Retake MCAT?

[pengi]

My top choice right now is a DO school in California. However, my previous MCAT scores were a 28 and a 27. Should I retake the MCAT this summer before I apply? Or just apply with current scores? My ugrad GPA is slightly above a 3.0 but my post bacc GPA is around a 3.8. And I'm currently working on my masters. Thanks for your feedback!

 

[Kevin Baker]

If you're set on California, I'd retake. Touro supposedly has a 29 avg for the class of 2014, and Western has at least a 28.

 

[JaggerPlate]

With a 3.0 GPA and shooting for CA schools ... absolutely. Break 30. Like the above poster said ... TU-CA and Western both have MCAT averages around 29 (from what I've heard of the 2010 season) with GPA averages above 3.5. Additionally, I personally know of some 30+ MCATers who didn't receive invites from places like Western. As gunnerish as it sounds ... I'd retake and get it as high above 30 as possible. Good luck.

 

[pengi]

Thank you. I appreciate your feedback.

I should also mention that I took the MCAT many years ago (might not count for admission) and also got a 28. So I'm a bit hesitant to take it for the 4th time and risk doing the same or worse. 🙁

 

[mulberry]

If you have the money to waste on a few apps, then apply there and apply early with the intention of reapplying/retaking the MCATs. you never know what could happen, SDN is not the adcom.

 

[Everglide]

If you plan on retaking, figure out how to actively challenge yourself and improve your weaknesses and score (practice tests with feedback are awesome for this). It sounds like you have been stuck at ~28, which doesn't necessarily look great on paper.

 

[Sinfest]

I was invited to interview at both schools with a 27, but I'm definitely one of the exceptions. Retake the MCAT and try your best to break 30. Good luck 🙂