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)​

 

[keregg228]

You worked 40-100 hours per week? What?! How did you manage to do that? That's unbelievable!

I worked 2-3 jobs all through my undergrad. I literally only went to class when I had a test or lab. I still managed to pull off a 3.2 and zero debt but it was a really stupid thing to do. I also had mono (and a relapse and lost 4 close relatives during the last three years of school). I have a almost a four point now(1 two credit a-) and am a model student. I have only one job now but work 50-72 hours a week and am in a repiratory therapy program (only about 8 credits). I'm cutting back on the OT and am gonna start a MPH in the winter semester and its looking more and more like I'm gonna retake the MCAT (I really think I can get in the mid 30's if I study).

 

[ne0phyte]

hey guys,

i'm considering retaking the mcat for a 3rd time.

I know I'm capable of a 36 (12s across all sections, but each time, I keep messing a section up.

first time - 32Q - 11V, 12P, 9B
second time - 34Q - 13V 9P, 12B

I'm an english major, so verbal isn't a problem for me. Always finish early and have a good feel for how I did.

For bio and physical, I always get 11/12 on practice tests, but during the real mcat I guess the stress/time constraint messes me up. Even though I improved my bio score by 3 points, my 3 pt drop in physical erased the score gain.😡

So is it worth retaking it a third time to finally get an official 36? Or since med schools see all mcat scores, will they realize that I am capable of a 36 from my previous 2 tries?

appreciate any advice

 

[zetabetazeta]

hey guys,

i'm considering retaking the mcat for a 3rd time.

I know I'm capable of a 36 (12s across all sections, but each time, I keep messing a section up.

first time - 32Q - 11V, 12P, 9B
second time - 34Q - 13V 9P, 12B

I'm an english major, so verbal isn't a problem for me. Always finish early and have a good feel for how I did.

For bio and physical, I always get 11/12 on practice tests, but during the real mcat I guess the stress/time constraint messes me up. Even though I improved my bio score by 3 points, my 3 pt drop in physical erased the score gain.😡

So is it worth retaking it a third time to finally get an official 36? Or since med schools see all mcat scores, will they realize that I am capable of a 36 from my previous 2 tries?

appreciate any advice

34 is definitely a good score. You are GOOD!

 

[zetabetazeta]

I worked 2-3 jobs all through my undergrad. I literally only went to class when I had a test or lab. I still managed to pull off a 3.2 and zero debt but it was a really stupid thing to do. I also had mono (and a relapse and lost 4 close relatives during the last three years of school). I have a almost a four point now(1 two credit a-) and am a model student. I have only one job now but work 50-72 hours a week and am in a repiratory therapy program (only about 8 credits). I'm cutting back on the OT and am gonna start a MPH in the winter semester and its looking more and more like I'm gonna retake the MCAT (I really think I can get in the mid 30's if I study).

I think you really have to bring your GPA up. I have to admit that what you did is absolutely awesome, but no matter what you have done, med schools will still screen you out due to a low GPA =(

 

[dididoc]

is a 6 in verbal unacceptable🙁?

 

[Marjan Islam]

is a 6 in verbal unacceptable🙁?

Unfortunately, yes. If you look at the School Selection Spreadsheet, I think the lowest VR score for any school is 7 (lowest 10% of accepted students), but even a 7 is just for a handful of schools. Raise it to an 8, and have good scores for the other sections, and you'll be fine! An 8 opens you up to a vast number of schools.

 

[pillowtalk]

I got an 11ps,9vb,10bs for a 30M with a 3.8 gpa.

 

[kopitar]

I got a 15/15/15! not really. Verbal sucks.

 

[cptnkorea]

i've got a 3.95 gpa currently with a 25P
10BS/8P/7V - was scoring 11P on every practice exam until the actual one (don't know how that happened) 🙁

 

[Segovia]

I got an 11ps,9vb,10bs for a 30M with a 3.8 gpa.

Depends on many factors, but I would say keep the 30, especially with your GPA and the fact that your score has a good balance.

Things to ponder:

What is your state of residence? What is going to distinguish your application form others? Are you going to apply early? Are your LORs on stand-by? Just some things to consider.

I met a guy at one of my recent interviews that had a 29 MCAT, a GPA about like yours, and he had just got done interviewing at Georgetown and Duke. However, he had some interesting experiences and a great attitude and it must have showed in his personal statement.

