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)​

 

[Pterosaurus]

36K (12/12/12) Should I re-take because my essay score sucks? (Enlgish is my second language.)

 

[kismetcatcher]

36K (12/12/12) Should I re-take because my essay score sucks? (Enlgish is my second language.)

I don't think schools really look at that--this is what I have heard from everybody. Good job though on everything else!

 

[arnold2178]

Hi, I just recieved my MCAT scores and I do not know what to do. I have taken the MCAT twice with my second score a 23P.
PS:7
VR:9
BS:7

I have already taken a year off school and I am 24 and I am considering DO schools. I have a GPA of 3.7 and a sGPA of 3.4. I have shadowed, volunteered for a short while, worked a full time job in health care for 2 years now, and was an intern at a hosptial. On my practice tests i was between 25-28 and with an average of 27. I do not really want to retake a third time, but should I in the beginning of Septemeber? I am from Illinois and I am considering Southern Illinois (I am from a rural town, which they say is something they have special consideration for) as my really only MD school and many other DO schools. What should i do?

 

[miffy810]

Hi, any help would be greatly appreciated!

I just got my score back from the 6/18 exam
10V/11P/11B (32M)

I don't know what happened with the M writing score. I have a 3.67 cGPA and 3.60 sGPA from an ivy league school.

ECs - research (pending pub 1st author) for 4 years with various presentations, EMT, medically-related volunteer abroad, various other community service, hospital volunteer, shadowing, tutoring for orgo and gen chem, etc.

I am signed up to retake for July 31st, which means I will get my score back Sept. 1st. I have already submitted my primary app, waiting to be verified, and my secondaries/LORs will probably be complete by mid-end of august. Should I retake?? How much will my writing score hurt me? Also, I think if I retake I will probably get 34-35. Is this worth it? My top choices are the NYC schools, which I know are extremely competitive. Do I have a chance at those with 32M?

thanks so much!!

 

[SN2ed]

chitown09: You might be able to get away without a retake if you have a state school that's relatively easy to get into AND if said state school takes the best score from each section. Outside of that, you should retake.

kismetcatcher: You might be able to get away with a 29 as long as none of your scores are below an 8. However, you would limit your choices to lower tier schools. You will also run into trouble because of the drastic drop in score. Still, your ECs sound interesting, so you could have a shot.

arnold2178: Unfortunately, you should retake. I don't think that score will cut it for DO schools.

miffy810: Don't bother retaking. That is a solid score.

 

[CaliforniaKid]

36K (12/12/12) Should I re-take because my essay score sucks? (Enlgish is my second language.)

wow, a K? I can tell English is your second language since you can't even spell it.

on the bright side, you don't need to re-take. Your numbers are solid.

 

[kismetcatcher]

chitown09: You might be able to get away without a retake if you have a state school that's relatively easy to get into AND if said state school takes the best score from each section. Outside of that, you should retake.

kismetcatcher: You might be able to get away with a 29 as long as none of your scores are below an 8. However, you would limit your choices to lower tier schools. You will also run into trouble because of the drastic drop in score. Still, your ECs sound interesting, so you could have a shot.

arnold2178: Unfortunately, you should retake. I don't think that score will cut it for DO schools.

miffy810: Don't bother retaking. That is a solid score.

Thanks SN2eD!!

That is reassuring... I am planning on retaking in September (I realize it is late in the game), but I feel like 29 is really not representative of my abilities. I was getting around 33-34 on the aamc practice tests days before the test.

So I am buckling myself down for six weeks of hell. But if adcom can see it was just really lousy day for me then my 29 would not seem like such a blemish. even if it just improves my chances of getting into the programs that I like a little, I think it'd be totally worth it. That's what I figure anyway... 😎

 

[cloudysh]

,d.d.

 

[SN2ed]

Thanks SN2eD!!

That is reassuring... I am planning on retaking in September (I realize it is late in the game), but I feel like 29 is really not representative of my abilities. I was getting around 33-34 on the aamc practice tests days before the test.

