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)​

 

[RuthyS]

I have a 3.91 GPA but I received a 27Q when I took it the first time:

P-10
V-8
B-9

I got a 26Q the second time

P-8
V-8
B-10

Do I have a chance with this score or should I try again?

 

[SN2ed]

brn2entertain &
RuthyS

Both of you have a shot at DO schools, but MD schools are largely out of the picture right now. The low score didn't help the first time, but then you didn't have a substantial improvement after a retake which doesn't help at all.

 

[Abby_Normal]

I took the 8 July MCAT and I don't know whether I should retake.

So, I guess my first question would be, seeing as I am applying in this cycle and the med schools will get my first MCAT score with my application, will it be too late to make a difference when they receive the second score?

Why I don't know whether to retake:
I had planned on taking the 27 May MCAT but had to change for logistical reasons, so I have been studying since late March, with a two/two and a half week break in mid-late May. Other than a few questions that seemed totally out of left field, I don't remember finding the test all that difficult. However, there were a few compromising factors. For one thing, I had a bit of trouble with the review questions left blank function so I think I accidently left one or two blank in both the BS and the PS. Other than that, one of my pets who was sick took a rather serious turn for the worse on the morning I left for the test, so that was probably on the back of my mind.
However, I also think my judgement of my performance after the fact is a bit skewed because on top of being one of those people who always assumes the worst, about an hour after getting out of the exam, I found out my aforementioned pet had died which didn't exactly help my optimism levels.

My plan had been that if I felt at all uncertain about the MCAT, I would imediately sign up for the first test date after the projected release of my scores and start studying again. If I got my score and it was good, I would cancell the test date. But the reality of the situation is that the idea of studying for another month without knowing whether I actually have to is something I"d rather not do. I have a number of things I need to do that I was putting off until post-exam.

There are some other things, but this post is getting too long. So, should I wait and actually see my scores or should I start prepairing for a second exam now? For what its worth, my practice tests were in hte 32-34 range and I was scoring 12-14s on the examkrackers end-of-lecture exams (usually taken within a week of reading the lecture, but never the same day, to ensure that I was testing longer-term memory).

 

[Ioriscrub]

Hoping someone can give me feedback on my scores:
33R
11 PS 9 VR 13 BS

No idea what happened on verbal. I had been averaging 11-12 on my practice tests. My other two scores were in my ranges though.
Will my verbal hold me back? My gpa is decent (3.69 cum and 3.58 sci) with an upward trend (sophomore and junior year gpas are both .15 higher than my freshman gpa) and I have good ECs.

 

[MalteseGirl]

Where are you planning on applying? That is a great MCAT score. If I were you, I'd apply to a couple of reaches and then a lot of middle tier schools, you've got a great chance! If you re-take, its possible that your BS would go down and your VR would go up, since your avg was lower than your actual for Biology. You know yourself best, though, so if you feel like you will go up by at least 3 points, then go ahead! Otherwise, have fath, you did great!

Hoping someone can give me feedback on my scores:
33R
11 PS 9 VR 13 BS

No idea what happened on verbal. I had been averaging 11-12 on my practice tests. My other two scores were in my ranges though.
Will my verbal hold me back? My gpa is decent (3.69 cum and 3.58 sci) with an upward trend (sophomore and junior year gpas are both .15 higher than my freshman gpa) and I have good ECs.

 

[mth21]

I am in a similar situation to AMH0505 having just taken the July 8th test and anxiously waiting for the results. I have submitted my app and I'm waiting for verification, if I take the MCAT again in late August will med schools wait for that score before making a decision?

 

[SN2ed]

I am in a similar situation to AMH0505 having just taken the July 8th test and anxiously waiting for the results. I have submitted my app and I'm waiting for verification, if I take the MCAT again in late August will med schools wait for that score before making a decision?

If you marked in your primary that you are retaking the MCAT, then schools will wait. By the way, you should NEVER retake without obtaining your scores first.

 

[Abby_Normal]

If you marked in your primary that you are retaking the MCAT, then schools will wait. By the way, you should NEVER apply for a retake without obtaining your scores first.

So...I understand that I should not actually retake the MCAT until I get my scores, but does it do any harm to sign up for the next MCAT after the projected release of my scores now and then just cancel if it turns out I don't need to retake? While this would increase the odds of being able to get a seat, it does occur to me that this could look suspicious to med schools.