Bottom line: Your GPA is above average, and your MCAT is almost the average of matriculants, so I think you're good to go. Find somebody you trust to strengthen your personal statement, and you can make your app stand out.

 

[Segovia]

i've got a 3.95 gpa currently with a 25P
10BS/8P/7V - was scoring 11P on every practice exam until the actual one (don't know how that happened) 🙁

I would retake unless you are willing to go D.O., which is a very respectable route. Did you already burn through all of the AAMC practice tests?

Are you saying you averaged 11 on the PS sections of your practice tests? If that is the case, then you have an even better reason to retake. Some of the recent MCATs have been more calculation heavy compared to the practice tests, so maybe that is what tripped you up. Verbal problems are a little harder to diagnose, as I am sure you are aware.

What practice materials did you use?

 

[brianmed]

Hey so first time: 28S: 7 VR, 10PS, 11BS S in WR

Second time 30S: everything same but a 12 in PS

So now here I am- should I upgrade that 7? I mean my writing scores are good

My Science GPA is 3.7 at tope twenty school, volunteer at a hospital, do research, tutor, and started my own charity club.......... but that 7 is a black mark. Someone on the admission ocuncil at my school told me they never have taken anyone witha seven since shes been on the board- minorities included. That irked me:-(

 

[avatarftw]

Hey, this is my 2 cents.

1. Wow, you did really well. I would not spend the 215 (255?) dollars to retake it. Your scores are great! The average matriculant has a score of 30.5--you are well above. I would just apply! (assuming your GPA is relatively solid, like a 3.5 at least)

hey guys,

i'm considering retaking the mcat for a 3rd time.

I know I'm capable of a 36 (12s across all sections, but each time, I keep messing a section up.

first time - 32Q - 11V, 12P, 9B
second time - 34Q - 13V 9P, 12B

I'm an english major, so verbal isn't a problem for me. Always finish early and have a good feel for how I did.

For bio and physical, I always get 11/12 on practice tests, but during the real mcat I guess the stress/time constraint messes me up. Even though I improved my bio score by 3 points, my 3 pt drop in physical erased the score gain.😡

So is it worth retaking it a third time to finally get an official 36? Or since med schools see all mcat scores, will they realize that I am capable of a 36 from my previous 2 tries?

appreciate any advice

 

[bball]

Total: 33R
PS: 12
VR: 8
BS: 13

I know the score is decent overall, but the 8 in verbal really worries me. Verbal's never really been my strong-suit, but an 8 is low even compared to the average applicant. I can write relatively well, which is demonstrated through my writing score, but I just can't read quickly enough and answer the questions even if my life depended on it. Granted, I didn't spend that much time preparing for verbal because I thought that it was more of a mentality thing than something that required repeated practice. The irony of the whole situation is that I walked out of the test thinking I had bombed PS and BS and done okay on the VR, but the results were clearly opposite of what I expected.

I was thinking of retaking in January, but there don't seem to be any spaces available near where I live, so I'm probably going to have to end up taking it in March.

Suggestions? Should I retake or not?

-Bball

 

[holyhekshler]

Total: 33R
PS: 12
VR: 8
BS: 13

I know the score is decent overall, but the 8 in verbal really worries me. Verbal's never really been my strong-suit, but an 8 is low even compared to the average applicant. I can write relatively well, which is demonstrated through my writing score, but I just can't read quickly enough and answer the questions even if my life depended on it. Granted, I didn't spend that much time preparing for verbal because I thought that it was more of a mentality thing than something that required repeated practice. The irony of the whole situation is that I walked out of the test thinking I had bombed PS and BS and done okay on the VR, but the results were clearly opposite of what I expected.

I was thinking of retaking in January, but there don't seem to be any spaces available near where I live, so I'm probably going to have to end up taking it in March.

Suggestions? Should I retake or not?

-Bball

1: Here is my advice on the retake: There are good materials out there to study for verbal, particularly Exam Krackers. There are 14 full tests and it is SUPER helpful for time management since that is your weakness. It IS possible to improve your VR score. However, I think that with your science scores being as great as they are it might not be worth a retake, it is definitely a gamble. AND, plenty of people get in with 8's in VR. Final thought: If you are consistently scoring 11's and above on practice VR sections( I say this because you MUST allow room for error on test day due to nerves... PS was my weak area and I waited til I was getting 11's consistently and ended up with a 10 on the real thing) and still getting great science scores, retake. If you work on it and are still scoring sub 10 fairly regularly, don't risk it.

