Retake the MCAT?

[Jolt21]

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I didn't really want to put this in the MCAT forum b/c I need views of URMs who are either in school now or just applied...i just got my 1/30 score back:

12p/8v/11b R = 31R

the verbal is crushing my soul. i know i hate reading, but HOLY MOLY....at least i can write.

here is my mdapps: http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=16779

i know my list of schools is upper tier, but that's where i want to go. so now i ask all of you if it is anything plausible or if I should retake in june and shoot for the 35+....its just gonna be hard to study cause i have a stepshow in may to choreograph for (practice actually starts tonight) and a full time job.

any advice would be great.

 

[Jolt21]

i've pretty much decided i am retaking it. aw dam.

 

[DoctorAK]

I don't think you need to retake the MCAT.. Trust me you are at the average URM in the verbal and way above in the BS and PS sections....you should just keep your score and apply early🙂👍

 

[What up doc]

i think u are fine. dont retake.

 

[Black Surgeon]

My scores were very similar BS 12 VR 7 PS 11 WR T= 30T and (although my overall and BCPM GPAs were higher) I did ok. You can look through my post history to get an idea how successful I have been.

edit: You could also PM me.

 

[LovelyMD]

I would say don't retake unless you think you can do substantially better. You don't want to retake the MCAT only to end up with the same or lower score. How were you doing on your practice exams? If you think the 8 was a fluke, and that you can maintain (or improve!) the 11/12 you got on the other sections, then retake if you wish. Just remember that you don't want to jeopardize the strong 11&12 scores you already have, so you have to focus on re-studying EVERYTHING, not just focusing on verbal.

I had a 7 on verbal and retook the MCAT because I was averaging a 9/10 on my practice exams, and ended up with an 11. I was working full time and volunteering at the same time, so it was difficult and I really had to use whatever free time I had to study, but it was well worth it for me. If you think you have the time to commit to studying again, go for it. If not, don't retake it and I think you'll still be fine.

 

[DoctaJay]

Statistics show that your score VERY RARELY increases when you retake the MCAT. For some people it even drops. Verbal reasoning is a section that you prepare for since birth (in terms of speed reading and comprehension); it would be very difficult to significantly raise your score, and even more probably that you could go down in another area.

Facts: A URM with a 30+ MCAT, a good GPA, and acceptable ECs will get in just about anywhere. Schools seek these applicants out, and usually put some money down. This doesn't mean that this will certainly happen to you, but I say all this to reassure you that you should be happy with your hard work. Apply and get on with life 🙂.

 

[redlight]

study for it.. cant hurt. if you are consistently scoring above 35 on practice tests then go ahead and retake. but obviously this means you have to work your butt off for all 3 sections or your overall score will likely go down.

 

[redlight]

Statistics show that your score VERY RARELY increases when you retake the MCAT. For some people it even drops. Verbal reasoning is a section that you prepare for since birth (in terms of speed reading and comprehension); it would be very difficult to significantly raise your score, and even more probably that you could go down in another area.

Facts: A URM with a 30+ MCAT, a good GPA, and acceptable ECs will get in just about anywhere. Schools seek these applicants out, and usually put some money down. This doesn't mean that this will certainly happen to you, but I say all this to reassure you that you should be happy with your hard work. Apply and get on with life 🙂.

geez man, do you have stats to back your 'facts?' that's a pretty bold statement to make. you're saying if i can score a 30 and have a good (im defining as matriculant avg) gpa and acceptable ECs (?) im golden at almost any med school? really?

also, about raising VR: it is very possible to do so. practice makes perfect. most people dont even prepare well for it the first time because they assume you cant improve, which is false, or that it isnt as important as the science sections, which is also false. all 3 sections get equal weight and med schools know VR has the strongest correlation with success in med school out of the 3 sections (though im too lazy to look it up), but all of them are pretty weak indicators to be fair.

and again, OP, my only advice is to try to improve in all 3 sections so you dont get burned on the retake.

 

[njbmd]

I would advise against a retake. A drop in the score could spell disaster for you and you likely will have some success (apply broadly especially your state schools) with that score.

 

[What up doc]

Statistics show that your score VERY RARELY increases when you retake the MCAT. For some people it even drops. Verbal reasoning is a section that you prepare for since birth (in terms of speed reading and comprehension); it would be very difficult to significantly raise your score, and even more probably that you could go down in another area.