 

[mth21]

Correct me if I am wrong but if you don't indicate the test date on the AMCAS app then medical schools would not be privy that you signed up for a test date and cancelled it.

 

[SN2ed]

So...I understand that I should not actually retake the MCAT until I get my scores, but does it do any harm to sign up for the next MCAT after the projected release of my scores now and then just cancel if it turns out I don't need to retake? While this would increase the odds of being able to get a seat, it does occur to me that this could look suspicious to med schools.

That's a good point. I forgot about that scenario. Yes, you can do that and if you cancel, medical schools won't know you scheduled a retake. What I should have said is do not retake without your scores and not do not apply for a retake without your scores.

 

[treem]

MCAT: 33 (V10, P13, B10)
cgpa: 3.86
sgpa: 3.98

california res. want to stay in california, do i need to retake MCAT?

 

[GAgrl]

PS7, VR12, BS 10
3.71 overall GPA
3.54 Science
3.9 Graduate
Georgia Resident
Nontraditional applicant with graduate degree and a lot of job related clinical experience, great LORs.

 

[kehlsh]

MCAT: 33 (V10, P13, B10)
cgpa: 3.86
sgpa: 3.98

california res. want to stay in california, do i need to retake MCAT?

only if you think you can get 37+

 

[OhioBuckeye]

Ok, so I took the MCAT in march and got a 33R. My GPA is low (3.3) from a top 20 university and I am an Ohio resident. I was hoping I could try to offset the GPA with a high MCA and was testing around 36, but didn't do as well on the actual test. should I retake? I have a lot of research, including being published, and good LOR. Thanks for any advice.

 

[MiCasaMD]

I think you should definitely retake the MCAT if you scored below a 38. 🙂🙂🙂 🙂

 

[akim814]

33N

PS: 14
VR: 6!!!!! 🙁
BS: 13

This is my second attempt and I got 31L three years ago:

PS: 10
VR: 9
BS: 12

 

[anothercaliapp]

Just got my MCAT scores. I took the VR from hell and basically frooze but did better than anticipated (I guessed on half and left feeling that I should have voided because of it).

PS: 12
VR: 8
BS: 11

I have a decent GPA (3.7 - science and cumulative) from a UC and am a non-traditional (older and career changer). Yes, I am a lawyer (no flames please).

Question: My sciences are within the averages of my practice tests but my VR average was 11. After the VR section, I was completely frazzled and just stumbled through the writing sample. Should I retake to increase my VR score?

My LSAT score, albeit like 9 years old, was in the top 10%.

 

[JSU]

Hey everyone,

Im not really sure what to do now. I was dead set on applying to MD/PhD programs this year and have already sent my application to a host of schools. However, my two problems are as follows. 1. I have very little OFFICIAL research (I have been scientifically involved since I could crawl) 2. I just got a 33R (12,9,12) on my MCAT which was unexpected. On the upside, I have a 4.0 sGPA and 3.94cGPA. Do I still stand a chance or should I switch all of my applications for MD only?

I feel that I could get a 36+ (my recent average with a 41 being my last score before the real thing) if I took the test again. However, I really dont want to go through the whole ordeal again.

Thanks!

 

[elemenope]

I'm a terrible standardized test taker... I need to know if it will be worth it for me to re-take and apply this round.

I took on 07/31/09
PS 9
VS 8
BS 11
Total: 28O

Then re-took 06/17/10
PS 7 (AHHHH)
VS 10
BS 9 (AHH)
Total: 26Q


I'm a Texas resident, around 3.5 cumGPA, 3.35 sGPA, at a Top 10 University, pretty strong ECs and clinical experience. I'm just hoping to get into an MD school in TX...

Help! Should I retake again in September and apply this round!?? I'm scared to take it 3 times, but on average my practice scores in PS were around 11!

Thanks in advance!

 

[dar42]

Ok....need some serious opinions here........

Verbal: 9
Bio :9
Phys :12
Writi : Q

My cum GPA is 3.93
Science GPA as in TMDSAS = 3.96

Have excellent Ec. Am researching right now. BUT MCAT (esp bio 9 is kinda killing me). NY resident.
Have been studying a little bit through this period and am registered for August 5th. U think its worth it?