2: About there being no open spots: I had to reschedule my MCAT twice, and the second time I was changing it from May 28th to June 18th... so not much time. Anyway, of course all the date were filled by the time I tried to sign up but I figured that there were going to be others like myself were going to chicken out and I just kept checking back every day to see if any spots were open and within a week of starting this a spot opened up. I strongly encourage you to study as if youre taking it in January and use my method of just checking everyday to see if there is an open spot. I'd bet a hundred bucks one will open up.

Good luck!

 

[AppleSeeds]

Just another guy wondering if I should retake. GPA > 3.9.

Scores are verbal, bio, phys:

(Kaplan, wouldn't do again) First take: 21, Indiv Scores: 7,7,7
(Study on own) Second take: 27, Indiv Scores: 10,9,8

 

[caseofthemndays]

Just another guy wondering if I should retake. GPA > 3.9.

Scores are verbal, bio, phys:

(Kaplan, wouldn't do again) First take: 21, Indiv Scores: 7,7,7
(Study on own) Second take: 27, Indiv Scores: 10,9,8

What's ur state of residence?

 

[AppleSeeds]

Just another guy wondering if I should retake. GPA > 3.9.

Scores are verbal, bio, phys:

(Kaplan, wouldn't do again) First take: 21, Indiv Scores: 7,7,7
(Study on own) Second take: 27, Indiv Scores: 10,9,8

Bump. I live in the Northeast.

 

[JJMrK]

Just another guy wondering if I should retake. GPA > 3.9.

Scores are verbal, bio, phys:

(Kaplan, wouldn't do again) First take: 21, Indiv Scores: 7,7,7
(Study on own) Second take: 27, Indiv Scores: 10,9,8

I would, but only if you can get your practice tests consistently above a 30.

 

[jameszelda]

What are my chances of getting into DO schools with

25M VR 5 PS 10 BS 10 with Sci GPA 3.28 and Cum GPA 3.22 ??

Shoul I retake?

I am thinking about applying in early june. Thanks for advices!

 

[TurkSurg]

oops wrong thread for my question

 

[holyhekshler]

What are my chances of getting into DO schools with

25M VR 5 PS 10 BS 10 with Sci GPA 3.28 and Cum GPA 3.22 ??

Shoul I retake?

I am thinking about applying in early june. Thanks for advices!

Despite what some people might tell you, I think you definitely have a chance. Are you a non-native english speaker? I have a friend who had similar scores to yours, actually did WORSE in VR and better in science and was from Haiti, he has already gotten into 2 MD programs this year. That being said, he had an awesome GPA and ECs and applied early...your GPA is really not so awesome.... however, if you have some cool experiences to talk about I think you definitely do have a shot. If anything, despite the 5 in VR, I dont think it's your MCAT that will hurt you for DO but your grades. Apply broadly and early to maximize your chances, and if it doesn't work out try to look for a way to bring up your grades before reapplying. Final thought: I would NOT retake, especially if you are ESL, because the verbal section is a total beast even for native speakers and your science scores are good. Good luck!

 

[BuckFMP]

Took it in April '08 and got a 30L (10P, 11V, 9B). I think some of my arguments in the writing section offended someone as the correlation between an 11V and L just doesn't make sense. That was a stupid mistake that cost me a chance to apply to UNECOM.

I think my potential's really in the 32-34 range with an 11P, 11B and much better writing sample.

I'm most likely going to start the Drexel IMS program in August. So the strategy I'm mulling over is to try to post a 32 or better in July and combine with a strong post-bac semester. I'm hoping this will open up my options for applying next January.

I'm thankful for all thoughts and opinions on this approach?

Buck

 

[somedaydoc13]

First try: 10V, 11 BS, 8PS=29O
Second try: 12V, 10BS, 8PS=30P

Both times I took the test I had really poor timing and didn't really study (I studied for a week for the BS section my second try and that was it). Is it worth taking it a third time if I really study to bring up my PS section? Keep in mind that my GPA isn't strong so I'm planning on starting an SMP in the fall. Should I take it again sooner rather than later in order to try to get into a top SMP like Gtown (or is my 30 sufficient?) Any SDN advice is appreciated!!!

