retake the test this cycle? Would it be too late? I don't really want to go through the process of REAPPLYING next year. I'm so afraid that my test score will drop...



Please help.

I would not retake if I were you. Your score is balanced and I would think you'd get in somewhere with that GPA if you apply broadly. Retaking this cycle would probably only hurt you unless you could get 33+, since retaking in august wouldn't allow you to become complete until september. If you don't want to reapply I say just go with your score and apply to a wide variety of schools. Good luck!

 

[yoyoma]

Thanks for the quick reply! Haven't really thought about applying to DO schools, but I may consider it. I agree with your advice, decreasing is a big worry, but I'll be working as hard as I can this next week and we'll see what happens!

 

[hr786]

O.K., so I just received my results from the 2 pm 6/18 exam:

8 PS 11 VR 9 BS - 28N

I'm not exactly thrilled at my results, but I need to know whether it's worth the time to retake this late in the cycle. I have a gpa of 3.6, with lots of extracurriculars and should be able to interview fine. From what I read, verbal is the most important section of the MCAT to medical school admissions officers. Is this true, and if so, would it be better to retake with the risk of getting a lower verbal but higher in the other categories? I'm so stressed, I wish I could have done just a little better in bio, that was supposed to be my strong subject.

 

[bethe1]

deleted...

 

[DPpremed]

31N

VR 10 / PS 10 / BS 11

GPA = 3.9
EC's: Plenty of volunteering in both medical/non, tutoring, undergrad TA
I have no research experience, something I'm trying to work on this senior year even if it may be too late for med schools to care.

My legal residency is in IN, so I'm applying to a lot of OOS schools. Can I reasonably get into a few places with that score? I was a bit concerned about the N on the writing sample and really have no idea how the hell that happened. My preference is Chicago area even though I know they're pretty tough.

I've got 20 med schools from all places and all statures based on that handy where to apply spreadsheet. I'm currently leaning toward keeping my score and rolling the dice on the fact that I'm within/above most of the 20's current stats.

So.... add more schools, go with it, or retake?

 

[ochemdoc]

6/18/09 MCAT

PS: 12
VR: 8
BS: 10
W: R

GPA 3.9

Work as server and nurse's aide with residents that have dementia. Volunteer in ER (~40 hrs so far) and ~50 hours as resident companion in assisted living. premed club officer etc etc......

Test went horrible as far as my ability to write like I could, drank too much redbull on breaks and first borderline panic attack with shock at how test didn't seem like a practice test...

Concern is Verbal reasoning, looking at schools with MSAR range around 9 for lower 10th percentile.

Is this completely ridiculous to retake?

Practice AAMC ranges
BS 10-13 PS 10-12 VR 8-10

 

[bonoz]

Test 1: 11 6 10 (PS VR BS)
Test 2: 7 10 8 (PS VR BS)

I'm not sure what to do. My ECs are decent. Volunteer in the hospital, shadowing a doctor, researching for several months, dean's list, school organizations, student government, a couple teaching experiences, some lab related work.

I don't know if I can go through the hell of taking the MCAT again.

Should I apply to schools who look at the best scores only? how many are there of that sort?

Not many results come up when I look at MD applicants for a 25 on the MCAT.

Should I consider applying to international schools? England? Europe? etc?

Freaking out. I was easily getting 9-11 on PS and 9-10 BS on the practice tests. I don't know what happened. I am please about the verbal though.

 

[jackson1]

O.K., so I just received my results from the 2 pm 6/18 exam:

8 PS 11 VR 9 BS - 28N

I'm not exactly thrilled at my results, but I need to know whether it's worth the time to retake this late in the cycle. I have a gpa of 3.6, with lots of extracurriculars and should be able to interview fine. From what I read, verbal is the most important section of the MCAT to medical school admissions officers. Is this true, and if so, would it be better to retake with the risk of getting a lower verbal but higher in the other categories? I'm so stressed, I wish I could have done just a little better in bio, that was supposed to be my strong subject.