Facts: A URM with a 30+ MCAT, a good GPA, and acceptable ECs will get in just about anywhere. Schools seek these applicants out, and usually put some money down. This doesn't mean that this will certainly happen to you, but I say all this to reassure you that you should be happy with your hard work. Apply and get on with life 🙂.

i was thinking the exact same thing. no, its not a fact. but its def what ive observed this cycle. especially URM males. dude, when i was in your shoes less than a yr ago i was asking the same kinda questions, and developed an unwarranted reputation as a stat ***** and got flamed by just about every regular poster in this forum.

but dawg, i really wouldnt re-take...i understand it can be hard, i really really considered retaking a higher score but i sat on it, and this cycle has gone well for me. good luck tho!

 

[Jolt21]

Statistics show that your score VERY RARELY increases when you retake the MCAT. For some people it even drops. Verbal reasoning is a section that you prepare for since birth (in terms of speed reading and comprehension); it would be very difficult to significantly raise your score, and even more probably that you could go down in another area.

Facts: A URM with a 30+ MCAT, a good GPA, and acceptable ECs will get in just about anywhere. Schools seek these applicants out, and usually put some money down. This doesn't mean that this will certainly happen to you, but I say all this to reassure you that you should be happy with your hard work. Apply and get on with life 🙂.

Thanks, Docta Jay. Any stats for that though? That would be very interesting. If my GPA were higher, I would agree with all of you and not redo it...but I asked Dmouth, UPenn, and UChicago, and only UChicago told me I should just stay put. The other two said it was tough, but leaned toward the retake cause of my GPA...unless my EC's, LOR's, PS, etc were on POINT.

 

[Jolt21]

I guess i'll just keep an open mind and if I dont see a massive improvement, i wont retake it. I'm satisfied with the score to some extent, but know it wont get my above and beyond. damn...i really wish it went 3 points in either direction so the decision was easier.

 

[FullThrottle]

I would not retake the MCAT. Nice job and congrats. I would apply early and to a lot of programs. Look into schools that are looking to diversify their student body. Medical school is very much operator dependent. It's what you make of it. You can go to an "average" medical school and still do a great residency.

I guess i'll just keep an open mind and if I dont see a massive improvement, i wont retake it. I'm satisfied with the score to some extent, but know it wont get my above and beyond. damn...i really wish it went 3 points in either direction so the decision was easier.

 

[norm256]

according to the mcat retake tool, your most likely score on a retake is a.... 31 (12p, 10b, 9v). Not sure that it will help to retake - might hurt, and could just be frustrating.

That said, if you work your behind off in prep it could pay off.

 

[Miss155]

I think you have a good shot, I wouldn't retake it.

 

[crx7]

I found it impossible to improve in VR.
1st time I got: 12PS/10VR/9BS- 31R
2nd round I got: 11PS/9VR/13BS - 33S

I don't think the insignificant improvement hurt me too much, but I just couldn't get the VR, even on the practice tests. Everyone says don't do it, unless you can improve significantly. So if you decide to do it, make sure your break the bank studing.

 

[vballninnie]

hey guys i'm a mexican-american female and i've taken the mcat twice (7PS, 10VR, 9BS M) and (8PS, 7VR, 11BS N). I sadly received the same overall mean 🙁. Basically I am wondering whether I still have a chance at allopathic medical schools (gpa 3.26). I am definitely applying to osteopathic schools as well, but will any allo schools take my best subscores from each (=29N)? I have 4 years extensive research experience in basic research, translational research and drug discovery (1 publication working on 2nd). >500 hours at a free-clinic, plus shadowing. Plus I've played 8 years competitive NCAA volleyball div. III. Any schools? any at all? help!

 

[What up doc]

hey guys i'm a mexican-american female and i've taken the mcat twice (7PS, 10VR, 9BS M) and (8PS, 7VR, 11BS N). I sadly received the same overall mean 🙁. Basically I am wondering whether I still have a chance at allopathic medical schools (gpa 3.26). I am definitely applying to osteopathic schools as well, but will any allo schools take my best subscores from each (=29N)? I have 4 years extensive research experience in basic research, translational research and drug discovery (1 publication working on 2nd). >500 hours at a free-clinic, plus shadowing. Plus I've played 8 years competitive NCAA volleyball div. III. Any schools? any at all? help!

how have you played 8 years of ncaa volleyball? i thought you are limited to 4 years of eligibility?

anyway, im not so sure how you you're studying; but are you taking practice test. i would really recommend not to retake again until you consitently start scoring 3 or 4 pts higher . yes, some schools will just look at your higher scores, though i don't know which ones. my gut feelings is that even if technically a school says they dont look at your best scores, if your mcat is really the only thing holding you back, then i think someone who advocates for you on an admissions comittee would point out that your highest scores are, like you said, a 29, which is a fine score. id be more worried about explaining your gpa, which is relatively low compared to matriculant averages. just put your best foot forward. good luck!