Leme know plz....i have kinda mixed feelings now.....

 

[krissim07]

VR 7 PS 10 BS 10 WS Q Overall 27Q

I definitely prefer MD schools but would consider DO. I live in Ohio (6 MD schools and 1 DO school) and am not picky about where I go-anywhere that will take me! I did multiple practice tests and scored in the range of 27-28 but have scored as high as a 9 in VR. I studied as much as possible (work conflicts/courseload). Does my writing section Q balance out my bad VR 7 (I also have a 4.0 in my english courses during undergrad)? It's already a little late in the game so I'm not sure if retaking would be beneficial, both because of the timing and due to my practice tests were comparable. Should I retake??

 

[Ubercharge]

MCAT: 28O (12 PS 8 VR 8 BS)
GPA: 3.8 (both sci and non-sci)

In-state: Indiana (one school that is mid-tier? - avg. is 30 MCAT and 3.7 GPA)

Will most likely apply with score and hope for interview, but I may retake this fall to boost my chances. Suggestions?

Some things to consider: I think I can bump my score at least 3 points; I guessed through two passages of VR (ran out of time), and also only took one practice AAMC (pathetic preparation on my part). So I feel that I can improved on those aspects.

 

[Darthritis]

Sub-30 MCAT will bring a 3.8 and above GPA into more scrutiny IMO. If the discrepancy is too large and you feel you didn't work hard enough and can do better I suggest a retake. I went fro ma 31 to a 36 because I knew my 31 wasn't the best I could do.

 

[Ubercharge]

Sub-30 MCAT will bring a 3.8 and above GPA into more scrutiny IMO. If the discrepancy is too large and you feel you didn't work hard enough and can do better I suggest a retake. I went fro ma 31 to a 36 because I knew my 31 wasn't the best I could do.

Thanks for reply; what do you mean by more scrutiny, exactly? And in what cases would that be harmful? Also, how many months did you prepare for your retake?

 

[krissim07]

27Q
VR 7 PS 10 BS 10

Not picky about which schools but I definitely prefer MD. Ohio resident, lots of ECs, lots of research, lots of volunteering, plus 25+ hours of working per week. GPA 3.7.. Will the Q in writing balance out the horrible 7 in VR? Never been great at VR but have done better than 7.. should I retake??

 

[Darthritis]

Thanks for reply; what do you mean by more scrutiny, exactly? And in what cases would that be harmful? Also, how many months did you prepare for your retake?

I'm not expert or anything and have no way of knowing what adcoms really think, so I'm just basically guessing here (disclaimer). But if I were an adcom, and I saw a 26 MCAT and a 4.0 GPA I'd question the "rigor" of their curriculum a little more than if I had saw say a 32 MCAT and a 4.0 GPA.

My first retake I prepped 2.5 months for and I did only 2 points better. My second retake I prepped about 10 days for (really only like 4-6 days tho) and did 5 pts better. Really bizarre. Thing is, I knew I choked on the first retake (got really nervous, make dumb errors etc) and I knew 100% I could do better and I did.

 

[dar42]

Ok....need some serious opinions here........

Verbal: 9
Bio :9
Phys :12
Writi : Q

My cum GPA is 3.93
Science GPA as in TMDSAS = 3.96

Have excellent Ec. Am researching right now. BUT MCAT (esp bio 9 is kinda killing me). NY resident.
Have been studying a little bit through this period and am registered for August 5th. U think its worth it?

was consistently scoring 33-38 on the practice tests and all.😡

Leme know plz....i have kinda mixed feelings now.....

 

[pineappletree]

I was averaging 34-36 on aamc practice tests before the real thing
unfortunately, I hit a 31Q (10V, 10P, 11B)


I am generally a good standardized test taker (2200 on SAT, 33 on ACT)


I was wondering if I should retake this IF I don't get into a medical school this cycle.
Would you retake it if you didn't get in with the 31Q??
(My GPA is ~3.55)


Please PM Me~ THanks!!!

 

[gses8]

Hi guys.. I need some advice.

