rewriting mcat three.... perhaps four times. Confused.

[canadianofpeace]

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Hi all, first mcat 25. Second mcat 29. Debating rewriting this august in an attempt for a ~33. However, the schools I want to apply to require the 2015 MCAT next cycle. I would have to rewrite again if I don't get in. Are the chances of getting into US MD nearly impossible with 3-4 MCAT writes?

 

[sobored]

What is your purpose for retaking the exam? Were your practice test scores much higher and you just had a couple of off days? Are you a foreign applicant and need higher scores? Depending on your state/GPA/situation, a 29 might be OK for you.

 

[Plecopotamus]

Hi all, first mcat 25. Second mcat 29. Debating rewriting this august in an attempt for a ~33. However, the schools I want to apply to require the 2015 MCAT next cycle. I would have to rewrite again if I don't get in. Are the chances of getting into US MD nearly impossible with 3-4 MCAT writes?

With a 29 as a Canadian your chances at MD admission are so low that it's probably not a worthwhile concern to ask whether it would make your chances worse. In that regard, go for the retake if you believe you could really do much better, but only if you have real reason to believe that's the case.

You should seriously consider applying to DO programs. They'll be much more receptive to a 29 and if you can pull it higher, even better.

 

[canadianofpeace]

With a 29 as a Canadian your chances at MD admission are so low that it's probably not a worthwhile concern to ask whether it would make your chances worse. In that regard, go for the retake if you believe you could really do much better, but only if you have real reason to believe that's the case.

You should seriously consider applying to DO programs. They'll be much more receptive to a 29 and if you can pull it higher, even better.

I've actually interviewed at 2 schools before (Calgary and BC). MCAT isn't worth much there. My ECs are very good. My friends were also accepted to UBC with MCAT scores of 25, 25 and 27 haha. Considering retaking MCAT for Alberta. I know I can do better, but I fear for American schools...even if I score ~33 or 34 I fear I won't be looked upon well

 

[canadianofpeace]

What is your purpose for retaking the exam? Were your practice test scores much higher and you just had a couple of off days? Are you a foreign applicant and need higher scores? Depending on your state/GPA/situation, a 29 might be OK for you.

University of Alberta. MCAT is worth 13% there. Only weak part of my app (Average = 32.5). First time I studied like a complete idiot, second time I only had 4 weeks to study (very long story). I know I could do better but I fear being DQd by US MD schools. I feel I could score a 33 at the very least

 

[Plecopotamus]

I've actually interviewed at 2 schools before (Calgary and BC). MCAT isn't worth much there. My ECs are very good. My friends were also accepted to UBC with MCAT scores of 25, 25 and 27 haha. Considering retaking MCAT for Alberta. I know I can do better, but I fear for American schools...even if I score ~33 or 34 I fear I won't be looked upon well

My response was with regards to applying to American programs as you asked about US MD. You may have been interviewed with that score for Canadian schools, and Americans might receive interviews for US MD programs with a 29. However, Canadian applicants typically need to be above the median to receive serious consideration by US MD schools.

 

[canadianofpeace]

My response was with regards to applying to American MD programs.

My bad. Yes I am a bit unsure as to what to do..

 

[Plecopotamus]

My bad. Yes I am a bit unsure as to what to do..

Apply to DO programs.

When are you going to be prepared to do another retake if you do it? Is it something you've already studied enough to do (i.e. you're getting >33 on your practice exams)? Something you think you could pull off in a month? Longer?

 

[canadianofpeace]

Apply to DO programs.

When are you going to be prepared to do another retake if you do it? Is it something you've already studied enough to do (i.e. you're getting >33 on your practice exams)? Something you think you could pull off in a month? Longer?

hard for me to justify DO and all the troubles I will face as a DO when I can get so close to MD in Canada 🙁

EDIT: I could probably pull it out by August 27th

 

[Omppu27]

hard for me to justify DO and all the troubles I will face as a DO when I can get so close to MD in Canada 🙁

EDIT: I could probably pull it out by August 27th

Do you want to practice in the US? Unless you want to practice big time academic medicine, The degree DOES. NOT. MATTER. Go where you think you'll get the best medical education for YOU.

 

[aspirantmed]

What the previous commenters said; if you're set on U.S. M.D., you're probably best off re-taking the MCAT and aiming to improve by 3-4 points, at least. Also apply D.O. so that you can cover your bases and prevent having to reapply the following cycle. Unless your practice tests indicate that you'll likely score either the same or worse, it's in your best interest to study hard over the next few months and retake by mid-summer or so.

 

[moop]

hard for me to justify DO and all the troubles I will face as a DO when I can get so close to MD in Canada 🙁

EDIT: I could probably pull it out by August 27th

You're not exactly in a position to be making choices with those scores. Be realistic.

 

[canadianofpeace]

Do you want to practice in the US? Unless you want to practice big time academic medicine, The degree DOES. NOT. MATTER. Go where you think you'll get the best medical education for YOU.

I want to practice anything other than family medicine in Canada. Seems impossible for DOs

You're not exactly in a position to be making choices with those scores. Be realistic.

For US, sure. For Canada (BC/AB) I have a decent chance still.

Rule of thumb across most adcoms is three strikes, so the 3rd MCAT is the last one. I suggest skipping the cycle, working on why you are not doing well on MCAT, repair that deficiency and then retake 2015[/QUOTE]

Yup this is what I feared

 

[Omppu27]

I want to practice anything other than family medicine in Canada. Seems impossible for DOs

Well, i don't know how it is in Canada, but in the US DOs are certainly not limited to practicing family medicine... Although DOs might gravitate toward primary care, there are plenty of DOs in surgery and other types of specialties.