 

[redlight]

8yrs of college...?

any score below an 8 is bad news. any chance of pulling 10s in everything if you retake? the 10 and 11 show you can do reasonably well.. i would retake, but make sure you are getting at least 10s in all subjects on those aamc tests.

you probably need to do a postbacc to bump up the grades.. but i suppose 8yrs of college credits will be hard to change (...)

im responding against my better judgment.. sounds fake bcuz of the 8 years thing.

 

[redlight]

how have you played 8 years of ncaa volleyball? i thought you are limited to 4 years of eligibility?

anyway, im not so sure how you you're studying; but are you taking practice test. i would really recommend not to retake again until you consitently start scoring 3 or 4 pts higher . yes, some schools will just look at your higher scores, though i don't know which ones. my gut feelings is that even if technically a school says they dont look at your best scores, if your mcat is really the only thing holding you back, then i think someone who advocates for you on an admissions comittee would point out that your highest scores are, like you said, a 29, which is a fine score. id be more worried about explaining your gpa, which is relatively low compared to matriculant averages. just put your best foot forward. good luck!

beat me to it. i type too slowly..

 

[vballninnie]

sorry 4 years competitive high school and 4 years college. I like to think of it as a continuous 8 years.

 

[vballninnie]

I used my friend's Princeton review MCAT material and I was scoring anywhere between 26 to 32 on the aamc practice tests. Pretty inconsistent. Typically scoring 9-11 on VR, 7-10 PS and 9-13 on BS. Honestly I had considered VR my most consistent section, but I didn't pull through on test day. I've had the hardest time with physics and math overall. Two C+ scores in Calc I and Calc II and a C in biostats in undergrad, which really lowered my gpa. 🙁

 

[MsKrispyKreme]

^So you're Chicana. Do you speak Spanish? If so, I think you should apply too all of the Puerto Rican schools as well as your state school(s) in addition to D.O. schools and one or two "dream" M.D. programs.

Based on your posts, I don't think you should re-take the MCAT a 3rd time if your score didn't go up the 2nd time and if you scored below a 9 on individual subjects. You'd probably need some intense classes from a test prep company in order to break into the 28-32 range. Even then, be advised that many (if not most) schools consider ALL of your MCAT scores when making a decision on your application. A few will only look at your highest composite score, and fewer still will combine the highest individual sections like you asked about.

Good luck, pumpkin.

 

[vballninnie]

^So you're Chicana. Do you speak Spanish? If so, I think you should apply too all of the Puerto Rican schools as well as your state school(s) in addition to D.O. schools and one or two "dream" M.D. programs.

Based on your posts, I don't think you should re-take the MCAT a 3rd time if your score didn't go up the 2nd time and if you scored below a 9 on individual subjects. You'd probably need some intense classes from a test prep company in order to break into the 28-32 range. Even then, be advised that many (if not most) schools consider ALL of your MCAT scores when making a decision on your application. A few will only look at your highest composite score, and fewer still will combine the highest individual sections like you asked about.

Good luck, pumpkin.

Thanks for the support. I agree that taking the mcat a 3rd time may not help and I do realize my chances are slim for nearly all allopathic schools. My spanish is a bit broken but can be fixed! 😛 My pre-med advisor said something about UC Irvine taking the highest sections from each test, which I was really surprised to hear. Not quite sure that is the norm or even true. But allo or D.O. I would be happy with either one.

 

[YBFdoctor]

I didn't want to start my own thread on this subject, so I'm just tacking my situation on.

I got my MCAT scores today, and I scored

VR 7
BS 8
PS 9
WS K (yeah, i know)

24K. I don't even know what to say. I know I'm not dumb, but I just have a really hard time with standardized tests. Should I retake my MCAT? I haven't been studying while waiting for my scores, and I have gone through all but one of the AAMC tests. I'm not trying to get into Harvard or Johns Hopkins, I will go to any school that accepts me. I'd like to think that I have pretty good LORs, good ECs (http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=16823), and a decent gpa (3.55 for engineering major). I'd really love to get some advice, especially if some of yall have been in my shoes. Thanks.

 

[redlight]

I didn't want to start my own thread on this subject, so I'm just tacking my situation on.

