? on number of MCAT retakes (adcom help)

[syoung]

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I've taken 3 mcats 2007, 2008, 2009.
However, I've found that coming back from overseas, my score 2009 is not useable for 2013 for MOST schools. I know some schools can accept 2009 scores for 2013.
so i am slated to retake july early 2012 and applying june 2012.

Will there be any "dirty looks" at my scores (4 times)? There was a gap between the 2009 and this year's 2012. If I score higher on this year's MCAT will it be weighted on the same level as my previous scores?
Can any adcom's shed some light on this?

 

[otggwmfs]

.

 

[Finches]

It depends on the school, as well as the scores that you're receiving.

I wouldn't go so far as to say "dirty looks", but taking the MCAT four times is certainly not a positive thing. At my undergrad, the premed committee "strongly encourages" that we nail the MCAT at most on our second try.

 

[Thego2guy]

There is a few things some schools do,
1) They look at all of your scores, and there better be an improvement.
2) They look at only the highest scoring sections from the different score
3) They only look at the latest MCAT - still, there better be an improvement
a) They look at all the subscores
b) They don't look at all the subscores, only the overall.

 

[music2doc]

Varies by school. If all your scores were good, then you're good to go. Honestly, even if only that last one broke 30 and you're only taking this one b/c the last one is no longer valid for this cycle, I think you'd still be fine. Where you get into trouble is if you have a trend like 21/20/25/30 because it'd make people think the 30 is probably just a fluke and even the 25 may be as much chance as talent or hard work.

 

[syoung]

Thanks guys, I mean I pretty much have to, as only I think 8 schools accept my older 2009 score.

By the way, is there an option on the med app that allows you to "send" your complete app to, say those 8 schools, and then just send the med app to other schools saying that I will be re-taking in July? Does that make sense?

 

[otggwmfs]

.

 

[Catalystik]

There is a few things some schools do,
1) They look at all of your scores, and there better be an improvement.
2) They look at only the highest scoring sections from the different score
3) They only look at the latest MCAT - still, there better be an improvement
a) They look at all the subscores
b) They don't look at all the subscores, only the overall.

4) They average all the scores.
5) They create a new composite from your best subscores.

You can indicate on your primary AMCAS that you intend to take another MCAT, and schools will see this. If you have prior a prior MCAT score I *believe* that you can still be verified, though someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I don't think you will be complete at most schools until you have taken the MCAT again.

You should indicate on the AMCAS primary the date of your last planned MCAT (this is one of the few parts you can change after you submit the application). All schools who receive the application will see the same thing, and likely, all schools will wait to take action on your file until the new score is available. But your transcripts will be verified once you submit, even if the new score is pending. This is an advantage, as once the new score comes out, all your listed schools get the new score immediately.

If you are not confident of your score outcome, you can refrain from adding more-selective schools until after you see what it is. Newly added schools will get the entire application within a business day.

 

[syoung]

Ok that makes sense, thanks for that.

I'm not sure what you mean by composite, all schools do that, or are you simply adding to his "some schools do: " list?

 

[Catalystik]

I was adding to the list above and will correct for clarity. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[syoung]

I was adding to the list above and will correct for clarity. Thanks for pointing that out.

is there any way to find out which schools do what? Or is it something to ask each adcom?

 

[Catalystik]

I have an old list.
How schools consider multiple MCAT scores: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=7187293

But as more schools are expected to eventually adopt the averaging method, you're going to have to call schools and ask each one you wish to target about this season's policy. You also want to ask if they will even look at the expired scores. If not, this issue would be considerably simplified for you.

Why more schools will begin using the averaging method in 2011: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=11159086

 

[Caprica6]

Thanks guys, I mean I pretty much have to, as only I think 8 schools accept my older 2009 score.

By the way, is there an option on the med app that allows you to "send" your complete app to, say those 8 schools, and then just send the med app to other schools saying that I will be re-taking in July? Does that make sense?

Could you list those eight schools for others with an expiring score?

 

[syoung]

Could you list those eight schools for others with an expiring score?

don't quote me on these, so double check. I think there are a few more than this!

Loyola University Chicago Stritch school of Medicine: mcat:2009

Tulane University ( New Orleans):mcat:2009

Michigan State University college of Human Medicine:mcat:2009

University of Missisiippi School of Medicine:mcat:2009

Univerity of Missouri-kansas City:mcat:2009,28

University of Nevada of School of Medicine:mcat:2009

***University of New mexico school of Medicine:MCAT:2008

Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University: mcat:2009