Forum Members Official "Should I Retake?" Thread

[QofQuimica]

---

Members do not see this ad.

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)​

 

[TKYL]

hey i feel you friend. English is my second lanquage too. I must say, it feels good to find someone like me who is having the same trouble. I thought i was alone.😛 Let me tell you my story. I study lightly before my 1st mcat and expect to get a 4 on a VR section on the real mcat because that was what i got for my practice aamc test 3(i think) and when i took the real one, i felt very uncertain about most of the answers i selected but i got a 7 when the report came back. After this 1st mcat, i pushed myself in studying for and 2nd mcat(I am still practicing by the way). When i take practice VR tests(EK, TPR, Kaplan, and aamc) the score i got fluctuates from 4 to 8. I found myself improved and then suddenly found myself with a 5 😡 and when i took the next practice one i scored a 7. I never seem to finish on time. What does this mean? Do you have this problem too? 🙁

omg you guys!!! I am having the same problem with verbal. Seeing you guys posts make me feel a little better that I am not alone. haha. I don't know how to improve my score too and i felt like running out of techniques to improve this VB thing 🙁 Good luck on improving VB

 

[mumyrte]

Hey Guys! I need advice! I'm a Cali resident and am Asian. Just got my MCAT scores back today and got a 29R: PS: 10 V: 9 BS: 10. I was averaging 32 on my practice tests. PS: 10-11 V: 11-12 BS: 10-11

Should I retake? I don't know what to do right now! This is so unbelievably frustrating!

 

[mumyrte]

Hey Guys! I need advice! I'm a Cali resident and am Asian. Just got my MCAT scores back today and got a 29R: PS: 10 V: 9 BS: 10. I was averaging 32 on my practice tests. PS: 10-11 V: 11-12 BS: 10-11

Should I retake? I don't know what to do right now! This is so unbelievably frustrating!

Sorry! My science and cum gpa is 3.7.

i have shadowing, clinical, and minimal research. I'm 28 and am a nontrad applicant that used to be a high school teacher. Any advice would be greatly greatly appreciated!

 

[startswithb]

In general: Retake if you know you can do better.

Don't just retake if you think the previous test was a "fluke" or that you can somehow get lucky and get "better" questions. Only retake if you have put forth a significantly greater effort.

 

[plsfoldthx]

3.1 gpa 34R mcat

pretty much resigned to DO schools but

I want to try to score a 40 for the hell of it...

should I go for it?

 

[vincomgo]

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)​

Retake already😀
----------------------------------------------------------
software outsourcing

 

[RedandBlack7]

Hey guys,

I'm currently a junior and looking to apply this year.

My average AAMC was around 11/9/10 but my real mcat i got a 12 7 12 for a 31Q (7 in verbal). My cgpa is a 3.64 and scigpa is a 3.72. I have an average amount of clinical, leadership, research, community service experience. I was not born in America but came here when I was 2 (Idk how much that'll help but I thought I'd throw it out there). My state is NJ.

Do you guys think it's worth it to apply to 10-15 schools this year to see if I can get a few acceptances or do you think my chances are pretty much shot at any school with the 7 V?

I was thinking of just trying to apply this year and if it doesn't work out, I'll have a year to raise my gpa, improve my mcat, do more shadowing/research, etc.

 

[buckeyehutch10]

cGPA: 3.5
sGPA: 3.3
MCAT: 29M (9PS,9VR,11BS)

6 Major Surgeries During First Two Years at Ohio State.
3.9GPA Over the Past Year.

Dual Degree: Finance & Biology
2 Years Volunteering in Inner-City Hospital
2 Research Publications (Radiology & Orthopaedics)
200+ Hours of Physician Shadowing
2 Years Employment in Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic
Alumni Chairman of Fraternity
Eagle Scout
Excellent LOR & PS

Should I retake the MCAT in July? If so, should I mark that I will be retaking or simply go with my current score. Either way I plan to apply June 1 to ~25MD and ~5 DO schools.

 

[pandaboo]

I got a 9 PS, 11 VR, 11 BS. I have a 3.6 GPA from Berkeley and apart from MCAT score , am ready to apply this year. Any advice? am a bit concerned about the 9 in PS.


Thoughts? much appreciated!

 

[IsuckatMCAT]

Should I retake MCAT in August?

GPA 3.71
MCAT: 30O (PS 11, BS 10, VR 9)

A LOTTT of research experience (i.e. honors undergrad thesis 3 yrs, post bac in HIV lab 1 yr) but minimal clinical experience (i.e. shadowing).

