retake the MCAT?

[trc0011]

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[DrHart]

Got MCAT scores back today and just wanted some input on whether to retake/not retake. 503 overall (63%), Chem/Phys 124 (45%), CARS 129 (95%), Bio 127 (78%), Psych 123 (32%). I'll admit I really didn't study much for psychology. I've heard CARS and Bio are the "most important" sections, but have no idea if this is true. I've also read that the psych scores are not as important. Is this an acceptable MCAT score for any MD school? My in-state schools (AL) are pretty friendly to in-state students.

Obviously there are more things that need to be taken into account for your app. But I will say that a 503 is well below the median for most schools. Even though Psych is a new section, a 123 would be like a 5 on the old exam, which is almost certainly a red flag. And I think a 124 in CP would raise eyebrows too.
You're around the 10th %ile for AL schools. I would probably aim for a retake if MD is the goal

 

[RogueBanana]

Your scores are all over the board on this one. While your composite score may not keep you out of your state school, almost all schools also have limits on the lowest you can score in one section. Your psych score will almost definitely get you automatically screened out by computer at nearly all the MD schools. I would recommend re-taking the test, studying your weaker sections and shooting for an even distribution. It isn't worth the application fees to put out anything other than your best possible application. Sorry dude, I know it sucks.

 

[Frogger27]

I had a 123 in CARS, and have not been screened out of schools. My other sections were higher than yours though.. You also have 2 sections that are below 50%, which may cause some troubles. AL is a great state though so you may have a chance

 

[efle]

To me, very high CARS/ok Bio and very low Phys/Psych looks like a smart student with a Bio background that didn't put nearly enough effort into studying. I'd personally be a big fan of retaking, and actually trying this time.

 

[GinnyWeasley]

Got MCAT scores back today and just wanted some input on whether to retake/not retake. 503 overall (63%), Chem/Phys 124 (45%), CARS 129 (95%), Bio 127 (78%), Psych 123 (32%). I'll admit I really didn't study much for psychology. I've heard CARS and Bio are the "most important" sections, but have no idea if this is true. I've also read that the psych scores are not as important. Is this an acceptable MCAT score for any MD school? My in-state schools (AL) are pretty friendly to in-state students.

Why wouldn't you study for a section on a test you would ideally only take once?

 

[candbgirl]

To me, very high CARS/ok Bio and very low Phys/Psych looks like a smart student with a Bio background that didn't put nearly enough effort into studying. I'd personally be a big fan of retaking, and actually trying this time.

Thanks for saying this. I'll never understand why anyone(not only OP ) would go into the MCAT not fully prepared. And yet it happens all of the time.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app

 

[XxThaDoggxX]

Why wouldn't you study for a section on a test you would ideally only take once?

I agree. The overall lack of preparation for the most important test of your life (up to this point) is concerning.

Retake.

 

[trc0011]

Why wouldn't you study for a section on a test you would ideally only take once?

It was a time management issue. I was working full time while studying and psych was going to be the last thing I reviewed. Got behind on my study schedule and ran out of time to study much for psych.

 

[GinnyWeasley]

It was a time management issue. I was working full time while studying and psych was going to be the last thing I reviewed. Got behind on my study schedule and ran out of time to study much for psych.

But why didn't you push it back? I was one month from my exam and realized I had no business taking it since I was scoring much lower than I wanted. Pushing it back and knowing you have everything solid is better than taking it twice IMO.

 

[trc0011]

But why didn't you push it back? I was one month from my exam and realized I had no business taking it since I was scoring much lower than I wanted. Pushing it back and knowing you have everything solid is better than taking it twice IMO.

I agree with you. I scored much higher on my psych section on the last practice test I took. I did not anticipate that my psych score would be so low.