 

[FutureDoctor015]

First try: 10V, 11 BS, 8PS=29O
Second try: 12V, 10BS, 8PS=30P

Both times I took the test I had really poor timing and didn't really study (I studied for a week for the BS section my second try and that was it). Is it worth taking it a third time if I really study to bring up my PS section? Keep in mind that my GPA isn't strong so I'm planning on starting an SMP in the fall. Should I take it again sooner rather than later in order to try to get into a top SMP like Gtown (or is my 30 sufficient?) Any SDN advice is appreciated!!!

I would have said to keep your score if it was the best you could do, but since you said you didn't really study, it is not the best you can do at all. You don't want to regret it if you apply and do not get in anywhere just because you decided to ease your way through the MCAT. If you get a 30 without studying, imagine the score you'd get it if you actually tried.

Can I ask how you approach VR? I studied a LOT for the sciences and did well, but VR is standing in my way. (PM me if possible since this thread is not about VR).

 

[chickadeee]

hi! i'm a long time reader, first time poster here on SDN. i took the MCAT in september 09 and got a 30O:

PS: 9
VR: 9
BS: 12

should i retake? my cumulative GPA is ~3.65 and my science GPA is ~3.75. i'm not aiming to get into any ivy league schools... just any US allopathic medical school that will take me. 😛

unfortunately i now work full time as a research coordinator so i won't have nearly as much time to devote to studying compared to when i was studying for the test the first time around. any help would GREATLY appreciated! 🙂

 

[sharmi]

I took the MCAT in Sep '09 and got a 28Q (11, 6, 11) - the 6 in Verbal.
I intend to take the test again this week.

I have been scoring around 8 in Verbal (I know its my weak point) and about 12/13 on BS and usually 13 in PS in my practice tests.

I have taken 11 out of the 14 EK tests as well 4 tests from TPR WB, 6 of the AAMC tests and 8 of the TPR FLs (so in short a lot of tests). My last score on AAMC 7 was 13, 8, 13. Taking AAMC 8 today. I don't what else I can do to score better in VR.

I am kind of sure that with a 6 in VR I will need to retake. But do you think I am ready for the retake ?

 

[demayette]

hi! i'm a long time reader, first time poster here on SDN. i took the MCAT in september 09 and got a 30O:

PS: 9
VR: 9
BS: 12

should i retake? my cumulative GPA is ~3.65 and my science GPA is ~3.75. i'm not aiming to get into any ivy league schools... just any US allopathic medical school that will take me. 😛

unfortunately i now work full time as a research coordinator so i won't have nearly as much time to devote to studying compared to when i was studying for the test the first time around. any help would GREATLY appreciated! 🙂

Why would you wanna retake if you are not aiming for a top school? I think a 30 mcat with your respectable GPAs are good enough to get u into a mid to low tier school.

 

[BuckFMP]

Why would you wanna retake if you are not aiming for a top school? I think a 30 mcat with your respectable GPAs are good enough to get u into a mid to low tier school.

+1. Instead, focus on solid ECs if you haven't.

 

[blackcoffee]

Hi all, been in a constant dilemma of my situation, not sure entirely what to do:

I took the MCAT last summer and got a 29Q: 10PS, 9VR, 10BS. It's a pretty even score distribution which was good, but not quite competitive in a lot of MD schools. I have a 3.781 accumulative GPA and about a 3.7 Science GPA. I also have a pretty decent background with volunteering, researching, community service, and leadership experience.

My second retake was this January 30, but due to severe technical malfunctions (lagging, freezing, void screen didn't even appear in the end), my performance was significantly impacted. I'm going to write a letter to AAMC and see if I can get it voided. The thing is..I'm not sure how badly I did because of that, I did finish the test, but I definitely came out feeling like crap and like I guessed on most of BS (mostly where the computer craziness just sorta took over my mind).

But, in case I do decide to void my scores this time, I'm wondering if I should spend the next couple of months studying for my second attempt at my second retake (which would be on April 10), or use this time to devote to volunteering everywhere/finding a job as a medical assistant, etc. What would strengthen my application more at this time when I only have a precious few more months to spend before applying?

I want to apply to any MD school I can get into, and I plan on applying right when applications are available (June 1). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[catswym]

okay, so I took the MCAT last july and applied this past season but I've only had one interview and haven't heard from them yet so I'm already thinking about if I need to reapply next cycle.