I am planning on applying to MD/PhD and MD only. I figured research will help me with MD/PhD, but MCATs are low.

Any suggestions?!...THANKS!!

 

[startswithb]

Should I retake MCAT in August?

GPA 3.71
MCAT: 30O (PS 11, BS 10, VR 9)

A LOTTT of research experience (i.e. honors undergrad thesis 3 yrs, post bac in HIV lab 1 yr) but minimal clinical experience (i.e. shadowing).

I am planning on applying to MD/PhD and MD only. I figured research will help me with MD/PhD, but MCATs are low.

Any suggestions?!...THANKS!!

MD/PhD applicants usually have very high MCATs (higher than MD only) and publications.

 

[jrod09071989]

First time MCAT VR 9 PS 9 BS 10 and S writing. Second time MCAT VR 8 PS 10 BS 11 and Q writing.
I have a 3.92 GPA
4 years of clinical volunteer
6 months of shadowing gynecologist
6 months of general surgeon
6 months research experience

THAT VERBAL SCORE IS KILLING ME!!!! I JUST WANT TO GET INTO MEDICAL SCHOOL IN FLORIDA! FLORIDA RESIDENT!!!!

 

[iijiyoungii]

2007 P 10 V 8 B 10
2010 may1st P 14 V 4 B 10

I donno what happen to my mcat. I was wondering if I have a chance for DO schools.

Also, I am thinking to retake the mcat on Aug. Would it be too late to apply if I apply on september.

Any suggestions are welcomed =) Thanks

 

[freothalaf]

2007 P 10 V 8 B 10
2010 may1st P 14 V 4 B 10

I donno what happen to my mcat. I was wondering if I have a chance for DO schools.

Also, I am thinking to retake the mcat on Aug. Would it be too late to apply if I apply on september.

Any suggestions are welcomed =) Thanks

I would look for schools that take your best score from every section here is an old thread that has a list of different schools and what they take.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=119179

Good luck!👍

 

[chucktown]

Hey everyone, wondering what you think about my situation...

I scored a 29M 10-v 10-b 9-p
I have a 3.3 OA and 3.2 BCPM (avg'd a 3.6 over last 5 semesters)
NC resident
Applying this cycle

Not shooting for top tier schools

should I retake?

 

[freothalaf]

Hey everyone, wondering what you think about my situation...

I scored a 29M 10-v 10-b 9-p
I have a 3.3 OA and 3.2 BCPM (avg'd a 3.6 over last 5 semesters)
NC resident
Applying this cycle

Not shooting for top tier schools

should I retake?

If you are aiming for MD I would retake. a 29 with a great GPA and great EC is still a stretch. So it really depends on the schools you are going for. Personally though I would retake.

 

[IrishCalini]

Verbal - 08
PS - 09
Writing - O
BS - 10

I was scoring in the 11-12 range in Verbal on my practice tests, so I know I can do better. I signed up for the July MCAT and have been studying since, but I'm wondering if I should retake.

I have a 3.55 GPA and excellent ECs and LORs. I'm also a pre-med and music double major.

I'm not looking at top tier schools per se. U of I in Chicago is my #1 choice.

 

[rwhhwl]

My scores:
30 MCAT
11 Bio Sci 11 Phy Sci 8 Ver Reasoning
Note: I signed up for August test to boost my scores a little bit, hopefully.
My range was between 30-36 (I had a feeling I choked up during the test)

3.94 GPA (overall)
3.92 BCPM
3.98

Would I be able to get in some where with like 30 hrs of Ec's (tennis, clinic, and research only, each at least 1.5 yrs of exposure).

Retake? No retake for MCAT?

(PS I already submitted my primaries)

 

[vegan1]

Hey guys,

This is my first time posting on SDN. I have been reading a lot of posts on here over the past few weeks and am kicking myself for not using this site before now. No one in my family is in the medical field so they don't understand what I'm going through and don't know how to give me the best advice.

So here's my story:
I just graduated with a 3.73 (magna cum laudae) overall and 3.67 science GPA. I had 3 B's in there that were really weighing down my sci GPA for a while, but I really worked my butt off during my last semester and got solid A's in 4 tough science classes--12 credits' worth. I should also note that I had a rough semester during the fall of my junior year and had to withdraw from 2 science courses (I addressed the reasons for this in my personal statement). I wish I could turn back the clock and fix that, but I can't. I'm hoping the upward trend in my grades will be to my advantage though.