So I am buckling myself down for six weeks of hell. But if adcom can see it was just really lousy day for me then my 29 would not seem like such a blemish. even if it just improves my chances of getting into the programs that I like a little, I think it'd be totally worth it. That's what I figure anyway... 😎

A retake wouldn't be that bad of an idea if you really want to do it because of your past score. Remember though, you must take NEW practice tests. The old practice tests you've already taken will not accurately predict anything.

In case you want a more detailed explanation, here's what I wrote for my guide:

Should I retake FL X?

I don't suggest it for a few reasons. First, your score will be inflated. This alone negates the predictive power of the test. If you don't need it to gauge where you are, fine, retake them. For instance, you could simply be going over the problems again to, as others have mentioned, understand the thinking behind it. However, if you are using it as a practice FL, don't.

One of the most important aspects of a FL is that it's material you've never seen before. It forces you to quickly analyze an unknown passage, tap into your knowledge, and answer questions you've never seen. If you knew exactly what was going to be on the test, it would take away from the somewhat frantic experience of getting that weird passage. It also makes you more relaxed overall because you know what's coming. Unfortunately, you will not have the luxury of either on the test. You will have to deal with weird passages. You will have to get out of your comfort zone of knowing what's ahead.

Then, you get into the timing issues which you MUST get down before the test. When you have prior knowledge of the material, you miss the chance at gaining more experience with the clock. Too many people underestimate the effect of the timer. Again, you have to get used to it and retaking problems won't help.

Think of the whole thing like sports practice. Sure, you go over some standard plays again and again to get a feel for them. However, to practice for a real game, you have a scrimmage match or an exhibition game. The other team doesn't tell you what plays they're going to run. If they did, it would eliminate the usefulness of the scrimmage or exhibition game.

 

[FIREitUP]

Hey guys, just took the mcat and was really disapointed. Was averaging 34-35 with 10-11 on verbal and got:
11PS 8VR 12BS M

My GPA is 3.8 CUM and 3.73 BCPM. When I took it, I was really thrown off by a PS passage and it is clear by my verbal score that it really affected me. I have registered for the August 5th test, but I don't want to be late (i submitted amcas already, it should be verified soon). The verbal score is what troubles me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

My EC's are about 1.5 years of research, 3 years as a volunteer fireman/emt and hospital volunteer for a ~100 hours. I can't take a year off and apply again because I'm a senior and I don't want to take two years off.

 

[kismetcatcher]

A retake wouldn't be that bad of an idea if you really want to do it because of your past score. Remember though, you must take NEW practice tests. The old practice tests you've already taken will not accurately predict anything.

In case you want a more detailed explanation, here's what I wrote for my guide:

Should I retake FL X?

I don't suggest it for a few reasons. First, your score will be inflated. This alone negates the predictive power of the test. If you don't need it to gauge where you are, fine, retake them. For instance, you could simply be going over the problems again to, as others have mentioned, understand the thinking behind it. However, if you are using it as a practice FL, don't.

One of the most important aspects of a FL is that it's material you've never seen before. It forces you to quickly analyze an unknown passage, tap into your knowledge, and answer questions you've never seen. If you knew exactly what was going to be on the test, it would take away from the somewhat frantic experience of getting that weird passage. It also makes you more relaxed overall because you know what's coming. Unfortunately, you will not have the luxury of either on the test. You will have to deal with weird passages. You will have to get out of your comfort zone of knowing what's ahead.

Then, you get into the timing issues which you MUST get down before the test. When you have prior knowledge of the material, you miss the chance at gaining more experience with the clock. Too many people underestimate the effect of the timer. Again, you have to get used to it and retaking problems won't help.

Think of the whole thing like sports practice. Sure, you go over some standard plays again and again to get a feel for them. However, to practice for a real game, you have a scrimmage match or an exhibition game. The other team doesn't tell you what plays they're going to run. If they did, it would eliminate the usefulness of the scrimmage or exhibition game.

