Retaking MCAT, but submitting June 4. How does that affect the review of my app?

[zipideedoodah]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm contemplating retaking the MCAT in June or July, but I plan to submit my apps on the opening day of submission. Will schools not review my application until I receive my new score? Or would they just look at my current MCAT to determine if they would send me secondaries? Would it be better off not to retake so that my app is reviewed the earliest possible?

Stats:
31 MCAT, 3.58 cGPA, 3.54 sGPA

Thanks!

 

[AxiomaticTruth]

Retaking a 31? You better have been hitting 36+ regularly on the practice exams...

 

[Espadaleader]

Here we go! "Mario Voice". With the grades and MCAT you have you're better off just keeping your score.

 

[Noggin]

Really? I think he/she'd be better off with a 34+ MCAT. The GPA isn't low but it isn't the highest either.

Also, if you indicate you're retaking the MCAT, I believe most schools wait until they receive your MCAT scores to review your application. Submitting now would be a good idea though as AMCAS can review it.

I disagree. Retaking a 31 is incredibly risky unless OP was originally getting mid to upper thirties on practice tests. Take your 31 and run with it.

 

[Ismet]

Here we go! "Mario Voice". With the grades and MCAT you have you're better off just keeping your score.

Actually, that MCAT/GPA combo is associated with only a 52% acceptance rate (see AAMC table 24). The GPA is not horribly low, but it is below average for MD schools, and the MCAT is just around average too.

OP, what were you scoring on practice tests? If you were scoring in a higher range and ended up with a 31, then it might be a good idea to retake. If you were averaging 30-32, I'm not sure if you'll see much improvement with a retake and you will probably be fine applying if you apply to the right schools

 

[mariambaby3]

I also agree that re-taking a 31 is not ridiculous especially if OP has been consistently scoring higher than that on practice FLs recently.

 

[gyngyn]

I also agree that re-taking a 31 is not ridiculous especially if OP has been consistently scoring higher than that on practice FLs recently.

Have you seen all the re-takers with lower scores in the WAMC thread?

We expect you to have a higher score just because it's a re-take. Even getting the same score is a losing proposition.

 

[Espadaleader]

People talk about getting higher scores like it is a game. Its a gamble.

 

[zipideedoodah]

I appreciate everyone's input. I was averaging 34.5. My main concern is that if I retake it, my score wouldn't come out until August, so my app won't be even reviewed until then vs. not retaking and having my app reviewed earlier.

 

[Ismet]

People talk about getting higher scores like it is a game. Its a gamble.

It is a big gamble, I completely agree, but I do think that if someone has consistently scored well on practice exams and has a bad/off day on exam day, they probably have better chances at improving on a retake than someone who just wasn't very prepared the first time and tries to study 2 more months and retake. Yeah it's still a huge risk, and that's something the OP has to weigh for himself, but there's a big difference between the two scenarios.

 

[jw3600]

Retaking a 31? You better have been hitting 36+ regularly on the practice exams...

Here we go! "Mario Voice". With the grades and MCAT you have you're better off just keeping your score.

Really? I think he/she'd be better off with a 34+ MCAT. The GPA isn't low but it isn't the highest either.

Also, if you indicate you're retaking the MCAT, I believe most schools wait until they receive your MCAT scores to review your application. Submitting now would be a good idea though as AMCAS can review it.

What. The. ****. Why is SDN full of people giving ****ty advice without an explanation? A 2 point increase in MCAT could easily be the difference between no acceptances and 5 for the OP.

Edit: Sorry, unclear. The third response was an example of an appropriate advice. As in, more accurate and provides reasoning.

 

[Ismet]

What. The. ****. Why is SDN full of people giving ****ty advice without an explanation? A 2 point increase in MCAT could easily be the difference between no acceptances and 5 for the OP.

Edit: Sorry, unclear. The third response was an example of an appropriate advice. As in, more accurate and provides reasoning.

Yes, there is no doubt that someone will have a better shot with a higher MCAT score. But the chances of an increase in score with a retake is not usually in the favor of the person. There is data on this from AAMC, I just can't link to it because I'm on my phone.

 

[jw3600]

Yes, there is no doubt that someone will have a better shot with a higher MCAT score. But the chances of an increase in score with a retake is not usually in the favor of the person. There is data on this from AAMC, I just can't link to it because I'm on my phone.

We both commented (in agreement) in a thread earlier this week about someone re-taking a 35. In most of those cases, risks>benefits. Retaking a 31 with proper preparation and practice test scores above 31 is a clear example of risks<benefits. The difference in the amount of applicants that go unaccepted with a 31 vs. a 33 is ****-ing huge. The difference in the amount of applicants that go unaccepted with a 35 vs. 37 is straight negligible.

 

[Noggin]

What. The. ****. Why is SDN full of people giving ****ty advice without an explanation? A 2 point increase in MCAT could easily be the difference between no acceptances and 5 for the OP.

Edit: Sorry, unclear. The third response was an example of an appropriate advice. As in, more accurate and provides reasoning.