I've got some good extracurriculars and volunteer experience, and some truly excellent recommendations.

I took the MCAT in January 2010 and got
9 PS
9 VR
10 BS
Overall- 28 M

I am particularly embarrassed by my performance on the writing section, since I was a writing center tutor for 5 semesters in college and I got nearly perfect scores on the SAT verbal and writing sections. (I guess I underestimated my need to practice for verbal and essay on the MCAT).

I signed up for the July 8th MCAT, but I am also taking an EMT training course that stretches from beginning of June to end of August, and this is taking up 9 to 12 hours of class time a week plus study time. Other than that, I have my schedule cleared up for MCAT studying.

I'm concerned because the test date is quickly approaching and my practice test scores are not breaking the 30 mark. I've decided to put the MCAT off until August.

My question is, are my chances of admission significantly better if I take the MCAT on August 4th or 5th as opposed to the 19th or 20th (the 24th is out due to an EMT state examination). What is the latest I can get away with taking the test and still have a chance of getting in for 2011? (I'm guessing a September date would be too late?)

My AMCAS application is nearly complete and I will be submitting it early next week.

My goal is to get into U of Maryland, and I am a state resident.

When should I retake and what score do I need to get? What if my scores stay put the 2nd time around??

Thanks in advance 😳,
vegan1

 

[etm]

So I took the MCAT last summer and scored:
PS 9
VR 8
BS 10

I'm scheduled to retake the exam the beginning of August. My GPA is a 3.7 and I've done research (got a publication), and I'm going to work in a clinic in Honduras after i take the mcat for 7 months-- so i've done a lot of other things.

here's my concern-
the practice supplies I got this year, are the almost exactly the same ones I had last summer (TPR) - though I also got a lot of new verbal material (EK and Kaplan).

The practice exams i get access to online are (i think) the same ones I had last summer- some TPR exams as well as AAMC exams. I don't remember the answers to questions or anything like that. I still take full time and re-do it all. But I'm worried that I "subconsciously" remember the exams without being aware of it? Is that possible?

thanks for advice!!

 

[goldendoor]

.

 

[Trojan50]

33R
8VR
12PS
13BS

Look I know not to retake if above 30 but the 8 seems like it will be auto-rejection from many schools; is this true?
the rest of my app is very solid

 

[TheWhiteMamba]

I'm in a very similar boat as you Trojan50. I got my scores back today....

33P
11PS
8VR
14BS

I have a good gpa and solid activities/letters, but I just don't know about that 8. I had a testing malfunction where my computer froze during the PS and I didn't get to answer 5 questions. My frustration carried over a bit into the verbal unfortunately. The AAMC is still deciding what to do about this for me. As far as I've heard they may offer me a free retake. What do y'all think? Thanks for the advice!

 

[Sai7]

Lot of 8s in Verbal.

PS 14, VR 8, BS 14

Retake? Ridiculous.

 

[hx87]

So I got rather lopsided score the last time I took the MCAT, because I'm a horrible fast writer. I was also terribly sleep deprived the morning of the exam.

VR: 14
PS: 12
BS: 14
Writing: M 😱
Composite: 40M

Retake?

 

[kehlsh]

So I got rather lopsided score the last time I took the MCAT, because I'm a horrible fast writer. I was also terribly sleep deprived the morning of the exam.

VR: 14
PS: 12
BS: 14
Writing: M 😱
Composite: 40M

Retake?

Definitely. That M will prevent you from going to medical school.

 

[Gnocchi Monster]

3.51 CGPA, 3.43 SGPA, 10, 10, 10 (30M). Retake? out of twelve full lengths only on one I got above 30 (31).

 

[EKIN51568]

Attend top 20 university, scored a 30R (11PS, 9V, 10BS) which I attribute mostly to stress/nerves as I was scoring around 34 on all of the practice exams, GPA 3.8. Research experience with abstract publications, tons of local & international community service with leadership positions in most, clinical experience in hospitals and clinics in underserved areas.

I applied to medical schools mostly in the top 35, with criteria that a school has a public health program and the research field I am interested in pursuing as well. I know 30 is a grey area, and I am really confused; I guess I'm just asking - what would you do in this situation?

