Retake with a 29 O

[Cerbernator]

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Ok, I know my score could be a lot worse but considering my practice tests were averaging about 34-35 I am sort of let down and bummed. I am considering retaking in August because I refuse to admit defeat to this stupid test. What do you think?

 

[efex101]

I do not understand why folks always assume that they will get the same type of scores that they were scoring on prep exams...sometimes it happens sometimes it does not. I would not retake because why? there are NO guarantees that you will score higher. A 29 is NOT bad.

 

[CaptainZero]

Ok, I know my score could be a lot worse but considering my practice tests were averaging about 34-35 I am sort of let down and bummed. I am considering retaking in August because I refuse to admit defeat to this stupid test. What do you think?

What caliber of school do you want to go to? Are you thinking Wash U, Hopkins, Harvard or would you be content at your state school?

 

[Premedtomed]

Ok, I know my score could be a lot worse but considering my practice tests were averaging about 34-35 I am sort of let down and bummed. I am considering retaking in August because I refuse to admit defeat to this stupid test. What do you think?

Welcome to the club my Man!

 

[Cerbernator]

What caliber of school do you want to go to? Are you thinking Wash U, Hopkins, Harvard or would you be content at your state school?

I dont care, I jsut want in a MD school.

I have a 3.56 Overall and a 3.49 BCMPB. Major Math/Philosophy.

EC's: Athlete, leadership positions, and shadowing. Applying disadvantaged with good PS.

 

[Cerbernator]

I do not understand why folks always assume that they will get the same type of scores that they were scoring on prep exams...sometimes it happens sometimes it does not. I would not retake because why? there are NO guarantees that you will score higher. A 29 is NOT bad.

Its the sheer number of tests I took. I took AAMC III-VII, Kaplan diag, TPR tests, Berk. Review tests, etc and I did well on all of them. Hell, my first practice test I made a 28 on and my Kap diag i got a 30 on. I would expect a little consistency.

 

[CaptainZero]

I dont care, I jsut want in a MD school.

I have a 3.56 Overall and a 3.49 BCMPB. Major Math/Philosophy.

EC's: Athlete, leadership positions, and shadowing. Applying disadvantaged with good PS.

Do not retake it unless you don't get in this time around...but I don't think you should have any problems getting in...just prepare well for your inteviews. Good luck.

 

[Robz]

time for tough love....suck it up.

I had comparable undergraduate grades and higher graduate grades....but I had a 26 MCAT.

I still got 4 allopathic interviews..1 rejection, 1 acceptance, and 2 waitlists. Including UT. So, your score is better than mine, apply and I'm pretty sure you'll get plenty of interviews. Your good. Seriously.

 

[CaptainZero]

Its the sheer number of tests I took. I took AAMC III-VII, Kaplan diag, TPR tests, Berk. Review tests, etc and I did well on all of them. Hell, my first practice test I made a 28 on and my Kap diag i got a 30 on. I would expect a little consistency.

Don't forget that when you take the actual MCAT, it's scaled against a lot larger of a group of people than in your local test center...so the "consistency" you're used to isn't always there.

 

[Nebmuse]

I agree that you should apply this year and see how it goes. You should be able to get in with those scores. Get your application in early if it isn't in already.

 

[mikedc813]

I do not understand why folks always assume that they will get the same type of scores that they were scoring on prep exams...sometimes it happens sometimes it does not. I would not retake because why? there are NO guarantees that you will score higher. A 29 is NOT bad.

I agree with this. Your score is great. I had a 29R and ended up with interviews and finally and acceptance. You're good.

 

[blz]

Only you know if you can truly do better. If you think you can, suck it up and take this damn test again! Everyone I talked to told me not to take the test again and I said screw them because I know I can do better. End result, I did better! So be a MAN and take this test out!

 

[Premedtomed]

Don't forget that when you take the actual MCAT, it's scaled against a lot larger of a group of people than in your local test center...so the "consistency" you're used to isn't always there.

No wonder why I got f**** too.

