Re-take MCAT??

[Booyakasha]

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I have a dilemma that I have been grappling with for the past few months. Perhaps a few of you can offer your two cents. I have a 4.0 gpa at a fairly reputable state school, am majoring in chemistry and philosophy, am a Goldwater and Beckman scholar (and of course do a lot of research, mainly in synthetic organic chemistry), and have a pretty substantial list of extracurriculars, including co-founding an organization here on campus and serving as a resident assistant. I took the MCAT last summer (before my junior year) and received a disappointing score... 33R (10V, 11PS, 12BS). I scored much higher on my practice tests, averaging a 37 on a few of the more recently released AAMC's. I think this phenomenon is most likely due to a combination of test anxiety and the reception of a test form unfriendly to me (had a few passages on topics that I know I didn't spend too much time on). Is a 33 at least an acceptable score at the top tier MSTP's? Would my application seriously benefit if I were to increase my score by a few points (assuming I can do this, which I think is a reasonable assumpton)? Or would spending my time solely on reasearch this summer (which is when I would take the MCAT again) benefit me more than a few MCAT points?

Thanks for your time and thoughts.

 

[leverp2000]

Given your strong academic creditials and your heavy research experience, I don't think that a 33 will hurt you in the admissions process. A 33 is a respectable score and surely won't make or break your application.

Retaking is always a gamble. While you feel confident that you can do better, what if you do not? Then, retaking will only harm you. MCAT prep takes a lot of time and effort, and it just does not seem worth it, when you already have a pretty good score. That energy would best be focused on other things.

 

[dr.z]

Given your strong academic creditials and your heavy research experience, I don't think that a 33 will hurt you in the admissions process. A 33 is a respectable score and surely won't make or break your application.

Retaking is always a gamble. While you feel confident that you can do better, what if you do not? Then, retaking will only harm you. MCAT prep takes a lot of time and effort, and it just does not seem worth it, when you already have a pretty good score. That energy would best be focused on other things.

I agree with above poster. You have a very strong credential to back you up. Unless you know that you can improve your scores significantly, I wouldn't bother retaking it.

 

[surge]

Don't bother retaking it. Use that time and energy on more productive pursuits. A 33 will not help you get in anywhere, but it won't hurt your chances of getting in anywhere either. The rest of your application is strong enough that you will have no problems. Good luck.

P.S. btw, are you an AliG fan?

 

[b&ierstiefel]

you should be fine. schools tend to take the 2nd MCAT score more seriously IF the score is significantly different from the first score. let's say you take it again a second time and get a 35. schools may see that as a consequence of natural variation in scoring rather than as significant improvement.

33 is not a bad score. no need to retake. move on in your life, apply, and kick some ass in the application process 👍

 

[aswelikeit]

I have a dilemma that I have been grappling with for the past few months. Perhaps a few of you can offer your two cents. I have a 4.0 gpa at a fairly reputable state school, am majoring in chemistry and philosophy, am a Goldwater and Beckman scholar (and of course do a lot of research, mainly in synthetic organic chemistry), and have a pretty substantial list of extracurriculars, including co-founding an organization here on campus and serving as a resident assistant. I took the MCAT last summer (before my junior year) and received a disappointing score... 33R (10V, 11PS, 12BS). I scored much higher on my practice tests, averaging a 37 on a few of the more recently released AAMC's. I think this phenomenon is most likely due to a combination of test anxiety and the reception of a test form unfriendly to me (had a few passages on topics that I know I didn't spend too much time on). Is a 33 at least an acceptable score at the top tier MSTP's? Would my application seriously benefit if I were to increase my score by a few points (assuming I can do this, which I think is a reasonable assumpton)? Or would spending my time solely on reasearch this summer (which is when I would take the MCAT again) benefit me more than a few MCAT points?

Thanks for your time and thoughts.

I was a Beckman scholar, had a lot of research and similar EC's and had the same mcat score, 33R. Although I got into a fair share of programs with my stats (ucla, tufts, nyu). I was told by someone at ucsd that my research was on par with the best, however, the problem was that everyone had such great reserach and gpas that mcat scores became a deciding factor.

Take it to mean what you will, however, I agree with everyone that you should spend your energy elsewhere. It's just a test and it sounds like you'll still get into some great programs. Good luck!

 

[Booyakasha]

Yes, I am an Ali G fan.

 

[bluegrass_druid]

In line with everyone else: don't waste your time. 33 is good, 35 is not much better, and 37 might push you over the top, but you've got amazing stats surrounding your score. As long as you are not completely socially dysfunctional, you should have no trouble getting in to a selection of top schools. my only advice is to apply as early as possible in the application cycle (June-July). Applying later really hurt my chances at some of my top schools.

 

[Booyakasha]

Thanks for the input, everyone. It is much appreciated!