My AMCAS is submitted already, and I am working full time in a health clinic for refugees and people without health insurance this summer, making retaking the MCAT very difficult. Anyone have opinions? Will this eliminate my chances from many schools? Send me a personal message if you want, or reply on here.

Thanks everyone. Congrats to those of you who did really well 🙂

 

[WashMe]

So I got rather lopsided score the last time I took the MCAT, because I'm a horrible fast writer. I was also terribly sleep deprived the morning of the exam.

VR: 14
PS: 12
BS: 14
Writing: M 😱
Composite: 40M

Retake?

I was in almost the exact same situation with my composite; DON'T retake it, nobody cares about the writing score. It's probably the most irrelevant part of your whole application, right after whether or not you used the character limit in your PS (or some other stereotypical SDN concern).

 

[pneumania]

Ok guys, re-applicant here looking for some advice.

I took the MCAT 2 years ago and got a 33Q (10V, 11P, 12B). GPA is now 3.77. Didn't get a single interview last application cycle so I'm thinking about retaking the MCAT.

I know on the front page it says don't retake if you got over 30 but I'm a Canadian (did my 4 yrs undergrad at a U.S. school) so applying to the American schools as a international student is tougher, and competition in Canada is pretty hot too.

I'm thinking about taking the MCAT in late August to try to boost my score to 35+ to be more competitive. Would I be wasting my time retaking?

 

[lepeej26956]

I'm actually in need of retake advice as well. (Sorry this is so long.)

A little about myself:

I am registered in a recognized Native American tribe. I have a high GPA (cGPA: 3.99; sGPA: 4.00), tons of non-clinical volunteer work (over 200 hours per year), about 125 hours of physician shadowing, and an undergraduate scholarship worth over $130,000 (which I had to interview for). I was the outstanding student of the year for the College of Arts and Sciences at my university as a junior (usually only given to seniors). In addition, I'm very close to all three of my professors writing letters for me, and they've all directly told me that I'll be receiving glowing letters from each of them.

I just got my MCAT scores back yesterday, and I got a 31P (11 PS, 6 VR, 14 BS). I'm very excited about the science scores, but I'm completely bummed about the verbal score. I have absolutely no idea what happened because I took 6 AAMC practice tests in the 8 days leading up to my May 22nd MCAT, and my verbal scores in order were 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10. On the day of the test I felt okay about my performace (I thought not quite a 10 but likely a 9 and at absolute worst an 8). However, lo and behold I ended up with a 6 (a 6!!!!). I was in complete shock.

From what I've read on the forums already, anything lower than an 8 on any one section can even be grounds for automatic exclusion at some schools (although I don't believe so at my in-state school), so when I got my scores yesterday I immediately emailed my advisor and registered for the July 8th MCAT.

However, my advisor (hands down the best professor and advisor in the department of biology at my university) told me that she thinks I should be okay given everything else and is leaning toward suggesting keeping my current score.

My guess is that while my BS score could go down 1 or 2 points, both of my VR and PS could go up 1 or 2 points (which is really where my practice averages were).

I don't know the accuracy of the rumor, but I've heard that my in-state med school uses a formula to determine the order of interviews for rolling admission which includes only section score averages. Based on that, I would imagine that I would get an interview.

But that 6 just seems so glaring. If I had gotten a 31 with balanced scores (10, 10, 11), I wouldn't worry at all, but as it stands I'm freaking out. Especially since I only plan to apply to my in-state school (best shot school).

This is what my advisor emailed me regarding my circumstances:



So, after all of that... Should I retake?

 

[Gnocchi Monster]

I'm actually in need of retake advice as well. (Sorry this is so long.)

A little about myself:

I am registered in a recognized Native American tribe. I have a high GPA (cGPA: 3.99; sGPA: 4.00), tons of non-clinical volunteer work (over 200 hours per year), about 125 hours of physician shadowing, and an undergraduate scholarship worth over $130,000 (which I had to interview for). I was the outstanding student of the year for the College of Arts and Sciences at my university as a junior (usually only given to seniors). In addition, I'm very close to all three of my professors writing letters for me, and they've all directly told me that I'll be receiving glowing letters from each of them.

I just got my MCAT scores back yesterday, and I got a 31P (11 PS, 6 VR, 14 BS). I'm very excited about the science scores, but I'm completely bummed about the verbal score. I have absolutely no idea what happened because I took 6 AAMC practice tests in the 8 days leading up to my May 22nd MCAT, and my verbal scores in order were 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10. On the day of the test I felt okay about my performace (I thought not quite a 10 but likely a 9 and at absolute worst an 8). However, lo and behold I ended up with a 6 (a 6!!!!). I was in complete shock.