Last year I got a 30M (12PS, 8VS, 10BS) and applied with a 3.7 GPA cum, one research experience, but no clinical stuff and didn't get in.
Decided to retake and got a 30O (11PS, 9VS, 10BS) this time around. I'm not thrilled with getting the same overall number score, but I'm happy that verbal and writing improved, which was what I bombed last time.

I've decided to apply for 2012 entrance instead, as I feel that I need to boost my EC's.. I'll be doing a bioengineering master's during this time.

So my question is whether I should retake again and hopefully get a better verbal score (so something like a 32-33). I know people will probably recommend not to retake since I got the same score.. but deep down I feel like I should have done better given how I was scoring 33-36 on practice exams (which I know are suppose to be easier) and 10-12 on verbal. I just have testing anxiety during the exam and panic when I look at that stupid timer! But what if I retake and get the same score (and god forbid, a lower score)? How bad would it look? Is it worth the risk? Also, with the hope of applying next year with 3 different research gigs, volunteering, shadowing, and more LORs, how do my chances look? Basically, should I retake.. lol.. the decision is is killing me!

 

[syizzle]

MCAT: 9VR, 8BS, 11PS (28M)

GPA: 3.5

NC resident

My EC's are
-I work as a personal trainer and have been doing that for 3.5 years 15 hours a week
-I shadow two orthopaedic surgeons (one in the OR and the other in theclinic) and have been doing this for 1.5 years 4 hours a week
-I volunteer at an Urgent Care clinic where I do the same stuff as a CMA (give shots, draw blood, do lab tests, take x-rays) and have been doing that for 6 months 5 hours a week
-The rest is intramural and club sports

I don't know if this makes any difference but my GPA is lower because I made a few C's my first 3 semesters in college. MY GPA for my first 3 semesters is something like 2.7 or 2.8. Since then I have made an A in every class I have taken which has brought it up a lot.

I thought the BIO section of the MCAT was ridiculously hard for some reason but I felt like I got a little lucky on the VR section because I always scored low on that section in practice tests. Is is worth the risk of a retake?

 

[Ischemia88]

I need some help everyone. I just got my scores back: 14ps/7vr/13bs/q. I have a 3.95 cumGPA in bio engineering. What should I do? I would have to take by september to get the new score in by this cycle, but 1 month isn't enough time for me b/c of my new job. Should I wait a year and reapply/retake? This is so depressing-I have never done this poorly on VR. Thank you all.

 

[WashMe]

I need some help everyone. I just got my scores back: 14ps/7vr/13bs/q. I have a 3.95 cumGPA in bio engineering. What should I do? I would have to take by september to get the new score in by this cycle, but 1 month isn't enough time for me b/c of my new job. Should I wait a year and reapply/retake? This is so depressing-I have never done this poorly on VR. Thank you all.

I say go with it big dog, just apply. On a retake, the chances aren't great that you'll score 14PS and 13BS again. A 34Q is a good score to complement a 3.95 GPA. The whole "balanced score" thing is a valid point in some lower-MCAT cases (e.g., you wouldn't want to score an unbalanced 27 with 10/7/10, because no part of that score stands out), but you scored in >>95th percentile on both of the science sections...

 

[Ischemia88]

I say go with it big dog, just apply. On a retake, the chances aren't great that you'll score 14PS and 13BS again. A 34Q is a good score to complement a 3.95 GPA. The whole "balanced score" thing is a valid point in some lower-MCAT cases (e.g., you wouldn't want to score an unbalanced 27 with 10/7/10, because no part of that score stands out), but you scored in >>95th percentile on both of the science sections...

Thanks for the reply, wash. This actually made me feel much better. I think I will go ahead and submit.

 

[cdmed]

I took the 6/17 MCAT and got a 31O.
PS-11
VR-8 😕
BS-12
I have a 3.9 GPA and wrote an Undergraduate thesis based on the research I did. I have a couple of ECs and approx 150 hours of volunteering and 150 hours of shadowing.
I just started my primary AMCAS app.

Is it too late to send in the primary? does it hurt my chances of getting in? should i retake because of my verbal?

Thanks guys!

