Old mcat versus new mcat re-take

[sbspftw]

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Hey guys,

So I'm in a dilemma because my mcat score expires. However, I know I can do better. The summer I took it, I was distracted, was working some internships, just didn't care too much, didn't take enough practice tests, but now I have an entire summer. I have some gap year stuff I want to do, and would like to talk about. I got a 10 V, 11 PS, 12 BS, 3.69 science and 3.75 nonscience GPA. But for the schools I'm interested in (top ten), that's a borderline score and GPA (so trying to up my MCAT).

I also JUST got out of school, and haven't really had the chance to think about med school apps yet. I don't want to apply late. My rec letters are also going to be slow coming in, because I just asked. Also didn't plan well, and have two years worth of gap year stuff lined up, and don't want to risk not being able to do the second year, if I don't get in anywhere (if I apply to a lot of lower-tier schools, chances of that are low).

Is the new MCAT that hard? Would people suggest a retake? Honestly, at this point, how hard would it be to get the same or higher score? And use the excuse, "well, I kinda had to re-take my bad...".

 

[Ismet]

When did you take the MCAT?

Sounds like you don't have things in order to apply early this cycle. If you have 2 years of gap year stuff lined up, then study for and take the new MCAT during the first gap year, get your application lined up for submission next cycle, then you have the 2nd gap year during which you'll go on interviews.

My 2 cents - I'd take the gap year(s) and thus have to retake the MCAT. It's not uncommon to see a retaken MCAT at a top school, but you need to make sure you improve or at the very least stay at the same percentile. You have the GPA that says you can do it, and you got a decent score the first time around.

Do not rush into applying just because your MCAT is about to expire. If you think you have a strong app otherwise and your letter writers can churn out the letters quickly, then maybe applying this cycle is still a possibility, but if your application will be improved by more time, more activities, and retaking the MCAT, then perhaps it's better to take the gap years.

 

[sbspftw]

Thank you for the advice. I think I'll completely abandon applying this cycle. Just focus on one thing at a time. Because to give full investment to MCAT and application is like too stressful.

 

[I'm No Superman]

Thank you for the advice. I think I'll completely abandon applying this cycle. Just focus on one thing at a time. Because to give full investment to MCAT and application is like too stressful.

I think you've got the right idea. This way you can focus on the MCAT 100%, and apply knowing exactly what your score is, which schools you are competitive at, etc. Medical school/applying to medical school definitely isn't something you should rush.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

my mcat score expires

Would people suggest a retake?

If you are applying to medical schools then yes you would need to retake... Also don't hang yourself up on "top ten" schools, while it is a good goal to have it is a complete longshot for even the most solid applicants. I would just take the next couple months to really focus on the MCAT and doing the best that you can, your score will help you know what types of schools to aim for.

*just to add: I would be surprised if you were dinged because your MCAT expired and had to retake. It is one thing to retake a 33, but it is entirely different to retake an expired 33. Goodluck!