Retaking a 31 look bad?

[RedPhys]

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Hi all,

I'm currently a senior, planning on applying the summer right after I graduate (summer 2014). I took the MCAT on Aug 15, 2013, and got my score back yesterday. I got a 31 (PS 10, V 10, BS 11). Yes, I'm aware this is not in itself a bad score, but I wonder if, with the rest of my application as it is, I should consider a retake in the Spring. I'm a URM (Hispanic) at a top 20, studying Engineering Physics. As a result of deciding to do this major, and not performing too well, my cGPA/sGPA sits at a 3.43/3.28 at the moment. FL resident. I think my activities are alright, if anything a bit unique (I've been able to learn how to speak/write/read pretty good Japanese and have a leadership position in a Japanese drumming group on campus?), and I've been doing research since sophomore year (no publications yet, though, due to experimental setbacks).

Would retaking a 31 look bad? Or should I just focus on getting my GPA up for the rest of senior year and stick with the 31?

 

[Burla]

1. Look up the probability that you will get into a Florida school IS
2. Look up the probability that you will get into a Medical School as a URM with a 31
3. Relax after reading this information

 

[SN12357]

Hi all,

I'm currently a senior, planning on applying the summer right after I graduate (summer 2014). I took the MCAT on Aug 15, 2013, and got my score back yesterday. I got a 31 (PS 10, V 10, BS 11). Yes, I'm aware this is not in itself a bad score, but I wonder if, with the rest of my application as it is, I should consider a retake in the Spring. I'm a URM (Hispanic) at a top 20, studying Engineering Physics. As a result of deciding to do this major, and not performing too well, my cGPA/sGPA sits at a 3.43/3.28 at the moment. FL resident. I think my activities are alright, if anything a bit unique (I've been able to learn how to speak/write/read pretty good Japanese and have a leadership position in a Japanese drumming group on campus?), and I've been doing research since sophomore year (no publications yet, though, due to experimental setbacks).

Would retaking a 31 look bad? Or should I just focus on getting my GPA up for the rest of senior year and stick with the 31?

A nice balanced 31 is not a bad score.

The only circumstances under which the risk of a retake would be worth it would be if you had great confidence that the 31 represented an underperformance and were SURE that you could improve. So, something like drastically understudying the first time, underperforming your practice tests by 5-6 points and thinking you can overcome that, etc.

But probably not worth it. Florida has lots of good in-state options and you have another year to raise your GPA a bit.

 

[Johansef]

If you retake, and do worse than 31 or the same it will look extremely bad. Did you not reach your average MCAT score and believe you will score significantly better next time (3+ points). If so, then retake it. If not, I'd focus on making sure you finish your senior year strong and make sure to have some clinical experience. I think being an URM will also help you at many schools so make sure to do your research.

 

[RedPhys]

If you retake, and do worse than 31 or the same it will look extremely bad. Did you not reach your average MCAT score and believe you will score significantly better next time (3+ points). If so, then retake it. If not, I'd focus on making sure you finish your senior year strong and make sure to have some clinical experience. I think being an URM will also help you at many schools so make sure to do your research.

31 was definitely my average (always between 30 and 32 in practice FLs).

I dunno, I just see so many people here (and in general, you know) with 32+ and think "Damn, I didn't get there...did I actually study properly/hard?" Also, it seems to me with my GPA, a good MCAT is the only path to feeling (relatively) safe about admissions so I thought perhaps retaking is the only option to mend my only saving grace at this point.

 

[SN12357]

31 was definitely my average (always between 30 and 32 in practice FLs).

I dunno, I just see so many people here (and in general, you know) with 32+ and think "Damn, I didn't get there...did I actually study properly/hard?" Also, it seems to me with my GPA, a good MCAT is the only path to feeling (relatively) safe about admissions so I thought perhaps retaking is the only option to mend my only saving grace at this point.

SDN presents a very skewed view of the normal distribution of MCAT scorse. If 31 was your average on practice tests, do not retake. The work you'd need to put in and the inescapable risk would not be worth it. 31 is right around the average for matriculants.

Concentrate on your grades and ECs.

 

[Laureatebarrel]

If you apply after you graduate, then you have a gap year to prepare your application. I would suggest checking MSAR to see where you are standing and decide. Your ECs look great. If you are applying in-state then I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[occams_razor]

SDN presents a very skewed view of the normal distribution of MCAT scorse. If 31 was your average on practice tests, do not retake. The work you'd need to put in and the inescapable risk would not be worth it. 31 is right around the average for matriculants.

Concentrate on your grades and ECs.

This! OP please be aware that the average applicant MCAT score is a 28 while the average matriculate MCAT is a 31. You are right where you should be MCAT wise to gain an acceptance

 

[Person0715]

There is no reason to retake, especially since ou scored around your average. Besides, 31 is good enough for many schools, URM or not.

 

[DokterMom]

1. Look up the probability that you will get into a Florida school IS
2. Look up the probability that you will get into a Medical School as a URM with a 31
3. Relax after reading this information

Exactly.

If you want to improve your chances, work on your weak areas (GPA?) -- not on making what is already relatively strong (MCAT) even stronger.
If something is knocking you back, it won't be your MCAT.

 

[gettheleadout]

31 was definitely my average (always between 30 and 32 in practice FLs).