 

[blueflower77]

So...I understand that I should not actually retake the MCAT until I get my scores, but does it do any harm to sign up for the next MCAT after the projected release of my scores now and then just cancel if it turns out I don't need to retake? While this would increase the odds of being able to get a seat, it does occur to me that this could look suspicious to med schools.[/QUOTE]

Actually not at all. I was TOLD by a dean of admissions of my local med school (not a state school and a top 50 school)) that I SHOULD register for another test day right after having walked out of my MCAT test center. He recommended it not because of low faith for my score or doubts, but because he said it would allow me to take it WHEN I want it and on the day that I WANT IF I have to retake it. Waiting until you get your scores (unless you know you won't be applying that year) may prevent you from getting the date and time you want if you want to take it within say 2-3 months of your initial date (as it was in my case).

The only thing that throws off med schools in that case is that they WON'T review your file until the new score is released. They will get a pop up notification (that's what he told me literally) that you rescheduled another day and they will not touch your application until then. That is even if you have submitted your app with your current score and had registered for another one. If you cancel, they will also get a note that you canceled.

So don't worry. The most important thing is getting the best score you can get. The rest is details.

 

[studentia]

*

 

[Pet of the Week]

Edit: Too late to change my mind, so post was irrelevant.

 

[joeknows]

Hello all. I took the MCAT for the first time on June 17 and received a 34P. However, my breakdown was extremely unbalanced: 14PS 8VR PWS 12BS. Additionally, I am an English major with a 3.9 cGPA and a 3.8 sGPA.

I understand that many would kill for a 34, but I have recently been plagued with thoughts about the 8 in verbal destroying my chances. Should I retake? I plan on applying next summer, so I have plenty of time to study again if it is necessary.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Arthur49]

Tough Question

 

[WashMe]

Hello all. I took the MCAT for the first time on June 17 and received a 34P. However, my breakdown was extremely unbalanced: 14PS 8VR PWS 12BS. Additionally, I am an English major with a 3.9 cGPA and a 3.8 sGPA.

I understand that many would kill for a 34, but I have recently been plagued with thoughts about the 8 in verbal destroying my chances. Should I retake? I plan on applying next summer, so I have plenty of time to study again if it is necessary.

Thanks for any help.

I'm going to vote "no" on the retake. The odds of you pulling another 14 in PS are slim to none, and there is no guarantee you'd pull another 12 in BS (although it's more replicable). Ask yourself this: "If I retake and score 12/11/Q/12, will I really be much better off with a 35Q than I was with a 34P?" I could be wrong, but I think not. It's more impressive that you scored a 26 total on the science sections, especially as a humanities major. I think you should only retake it if you're 99% sure you can score 13/11/13 or better on a retake (37+, still totaling 26+ on the sciences). You'd hate to retake and score 34/35 again, because I dare say it would look worse than "neutral" (because you should only retake for a big improvement, otherwise it looks like you couldn't learn more between test 1 and test 2).

 

[Gryhu]

.

 

[Gryhu]

Bumpity bump

 

[g8orlife]

Bumpity bump

If I was in your position, I wouldn't retake...for 2 reasons:

1) Your previous test scores were not that much higher than your actual score. Therefore, even if your score did improve, it wouldn't move up much. A slight improvement means nothing to those programs that take the average of your MCAT scores. Also, a lower score in a section would seem like a downward trend in that area.

2) Your stats already make you a competitive applicant. Based on African-American matriculants (assuming you're A.A.) over the past 3 years, you have an 84% chance of acceptance. Check out the 2 links below:

http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/applicantmatriculant/table25-black-mcatgpagrid.pdf

http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/applicantmatriculant/table19-mcatpgaraceeth09-web.pdf

 

[ffffff]

hi everyone, this is my first post on student network, and i could really use some advice. i took the mcats in june and got a 32Q (PS 11, V 11, BS 10). i know that a 32 is a good score, but my range on the amcas practice tests was 34-37. i usually perform better on actual tests, so i was expecting to be at the higher end of my score range. on test day, my nerves got to me, and i couldn't focus on the passages. i am shooting for a top tier medical school, and i am very confident in the other parts of my application.

so my question is, given this limited information, do you think i should retake? i know my score is good, but is it good enough? will it help to have a 35+ score or not really because it's my second time?

i am not applying for medical school this year, and i am currently registered for the september mcat.