What's your state school like? If it's not one of the more forgiving ones, I would probably retake that, but only once you're consistently hitting double digits on both the sciences.

 

[jackson1]

6/18/09 Result
10PS/10VR/9BS Total 29Q

July 08 Result
10/7/9 Total 26P

GPA overall: 3.57 Science: 3.3-3.4
Grad GPA (edu): 3.97 (would this matter at all?)
EC: standard, international volunteer experience (short)
Non-traditional, I've been teaching for past 3 years in an inner-city school, received AmeriCorps Awards, volunteered at a hospital, etc.

I'm glad that my verbal improved significantly. For those of you who are discouraged b/c of low verbal score, there's hope! And, I did apply with 26P, just to give it a shot, but I regret I did that. It was a lot of money and time invested. A lot of people did recommend me to retake it, but I just wanted to "see" how I would do it with a 26. As expected, I didn't get in. Plus, I did not realize how important the verbal scores are for med school admission.

But I'm a bit concerned about BS; my science GPA is not strong at all, which makes it difficult. Any advice?

I probably wouldn't retake if I were you, especially since this was already a retake (I mean I know you don't want to take it a 3rd time!). I would apply broadly with that score and perhaps add a few of the better DO schools to be safe.

 

[jackson1]

31N

VR 10 / PS 10 / BS 11

GPA = 3.9
EC's: Plenty of volunteering in both medical/non, tutoring, undergrad TA
I have no research experience, something I'm trying to work on this senior year even if it may be too late for med schools to care.

My legal residency is in IN, so I'm applying to a lot of OOS schools. Can I reasonably get into a few places with that score? I was a bit concerned about the N on the writing sample and really have no idea how the hell that happened. My preference is Chicago area even though I know they're pretty tough.

I've got 20 med schools from all places and all statures based on that handy where to apply spreadsheet. I'm currently leaning toward keeping my score and rolling the dice on the fact that I'm within/above most of the 20's current stats.

So.... add more schools, go with it, or retake?

No way!! Unless you have your heart set on Harvard you will definitely get in somewhere with that GPA and mcat score. Retaking at this point in the cycle would only put you at a disadvantage since you would be complete late. Just go with it, good luck!

 

[jackson1]

6/18/09 MCAT

PS: 12
VR: 8
BS: 10
W: R

GPA 3.9

Work as server and nurse's aide with residents that have dementia. Volunteer in ER (~40 hrs so far) and ~50 hours as resident companion in assisted living. premed club officer etc etc......

Test went horrible as far as my ability to write like I could, drank too much redbull on breaks and first borderline panic attack with shock at how test didn't seem like a practice test...

Concern is Verbal reasoning, looking at schools with MSAR range around 9 for lower 10th percentile.

Is this completely ridiculous to retake?

Practice AAMC ranges
BS 10-13 PS 10-12 VR 8-10

Hmm with your gpa I would think you'd get in somewhere if you apply broadly. I wouldn't retake since all your subscores are in your practice range unless you don't feel like you adequately prepared.

 

[jackson1]

Test 1: 11 6 10 (PS VR BS)
Test 2: 7 10 8 (PS VR BS)

I'm not sure what to do. My ECs are decent. Volunteer in the hospital, shadowing a doctor, researching for several months, dean's list, school organizations, student government, a couple teaching experiences, some lab related work.

I don't know if I can go through the hell of taking the MCAT again.

Should I apply to schools who look at the best scores only? how many are there of that sort?

Not many results come up when I look at MD applicants for a 25 on the MCAT.

Should I consider applying to international schools? England? Europe? etc?

Freaking out. I was easily getting 9-11 on PS and 9-10 BS on the practice tests. I don't know what happened. I am please about the verbal though.

If I were you I would call up every single MD school you'd consider applying to and ask them if they look at the best subscore in each section. There are a couple that do that and you might have a chance at them. I wouldn't apply to international schools, but I would apply to DO schools.