From what I've read on the forums already, anything lower than an 8 on any one section can even be grounds for automatic exclusion at some schools (although I don't believe so at my in-state school), so when I got my scores yesterday I immediately emailed my advisor and registered for the July 8th MCAT.

However, my advisor (hands down the best professor and advisor in the department of biology at my university) told me that she thinks I should be okay given everything else and is leaning toward suggesting keeping my current score.

My guess is that while my BS score could go down 1 or 2 points, both of my VR and PS could go up 1 or 2 points (which is really where my practice averages were).

I don't know the accuracy of the rumor, but I've heard that my in-state med school uses a formula to determine the order of interviews for rolling admission which includes only section score averages. Based on that, I would imagine that I would get an interview.

But that 6 just seems so glaring. If I had gotten a 31 with balanced scores (10, 10, 11), I wouldn't worry at all, but as it stands I'm freaking out. Especially since I only plan to apply to my in-state school (best shot school).

This is what my advisor emailed me regarding my circumstances:



So, after all of that... Should I retake?

Call the school and talk to admissions. They will probably tell you if there is a min. section score. You don't want to waste time studying for a retake if you don't have to!

 

[toasty915]

Hello,

I took the MCAT in January and received a score of 30P (11 B 10 PS 9 V) and my current GPA is 3.52. I am retaking the test again in july but I had a random question to ask. My amcas app has already been verified and I was wondering what schools will do. Will they wait until my new score is in, or will they proceed to evaluate with the current score? Will it hurt my chances because I will not get the score back until August?

Thank you

 

[vegan1]

Let me rephrase my question more briefly--

Will it make a big difference in my chances to get in to med school if I retake the MCAT in late August vs. early August?

Is it better to have a slightly better score a bit later or to have my application complete sooner?

 

[vegan1]

Hello,

I took the MCAT in January and received a score of 30P (11 B 10 PS 9 V) and my current GPA is 3.52. I am retaking the test again in july but I had a random question to ask. My amcas app has already been verified and I was wondering what schools will do. Will they wait until my new score is in, or will they proceed to evaluate with the current score? Will it hurt my chances because I will not get the score back until August?

Thank you

According to my premed advisor, they will not evaluate your AMCAS until your latest MCAT scores are in.

 

[plzNOCarribbean]

I donno what everyone is trippin out about; Maybe its because im a Texas resident but when i visited the University medical Center next to my school and spoke with the medical students on the panel that was there for that day, out of 8 of them, 7 scored below a 30; I remember too, bc some1 actually had the nerve to ask them about their scores and they reluctantly told everyone, but four had 27's, two 28's, one 29, and 33.....so relax guys (unless your a california resident)!!! just apply most of the scores I am seeing here are 30+ so you have nothing to worry about....unless you got like a 4,5,or 6 in verbal...which is what will prob happen to me ..hope not though

 

[joetheplumber]

Hoping people can give me some advice here.

Just got back my MCAT scores and got:
9 PS
13 VR
11 BS
N writing

Before I was thinking that I'd aim for top tier school, but now I don't know if that's an option at all.

All the other parts of my application are good. 3.85 GPA, sci and overall at a top east-coast school. Lots of EC's in school with leadership ( all-american college athlete, student government, several groups, congressional intern) along with good clinical/research experience (shadowed and conducted patient interviews for several research projects; published in JCO).

Is my MCAT going to tank my application?

I took 4 practice tests in the few weeks before the test and never scored below a 38 (average was a 39). So assuming that I can at least bump the score up to a 36 if not more, is it worth retaking in August?

Thanks.

 

[vegan1]

That is a strong score. Even with the 9 in PS, it is balanced out by your other two sections. If the rest of your application is strong, an MCAT over 30 will not be reason to reject you.

 

[lhnren]

I took the MCAT in January and got:

9PS
10VR
10BS

I have good ECs, but my GPAs are lower: 3.40 sGPA and 3.5 overall. I am hoping for MD schools, and applying this cycle. I could retake the MCAT in early September. I don't know what is worse, applying late, or having a 29Q?

Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Jewels89]

I just got my MCAT scores back today. 27O
7PS
9BS
11VR

My GPA is 3.84 with a 3.80 science GPA.