Sorry to be so un-informed...but what is FL X?? I definitely agree on the timing issue--it really got me on the day of the test!!!

 

[blackcoffee]

Hi everyone,
I just took the June 18th MCAT this year and scored a 29Q (10PS,9VR, 10BS). I studied on an off for a couple of months, then studied for a month on my own. I used TPR books and Examkrackers but didn't really have a study plan and lacked confidence. I've already decided to apply next year and I have an overall GPA of 3.78. My question would be if there would be any MD schools that would consider a 29 MCAT score..if so, which ones would you recommend?
And I'm thinking about retaking the MCAT in January..I'm hoping that a few more months of studying with a good strategy and healthier lifestyle, I could improve each section by 1 point. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[kismetcatcher]

Hi everyone,
I just took the June 18th MCAT this year and scored a 29Q (10PS,9VR, 10BS). I studied on an off for a couple of months, then studied for a month on my own. I used TPR books and Examkrackers but didn't really have a study plan and lacked confidence. I've already decided to apply next year and I have an overall GPA of 3.78. My question would be if there would be any MD schools that would consider a 29 MCAT score..if so, which ones would you recommend?
And I'm thinking about retaking the MCAT in January..I'm hoping that a few more months of studying with a good strategy and healthier lifestyle, I could improve each section by 1 point. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

You should get a copy of the MSAR, which should give you more complete info about all the schools. I think there are many middle-tiered schools where that score is still acceptable...

 

[bethe1]

deleted

 

[hurryupandwait]

Hi Everyone,
I recently got my june 18 mcat scores and was pretty disappointed 30Q (9 PS 11 VR 10 BS). My practice test scores were around 33-34. I was very nervous and PS is my worst section to begin with but on this particular test day, I second guessed my self of things i knew and just took way too much time and ended up running out of time in PS, guessing blindly on the last few questions. This kind of threw me off for the other two sections especially BS where i usually averaged 12-13 on all my practice tests.

Not sure if I should retake or not. I doubt I would get more than 34-35 and if that difference would really be worth delaying my application for. My gpa is 3.73 (s.3.62). I have alot of research and volunteer experience. My AMCAS was already verified and I am finished with the majority of secondaries but have not submitted. I'm not sure whether to continue with the application process at this point with my score as is, retake in august and delay my appliction, or retake and apply the following year. I would not be applying to super competitive schools.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[blackcoffee]

kismetcatcher and bethe1: thanks for your comments.
bethe1: i don't think 29 is a "bad" score since there are a lot of medical schools that accept 29 if you have a pretty competitive GPA and other factors to help strengthen your application. so if you just polish your personal statement and secondaries i'm sure you'll have a good chance getting an interview somewhere. good luck!

as for my situation, i've thought about it some more and i really believe i can do better. if not, hopefully i won't get below a 29, and just use that score and apply the first day amcas is accepting applications in 2010. that way at least i'll have the advantage of early submission, instead of submitting now and running the risk of getting rejected and re-applying next year..which i heard is a major negative factor on the application.

i'll let everybody know how i do...and if i do see a >2-3 point improvement on the mcats, i'll be sure to post up my study strategy,etc. (combining alot of the advices in the 30+ mcat post)

 

[SN2ed]

Sorry to be so un-informed...but what is FL X?? I definitely agree on the timing issue--it really got me on the day of the test!!!

It stands for full length (fill in the blank for company and test #). For instance, FL Kaplan #1, or FL AAMC #4.

hurryupandwait: Your score is pretty much inline with your practice average. You usually want a 2-3 point buffer. The buffer is less of a concern when you reach consistent 39s. About the medical schools, it depends on your home state. There are, however, good schools, such as, Creighton where that score is fine.

 

[hurryupandwait]

I am a MD resident so I don't have very many options in terms of state schools. Does that make much of a difference?