If I reapply I'm wondering if I should retake the MCAT. I got a 31P overall but a really unbalanced score: 8P, 13V, 10B. I'm worried that 8 is killing me. I wasn't really expecting it (my practice tests were all 10/11 for physics section, they were also 10/11 for bio and consistent 13 for verbal so I'm not worried about going down in the other sections) and am fairly confident I can do better.

Does it make sense to take it again?

 

[LostInStudy]

okay, so I took the MCAT last july and applied this past season but I've only had one interview and haven't heard from them yet so I'm already thinking about if I need to reapply next cycle.

If I reapply I'm wondering if I should retake the MCAT. I got a 31P overall but a really unbalanced score: 8P, 13V, 10B. I'm worried that 8 is killing me. I wasn't really expecting it (my practice tests were all 10/11 for physics section, they were also 10/11 for bio and consistent 13 for verbal so I'm not worried about going down in the other sections) and am fairly confident I can do better.

Does it make sense to take it again?

Honestly, you're in better shape than you think. The sciences are by far the easiest to improve. Get the EK 1001 books and the TBR books and go through them completely and you will hit at least 12 per section.

Hope this helps,

-LIS

 

[pixiefh]

Howdy everyone, I'm a long time lurker, first time poster! Okay, I was hoping I could get some help ~

Took the MCAT back in August '09 -
28 overall
Bio - 11
Verbal - 10
Phys - 7 :cry:

I missed an entire passage in Phys by accident (but I was also running out of time). I'm in Texas and plan on applying to most schools here in May/June(esp. UTSW)

Should I retake? 28 matched my high on practice tests, I haven't had Physics since 2006 😱 I think the best I ever did on Phys on practice tests was a 9.

Oh, btw -
EC's: meh, a little shadowing, mostly worked full time, musician
LOR: excellent 1 employer/doctor 1 chem teacher @ comm college 1 Immunology prof @ university

I'm going to try and get a research job at UTSW for the year before my potential matriculation

 

[indianjatt]

Howdy everyone, I'm a long time lurker, first time poster! Okay, I was hoping I could get some help ~

Took the MCAT back in August '09 -
28 overall
Bio - 11
Verbal - 10
Phys - 7 :cry:

I missed an entire passage in Phys by accident (but I was also running out of time). I'm in Texas and plan on applying to most schools here in May/June(esp. UTSW)

Should I retake? 28 matched my high on practice tests, I haven't had Physics since 2006 😱 I think the best I ever did on Phys on practice tests was a 9.

Oh, btw -
EC's: meh, a little shadowing, mostly worked full time, musician
LOR: excellent 1 employer/doctor 1 chem teacher @ comm college 1 Immunology prof @ university

I'm going to try and get a research job at UTSW for the year before my potential matriculation

Your score should be fine for Texas schools except maybe the big names.

 

[Crazypencil]

First: VER 6, PH 14, BIO 10 = 30
Second: VER 8, PH 11, BIO 10 = 29

Shooting for New Jersey School

BME engineering, GPA 3.83, good extra experience.

Retake?

 

[gt2040]

So i just got back my score from the 1/30 test. Got a 31O (10,10,11). I really think I can do better (practice test scores were 31-36 with a 34 avg) but I don't really want to risk it. What do you guys think? Florida resident.

Also, GPA is a 3.9 in Engineering.

 

[knawmean]

....

 

[nady]

Was wondering if I should retake this.

Im in my 5th semester, just took my first MCAT on jan 30th and it rocked me.
I was scoring like 33-35 on the practice ones, and i got a 31Q on this one.
10V, 11P, 10B. I go to rutgers new brunswick. I have a current 3.56 GPA but my first year was a 3.267 and the last 3 semesters are a 3.8 ish. I do lab research. I was a volunteer EMT for a year and a half. Im currently in the premedical Fraternity and I was a freshman orientation leader. Any thoughts?

 

[steelman]

Just got my MCAT score: took it the first time (studied consistently for 3 months and took a MCAT Prep course) got a 22N (PS9/BS8/VR5)
Took it the second time (after re-taking MCAT prep course and studied consistently for two-three months) and got a 22M (PS7/BS9/VR6).
Scored higher on practice exams: 27 (PS10/BS10/VR7).
I felt much better and more prepared the second time I took it, but the scores are pretty much the same.