Is my GPA high enough that I could still be competitive without retaking? Or should I definitely retake the MCAT? I know my PS score is low and I don't have an even distribution.

Thanks!

 

[InfinitiPSI]

I got my mcat scores today also.

I got a 34P
13PS
8VR
13BS

GPA is a 3.9.

Is that verbal score gonna kill me?

 

[emilydee89]

Hey Guys! I need advice! I'm a Cali resident and am Asian. Just got my MCAT scores back today and got a 29R: PS: 10 V: 9 BS: 10. I was averaging 32 on my practice tests. PS: 10-11 V: 11-12 BS: 10-11

Should I retake? I don't know what to do right now! This is so unbelievably frustrating!

i'm in the same exact boat as you! 29S, and I was getting solid 31's on the practice aamc's.. i dont know what happened because I scored an 8 in verbal and i was getting 9's and 10's on practice tests. i feel like its risky to retake it, yet risky not to at the same time..

 

[emilydee89]

I donno what everyone is trippin out about; Maybe its because im a Texas resident but when i visited the University medical Center next to my school and spoke with the medical students on the panel that was there for that day, out of 8 of them, 7 scored below a 30; I remember too, bc some1 actually had the nerve to ask them about their scores and they reluctantly told everyone, but four had 27's, two 28's, one 29, and 33.....so relax guys (unless your a california resident)!!! just apply most of the scores I am seeing here are 30+ so you have nothing to worry about....unless you got like a 4,5,or 6 in verbal...which is what will prob happen to me ..hope not though

wow, really? most of them scored below a 30?? that makes me feel so much better bc i'm a texas resident too. which med school did you visit? i'm hoping with my 29S i could still be considered for schools like in el paso and a&m and UTMB.

 

[FutureDoctor015]

I just got my MCAT scores back today. 27O
7PS
9BS
11VR

My GPA is 3.84 with a 3.80 science GPA.

Is my GPA high enough that I could still be competitive without retaking? Or should I definitely retake the MCAT? I know my PS score is low and I don't have an even distribution.

Thanks!

This depends on what you want: If you want to get into any old medical school, then yes you can make it with your current scores. However, if you want a shot at the best medical school you can get given your stellar GPA, I would definitely retake. You don't want to kick yourself later if your first-choice school rejects you because your MCAT scores are below par and you obviously have the ability to do better (since your GPA is high!).

 

[elfin]

This is an amazing thread - wish I'd found this earlier! I need to decide ASAP whether to apply this cycle or retake the MCAT (or retake the MCAT and just apply late in this cycle?). I took the MCAT last year. Here are my stats:

29N (8P, 12V, 9B)
cGPA=3.59
sGPA=3.25
ECs: 1 year of research, several leadership positions, decent shadowing and volunteering

I'm a California resident but plan on applying MD and DO across the country. Would prefer to return to CA, but really would be fine with anywhere. Considering retaking the MCAT because a) I was so nervous the night before, I couldn't sleep b) I took Physics this year, so I feel I can improve on PS. However, the 29 I got was on par with my practice test scores...

Any advice would be MUCH appreciated. Thank you!!

 

[mdsandman]

First time I took the MCAT I got a 9PS 10V 10BS (last year). I retook it and got a 11PS 8V 10BS and am applying this year. My GPA is 3.85 and I have done 2.5 years of research with a publication in a scholarly journal. I really hate the fact that my verbal score went down to an 8. I don't know what the deal was. My MCAT score doesn't match my GPA or my practice MCATs. Should I retake? What are my chances of getting into an MD school? Thanks!

 

[MalteseGirl]

Hey all!

Long time lurker, first time poster 🙂
Here's my deal.
GPA is a 3.8, 3.9 science. MCAT (here's the problem) is a 29R with a breakdown of 8 physics, 10 verbal, 11 biology.
ECs include being a part of First generation college students, Do Random Acts of Kindness, Arts and Crafts coordinator for a camp for children with organ transplants, and being a study group leader for 2 years. I did research my freshman year and again during the summer of my sophomore year in Santiago, Chile. No publications, although the Chile one may produce a paper soon. I presented this work at a conference here at my University.
Clinical experience includes volunteering at the University Hospital for about 100 hours, volunteering at a nursing home for about 50, and shadowing about 3 doctors for a day or two each. I choose to be a doctor late in the game, so that's why I don't have too much shadowing. I shadowed lots of other professions before physicians.
LORs should be amazing, from science professors, non-science, and both my research mentors here and in Chile.
My PS talked about my unique background (Maltese immigrant parents, first gen to go to college) and how I can use those skills as a doctor.