 

[hurryupandwait]

It stands for full length (fill in the blank for company and test #). For instance, FL Kaplan #1, or FL AAMC #4.

hurryupandwait: Your score is pretty much inline with your practice average. You usually want a 2-3 point buffer. The buffer is less of a concern when you reach consistent 39s. About the medical schools, it depends on your home state. There are, however, good schools, such as, Creighton where that score is fine.

I am a MD resident so I don't have many options in terms of states schools. Does that make a difference?

 

[USMC]

Hello everyone. I want to thank everyone in advance to those who are taking the time to read and respond to my post.

I have 32L (P12, V7, B13)

cGPA: 3.62 @ Berkeley
sGPA: 3.53

Background: Served in the Marine Corps in the wake 9/11 and Iraq war, worked full-time during school, single father, and a CA resident.

EC: 2 years ER volunteer (6hrs/week), shadowing (50hrs), 1 summer of research, little league baseball coach, and junior basketball assistant coach.

I would like to stay in CA, but with my low verbal and WS, I'm just worried I'll be rejected pre-secondary. I know to apply broadly but lack of funds will limit my choices.

Any comments or advice?

Thanks again.

 

[Segovia]

Hello everyone. I want to thank everyone in advance to those who are taking the time to read and respond to my post.

I have 32L (P12, V7, B13)

cGPA: 3.62 @ Berkeley
sGPA: 3.53

Background: Served in the Marine Corps in the wake 9/11 and Iraq war, worked full-time during school, single father, and a CA resident.

EC: 2 years ER volunteer (6hrs/week), shadowing (50hrs), 1 summer of research, little league baseball coach, and junior basketball assistant coach.

I would like to stay in CA, but with my low verbal and WS, I'm just worried I'll be rejected pre-secondary. I know to apply broadly but lack of funds will limit my choices.

Any comments or advice?

Thanks again.

This is a really tough call. I am ex-Navy and served with a bunch of you devil dogs so I thought I would reply.

Have you every thought about USUHS? I know you want to stay in California, but if you were willing to go back in the military as an officer, that may be an option. Matriculants average 29-30 on the MCAT there, though I can't really speak of any cutoffs.

I know some people may disagree with me on here, but I think you may still have a shot at Davis, Irvine, or USC. I say this because some of these ADCOMs have to get sick of seeing the same set of EC's, and when an ex-marine walks into an interview it has to carry some weight. Particularly if you have some grizzly old guy on the board that respects work ethic.

UCSD/LA/SF and Stanford would be tough simply because your stats have to be in the stratosphere, but I am sure you probably already reached that conclusion.

Good luck man!

 

[steps25]

Took MCAT first time (self study) on 06/18/09. Score: 13PS/ 6VR/ 10BS = 29M. Applying this cycle to all texas MD schools. Did 2 yrs of volunteering at a hospital. I have no other med related activities. I help run a family owned business. Science GPA 3.9. Do I even have a chance this yr with the 29 or shud I retake??? btw didnot focus much on the VR and WS the first time.

 

[Haftred]

PS: 14
VR: 9
BS: 10 (grrr..)

My VR was never very good, so I'm not too disappointed with the '9', but the BS was 2-3 pts lower than I usually get. On the other hand, physics is a point or so higher than I usually get.

I plan to apply to UNC / Duke and a bunch of other mid to top tier schools. I go to Johns Hopkins and have a 3.85 GPA.

Thanks.

 

[Pterosaurus]

I got 36K (12/12/12). English is my 2nd language. I usually have a hard time writing on abstract topics, and I had a bad day, which did not help either. What should I do?

 

[anonymoose1]

I live in LA so I'm applying primarily in-state (LSU NO and LSU Shreveport)...

Alrighty:
PS: 8
V: 9
BS: 10
Composite 27Q

My practice scores were 28, 29, 29, 31 (in that order), so I was pretty disappointed since I went down on test day after 3 months of studying/practicing. I'm inclined to blame that on my poor PS performance (yes, I also ran out of time at the end).
My GPA is 3.91 and I also have a Chem, English, and Math minor (not sure if that makes much of a difference?); I volunteer at a Deaf/Blind school health center where I am learning sign language. I've also done a little over 2 years in research. I think that's the main stuff...
My advisor and most others have suggested that I not retake because my GPA is pretty high, but I'm still not convinced that I should concede with a 27.
Any advice would be so appreciated; its been nearly 2 months since I've gotten the scores back and I still can't make up my damn mind, haha.

