Retake MCAT without indicating on AMCAS

[miketheghost19]

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Hello everyone, i just received a 28 on my exam (10 BS 9 VR 9 PS) after I had submitted my AMCAS application. My score is not great but not terrible. I'm applying to lower tier schools and 6 in state schools. I was wondering if I should retake the exam in a month without mentioning it on my application, that way my application is complete early. I will update my application a few days before my score is released. Is this a good idea? Any suggestion/advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[KindofBlue]

I believe scores are uploaded automatically and will not delay your app either way.

 

[miketheghost19]

I believe scores are uploaded automatically and will not delay your app either way.

I will not be telling them that I am retaking it, thus they will view my application as complete.

 

[KindofBlue]

I may be wrong, but my understanding was as long as you have a test score uploaded to your application, your application will be considered complete (after verification of course),
and any test scores after completing the app will be updated and sent to schools automatically.

So I believe what you plan to do should be fine.

Maybe someone else on the forum could confirm though..

 

[miketheghost19]

I may be wrong, but my understanding was as long as you have a test score uploaded to your application, your application will be considered complete (after verification of course),
and any test scores after completing the app will be updated and sent to schools automatically.

So I believe what you plan to do should be fine.

Maybe someone else on the forum could confirm though..

I see what you are saying, however if I tell them I am retaking it, they will wait until they get my new score before they decide to interview me. If I don't tell them, they will consider interviewing me earlier based off of my first score. Is my reasoning correct?

 

[xffan624]

I see what you are saying, however if I tell them I am retaking it, they will wait until they get my new score before they decide to interview me. If I don't tell them, they will consider interviewing me earlier based off of my first score. Is my reasoning correct?

Yes. But what's the point of taking the MCAT? They're not expecting it, they're not going to put your app back in the pile after you've been rejected for an interview.

The only way this would benefit is if your application is deferred for consideration at some point and this mcat is the tipping point that gets you the interview.

This could still blow up in you face if you get a lower score.

 

[miketheghost19]

Yes. But what's the point of taking the MCAT? They're not expecting it, they're not going to put your app back in the pile after you've been rejected for an interview.

The only way this would benefit is if your application is deferred for consideration at some point and this mcat is the tipping point that gets you the interview.

This could still blow up in you face if you get a lower score.

By saying this could blow up in my face, are u suggesting the retake isn't worth it. I took all the AAMC FL exams and averaged a 30. So you think applying early is worth more than potentially bumping my score up to a 30?

 

[Espadaleader]

You may not get a 30. Remember, you score is a range. Your 28 could have been a 30 or a 27 depending on the administration. Don't retake unless you're scoring above your range 33+.

 

[miketheghost19]

You may not get a 30. Remember, you score is a range. Your 28 could have been a 30 or a 27 depending on the administration. Don't retake unless you're scoring above your range 33+.

So if I can't get a 33+, it's not worth retaking?

 

[dahassa]

So if I can't get a 33+, it's not worth retaking?

That is a tough call. I don't think anyone can make it for you. Personally, I agree with the above posts. I scored 2 points lower on the actual test than my pratice test average. However, some people (like NickNaylor) for example do better on the real exam compared to their pratice test average. I probably wouldn't take the exam unless I was making 2-3 points higher than my target score.

 

[miketheghost19]

That is a tough call. I don't think anyone can make it for you. Personally, I agree with the above posts. I scored 2 points lower on the actual test than my pratice test average. However, some people (like NickNaylor) for example do better on the real exam compared to their pratice test average. I probably wouldn't take the exam unless I was making 2-3 points higher than my target score.

I understand your reasoning, it's just that I don't think a 28 is competitive enough. I also have a low (3.47) GPA which doesn't help much.

 

[Huskies88]

When would you retake it? Are you confident you could get 30+? Honestly, if you apply broadly (30-35 MD programs), with a 3.47/28 you are bound to receive a few interview invites. If you haven't already submitted your AMCAS, I would do it ASAP. Applying early is key. Add a personal touch to each secondary essay and when the interviews come, nail em.

Good luck!

 

[candbgirl]

I think he has already submitted his application.

Where did you apply?

Yes. But what's the point of taking the MCAT? They're not expecting it, they're not going to put your app back in the pile after you've been rejected for an interview.

The only way this would benefit is if your application is deferred for consideration at some point and this mcat is the tipping point that gets you the interview.

This could still blow up in you face if you get a lower score.

Did you read this? You might already be in the rejected pile by the time you get your new MCAT and you will not be moved into the interview pile. The schools are not expecting a new score so some schools may be done with your file. And that would be too bad if you did increase your score by a few points.

 

[Huskies88]

Unless OP is applying to Harvard, Stanford, Hopkins, etc., I highly doubt mid/lower tier med schools will throw out his application in August/September (assuming this is when the MCAT retake score is released). Even so, I think you will be fine applying with a 28... Obviously nothing is guaranteed, but if you make the most of this application cycle by applying early, sending out secondaries within 24-48 hours of receiving them and updating schools often, you should do just fine.

With that being said -- if you truly must retake the MCAT, I wouldn't be sneaky about it. Just update your AMCAS.