Yeah and a 2 point decrease could be automatic rejection. It is up to whether the OP wants to take the risk or not. No need to use profanity on SDN.

 

[jw3600]

Yeah and a 2 point decrease could be automatic rejection. It is up to whether the OP wants to take the risk or not. No need to use profanity on SDN.

Considering OP has a decent chance not to get any into any MD schools in the first place, a risk that is most likely worth it. Although, agreed that any scenario regarding risk (really anything in life) is always up to the individual.

Edit: Re-read your response to OP. "mid to upper thirties"? on practice exams. Seems a bit high. If OP took 9 practice exams and they were all 32-34 than a re-take is probably worth it. He never needs to score over 35 on a practice exam to make a re-take worth it.

2nd edit: IMO.

 

[Ismet]

We both commented (in agreement) in a thread earlier this week about someone re-taking a 35. In most of those cases, risks>benefits. Retaking a 31 with proper preparation and practice test scores above 31 is a clear example of risks<benefits. The difference in the amount of applicants that go unaccepted with a 31 vs. a 33 is ****-ing huge. The difference in the amount of applicants that go unaccepted with a 35 vs. 37 is straight negligible.

I know. I'm just saying that some of the people that discouraged a retake had ground to stand on. You just seemed to be overreacting a bit there.

 

[jw3600]

I know. I'm just saying that some of the people that discouraged a retake had ground to stand on. You just seemed to be overreacting a bit there.

Fair. I hate the lack of reasoning though. It is just posting for the sake of posting.

 

[Noggin]

Considering OP has a decent chance not to get any into any MD schools in the first place, a risk that is most likely worth it. Although, agreed that any scenario regarding risk (really anything in life) is always up to the individual.

I see your point. Fair enough 🙂

 

[Noggin]

Fair. I hate the lack of reasoning though. It is just posting for the sake of posting.

I also want to point out that my answer discouraged a retake unless the OP was scoring "mid to upper thirties" on the MCAT. So my answer was conditional. The OP said that he/she was scoring 34.5 on practice tests after I gave my bit of advice. Now that I have this new information I agree that he/she probably SHOULD retake. I understand where you are coming from jw3600 that the OP may not have had any shot at med school without a retake.

 

[jw3600]

I also want to point out that my answer discouraged a retake unless the OP was scoring "mid to upper thirties" on the MCAT. So my answer was conditional. The OP said that he/she was scoring 34.5 on practice tests after I gave my bit of advice. Now that I have this new information I agree that he/she probably SHOULD retake. I understand where you are coming from jw3600 that the OP may not have had any shot at med school without a retake.

Agreed. I also added an edit to my above post basically saying what you just said. Maybe with a lower bar, but same overall message.

 

[mirimonster]

AMCAS will hold your application for new MCAT scores (which is the whole point of retaking the MCAT - if you don't want them to hold it then you're essentially cool with schools looking at your old score, so what's the point?) Schools will read your app when it is complete - with new scores.

 

[zipideedoodah]

AMCAS will hold your application for new MCAT scores (which is the whole point of retaking the MCAT - if you don't want them to hold it then you're essentially cool with schools looking at your old score, so what's the point?) Schools will read your app when it is complete - with new scores.

Yeah that's what I'm concerned about. Currently I'm signed up for the June 20th exam, so the score won't come out until lat July. Even then I think June 20 might be too soon, so if I retake in July, scores won't come out until August. Even with a higher score, isn't that considered a later application?

So is...
31 MCAT + June Submission < Higher MCAT + Late July/August Submission?
31 MCAT + June Submission > Higher MCAT + Late July/August Submission?
31 MCAT + June Submission = Higher MCAT + Late July/August Submission?

 

[tn4596]

Late app + high mcat is way better

Assuming u score at least 2 pt higher of course.
Why not just apply while waiting for mcat result? You r gambling with a retake anyway might as well go all the way.

 

[mirimonster]

Yeah that's what I'm concerned about. Currently I'm signed up for the June 20th exam, so the score won't come out until lat July. Even then I think June 20 might be too soon, so if I retake in July, scores won't come out until August. Even with a higher score, isn't that considered a later application?

So is...
31 MCAT + June Submission < Higher MCAT + Late July/August Submission?
31 MCAT + June Submission > Higher MCAT + Late July/August Submission?
31 MCAT + June Submission = Higher MCAT + Late July/August Submission?

You can prewrite all secondaries while waiting for your results, so you can turn them around as soon as they come in. If you do that diligently, you won't be too late, but it's easier said than done. But if you're going to go for the retake, do it so you know you'll do significantly better.

 

[radkat101]

How does the rest of your app look? This whole thread has been based on the assumption that schools only care about a gpa and mcat score.

 

[zipideedoodah]

You can prewrite all secondaries while waiting for your results, so you can turn them around as soon as they come in. If you do that diligently, you won't be too late, but it's easier said than done. But if you're going to go for the retake, do it so you know you'll do significantly better.

That's actually a great idea, thanks!