 

[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. Shadow Family practice, 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. I would do anything to have a higher verbal.

Is this completely ridiculous to retake?

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

 

[Segovia]

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. Shadow Family practice, 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. I would do anything to have a higher verbal.

Is this completely ridiculous to retake?

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

I would keep that score and apply soon. This is one instance where the Writing Sample may actually mean something; if you had a "J" I might retake. Not sure what your goal schools are, but just make sure you diversify. Your GPA and clinical experience rocks!

 

[SN2ed]

hurryupandwait: Yes, your options are limited for in-state schools. Side note, one's state school can make a large difference on whether a retake is advisable or not. I think if you stick to lower to mid-tier schools, you may have a decent shot based on your ECs.

Haftred: Barring great ECs, you don't have a good shot at top tier schools. I would throw in a few, but focus on mid tier schools with some low tier thrown in as well. However, you should not retake.

Pterosaurus: Only retake if you're a Canadian.

anonymoose1: You might get away without a retake due to your home state. Plus, your practice scores aren't that great, so I'm reluctant to advise a retake unless you're willing to put in a full 3 months of studying.

 

[FIREitUP]

Hey guys, just took the mcat and was really disapointed. Was averaging 34-35 with 10-11 on verbal and got:
11PS 8VR 12BS M

My GPA is 3.8 CUM and 3.73 BCPM. When I took it, I was really thrown off by a PS passage and it is clear by my verbal score that it really affected me. I have registered for the August 5th test, but I don't want to be late (i submitted amcas already, it should be verified soon). The verbal score is what troubles me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

My EC's are about 1.5 years of research, 3 years as a volunteer fireman/emt and hospital volunteer for a ~100 hours. I can't take a year off and apply again because I'm a senior and I don't want to take two years off.

I'm a NY resident. If I take and don't see a significant improvement will I be really late in the application cycle and will it hurt my chances badly?

 

[Dstar123]

I am confused as to whether I should retake the MCAT or not. I have a 3.9 GPA, and my MCAT scores were

BS: 8
VR: 11
PS: 12

I know these are decent scores, but they are going to hurt my application compared to my GPA, and I think I could pull my BS up to an 11 or 12... I am worried that if I take a mid-August test, med schools won't get those scores until much later. Any suggestions? I really want to get into UCLA or UCSD.


​

 

[Alwaysbehopeful]

I think you should retake. Schools general will like to see 10,10,10 rather than 8, 11, 11 or something like that. I think an 8 on BS is not very good for those schools. Medical schools much prefer a higher BS score than a higher PS score. If you had a 9 on BS that would be much more acceptable. Take it again!

 

[premedmind]

Should I retake for DO schools??

5VR, 9PS, 10BS = 24Q

GPA: 3.74 cumulative, 3.6 science, 3.8 non-science

 

[SN2ed]

FIREitUP: Considering your whole stats, I don't think a retake is necessary. Your MCAT is in range for NY schools and an 8 won't automatically get you cut. Furthermore, I've noticed many people score 1-2 points lower in verbal on the real deal. When you take that into account, your test is basically in range. Lastly, if you don't significantly improve your MCAT (4 points or more), it looks bad.

Dstar123: You shouldn't retake unless you're absolutely dead set on UCLA and UCSD (which isn't a good idea). Know that for those two schools, great ECs are vital.

premedmind: Unfortunately, you don't have much of a chance at DO schools due to the 5.

 

[premedmind]

FIREitUP: Considering your whole stats, I don't think a retake is necessary. Your MCAT is in range for NY schools and an 8 won't automatically get you cut. Furthermore, I've noticed many people score 1-2 points lower in verbal on the real deal. When you take that into account, your test is basically in range. Lastly, if you don't significantly improve your MCAT (4 points or more), it looks bad.