 

[WashMe]

If you're URM or have incredible experiences + letters (or both), then you should have a good shot at a top tier with a 32Q provided your GPA is mid 3.8s or higher. If you have a lower GPA, are caucasian/asian, or only have average experiences/research/etc (*note: don't make the mistake of assuming you're exceptional in these regards if you aren't), then you'll want to retake for a 36+. Only do it if you know you'll improve, because scoring a ~30 on a retake would kill your chances.

hi everyone, this is my first post on student network, and i could really use some advice. i took the mcats in june and got a 32Q (PS 11, V 11, BS 10). i know that a 32 is a good score, but my range on the amcas practice tests was 34-37. i usually perform better on actual tests, so i was expecting to be at the higher end of my score range. on test day, my nerves got to me, and i couldn't focus on the passages. i am shooting for a top tier medical school, and i am very confident in the other parts of my application.

so my question is, given this limited information, do you think i should retake? i know my score is good, but is it good enough? will it help to have a 35+ score or not really because it's my second time?

i am not applying for medical school this year, and i am currently registered for the september mcat.

 

[Gryhu]

Thanks, g8orlife!

Anyone else have an opinion?

 

[lifespan]

I just took the july 29th exam. I took the MCAT in 2009 and scored a 10 on verbal. I walked out of the July 29th exam feeling good about BS and PS but unsure about verbal. If I screwed over verbal on the July 29th exam and score below a 10 would medical schools consider that I did receive a 10 in the past? Or would I have to retake the entire exam just because I scored poorly on verbal?

 

[Wave33]

So far I have taken the MCAT twice:
June 17th - 28Q Phys-8 Verb-10 Bio-10
July 8th - 29Q Phys-9 Verb-10 Bio-10

I'm not too happy with these scores. My undergrad gpa is 3.5 and I am a division I football player. I also am first author of a published paper. What are my chances if I don't retake? (Texas resident) Thanks for any advice!

 

[drfancypants]

took the 7/8/10 mcat, my first. scored 38L. P13, V11, B14. i worked very hard for the numeric scores and am very relieved, but am near tears about the L, which comes as a huge shock.

i have an anthropology degree from a top 10 university, but that was many years ago when i limped away with a 3.1 GPA. presently i am 2/3 the way through a second degree in microbiology, with a 3.99. still, the first degree holds me back... 3.4 cumulative, 3.6 science. forum chatter notwithstanding, i am an excellent writer, and it shows in my personal statement and secondaries. maybe i've misunderstood how these essays are supposed to be written, maybe the hammering on the roof above me distracted me from thinking clearly. i assume i choked and didn't give the readers everything they wanted to see. it's hard to say. but an L is just... i was expecting at least an M for effort!

please please please tell me i don't need to worry about this, or if i should actually consider aborting everything, wait another year and retake this stupid exam.

 

[BonChon]

MCAT was 9 PS, 10 VR, 10 BS, 29Q
cGPA: 3.59, sGPA 3.35

Just tell me if you think I should retake. I have pretty good EC's, you can read about them below if you want. Thanks for any advice!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have B's in my intro science courses, but got A's in my upper science courses (Biochem, Genetics, Ochem 2nd semester). I am an AZ resident.

My EC's:

Clinical

Hospice Preceptor and Volunteer: June 2007-July2009 3~4 hr/wk. Did all the CNA stuff, trained and mentored new volunteers. I was made a preceptor after just a few months of volunteering.

Volunteer Internship at local hospital: For 1 semester (for course credit) I volunteered 6 hours weekly assisting with direct patient contact and shadowing in various units (cath lab, GI, ICU, adult med/surg, radiology, ED, etc)

Surgery Club Internship: an official shadowing program at hospital, shadowed 2 vascular surgeons in OR and clinic for a summer 6-8hrs/week. In addition to this I have shadowed 2 orthopedic surgeons, urologist, family medicine, and continue to shadow random docs I find in the teaching hospital in Tucson.

Med school simulation center volunteer: April 2008-Dec2009 15hr/wk, adjustment with school year. Would assist in operating mannequin for medical student/resident simulations, create the simulated tissues, run the surgical training stations. I also assisted in the research there on hand dominance studies.

Non-clinical:

Assistant Manager at local cafe - 5 years, 10-35hr/wk depending on school/summer
Ethics Board Philanthropist Chair
2-year full-time proselytizing and humanitarian aid mission 65hr/wk
Leadership Positions in local church