Retaking MCAT?

[AverageMan]

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I'm considering retaking the MCAT in august for the entering class fall 2004 applying cycle. I got a 32R (10,11,11) when I took it last august (I took it early), and I felt it was decent enough to at least get a few interviews at some top 20 schools, but now I know I'm screwed in that regard. There's a month left in which I could cram hardcore for it, but would it be worth it? I've already filled out and submitted the AMCAS which I indicated that I wouldn't be taking the august MCAT but I could change that (with a lot of headaches). Plus I also want to consider how schools will treat my application if they know I'm retaking the MCAT, will they wait to look at it even though I already have a set of scores? Also, how would a lower score be looked at? Do schools look at the most recent score? Highest score? Highest composite score? Average? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[zinjanthropus]

why did you decide that you are 'screwed'?

A 32 is good score, almost is the 90th percentile. If you were able to elevate it to a 34 you would be in the 90th percentile, but I still don't think that the score or 32 will be the reason why you don't get an interview - it just won't be the reason why you do get an interview either.

 

[thackl]

Originally posted by zinjanthropus
why did you decide that you are 'screwed'?

A 32 is good score, almost is the 90th percentile. If you were able to elevate it to a 34 you would be in the 90th percentile, but I still don't think that the score or 32 will be the reason why you don't get an interview - it just won't be the reason why you do get an interview either.

A 32 last April was 86.2-89.6% Close enough to 90% for me. If you have a good GPA, then the interview requests should come (even at top 20 schools).

I live in TX:

Baylor average: 33/3.8 #12 national ranking
Southwestern: 32/3.75 #17 national ranking

 

[smellycat]

yeah...that's a pretty solid score. You are definitely above the admitted average.
Also, I wouldn't mess around with the exam. There is a chance you'll do worse if you don't study as hard. And that would not be something you'd like. If you are going to take it again, take it at your own pace and do the best and hopefully better. But when I took the exam (about 2 years ago) that was pretty solid. Good luck.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Moving to MCAT Forum...

 

[Fermi]

I echo what zinjanthropus said--the 32 probably isn't "the" reason you didn't get an interview. A 32 (especially an even 10/11/11) is well within the average range of matriculating students at top 25 schools. A good rule of thumb is that double digits in all sections is good enough to make you a competitive applicant just about anywhere.

I went through a similar dilemma: I really didn't study for the MCAT at all, got a 34, and didn't get any acceptances. I knew I could do much better if I actually prepared for more than two days and retook the MCAT, but the advice I got from admissions officers and others was that I should concentrate on what was actually lacking instead of wasting my time worrying about a pretty good score. So I took a couple post-bacc classes to raise the GPA, and got into some clinical volunteer work. You should solicit some advice from similar sources to identify what may be the "weak points" in your application, and concentrate on bolstering those areas in your secondaries/interviews, since it's too late now to change your AMCAS. Best of luck!

 

[BandGeek]

I received a 29 on my first MCAT....I am registered for the August MCAT, but wonder if it is worth my time. I have a 4.0 plus many extracurriculars, volunteer hours, research, and national awards. I am leaning towards MSTP. Is retaking wasting time better spent on my AMACS?

 

[superk0725]

I would say that retaking the MCAT is not worth it unless you think you can/will improve your score by atleast 3 points. for a 1 or 2 point increase, it is not worth the effort and it will not make a difference in what interviews you get.