Re-take MCAT or settle with score I have for this cycle

[kthxbai]

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yeah because everyone on this board works two jobs while in school full time. let's take a poll

Snark aside, I hope you realize that the pre-med path doesn't like competition. Working two jobs while going to school full time isn't the best time to simultaneously apply to medical school. If you absolutely have to work, I'm sorry that things worked out this way for you. If not, I'd cut my hours and focus on getting good grades and successful MCAT preparations.

Either way, you'll need to take some time to consider your plan. Needless to say, applying this cycle is a colossal waste of money and time. Med school will always be there. You just need to be prepared for the journey.

 

[JaneAustenFan]

Snark aside, I hope you realize that the pre-med path doesn't like competition. Working two jobs while going to school full time isn't the best time to simultaneously apply to medical school. If you absolutely have to work, I'm sorry that things worked out this way for you. If not, I'd cut my hours and focus on getting good grades and successful MCAT preparations.

Either way, you'll need to take some time to consider your plan. Needless to say, applying this cycle is a colossal waste of money and time. Med school will always be there. You just need to be prepared for the journey.

Thank you. I actually agree.

 

[JaneAustenFan]

works 60-70 hours a week, goes to school full time...and still has time to be on SDN...interesting....

Multi-tasking. That is my schedule. I don't post on SDN regularly if you haven't noticed.

 

[Aerus]

Drop some work hours, sacrifice your social life for the next few months, and dedicate a lot of time to improve your MCAT score and apply next cycle. Think of this as an investment. If you apply now with your current score or retake it and still apply this cycle, then you'll probably end up wasting a lot of money, which isn't something you can afford to do. Even by working significantly less than now, you can still probably lose less money in the long run.

Also, sorry to hear about your circumstances, but as a premed, nobody is entitled to anything. This is not directed only to you specifically, as we all need to approach this process humbly.

 

[zzxxzz]

On a serious note, I got so much more done studying for the MCAT after I quit my job to focus. Not only time-wise, but also in the quality of studying, as I didn't have to think/worry about my job. Yes, it put me under financial strain, but I got the score I wanted and now that it's out of the way I'm working even more.

Also, I did no social stuff for the final month or so leading up. Zero. It sucked, but it paid off.

 

[Pattycake25]

OP, I commend you for bucking the trends that plague most premeds. It is all too easy to get caught up in the race, and forget that there is more to life than textbooks and review courses. Med schools are in need of more people like you, who are willing to rise up and change that which needs fixing.

That being said, your MCAT score is indisputably on the low-ish side. The best approach here would be to preserve your social life instead of retaking, and in interviews, explain your reasoning to adcoms. I can't believe you would't get what you deserve with such an approach. Good luck!!!

 

[godawg300]

OP, instead of asking everyone here on the forums go look at that chart for GPA and MCAT score breakdown by ethnicity. It will give you an idea as to what your chances are. If you feel good with those odds apply....if it were me personally, also a URM, I would retake and shoot for a higher score. A 24 isn't gonna open any doors for you.

 

[TheLionheart]

Just read this thread.. wow. I'm going to strictly give you my thoughts on your application/MCAT, in support of what most others have already told you.

1) You indicated that you're an URM, which is definitely a plus. However, medical school is rigorous, and they want to make sure you can handle the work. One of the metrics used is the MCAT, and with a 24 that's not really putting your best foot forward. If you take a look at the MSAR, the 10th percentile for admitted applicants for even the lowest statistical MD schools is usually > 25. This is a ridiculously expensive process, so I wouldn't waste any money applying this cycle. A

2) We're all busy. Some more than others, but very few people here are I would say live a life of leisure. I took my MCAT on May 22nd, exactly 7 days after my last final exam. This past semester was also a heavy one in terms of course workload. I came to the decision that my life needed to suck for a little bit so that I could do well in my classes and do well on the MCAT. I managed to do both, but not without making sacrifices. This meant spending a less time with my girlfriend and my friends than I would like, and waking up on Saturdays at 5 AM to take a practice MCAT to simulate my actual test day. You do what you gotta do to get the results you want.

 

[iceet]

If you got a 24 without studying you should be able to at least hit a 30 WITH studying. We are just trying to give you honest and frank advice. You can sacrifice your social life for a few weeks to maximize your score on the MCAT, then resume your regularly scheduled programming. It's what we all did it's no secret. Weekends and nights will be critical. It will not be fun. But how bad do you want it? Oh and make sure you take a lot of practice tests.

 

[AliciaAccepted]

So I took the MCAT last year and work so much I can't find a lot of time to study without completely eliminating my social life. I am scheduled to re-take the exam August 15th, but I would feel better with a September 4th test date. My AMCAS is verified.

Stats: MCAT 24 (no studying, just took it) 3.4, URM and disadvantaged status. CA resident 1st time applicant

Re-take or apply as is?

I love your screen name, JaneAustenFan! With your numbers, it is possible for you to get into medical school. The other parts of your application will be very important. How are your activities? Have you written outstanding personal essays? What schools do you plan on applying to? Application strategy becomes even more important when you are applying to medical school with low numbers.

I am hosting a free webinar tomorrow evening on how to apply to medical school with low numbers, registration link here. You are welcome to ask any questions that you have. I wish you success!