I got my MCAT scores today, and I scored

VR 7
BS 8
PS 9
WS K (yeah, i know)

24K. I don't even know what to say. I know I'm not dumb, but I just have a really hard time with standardized tests. Should I retake my MCAT? I haven't been studying while waiting for my scores, and I have gone through all but one of the AAMC tests. I'm not trying to get into Harvard or Johns Hopkins, I will go to any school that accepts me. I'd like to think that I have pretty good LORs, good ECs (http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=16823), and a decent gpa (3.55 for engineering major). I'd really love to get some advice, especially if some of yall have been in my shoes. Thanks.

im not really abreast with the admission standards of the hbcu's in terms of gpa/mcat. the numbers are deceiving because their averages are lower than most schools but i dont know how they select students because they have a mix of great and not so great stats within the student body. i think your gpa is good but i don't know about the mcat. for non-hbcu's id think you'd have to retake and aim for at least 10's. the spreadsheet in the WAMC sub forum basically says you have a shot at howard and meharry but i'd want to apply with my best foot forward and retake the exam when im scorings at least 10's in each section consistently on practice tests (buy berkley review or gold standard practice tests. they are much tougher than aamc but will whip you into shape, supposedly).

i think you should at least do some more prep work and try for sometime in august if you dont mind applying a little late (send amcas in). if you can, id delay application and aim for the september or january date (assuming you'll have time to study after fall semester and before the exam date while also studying during the fall).

my $.02

 

[YBFdoctor]

im not really abreast with the admission standards of the hbcu's in terms of gpa/mcat. the numbers are deceiving because their averages are lower than most schools but i dont know how they select students because they have a mix of great and not so great stats within the student body. i think your gpa is good but i don't know about the mcat. for non-hbcu's id think you'd have to retake and aim for at least 10's. the spreadsheet in the WAMC sub forum basically says you have a shot at howard and meharry but i'd want to apply with my best foot forward and retake the exam when im scorings at least 10's in each section consistently on practice tests (buy berkley review or gold standard practice tests. they are much tougher than aamc but will whip you into shape, supposedly).

i think you should at least do some more prep work and try for sometime in august if you dont mind applying a little late (send amcas in). if you can, id delay application and aim for the september or january date (assuming you'll have time to study after fall semester and before the exam date while also studying during the fall).

my $.02

Thanks for your reply. I have already graduated college and am working a part time job while volunteering several hours a week, so I know I can devote ample time to studying. I know for a fact that I can do better on the writing portion, but I am really unsure about the BS and VR. After talking with my mom, I am leaning more towards a retake, but I don't want this to delay my application. I had everything ready and was just waiting for my MCAT score. I know I can submit my AMCAS right now, but do you know if I can receive secondaries (with current MCAT score), and somehow let the schools know that I'm retaking the MCAT?

 

[redlight]

Thanks for your reply. I have already graduated college and am working a part time job while volunteering several hours a week, so I know I can devote ample time to studying. I know for a fact that I can do better on the writing portion, but I am really unsure about the BS and VR. After talking with my mom, I am leaning more towards a retake, but I don't want this to delay my application. I had everything ready and was just waiting for my MCAT score. I know I can submit my AMCAS right now, but do you know if I can receive secondaries (with current MCAT score), and somehow let the schools know that I'm retaking the MCAT?

the thing is that it's tough to know which schools screen applicants. im not really sure which ones do and what their minimum numbers are. the most lax numbers ive heard are minimum 8s in each section, but you should try for at least 10s to be safe.

schools that don't screen will happily give you the secondary and take a fee regardless of whether they'll ever seriously consider your application. they will put your application on pause though and wait for your new scores to come in before they decide to give you an interview or not.

i have to strongly advice not retaking until you can consistently score 10s.

however, after doing a brief search on mdapplicants.com it seems as though there have been people accepted with a 22-24 mcat. im sure they are the exception to the rule, but it means that acceptance may be possible to certain schools.

 

[YBFdoctor]

I didn't want to start my own thread on this subject, so I'm just tacking my situation on.

I got my MCAT scores today, and I scored

VR 7
BS 8
PS 9
WS K (yeah, i know)

24K. I don't even know what to say. I know I'm not dumb, but I just have a really hard time with standardized tests. Should I retake my MCAT? I haven't been studying while waiting for my scores, and I have gone through all but one of the AAMC tests. I'm not trying to get into Harvard or Johns Hopkins, I will go to any school that accepts me. I'd like to think that I have pretty good LORs, good ECs (http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=16823), and a decent gpa (3.55 for engineering major). I'd really love to get some advice, especially if some of yall have been in my shoes. Thanks.

