Retaking the MCAT while applying

[Member1997]

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I'm applying to medical school this cycle with a 510 MCAT score (127/124/128/131) and 3.98 uGPA in molecular biology, but I'm retaking it on July 19th (score comes back August 20th). I applied last cycle and didn't get a single II, so I felt like it was necessary to retake my MCAT. I'm currently sitting around the 517 range and hoping to get into the 520s on my actual MCAT. My gap year will most likely consist of cancer research at the Feinberg SOM. My question is when should I submit my secondaries? I've already starting receiving a bunch but will it look better if I send in my secondary with a new MCAT score or submit my secondaries ASAP and then have the schools receive my MCAT score after submitting my secondary? Would a 516+ outweigh a later secondary submission?? Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Toutie]

If you didn't get a single II last time, there is something wrong with your app that a new MCAT will not fix.

Where did you apply? What state are you from? Did you have the proper ECs?

 

[Member1997]

I applied to a lot of top 20 schools, but also UIC (512 average last year) and loyola (508 average last year) , which are in my state (Illinois). I find it hard to believe that a new MCAT won't fix this in any way, as my CARS score was a 124. All due respect, I think you're wrong since schools such as UIC and loyola experienced a 2 point MCAT score bump this year (and I'm guessing that happened to many other schools as well) -- in turn, retaking the MCAT is necessary. I think you are right in that I did not have the proper ECs - yet. When I was applying, I was ABOUT to work at 2 jobs that were involved with the school and research; however, I did not start them, which likely made it easy to overlook those experiences for med schools. I heard about some 2 week rule about submitting the secondary 2 weeks before your MCAT score comes back but I'm unsure if this is valid.

 

[chemdoctor]

You’re asking for advice, and you’re telling people they’re wrong.

In all honesty, a bad school list and bad ECs, and maybe some poor essays (?) are probably what didn’t get you an II. I doubt it was your MCAT score.

Anyway.

@Goro thoughts???

 

[Toutie]

I applied to a lot of top 20 schools, but also UIC (512 average last year) and loyola (508 average last year) , which are in my state (Illinois). I find it hard to believe that a new MCAT won't fix this in any way, as my CARS score was a 124. All due respect, I think you're wrong since schools such as UIC and loyola experienced a 2 point MCAT score bump this year (and I'm guessing that happened to many other schools as well) -- in turn, retaking the MCAT is necessary. I think you are right in that I did not have the proper ECs - yet. When I was applying, I was ABOUT to work at 2 jobs that were involved with the school and research; however, I did not start them, which likely made it easy to overlook those experiences for med schools. I heard about some 2 week rule about submitting the secondary 2 weeks before your MCAT score comes back but I'm unsure if this is valid.

What did your ECs look like when you applied last year?

 

[Goro]

I applied to a lot of top 20 schools, but also UIC (512 average last year) and loyola (508 average last year) , which are in my state (Illinois). I find it hard to believe that a new MCAT won't fix this in any way, as my CARS score was a 124. All due respect, I think you're wrong since schools such as UIC and loyola experienced a 2 point MCAT score bump this year (and I'm guessing that happened to many other schools as well) -- in turn, retaking the MCAT is necessary. I think you are right in that I did not have the proper ECs - yet. When I was applying, I was ABOUT to work at 2 jobs that were involved with the school and research; however, I did not start them, which likely made it easy to overlook those experiences for med schools. I heard about some 2 week rule about submitting the secondary 2 weeks before your MCAT score comes back but I'm unsure if this is valid.

Even a 124 CARS isn't lethal. I suspect that something else is going on with your app.

Have DO schools on your list.

You submit your secondaries when you have the best possible app, even if it means skipping an app cycle.

Rewrite all your essays and have multiple eyeballs vet them.

 

[DokterMom]

If you didn't get a single II last time, there is something wrong with your app that a new MCAT will not fix.

Normally this would be accurate advice, but in your case, you applied to Top 20's with a 510 and unimpressive ECs, which isn't going to get you there. Your application strategy last year was not appropriate for the strength of your application, and unfortunately, you're now a re-applicant at schools where you might now (but not then) have a decent shot.

OK - so this year:

1. You're re-taking the MCAT in two weeks. Make getting a top score your #1 priority right now. Forget about secondaries until you've taken the test.
2. Once you've taken your MCAT, start filling in the secondaries. For any schools where your 510 wasn't competitive (most on your list, it sounds like), note that you've retaken the test and should have a new score available August 20th. Hope they care enough to look.
3. Pay a lot of attention to your secondaries - they're important! @Toutie's point about something else being wrong with your app may mean (often does) that your writing didn't hit the spot.
4. Watch the school-specific threads for the schools you've applied at. Your new MCAT score, if it's good, gives you a good excuse for an update. Plan to use it, timed strategically for after you see the first round of interviews go out.

Good luck to you --

 

[chlorocruorin]

I'm applying to medical school this cycle with a 510 MCAT score (127/124/128/131) and 3.98 uGPA in molecular biology, but I'm retaking it on July 19th (score comes back August 20th). I applied last cycle and didn't get a single II, so I felt like it was necessary to retake my MCAT. I'm currently sitting around the 517 range and hoping to get into the 520s on my actual MCAT. My gap year will most likely consist of cancer research at the Feinberg SOM. My question is when should I submit my secondaries? I've already starting receiving a bunch but will it look better if I send in my secondary with a new MCAT score or submit my secondaries ASAP and then have the schools receive my MCAT score after submitting my secondary? Would a 516+ outweigh a later secondary submission?? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Your app will not be considered complete until everything is done. Strategically you should wait for your mcat (if your set on retaking it) bc it would be a waste of money from Secondaries. As others have said your app is lacking in something. Maybe your PS, , LORs, or volunteer hours idk. But stat wise you should’ve received some interviews. I’d focus on that.

 

[JustAUser]

But stat wise you should’ve received some interviews

...if you apply to schools where your stats are competitive

 

[chlorocruorin]

...if you apply to schools where your stats are competitive

Also very true ^^^