Current GPA: 3.46 sGPA ~3.33
Major: Theology/Pre-Med, Minor: Studio Art
I am enrolled in a top-tier school and currently volunteering at a hospital for seven months so far and volunteered a hospital three years ago for a month (in both cases I had direct patient interactions and assisted nurses/physicians). Worked in a lab for a year, frequently volunteered on my free time at a school for children with disabilities. OChem tutor for a year and tutored highschool and elementary school stdts for a year. Recieved second honors and dean's lists twice, with a few other leadership pos'ns and awards.

My suggestion: Don't take again, but apply with really strong recommendations/extracurriculars.
I was considering a postbacc program to take more science courses, but I've heard stories of people who've applied with low MCAT scores, yet entered pretty good med school programs.

But I was wondering if there were any suggestions/advice...

 

[Cheez]

Hi, just got my MCAT score too:

32Q: 11 PS, 9 VR, 12 BS
I never got below a 10 VR on practice tests and I usually ended up in 34-38 range on AAMC FLs.

University: southern california UC (not merced or riverside)
Major 1: Biomedical Engineering
Major 2: Public Health science

3.44 cGPA. 3.31 science GPA
3.52 engineering gpa,not included in science =(
Basically I messed up really bad in g-chem and early physics and math (which I took a lot of of).
My bio GPA is 3.83 and my O-chem GPA was 3.67

I've had an upward trend:
After 1st year, cGPA: 3.0
After 2nd year, cGPA: 3.28
After 3rd year, cGPA: 3.4
After 4th year, plan to have 3.5 when I apply in June.

Relevant ECs:
-3 years doing clinical research in trauma surgery and surgical intensive care. I'm the data and statistics coordinator and I've been published as a 4th author. We just submitted a 2nd article on which I am the 2nd author. I might be doing a poster presentation at a conference in september if it gets accepted. ~16 hours per week
-Volunteering at a local free clinic: 220 hours
-EMT: 3 years, 12-20 hours per week.
-Fraternity philanthropy chair: Raised ~$3,000 for a cancer foundation at our university medical center.
-Shadowing chief of allergy/immunology clinic: ~24 hours

Should I flip a coin?

I'll go anywhere in the U.S. but I'd like to go somewhere urban.

 

[hopefulmdohio]

Hi! First time posting on SDN. I just received my scores and I am sitting on the fence thinking about whether I should retake or not... Here are my stats:

Composite: 31O
BS: 12
VS: 8
PS: 11

cGPA: 3.87
sGPA: 3.9

I am an Ohio resident and am looking to go to an allopathic school. I am nervous that I don't have enough time to prepare for a retake until the semester is over, which may hinder me from applying early.

I have 2 years of research experience at NIH, President of an a cappella group, volunteer at hospital and campus health center, shadowing, etc... (the norm.)

Thank you for any help! I would welcome any suggestions.
🙂

 

[sharmi]

I took the MCAT in Sep '09 and got a 28Q (11, 6, 11) - the 6 in Verbal.
I intend to take the test again this week.

I have been scoring around 8 in Verbal (I know its my weak point) and about 12/13 on BS and usually 13 in PS in my practice tests.

I have taken 11 out of the 14 EK tests as well 4 tests from TPR WB, 6 of the AAMC tests and 8 of the TPR FLs (so in short a lot of tests). My last score on AAMC 7 was 13, 8, 13. Taking AAMC 8 today. I don't what else I can do to score better in VR.

I am kind of sure that with a 6 in VR I will need to retake. But do you think I am ready for the retake ?

Just got back my scores for the January retake - marginal improvement to 30Q (PS - 11, VR - 7, BS - 12)
VR is my weak spot. English is not my first language. No matter what I do, I am not sure I can bring up my score in VR. Will probably take it and concentrate more on my grade. I am a non-trad from CA with 3.8 - 3.9 GPA from classes taken at UC's/CSU's here so far (40 sems credits) - still to take at least 30 more credits before I apply next year. I have a foreign bachelors and masters in chemistry but I am not counting those in my GPA. Any idea what would be my chances ?

 

[starfish26]

.

 

[mx21]

i guess i should keep this score and not retake?


ps: 10
bs: 11
vs: 11
ws: Q

32Q


i really wanted to apply to CA schools but i'm afraid this score might hurt me? i have a 3.95-98 gpa though so am i just being narcotic?

 

[nurseawesome]

If anyone cares to give me their 2 cents, I would appreciate it!!😀

I just got my 1/30/2010 scores back,
PS=10, VR=10, BS=9, WR=O.
29 O, (i thought this score was not too bad but a lot of kids on here are retaking 31s and 32s. That makes me nervous. Also, my writing score doesn't seem to be the greatest.)