Does anyone else have any input?? I'm still really torn over this. Thanks.

 

[ucsfstudents]

Jolt21 - do not retake the mcat.

Ybfdoctor - consider retaking it.

 

[Brigade4Radiant]

Ybfdoctor you have a pretty good chance at a medical school acceptance if you are a URM.

 

[plainolerichie]

Are you freaking serious! You got a 31, DO NOT even CONSIDER retaking it to risk getting a lower score. If you scheduled it already, cancel, forget about the money you might loose. That's pretty damn good unless you killed baby seals for 5 years.

 

[redlight]

^it's not the fact that OP got a 31mcat

it's basically the fact that he has a 31mcat AND a sub 3.5 gpa AND wants to get into super selective schools like yale.

op has solid ECs but the 31/3.4x combo makes his chances lower for top schools because both #s would be in the bottom 20th (more like bottom 10th) percentile for admitted applicants. while that doesn't mean he wont get in, and it certainly doesn't mean he wont get interviews, i'm sure applying with a 31 is more of a long shot than applying with a 36.

 

[PinkIvy08]

I didn't want to start my own thread on this subject, so I'm just tacking my situation on.

I got my MCAT scores today, and I scored

VR 7
BS 8
PS 9
WS K (yeah, i know)

24K. I don't even know what to say. I know I'm not dumb, but I just have a really hard time with standardized tests. Should I retake my MCAT? I haven't been studying while waiting for my scores, and I have gone through all but one of the AAMC tests. I'm not trying to get into Harvard or Johns Hopkins, I will go to any school that accepts me. I'd like to think that I have pretty good LORs, good ECs (http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=16823), and a decent gpa (3.55 for engineering major). I'd really love to get some advice, especially if some of yall have been in my shoes. Thanks.

I'd say retake them if possible. It's the 7 I'm worried about (especially because it's in VR, which is a good predictor for success in the USMLE). Some schools do screen out apps with any score below an 8 or a 10 (depends on the school). I'm curious to know if you took a review course or just studied on your own. If you studied on your own, you might want to invest in a course. If you took a course, I'd talk to them about this. Of course MCATs are only one part of the picture, but since they area a major piece, I'm not sure how the cards will fall for you this cycle.

However, on a more positive note, THERE IS HOPE! I don't know how, but another URM at my school got into med school with a 23, and it wasn't even an HBCU (not to sound like I'm putting HBCUs down, but they tend be more lenient).

Best luck for this application cycle!

 

[Jolt21]

^it's not the fact that OP got a 31mcat

it's basically the fact that he has a 31mcat AND a sub 3.5 gpa AND wants to get into super selective schools like yale.

op has solid ECs but the 31/3.4x combo makes his chances lower for top schools because both #s would be in the bottom 20th (more like bottom 10th) percentile for admitted applicants. while that doesn't mean he wont get in, and it certainly doesn't mean he wont get interviews, i'm sure applying with a 31 is more of a long shot than applying with a 36.

yup. that was my dilemma.

a little update, i decided not to retake it in the end. took the time to focus on my personal life. i'll probably be applying more broadly to compensate. narrowing down some more schools now (i dont have a state school, but any other suggestions would be wonderful). will also be really focusing on my secondaries. now they must be on point.

thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[UPennPrincess]

Hey Jolt I don't know where you went to undergrad but if they have a medschool you should definately apply if you havent they will probably be more forgiving of ur GPA and ur MCAT wont be a problem because its above average for URM

 

[PinkIvy08]

Remeber when Jolt was debating whether to retake his MCATs?!? See, aren't you glad you listened to us and avoided that waste of stress...look at all your interviews!!!

(I just find it comical how much we stress the small stuff sometimes, not realizing how great the overall package is)

 

[Jolt21]

Remeber when Jolt was debating whether to retake his MCATs?!? See, aren't you glad you listened to us and avoided that waste of stress...look at all your interviews!!!

(I just find it comical how much we stress the small stuff sometimes, not realizing how great the overall package is)

and since the final results are in, i must say, retaking the mcat would've been the biggest mistake EVER.

hopefully others can use this as inspiration.

 

[faith2]

deleted it was in response to an old post

 

[faith2]

as a side note I am so proud of the MCAT scores that I am reading about. They make me feel stupid but wow great work.