Good Evening Everyone, I took the MCAT and did pretty badly. 10V 9P 10B 29Q total. I'm signed up to retake the MCAT in July. Should I check the box on the AAMCAs saying that I'm taking the MCAT in the future? I've heard that a lot of schools will just ignore my application until the new scores come in if I do this. I don't want to lose out on the advantage of applying in June. Or should I just leave the box blank... hoping that I can still get interviews based on my 29Q score and then be able to present my (hopefully) better MCAT score in late August. Thanks in advance for the replies.
First of all with a 10V, 9P, 10B, Q, you will get interviews if you apply broadly. So do not focus too much on that, assuming that you have good LOR's, good GPA (3.7 at least I'd say) and a very good essay. Now if you want to apply to top tier schools, retaking the MCAT is necessary i.e. you need a score of 32 or higher. Taking the exam in July and getting your score in August is still within the reasonable timeline. So letting them know that you are retaking the exam is not a bad idea if you want them to consider your new, "higher" score. You will definitely need to return your secondaries ASAP when you get them so you can be complete by mid-sept. I think you are on the right track.
First off, I'd say apply, but just apply broadly, and to less of the schools with average mcats of 35. Second off, If you don't check the box, you will be effectively cheating the system. A very dishonest thing to do, even the AAMC says "you must let us know, if you change your mind after you submit." So saying "I decided after I submitted" won't work. Best case scenario, you do well and boast it during interviews. Worse case scenario, you do even worse, and get more screwed as they now think you can't do better even with a second chance, which will force you to try a third time. Worst case scenario, they blacklist you from every medical school. Good luck
29Q is not a bad performance. The median for matriculants is ~30! Plus, your scores are well balanced. Realistically do you feel you performed less than optimal because of poor preparation or unusual circumstances during the test? Unless you can post a dramatic increase in your score I don't see it being worth the hassle or the risk.