Another question: What if I check the box on the app that says I'm going to retake, but either end up deciding not to after I submit, or void the retake?

 

[mirimonster]

That's actually a great idea, thanks!

Another question: What if I check the box on the app that says I'm going to retake, but either end up deciding not to after I submit, or void the retake?

I'm pretty sure if that happens, you just edit in in Amcas and then it should be transmitted to schools as soon as it's verified. I've never done this before, though, so you may want to check the amcas instructions to be sure.

 

[zipideedoodah]

How does the rest of your app look? This whole thread has been based on the assumption that schools only care about a gpa and mcat score.

I'm not URM and I'm a CA resident, so I already have that going against me lol

As far as ECs go that's probably my strength since I'm a non-traditional application, but I'm definitely aware that they definitely won't overcome my mediocre GPA and MCAT.

I have my MPH, 4 years clinical research experience, 1 second author pub, 1 poster presentation at a conference, 300+ hrs volunteering (ER, OR, Urgent Care, Hospice), 2 years peer health educator, 4 years as a high school/middle teacher, 2 years tutoring kids with learning deficits, shadowed 3 physicians, etc.

I think I have a good chance for DO, MD will be a stretch.

 

[radkat101]

You have a great shot at DO and outside of California I think you have a pretty good shot at MD if you apply broadly. There is nothing mediocre about a 31 mcat either, that's like 83rd percentile. I guess if you can see yourself doing much better on a retake, knowing you just had a really bad day your first time around then you could try again. Did you have an upward trend in your gpa? Is there any reason for schools to doubt your proficiency in upper level sciences?

 

[zipideedoodah]

You have a great shot at DO and outside of California I think you have a pretty good shot at MD if you apply broadly. There is nothing mediocre about a 31 mcat either, that's like 83rd percentile. I guess if you can see yourself doing much better on a retake, knowing you just had a really bad day your first time around then you could try again. Did you have an upward trend in your gpa? Is there any reason for schools to doubt your proficiency in upper level sciences?

I'm thinking about submitting my DO app and not telling them I'm retaking... and submitting my MD app and checking the re-take box. Is that legal? haha


Yeah I did horribly freshman year. Here's my GPA trend.
cGPA: 3.14, 3.63, 3.72, 3.75
sGPA: 3.22, 3.59, 3.57, 3.67

 

[ilovemedi]

I had the same question. I'm submitting amcas within next 2 weeks, but my score is NOT competitive at all (i.e. ~23). I'm retaking next month and am confident I'll be above 30. My question: do I apply just to 1 school I don't want to go to, then add more once the new score comes?

 

[Ismet]

I had the same question. I'm submitting amcas within next 2 weeks, but my score is NOT competitive at all. I'm retaking next month and am confident I'll be above 30. My question: do I apply just to 1 school I don't want to go to, then add more once the new score comes?

Yes that's fine.

 

[zipideedoodah]

So I'm contemplating submitting this week and a retake on the July 26 date... scores will come out Aug 27. Is that too late? Ah!

 

[badooda]

Even if schools won't have received your score until August, they still would send out secondaries in July, right? They start looking at your whole application to make a decision only when the secondaries are received too, no?

I'm on a similar boat. Got a 30 (10 on each section), Gpa is 3.49 overall, sGPA is 3.5-6ish. Upward trend in my grades (gpa first semeter/year was ~3.2, and my last semester/year was ~3.8-9). I was planning on retaking mcats on july 13th, but havent had the time to start studying all over again (I took my first MCATS in March of this year). After reading this thread, I'm questioning if I really need to take it. Any advice would be great help 🙂

A little more about me: I'm a VA resident. Born in the US, but grew up in a third world country (if that matters). I've shadowed doctors in hospitals, and at NIH while I'm working there as a research fellow. Done a lot research (3 publications currently in the works, 1 poster presentation). I also tutored kids/ other college students in college, and worked at a free clinic during the summers.

 

[Ismet]

Even if schools won't have received your score until August, they still would send out secondaries in July, right? They start looking at your whole application to make a decision only when the secondaries are received too, no?

I'm on a similar boat. Got a 30 (10 on each section), Gpa is 3.49 overall, sGPA is 3.5-6ish. Upward trend in my grades (gpa first semeter/year was ~3.2, and my last semester/year was ~3.8-9). I was planning on retaking mcats on july 13th, but havent had the time to start studying all over again (I took my first MCATS in March of this year). After reading this thread, I'm questioning if I really need to take it. Any advice would be great help 🙂

A little more about me: I'm a VA resident. Born in the US, but grew up in a third world country (if that matters). I've shadowed doctors in hospitals, and at NIH while I'm working there as a research fellow. Done a lot research (3 publications currently in the works, 1 poster presentation). I also tutored kids/ other college students in college, and worked at a free clinic during the summers.

Some of the schools that don't screen and just send secondaries to anyone who puts the school on AMCAS might send you a secondary, but many schools only send secondaries to people above a certain MCAT or GPA cutoff, and others are even more selective.