 

[edik]

29 is the score which really bytes. It's not bad enough to warrant a retake, and it may not be good enough to get in. National MCAT average of applicants is around 29, average mattriculants - 30. It's a tought decision.
But whatever you do, I recommend avoiding thinking along the lines of "I'll try applying this time, and if I don't get in, I'll retake it." It's a mistake. MCAT is challenging, but the whole application process is much more painful and expensive. You don't want to do it twice. (Speaking from experience here).. Yes, some people get in with much lower MCAT than 29. However, they could be getting some affitmative action help, or have PhD in something cool, or just may be great Personal Statement writers or interviewers, etc. Heck, I know of a girl with 28, so-so GPA, and nothing special in ECs, who got accepted to a bunch of good schools just because she looked like a goddess.
Here is my advice. If you think that you can do better on MCAT in August - go for it. If you take it seriously, you should have no problem getting over 30. Analyze what went wrong. This way you can still apply this year. Just make sure you app, transcripts, etc are there before mid-October (when August MCAT results come out).
Good luck man.

 

[efex101]

Guys here are ALL the stats for applicants and matriculants...

http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/start.htm

 

[gschl1234]

Its the sheer number of tests I took. I took AAMC III-VII, Kaplan diag, TPR tests, Berk. Review tests, etc and I did well on all of them. Hell, my first practice test I made a 28 on and my Kap diag i got a 30 on. I would expect a little consistency.

You took so many exams it would seem like you probably would have done just as well on the real thing. Did you feel any different when you took the real exam? By that, I mean, did it seem like you were spending too much time on certain questions-a problem with timing-or were you so nervous that you didn't feel like you were thinking as clearly as usual? Before you decide whether to retake, you should do everything you can to identify what went wrong because it seems like doing more practice exams is not the answer. For all you know, it may happen again in August. That being said, a 29 is not a bad score and many people get accepted with lower scores so don't retake out of pride alone. I'm pulling for you and good luck 🙂

 

[Adapt]

My advice is to not retake. I saw your breakdown in the MCAT forum and I had the same breakdown as you, scoring a 29R. If you apply to around 30 MD schools and early, you most likely will get in somewhere.

I received 10 MD interviews but only went to 5. I ended up getting into Drexel and Temple right away without being waitlisted first. I got interviews at Georgetown, Mount Sinai, Creighton, MCW, and Tufts also but didn't go to most of them.

Your 29 is a solid score and you will get in if the rest of your application is strong.

Even another SDNer, Spitting Camel, who also had a 29 had much luck. He got into Loyola, Boston, Loma Linda, and UCI.

So Cerb, I would apply this year and if you don't get in then think about retaking. 👍

 

[a*brown]

If you decide to retake it this August, what practice exams will you study off of? You took all of them, right? Most of them will still be somewhat fresh in your mind. It may be deceiving....

I know because I did this 4 years ago. I wasn't happy with my april score so I panicked and took the august mcat. Ended up dropping a point - even though I was hittinng 30s in my practice exams.

I'd say apply with what you have to a good number of schools. If you don't get in with these scores and decide to retake it - you may have a different mindset then....

 

[Spitting Camel]

My advice is to not retake. I saw your breakdown in the MCAT forum and I had the same breakdown as you, scoring a 29R. If you apply to around 30 MD schools and early, you most likely will get in somewhere.

I received 10 MD interviews but only went to 5. I ended up getting into Drexel and Temple right away without being waitlisted first. I got interviews at Georgetown, Mount Sinai, Creighton, MCW, and Tufts also but didn't go to most of them.

Your 29 is a solid score and you will get in if the rest of your application is strong.

Even another SDNer, Spitting Camel, who also had a 29 had much luck. He got into Loyola, Boston, Loma Linda, and UCI.

So Cerb, I would apply this year and if you don't get in then think about retaking. 👍

Ah, you beat me to it!

Adapt and I are proof that a 29 is a good score - good enough for many MD schools. In many cases, getting a 29 or 30 is the difference between one or two more right answers. Adcoms understand this!