Dstar123: You shouldn't retake unless you're absolutely dead set on UCLA and UCSD (which isn't a good idea). Know that for those two schools, great ECs are vital.

premedmind: Unfortunately, you don't have much of a chance at DO schools due to the 5.

So you are saying that all DO schools screen for that 5? The reason I ask is because I've heard people with 5's getting interviews..could be wrong though.

 

[SN2ed]

So you are saying that all DO schools screen for that 5? The reason I ask is because I've heard people with 5's getting interviews..could be wrong though.

I haven't heard of people with fives getting interviews, but I also don't pay much attention to DO applications. Is there anything like the MSAR for DO schools? If there is, check to see how many people with fives get in. You might also want to ask in the DO section of this forum. However, I'd wager that only a select few with fives get in.

 

[fattymangox03]

first score:
25R 10P, 7V, 8B

second score:
24R 7P, 6V, 11B

i'm not really sure if i can stand to retake it...

gpa (both sci and cumulative): 3.5

looking to apply to DO schools.

any input? should i retake? i want to apply this cycle. i'm also attending a smp this fall. is that 6 verbal going to hurt me a lot? ugh. i dont know what to do!

 

[ragnarokice]

I can't decide whether I should go ahead and apply with this score or retake the exam. I won't be able to retake it in August or September, so I will have to apply next cycle if I decide to retake.

32N (PS 13/ VR 8/ BS 11)

The 8 in VR is what is holding me back. I knew I didn't do well on the Verbal section coming out of the exam. I was pressed for time and ended up having to practically skim the last two passages/questions and make educated guesses. With this score, do I have a chance at any of the top 20s? My AAMC avg was around 34-35.

I have a 3.79 sGPA and 3.81 AO GPA at a top 10 school. I volunteer at the hospital, I've done research for 2.5 years, I've done a lot of community service, and I have a lot of leadership experience.

 

[maribern]

In your opinion, what's the maximum amount of times you should limit retaking the MCATs?

 

[joshuapl]

To be honest, I know that some ppl might be pissed that I am even asking this...
scores P12 V 10 B12

GPA - 3.8
Science GPA- 3.75

I am shooting for Harvard - it has been my dream ever since I was a kid and my father went there. I know I can get in with these scores... but do you think it is a good idea to retake?
I had a bad test day and my scores on AAmc practice tests averaged 38. with a 13 avg on verbal....

What do you guys think?

 

[SN2ed]

fattymangox03: Try to look for DO schools that take the best score from each section. I don't think either of your scores give you decent chance at DO schools. However, as I noted earlier, I'm not well versed in DO applications.

maribern: Well you can technically take it as many times as you want. However, I'd say 3 times is the limit.

 

[Nimbly]

.

 

[premedmind]

fattymangox03: Try to look for DO schools that take the best score from each section. I don't think either of your scores give you decent chance at DO schools. However, as I noted earlier, I'm not well versed in DO applications.

maribern: Well you can technically take it as many times as you want. However, I'd say 3 times is the limit.

Well just to supplement your knowledge on DO schools...

I called quite a few DO schools, and most of them say they "look at the whole applicant" and DO NOT screen applicants on the basis of a particularly low score in any section.

 

[wdhero]

Scores just in...

This year: 12 PS, 8 VR, 9 BS Overall: 29P
Last year: 12 PS, 8 VR, 11 BS Overall: 31N

Should I retake the test in January? I do admit I was a bit out of it during the BS section... In my practice tests I was getting average of: 12-13 PS, 10-11 VR, 10-11 BS, which is why I decided to retake it this year (I usu. do better on the real tests than my practice)

Also, if I am applying this cycle and have already submitted my primaries, should I give up on this cycle and just move on to my next test? Or is there a chance for me despite my drop? FWIW, my overall GPA is a 3.5, which is a bit below average w/ average extracurriculars, etc.