 

[miketheghost19]

When would you retake it? Are you confident you could get 30+? Honestly, if you apply broadly (30-35 MD programs), with a 3.47/28 you are bound to receive a few interview invites. If you haven't already submitted your AMCAS, I would do it ASAP. Applying early is key. Add a personal touch to each secondary essay and when the interviews come, nail em.

Good luck!

I would retake it in late July. I submitted my AMCAS on June 21st. I applied to 20 of the least competitive (stats-wise) programs including 6 in-state programs. Would it make my application weaker if I retake and get a 28 or 29. I am very confident I will not get a 27 or lower.

 

[miketheghost19]

Unless OP is applying to Harvard, Stanford, Hopkins, etc., I highly doubt mid/lower tier med schools will throw out his application in August/September (assuming this is when the MCAT retake score is released). Even so, I think you will be fine applying with a 28... Obviously nothing is guaranteed, but if you make the most of this application cycle by applying early, sending out secondaries within 24-48 hours of receiving them and updating schools often, you should do just fine.

With that being said -- if you truly must retake the MCAT, I wouldn't be sneaky about it. Just update your AMCAS.

This is exactly why I wanna do this. I want to be considered and reviewed early and I don't think schools would reject me that early.

 

[miketheghost19]

I was averaging 10 on BS, 10.5 on PS, and 9.5 VR on all the AAMC FL exams I took. I feel like i can get a 30 for this reason.

 

[Huskies88]

I would retake it in late July. I submitted my AMCAS on June 21st. I applied to 20 of the least competitive (stats-wise) programs including 6 in-state programs. Would it make my application weaker if I retake and get a 28 or 29. I am very confident I will not get a 27 or lower.

Guessing you are from Cali, which is tough. Apply to the newly (preliminary) accredited medical schools, if you haven't already. These include Quinnipiac, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, UC Riverside, Cooper, OUWB, etc. The admissions process tends to be more holistic at these schools. Retaking and getting a 28 or 29 will only do harm in the sense that your application has been delayed 2 months without a significant increase in MCAT score. Only retake if you are confident you will score at least a 30 or above.

Other schools to consider applying to: VCU, EVMS, UVM, GW. Feel free to PM if you have any other questions or need advice on a specific aspect of your application.

 

[miketheghost19]

Guessing you are from Cali, which is tough. Apply to the newly (preliminary) accredited medical schools, if you haven't already. These include Quinnipiac, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, UC Riverside, Cooper, OUWB, etc. The admissions process tends to be more holistic at these schools. Retaking and getting a 28 or 29 will only do harm in the sense that your application has been delayed 2 months without a significant increase in MCAT score. Only retake if you are confident you will score at least a 30 or above.

Other schools to consider applying to: VCU, EVMS, UVM, GW. Feel free to PM if you have any other questions or need advice on a specific aspect of your application.

Actually I'm from Michigan and there are some schools here that aren't too competitive 😀

 

[DAPI]

I know I'm jumping into this thread late, but I believe all the above info is wrong. There is no way to hide a future test date from AMCAS. When you register for a new MCAT, your AMCAS will automatically update to saying you have a pending test. Schools will see this and will put you application in the "hold for MCAT score pile". They will not review you app at all until the new score comes in because they will not consider you complete. It would be the same thing as not having all your LORs in.

 

[cerno]

I was averaging 10 on BS, 10.5 on PS, and 9.5 VR on all the AAMC FL exams I took. I feel like i can get a 30 for this reason.

Remember these are just averages. Unless you are mostly getting 30+ (say, 7 out of 8 practice exams), the risk is just too high in my opinion.

If you do the same, or you get a 29, or god forbid you do worse...then that is bad news bears.

 

[miketheghost19]

Remember these are just averages. Unless you are mostly getting 30+ (say, 7 out of 8 practice exams), the risk is just too high in my opinion.

If you do the same, or you get a 29, or god forbid you do worse...then that is bad news bears.

What really stinks is that I have taken all the AAMC FL exams so I have no way of accurately seeing what kind of progress I am making.

 

[candbgirl]

If I don't tell them, they will consider interviewing me earlier based off of my first score. Is my reasoning correct?

and

I want to be considered and reviewed early

If you want the schools to review your app with your current MCAT and decide if they want to interview you based on that, why would you bother to retake the test. I'm really confused by your intentions. Schools get hundreds, maybe thousands, of applications. What makes you think they will go back and re review your app when the new scores get there? On the other hand if they know that new score is coming they will wait and review your app when it gets there. Good luck with whatever you decide and let us know what happens.

 

[miketheghost19]

For people who apply early, when do they usually get their first interview invites?

 

[KindofBlue]

For people who apply early, when do they usually get their first interview invites?

As early as July is what I hear, but mostly Aug-Sep.

 

[miketheghost19]

So I guess it just boils down to this; Let's say that i retake on July 26th (schools receive score August 26th) and I get a 30. Is the 2 month delay worth those 2 extra points? I already submitted my AMCAS on June 21st.

 

[miketheghost19]

I should add I am applying from Michigan and am happy to get in anywhere.