Re-applicant - should I retake the MCAT?

[lamarie22]

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Hey all -

I applied to medical school during my senior year of college at Colorado State University (2016-2017), got one interview at my in-state school (University of Colorado School of Medicine), and was ultimately rejected. I decided not to re-apply during the 2017-2018 cycle, but want to re-apply in 2018-2019.

For reference:
MCAT: 510
GPA: 3.95
I submitted my primaries pretty early, but I think I sat on my secondaries a bit too long.
CU would not offer me feedback on my application/interview but I'm assuming I need to work on my interview skills 🙂

I'm wondering what people's opinions are on my application, particularly my MCAT - should I try to retake it before re-applying? I have a full-time clinical job at a medical campus, so it's not feasible for me to take three months to devote solely to studying.

Additionally, is there anything else I should be doing to improve my application? I've done a fair amount of shadowing, volunteering (clinical and non-clinical). Any ECs that have worked for other people?

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[THEBACKANDFORTH]

I would just check to make sure that your MCAT test date is still valid everywhere you want to apply. Personally, I wouldn't retake. I would just apply DO to get in almost for sure, and apply to a well made list of MD schools. The risks of retaking far outweighs the benefits unless you are certain you can do substantially better and get a top score

 

[THEBACKANDFORTH]

I would just check to make sure that your MCAT test date is still valid everywhere you want to apply. Personally, I wouldn't retake. I would just apply DO to get in almost for sure, and apply to a well made list of MD schools. The risks of retaking far outweighs the benefits unless you are certain you can do substantially better and get a top score

I personally think you're in a really great position. As an advisor told me, grades are the hardest thing to reconcile when they are poor.

 

[Doc_Ock]

There's no point in re-taking. Maybe your interviews need help?

 

[THEBACKANDFORTH]

Back to this--I suggest you seek out your writing center or alum center for secondary help. I've found that a lot of these people are excellent writers and well versed in admission processes. Maximize your interview invites. your stats are above average matriculant at most schools

 

[lamarie22]

Thanks so much - I really appreciate the feedback!

latinclubimperatus - Yeah, I definitely agree that my interview skills could use some work as well 🙂