I think I can get a slightly better score if i tried again, maybe a 31P if I got lucky.

I will be an RN upon entering medical school (tons of clinical exeperience). I do a have a moderate-ish amount of volunteering done, no research. But I have some good motivation! GPA=3.68 (i think science is like 3.8 though)

I am a IN resident, so IU is our only school. 🙁

So, do you think I am competitive enough to get accepted??? Or should I give the MCAT another try? 😕

 

[abodyofwater]

test

 

[Ohiochick]

So I got a pretty good score, I understand that I am being hard on myself, but I really have my sights set on Columbia or Cornell and I feel like with my score it might not happen.

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

34R

I know I am capable of higher than that, I just fear that if I take it again, I might not get that same score on verbal (that was the score that I was aiming for and is pretty high for me). Overall, my practice tests had higher scores for me on Bio, usually that is my best section. On this test half of my bio passages were on evolution which I just didn't focus much of my time on.

In truth I just don't know what I want, I feel like retaking is a lot of effort just to try and get one or two points higher, but I am also below both of Columbia and Cornell's median scores (according to the MSAR) and I don't want my application to be thrown out by their admissions committee just because I am on the lower end of their range.

Advice?

 

[wildcat1988]

33Q; 11 PS 11 VR 11 BS

cGPA: 3.83
sGPA: 3.59

I know this is a pretty good score in general, but I had been planning to apply to a few top 25 schools (NU, Emory, Vandy, Cornell). Am I out of the running with this score? I'm an NU undergrad and IL resident. My EC's are pretty good and also balanced. Any input would be great.

 

[imash]

Hey guys,

My score is 32O- 10PS, 10VR, 12BS.
cGPA 3.82
sGPA 3.88


I am junior at a good school and my question is, should I dedicate the rest of my semester to studying for a retake (I would take it in May)? Or would it be more worth my time working on the two publications I have under way (one synthetic bio/engineering another neuropharmacology/imaging)? I am also trying to get a grant to begin workshops at local daycare centers teaching about simple hygiene which I cannot do if I plan on studying again for the MCAT.

My advisor says it's up to me (loads of help 😛). But I don't know if medical schools would rather see a (possibly) higher score or more research/service work. Any help is very very much appreciated!!!

Also I'm a PA resident and am aiming for as good a school as possible. Thanks!

 

[wdhero]

Sup,

I'm in a fairly big dilemna right now. If anyone could please give me some advice in my situation, I'd be very grateful.

About me:
GPA:
cGPA: 3.5, sGPA: 3.4
MCAT:
07/2008: 12 PS 8 VR 11 BS = 31N
07/2009: 12 PS 8 VR 9 BS = 29P
Graduated May '09.
Residence: MD

I actually posted here 6 months about retaking my MCATs for the third time before submitting my secondary applications. Before I took my 2nd MCATs, I was averaging 33's - 35's (averaging 10-11 on VR) and thought I could boost it up a little to make up for my not so competitive GPA, but it ended up backfiring against me. After much thought, however, I decided not to rush to take my third MCATs, instead just focus on my secondary applications, and apply broadly to see where I stood.

However, that didn't go too well either because I ended up only applying to 6 schools, with two of them being my top choice (UMB, Penn State), while the other schools were low tier schools. I ended up being rejected from my #1 school (UMB), and being on hold for some of the other schools. At this point, I'm thinking I need to get ready for a reapplication for this upcoming cycle in June.

So the question is this: do I retake my MCAT for the third time and aim for that score of 35 that I was able to average during my practice tests for my upcoming reapplications? I guess it would largely depend on where I would like to attend for med school, and frankly, my #1 choice still remains to be University of Maryland. So, I'm wondering if a stronger MCAT score would dramatically increase my chances of getting in, that is if I still have a shot at applying there even with my low GPA.

During the year I took off, I definitely built up my clinical and volunteer credentials, and I think I could get a couple good LOR's as well for the upcoming cycle. I'm also applying to the SMP program at Georgetown for this upcoming fall, so overall I think I have a stronger application that I did last cycle. I don't know if that should factor into considering retaking the MCATs.

If I decided not to take the MCATs again, I guess I would be have to looking at low tier schools and D.O. schools.

Thank you very much in advance, and I'd be very willing to answer any questions that was not clarified in this post.