 

[footcramp]

I do not understand why folks always assume that they will get the same type of scores that they were scoring on prep exams...sometimes it happens sometimes it does not. I would not retake because why? there are NO guarantees that you will score higher. A 29 is NOT bad.

that's a loser mentality. if you are a winner you will try harder, make adjustments in your studying, and rock out with your cock out.

 

[footcramp]

Do not retake it unless you don't get in this time around...but I don't think you should have any problems getting in...just prepare well for your inteviews. Good luck.

yeah it's always good to put all your eggs in one basket and wait a year if that one chance doesn't work out.

or if you aren't a fool you could apply AND retake the test and that way can have a chance to improve your application both this cycle and the next.

medical school is all about dedication and endurance. and mind numbingly dull subjects ad nauseum but that's another subject.

 

[Eraserhead]

Ok, I know my score could be a lot worse but considering my practice tests were averaging about 34-35 I am sort of let down and bummed. I am considering retaking in August because I refuse to admit defeat to this stupid test. What do you think?

No no no no don't retake it and its not defeat. Geez, you guys are all stress cases!

 

[footcramp]

Not only do you have a good GPA, but a great BCMPB as well, which, a lot of people have weakness in this area. You have good extra cirriculars, and experience, plus you are disadvantaged. And a 29 MCAT is fine if you have realistic application choices.

You should take into consideration how good your letter of recs will be...also, is the school that you are attending right now a top school? that would help.

i think you could apply and get in now. just be sure to apply to a lot of schools and make sure you have practiced interviewing skills.

i think "great" is a stretch. it's not bad but don't pump this guy up just to be nice. it's not considerate to what you might do to him in the long run. he doesn't need people telling him he's alright right now. he needs someone to tell him to sack it up and do better because he thinks he can and just needs some motivation to go for it.

 

[Eraserhead]

Many people score a bit lower on the real test, I think alot of it is the stress factor. Don't sweat it, I've followed your posts for awhile and I think you will be fine unless you really want to go to a top school.

 

[footcramp]

if stress is a factor then you should retake! i scored lower on my test than on practices, but only by around 2 points. this guy dropped 6 points. stress will be less of a factor the second time around. the chances of improving significantly are very good.

there are a lot of people here worrying about stressing out or putting in a lot of unnecessary work. well unlike many of these cats i've been in medical school and let me tell you brother, there is no such thing as overstudying. "i overstudied!" is something only a slacker would say because s/he is settling for mediocrity. that is a loser mentality.

what's the big deal if you study harder for another 2 months and retake, but get into a school based on your earlier score? will you have wasted 2 months? no, you will have learned valuable study habits that will prepare you for medical school. you will have developed the mentality that setbacks could be overcome, and that you should not just sit back and hope for something lucky to happen, but take initiative and constantly improve yourself. that is a winner mentality and that is what will get you through medical school.

 

[LoneCoyote]

Ah, you beat me to it!

Adapt and I are proof that a 29 is a good score - good enough for many MD schools. In many cases, getting a 29 or 30 is the difference between one or two more right answers. Adcoms understand this!

And I am more proof that a 29 is a good enough score. I was in the same boat as you at this time last year... saw the 29 and thought my chances at UC schools were over, and wasn't sure whether to retake since a 29 is really neither very good nor very bad. But I am glad I did not retake. I got secondaries from every school I applied to, several interviews and into one of my top choices. Good luck 🙂

 

[Premedtomed]

Hey dude I scored 30N and looking back at the practice test scores I am disgusted too.
If you feel like taking the test again, we can keep in touch. I am not sure either, but I think we can do better seriously!

 

[i61164]

I wouldn't retake it if I were you. If you hadn't studied enough, then retaking might be a good idea. Considering that you studied a lot, the issue was probably running out of time (it was for me). This will not change next time around. I have yet to find a way to improve the speed at which I can read a passage for the first time and answer the questions.

