Retake Advice Needed

[Rearanged-351235]

Hello,

I took the 3/21 MCAT and received a score of 506. I am looking to retake it. I have a few questions regarding this:

1. What is the latest date I can retake the MCAT and still be considered an early or mid-timed applicant for this upcoming cycle?
2. How can I improve my P/S score? I did the Pankow deck in its entirety, so I don't believe my issue lies with the content.
3. What should I do to prepare for the retake? I was considering buying and taking all the Blueprint NS practice exams and catching up on Anki.

Sorry for all the questions.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[diltiazemm]

Was the 506 a fluke? You're really short on time for a retake (is registration still open for May????). Check out this link:

Thread 'Is May 31 Considered Late to Take the MCAT?'

Sep 29, 2024

I am thinking of taking the MCAT May 31 for the next cycle. Since the scores are released July 1st, I’m not sure if that’ll be considered late. I am kind of concerned about my chances with getting my MCAT scores July 1st

• noelmedicine1
• mcat mcat 2025 pre med advice
• Replies: 8
• Forum: Pre-Medical (MD)

How can I improve my P/S score? I did the Pankow deck in its entirety, so I don't believe my issue lies with the content.

How were you scoring on FLs? 126 still implies a bit of a content gap; you could try making cards of the questions that you missed from SB, AAMC FL, etc. P/S was difficult for me as well, and I finished the entire Pankow deck. A lot of my learning in P/S came from reflecting on my incorrect answers and creating my own flashcards (same with every subsection, honestly).

Otherwise, it's really just critical reading and practice 🙁 CARS-esque.

What should I do to prepare for the retake? I was considering buying and taking all the Blueprint NS practice exams and catching up on Anki.

That could help. But you have so little time! You'd need to go up by at least 4 points to make a meaningful difference, so rushing a retake might not be the best option. Med schools will also average your two scores.

506 is still plenty competitive for DO, and works for MD schools like Drexel, Temple, Albany (depends on GPA too).

 

[Rearanged-351235]

Was the 506 a fluke? You're really short on time for a retake (is registration still open for May????). Check out this link:

Thread 'Is May 31 Considered Late to Take the MCAT?'

Sep 29, 2024

I am thinking of taking the MCAT May 31 for the next cycle. Since the scores are released July 1st, I’m not sure if that’ll be considered late. I am kind of concerned about my chances with getting my MCAT scores July 1st

• noelmedicine1
• mcat mcat 2025 pre med advice
• Replies: 8
• Forum: Pre-Medical (MD)

How were you scoring on FLs? 126 still implies a bit of a content gap; you could try making cards of the questions that you missed from SB, AAMC FL, etc. P/S was difficult for me as well, and I finished the entire Pankow deck. A lot of my learning in P/S came from reflecting on my incorrect answers and creating my own flashcards (same with every subsection, honestly).

Otherwise, it's really just critical reading and practice 🙁 CARS-esque.


That could help. But you have so little time! You'd need to go up by at least 4 points to make a meaningful difference, so rushing a retake might not be the best option. Med schools will also average your two scores.

506 is still plenty competitive for DO, and works for MD schools like Drexel, Temple, Albany (depends on GPA too).

Hey,

Thanks for the reply! I agree; I am short on time to retake it. I have been considering taking another gap year to improve my MCAT score, as well as strengthen my extracurricular activities (I don't have any research experience and need more shadowing hours).

If I take my May 23rd MCAT and receive a decent score for NY schools (at least a 512 or 514), do you think I should proceed with applying this cycle, even though I lack research experience and shadowing hours?

 

[diltiazemm]

Hey,

Thanks for the reply! I agree; I am short on time to retake it. I have been considering taking another gap year to improve my MCAT score, as well as strengthen my extracurricular activities (I don't have any research experience and need more shadowing hours).

If I take my May 23rd MCAT and receive a decent score for NY schools (at least a 512 or 514), do you think I should proceed with applying this cycle, even though I lack research experience and shadowing hours?

I'm just a fellow applicant, so take my advice with a grain of salt!

IMO, the lack of shadowing is worrisome: 0 Shadowing Hours

Lack of research will hurt, depending on your school list, GPA, the rest of your W/A, etc.

You're banking a lot on the chance that you get a 512-514, and even then, your activities are not as robust as they could be. Taking a gap year would help you become a stronger applicant overall.

In general, it's hard to give advice without knowing the scope of your full application. I don't want to steer you in the wrong direction, so I really suggest you make a WAMC thread!! There are experts who can help you out a lot more in those forums 😊

 

[Rearanged-351235]

I'm just a fellow applicant, so take my advice with a grain of salt!

IMO, the lack of shadowing is worrisome: 0 Shadowing Hours

Lack of research will hurt, depending on your school list, GPA, the rest of your W/A, etc.

You're banking a lot on the chance that you get a 512-514, and even then, your activities are not as robust as they could be. Taking a gap year would help you become a stronger applicant overall.

In general, it's hard to give advice without knowing the scope of your full application. I don't want to steer you in the wrong direction, so I really suggest you make a WAMC thread!! There are experts who can help you out a lot more in those forums 😊

I'll consider making a WAMC soon. Thanks again for all the help!