Retake?

[jherbert]

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There have been a few threads on the MD/PhD forums about MCAT scores and retaking, but I think that my situation has enough unique factors to warrant a new thread.

I took the 9/11 MCAT and got a 32P (12VR 10BS 10PS). I had planned on studying all summer for the test, but between full-time research and classes, I wasn't able to study hardly at all. In fact, the only real studying I got done was roughly an hour or two a day for the two weeks of the school year leading up to the test (I found out that I'm much busier over the summer than I am during the school year), and the only subject I studied was physics (which, like I said, I really didn't get nearly as much time as I would've liked to study)-- the other subjects I relied on previous knowledge.

I have a good GPA (>3.8) and will have a lot of independent, in-detail research (3 years in the same lab) by the time I apply (summer 2011). My top choice school is UT Houston (I'm from Houston, have a lot of family there, and want to go into cancer research). I checked their website, and I'm on the upper end of average MCAT scores, and above average for GPA.

So here's the complicating part: I'm studying abroad this spring semester. If I retake, I'd have to start studying in about a month or so, then continue studying MCAT stuff while abroad (the main aim for me going abroad is language proficiency-- I'm a molecular bio/Spanish dual major), then take the MCAT again in May 2011 when I return, getting scores late June.

So what are your thoughts on my best route? Should I hedge my bets on getting into UT Houston and focus the rest of the semester on my classwork and research? (My research mentor knows everyone involved with the program there, and said that he's confident that I'll get in with my research experience. As an aside, I would almost certainly get into my home program, based on their numbers and my contacts, but I'd rather not simply because I'd probably end up doing my PhD with my current mentor and I'd like to get some variety in my research training.) Or should I study during the latter part of this semester as well as my time abroad? I'm confident that I could get a better score with extra studying (I would be doing this studying during the school year when I'm less busy).

I've heard on a number of occasions that scores will get you an interview, but that after that everyone is on equal footing. I feel like my scores wouldn't close any doors as far as getting interviews (I'm not planning on applying to top tier out of state schools), and interviewing has always been a strong point for me. It's incredibly tempting to say that the score is "good enough" and be free to focus on research and school work. But I also am confident that I would do significantly better if I took it again. Thanks for any input.

 

[Nuckles]

I've heard of people getting into Ivy-League schools with the likes of a 33. The main thing is the research - if your research is hot stuff and your adviser knows how to write a good letter, then you should be more than good. It would suck to take it again, no? Then again, if you have time, you might improve your score based solely on test familiarity. If I were you, I would think about retaking if I had the time, but you are right to want to focus on your research. Really, that is so, so much more important than your score.

 

[gbwillner]

Don't retake the exam. Your score is fine, and you have a good GPA. You've got a shot at Baylor and a good chance at UT Houston. You'll get in somewhere, provided you give a good interview and apply broadly.

 

[PBandJ]

I agree with the posters above. Don't retake the exam. There's no guarantee your score will improve; you could potentially even get a lower score! Too much risk involved. As someone who got interviews and acceptances with a score lower than yours, I believe it can be done. Scores do help in getting interviews, but as you said, once you get the interview, you're often on relatively equal footing with other applicants. As long as you can talk intelligently about your research and clearly describe your enthusiasm for a physician-scientist career, you should be fine. Good luck!

 

[jherbert]

Thanks all for your input. After reading the previous posters, talking with an MD/PhD student who works in my lab (who is also a student interviewer) and with a friend of mine who is an MD/PhD student at UT-Houston, I've decided not to retake. What a load off my shoulders that is! I'm going to focus on classwork, shadowing, and research for the rest of my time. Thanks again for the input! I'll keep you all posted when I start applying next cycle.

 

[Nuckles]

I'll keep you all posted when I start applying next cycle.

I'll be seeing you out there. Also going to apply to Baylor and UT-Southwestern next go-round.