Reason I'm posting is obviously my MCAT. My practice was anywhere from a 29-34, with PS usually being my highest. I know that I got really nervous, which is probably why the PS is low. I also know that I'm within the practice, and my verbal was lucky to be that high. My history with standardized tests is not to great, I got a 29, 28, and 29 the 3 times I took my ACT. I took a course for the MCAT and don't think I could dedicate so much time again to studying (just sick of it plus I now have a full time summer job). The only thing that keeps nagging at me is my gpa is so high, I would love to have gone to a top tier school. I'd be fine going anywhere, its just hard watching that dream die.

What do ya'll think? My home state is Michigan, btw!

Thank you thank you thank you and good luck applying to all of you out there!

 

[g8orlife]

Hey all!

Long time lurker, first time poster 🙂
Here's my deal.
GPA is a 3.8, 3.9 science. MCAT (here's the problem) is a 29R with a breakdown of 8 physics, 10 verbal, 11 biology.
ECs include being a part of First generation college students, Do Random Acts of Kindness, Arts and Crafts coordinator for a camp for children with organ transplants, and being a study group leader for 2 years. I did research my freshman year and again during the summer of my sophomore year in Santiago, Chile. No publications, although the Chile one may produce a paper soon. I presented this work at a conference here at my University.
Clinical experience includes volunteering at the University Hospital for about 100 hours, volunteering at a nursing home for about 50, and shadowing about 3 doctors for a day or two each. I choose to be a doctor late in the game, so that's why I don't have too much shadowing. I shadowed lots of other professions before physicians.
LORs should be amazing, from science professors, non-science, and both my research mentors here and in Chile.
My PS talked about my unique background (Maltese immigrant parents, first gen to go to college) and how I can use those skills as a doctor.

Reason I'm posting is obviously my MCAT. My practice was anywhere from a 29-34, with PS usually being my highest. I know that I got really nervous, which is probably why the PS is low. I also know that I'm within the practice, and my verbal was lucky to be that high. My history with standardized tests is not to great, I got a 29, 28, and 29 the 3 times I took my ACT. I took a course for the MCAT and don't think I could dedicate so much time again to studying (just sick of it plus I now have a full time summer job). The only thing that keeps nagging at me is my gpa is so high, I would love to have gone to a top tier school. I'd be fine going anywhere, its just hard watching that dream die.

What do ya'll think? My home state is Michigan, btw!

Thank you thank you thank you and good luck applying to all of you out there!

If I was in your position, I'd want to retake; but, I ultimately would not. Reason is that I picture you retaking and PS going up, VR going down, and you end up with either the same score or 1-2 points higher (especially since you wouldn't be spending a ton more time studying). IMO, I don't think there would be too much of a difference in the eyes of the admissions committee between you with a 29 vs 31. I'd retake if you could guarantee you'd get 32+. (also, don't want to risk getting even more nervous this time and possibly scoring lower)

I think you have a good shot at many schools with your ECs and GPA. Averages are just that; averages. You're well above most GPA averages, so that should carry you in.

 

[MalteseGirl]

If I was in your position, I'd want to retake; but, I ultimately would not. Reason is that I picture you retaking and PS going up, VR going down, and you end up with either the same score or 1-2 points higher (especially since you wouldn't be spending a ton more time studying). IMO, I don't think there would be too much of a difference in the eyes of the admissions committee between you with a 29 vs 31. I'd retake if you could guarantee you'd get 32+. (also, don't want to risk getting even more nervous this time and possibly scoring lower)

I think you have a good shot at many schools with your ECs and GPA. Averages are just that; averages. You're well above most GPA averages, so that should carry you in.

Yep, I want to retake it but my common sense is telling me not to! I think I'm going to go ahead and do secondaries and carry on with the application process. If I don't like where I get accepted or heaven forbid I don't get accepted, I'll retake and do more activities and try again next cycle! Thanks for your opinion!

 

[brn2entertain]

First Attempt: 25Q
Second Attempt: 27Q

It isn't big but definitely an Improvement. This however is no where near by practice tests (I have huge test anxiety). I am very afraid to try again.
My GPA is 3.78, same with sGPA. I have decent EC's and a very nice personal statement. What do you think? I am just getting very discouraged because this is something I have dreamed about for a long time