I would really love to go to Maryland and I am a Maryland resident. I realize, though, with my scores it will be very hard for me to get in.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Bmewriter]

MCAT scores:
11 PS 8 VR 9 BS

Cum GPA : 3.895
Science GPA : 3.93
Major: Biomedical engineering
1 yr of ISRU (involved with contributing to the newspaper and Islamic Awareness week)
1 yr of Clinical research (Coordinated it and made a poster; also gave a presentation with results)
3 yrs of badminton (was coordinator; now I'm secretary of the club)
200 hours of volunteering
28 hours of shadowing.
Honor Societies: Tau Beta Pi and BME Honors Society.

So where should I apply? Should I retake? >_<

 

[clemson55]

I just received my MCAT scores today and am wondering if I should retake it:

VR: 7
PS: 9
BS: 8
WS: 0

I have a 4.0 GPA, in the honors program, NCAA Div. 1 athlete, medical research experience, lots of volunteer and shadowing hours....

I also am planning on graduating a year early (3 instead of 4 years for Bachelor of Science degree)...

Will my (I'm guessing low) MCAT scores matter with all the other items on my application? And if so, should I retake and what is the minimum score I should aim for?

Thanks!!

 

[capn jazz]

I just received my MCAT scores today and am wondering if I should retake it:

VR: 7
PS: 9
BS: 8
WS: 0

I have a 4.0 GPA, in the honors program, NCAA Div. 1 athlete, medical research experience, lots of volunteer and shadowing hours....

I also am planning on graduating a year early (3 instead of 4 years for Bachelor of Science degree)...

Will my (I'm guessing low) MCAT scores matter with all the other items on my application? And if so, should I retake and what is the minimum score I should aim for?

Thanks!!

You need to retake. A 24 is VERY low for MD schools. No application in the world can make your MCAT not matter. A 24 MCAT and a 4.0 GPA looks incredibly unbalanced. Retake it and ace it. If you have a 4.0, you should be able to.

 

[sivar1215]

My question is when should I retake it?

I got a 24 on the July 2 MCAT and was averaging between the 27-30 range on the AAMC FL's. Should I try to rush for Sept. 12 so that my score can be updated with my secondaries, or should I wait until late January?

 

[wdhero]

My question is when should I retake it?

I got a 24 on the July 2 MCAT and was averaging between the 27-30 range on the AAMC FL's. Should I try to rush for Sept. 12 so that my score can be updated with my secondaries, or should I wait until late January?

I was actually wondering this too. If I got a 31 last year, got a 29 this year (7/2/2009), and if I am VERY SURE that i can do better within a month for the September MCAT, should I delay my secondary applications to update my MCAT score by taking the september test? Thanks.

 

[premedmind]

My question is similar to the two above^^

Do you guys think that a month is going to be enough time to prepare again for the September 12th test after I took the June 18th test??

My scores were 5VR, 9PS, 10BS, 24Q

 

[Segovia]

My question is similar to the two above^^

Do you guys think that a month is going to be enough time to prepare again for the September 12th test after I took the June 18th test??

My scores were 5VR, 9PS, 10BS, 24Q

You will have your work cut out for you. Have you already exhausted EK101 and the AAMCs? I think retaking may not be such a bad idea in your case, because an 8/8/8 would be an improvement, and fiddling with your VR strategy could garner you a couple of extra points. Your sciences are competitive for D.O., but I am sure you already knew that.

Something isn't working for you on the VR and I don't think it is lack of studying. For what it is worth, I took the 7/2 test and we had a pretty horrific VR section. I ended doing well because I only went back to the passage as a last resort. That is my suggestion, but it may not be your cup of tea. Read the passages and answer the questions. That's it.

BTW, I have a friend that got an interview at a D.O. school in Arizona with a 19! She didn't get in, but she also had some C's in O-chem and physics. Plus, she was pretty young and probably didn't have the best interview skills. I don't want to blow smoke up your a** but you may have a shot as is.