 

[Mistress S]

Hey Cerb, I got a 29 and am retaking this Aug while applying. It was a really tough decision, as it has screwed up a lot of my plans and cost me a lot of $$ to retake (Kap course + $190 for MCAT again). I'm not 100% sure it's the right decision, as a lot of people have told me I shouldn't worry and just apply with my score. Two factors that influenced my decision to retake are 1.) I know I can do better (didn't study enough before the test last time) and 2.) my score breakdown (7 PS, 12 VR, 10 BS). If I had an evenly distributed 29 like you do, I don't know if I would put myself through all of this again. My main concern is that the 7 in PS will put me out of the running at a lot of schools that I might otherwise be competitive at. You have a good shot as it is, I would only retake if you are sure you can improve at least 2-3 points and feel like it is worth all the stress to do so. It is a risk as you could just end up with the same score or worse, go down. Good luck with your decision, I'm sure you'll do fine either way.

 

[bigdan]

Cerb-

I got what you got...exactly.

I'm not retaking. Save your money for interviews. My analysis of the data says a 29 is in the 70th-75th percentile of test takers, and last year the average matriculant score was 29.something.

See you on the interview trail.

Good luck

dc

 

[Eraserhead]

I had a 33 and a 35 with the practice tests and I too was a bit disgusted with a 30 but geez people taking the test again would be a HUGE waste of time this summer, do something important instead- publish a paper, work in a clinic, focus on making yourself stand out in your essays, etc.

 

[lakersfan]

ok i got a 8 vr but a 12 bio and 13 ps for a total of 33. i got a Q in writing but i dont think that section ever matters...lol.

should i retake the mcat if my gpa is a 3.6 with a double in bus and psych at berkeley and i want to go to a UC.

and if anyone can help, what are my chances of getting into a med school if i am a california resident.

 

[Eraserhead]

ok i got a 8 vr but a 12 bio and 13 ps for a total of 33. i got a Q in writing but i dont think that section ever matters...lol.

should i retake the mcat if my gpa is a 3.6 with a double in bus and psych at berkeley and i want to go to a UC.

and if anyone can help, what are my chances of getting into a med school if i am a california resident.

you did exceptionally well. do NOT retake the test!

you guys need to look at the bell curves!

 

[lakersfan]

you did exceptionally well. do NOT retake the test!

you guys need to look at the bell curves!

thanks, but its just that 8 has been bothering me since last night since it makes me look like an illiterate bum...especially when im a business major...lol. I don't intend on taking the mcat again and seeing you go to uci (by number 1 option since i live 30 minutes away) i'll just apply this year...see what happens. Worse come to worse, I'll take the mcat again and exclusively study verbal...lol. Thanks for the help.

 

[Eraserhead]

thanks, but its just that 8 has been bothering me since last night since it makes me look like an illiterate bum...especially when im a business major...lol. I don't intend on taking the mcat again and seeing you go to uci (by number 1 option since i live 30 minutes away) i'll just apply this year...see what happens. Worse come to worse, I'll take the mcat again and exclusively study verbal...lol. Thanks for the help.

That would be a waste of time! People get into great schools with an 8 and your other scores...

 

[bigdan]

lakersfan-

Careful with that retake philosophy...check out the threads on how well people do during retakes...you've got extraordinary science scores...I think your double major and writing mark show you are a LITERATE bum, not illiterate.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

dc

 

[jlee9531]

dont take it over cerb. apply early. you will be competitive man.

 

[ravaha08]

I was told by a UT Memphis admissions person with just one 10 and 8 or above for the other two, you are pretty much guaranteed acceptance as long as everything looks good. As long as you don't royally screw up UT interviews, I am sure you are guaranteed to be admitted. I suggest you don't retake! UT memphis avg MCAT is all 9s and 3.5. This year was a fluke because I have a class full of geniuses (sorry for those applying this year).

 

[kaikai128]

...another thing: 29, 30, 31, etc...are all scores that are above average. I don't remember, but I think I remember seeing that the national average was 24ish. If I were any of you, I would be proud of my 29--I would take it and enjoy my summer. 😀

 

[futrdrbaker]

I think you will be fine...I got a 27O last April, I don't have the greatest credentials and yet received 4 interviews. I'm a TX resident, so I participiated in the TMDSAS match. I matched to my second choice school, and was put on the waitlist for my first-choice. Because of rules, I had to withdraw from my first-choice. Point is, I thought I had no chance, but I ended up doing fine.