I dunno, I just see so many people here (and in general, you know) with 32+ and think "Damn, I didn't get there...did I actually study properly/hard?" Also, it seems to me with my GPA, a good MCAT is the only path to feeling (relatively) safe about admissions so I thought perhaps retaking is the only option to mend my only saving grace at this point.

Yeah, don't retake.

 

[Espadaleader]

Bro. You have a balanced 31 and you are Hispanic at a top 20 school. STOP. YOU WILL RECEIVE ALL OF THE INTERVIEWS.

Do not retake the MCAT under any circumstances. If you don't believe me, call medical schools and find out for yourself. Check us out in the URM forum.

 

[pietachok]

Don't retake. The chances of your score going down are probably as high as your chances of getting a higher score unless you really didn't study to your potential.

I got a degree in engineering and another in Russian, w/ similar if not identical GPAs (sorry I don't remember exactly). I had a 34 MCAT, but I'm white and I think being a URM probably more than makes up for that 3 point difference.

I got plenty of interviews, and would definitely have gotten more if I'd applied as an IS applicant in FL (I was a NY resident . . . much worse odds there).

My interviews, however, were a bit unpredictable -- some schools that you'd think were less selective didn't interview me while more selective ones did. Accordingly, I would apply to a large number of schools *and make sure you apply early -- like the first day you can submit* AMCAS.

 

[Goro]

Smacks of hubris

Would retaking a 31 look bad? ]

 

[gettheleadout]

Smacks of hubris

Would retaking a 31 look bad? ]

😕 I'm not seeing it.

 

[ChemEngMD]

Hi all,

I'm currently a senior, planning on applying the summer right after I graduate (summer 2014). I took the MCAT on Aug 15, 2013, and got my score back yesterday. I got a 31 (PS 10, V 10, BS 11). Yes, I'm aware this is not in itself a bad score, but I wonder if, with the rest of my application as it is, I should consider a retake in the Spring. I'm a URM (Hispanic) at a top 20, studying Engineering Physics. As a result of deciding to do this major, and not performing too well, my cGPA/sGPA sits at a 3.43/3.28 at the moment. FL resident. I think my activities are alright, if anything a bit unique (I've been able to learn how to speak/write/read pretty good Japanese and have a leadership position in a Japanese drumming group on campus?), and I've been doing research since sophomore year (no publications yet, though, due to experimental setbacks).

Would retaking a 31 look bad? Or should I just focus on getting my GPA up for the rest of senior year and stick with the 31?

I'm also Hispanic and applying with similar numbers (and did Engineering)...take a look at my MDApps...you're fine, write a bomb personal statement and make sure your CLINICAL activities are tight

 

[Ansar]

EDIT: Retracted

 

[RedPhys]

Thank you for all the responses so far! I guess it really seems I should just stick with the 31 and focus on the other parts of my app at this point.

I'm also Hispanic and applying with similar numbers (and did Engineering)...take a look at my MDApps...you're fine, write a bomb personal statement and make sure your CLINICAL activities are tight

Tight? Well, I work with elderly (low income) hispanics...that good?

 

[ChemEngMD]

Thank you for all the responses so far! I guess it really seems I should just stick with the 31 and focus on the other parts of my app at this point.

Tight? Well, I work with elderly (low income) hispanics...that good?

You need many hours of clinical volunteering, physician shadowing, and/or paid clinical employment. You need to show you know what you're getting yourself into and you're prepared to do the job of a physician.

 

[pyrrion89]

This! OP please be aware that the average applicant MCAT score is a 28 while the average matriculate MCAT is a 31. You are right where you should be MCAT wise to gain an acceptance

+1. Hopping on the bandwagon. OP, you know what to do (i.e., don't retake!)

 

[yehhhboiii]

it's not hubris
a 31 isn't great and op's gpa is unimpressive. it makes sense for him to think that retaking the mcat to obtain a higher score is a good idea

i don't think it warrants a retake though

 

[Gauss44]

There was a similar discussion a while back. It seems like retaking a 31:

1. Will NOT look good if you get another 31, or worse.
2. Will look good if you get a 34 or better. So pay attention to those practice test scores!
3. May or may not look good if you've already taking the MCAT 2 or 3 times.

FYI - I think some adcoms start penalizing for retakes once you score a 34 or better. They can correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Etyan]

If OP was consistently scoring 35+ on his practice tests, a retake might be worthwhile.

If he was in the 30-32 range on practice FL's, then a 31 is right around where he should be and a retake would be too great of a risk.

 

[Jewels86]

Perhaps you could see how it goes before going through the pain of the test again. Why not write a heartfelt personal statement and add that with your app?

There are some that would go to dinner with Charles Manson and attempt meaningful conversation just to have your score. 31 sounds good to me!! I'd be fine with that number!

 

[Ansar]

Would a high score retake really look that well?

I mean, it seems like a lot of schools discourage a retake...? (Like, taking the MCAT more than once doesn't look good?) Especially if the score is 31? Or am I mistaken?

 

[volcomx]

Would a high score retake really look that well?

I mean, it seems like a lot of schools discourage a retake...? (Like, taking the MCAT more than once doesn't look good?) Especially if the score is 31? Or am I mistaken?

I retook a low 30, and I'm really happy I did. This cycle is going extremely well for me so far. I'm fairly certain schools are liking the improvement. That being said, I'm an ORM, there's a 2 yr gap between my MCAT dates, and I was certain I could improve significantly.

In OP's case, being URM and having a broad range of state schools/safety schools, as well as scoring within practice test range....I would definitely advise not retaking.