 

[AspiringDocc]

I would like to get some opinions on what to do at this point. I am 24 right now and would be 25 when I enter medical school if I got accepted this cycle. I currently have 3.78 GPA and 3.85 sGPA. I took the MCAT last June (without any physics):
(6/2008)
PS: 07
VR: 09
BS: 10
WS: O
This past year I had a 2 semesters of physics, biochem and physiology a genetics class and an analytical chem course. Here are the results of my MCAT from this past June:
(6/2009)
PS: 08
VR: 07
BS: 10
WS: M
I have no idea what happened this last sitting. I felt way better about it afterwards then I did the year before. I know I have to retake the MCAT, I am just not sure what the best course of action is for applying. I don’t really want to wait another cycle to apply and end up being 26 when I enter medical school. Assuming I get all A’s this next year my GPA would only be 3.83 & sGPA 3.90 (not a huge difference). Money is a big issue in my decision and applying this cycle and not getting accepted to an MD program would obviously be very bad.


Should I try and register to take the MCAT on August 14th or 21st and send my apps out in the meantime and hope for a huge improvement on my scores (I think I should be getting a 30-35)? Would this really hurt my application based on it not being evaluated by a lot of schools till late September? Should I cut my losses this year, study even more for the MCAT, finish my degree and apply next cycle?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Compass]

I would like to get some opinions on what to do at this point. I am 24 right now and would be 25 when I enter medical school if I got accepted this cycle. I currently have 3.78 GPA and 3.85 sGPA. I took the MCAT last June (without any physics):
(6/2008)
PS: 07
VR: 09
BS: 10
WS: O
This past year I had a 2 semesters of physics, biochem and physiology a genetics class and an analytical chem course. Here are the results of my MCAT from this past June:
(6/2009)
PS: 08
VR: 07
BS: 10
WS: M
I have no idea what happened this last sitting. I felt way better about it afterwards then I did the year before. I know I have to retake the MCAT, I am just not sure what the best course of action is for applying. I don’t really want to wait another cycle to apply and end up being 26 when I enter medical school. Assuming I get all A’s this next year my GPA would only be 3.83 & sGPA 3.90 (not a huge difference). Money is a big issue in my decision and applying this cycle and not getting accepted to an MD program would obviously be very bad.


Should I try and register to take the MCAT on August 14th or 21st and send my apps out in the meantime and hope for a huge improvement on my scores (I think I should be getting a 30-35)? Would this really hurt my application based on it not being evaluated by a lot of schools till late September? Should I cut my losses this year, study even more for the MCAT, finish my degree and apply next cycle?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Wait a year, IMO. Unless you want DO, these scores will not do you well enough. Money being a factor, you should take the test next year, instead of rush in and do it now with 3 weeks of studying.

 

[chitown09]

first time i had a 26P

11 PS/ 7 VR / 8 BS

second time:

11 PS / 6 VR / 11 BS (28Q)

I've done research, presented.. volunteered at a hospital

my Science GPA is a 3.8

I will be doing a 1 year masters program (at RFU, the BMS program)

Should that be enough for me not to retake??

 

[kismetcatcher]

Should I take the MCAT again in August if I am applying for this cycle???

Three years ago I was blessed with a 35R. As luck would have it, many schools do not accept this score because it's too old. This time around (in June) my score dropped to a 29P. Blame it on no sleep and computers, who knows?...but now I am thinking that I need to apply to some more safety schools or take the MCAT again. Should I really take it for a third time in August??

GPA: 3.73 cumu. 3.67 sci.

EC:
2nd and 5th author on 2 separate publications,
hospital volunteer for more than one year
lots of random things too like interning at a contemporary art gallery and working on olive farms in Italy.
Have traveled abroad for quite a bit as well for volunteering and talked about how that shaped me in my personal statement...

Help anyone?? help help?? THANK YOU!

 

[ksmi117]

Merging with the "Should I retake?" thread.

 

[hr786]

What's your state school like? If it's not one of the more forgiving ones, I would probably retake that, but only once you're consistently hitting double digits on both the sciences.

Thanks for the reply. I think I'm going to ask around at my state school today, and depending on what they say, plan a retake.