Several Questions...

[jiujitsuchick]

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I got a 26Q the first time I took the MCAT. This was with virtually no prep work and at a time in my life when I was under a lot of stress. I am planning to take it again this spring and I am considering taking the Kaplan course. Now that you've got the background, here are my questions. What sort of goal should I set for a competitive score? Is the Kaplan course worth the money? (I am a very classroom oriented person with the ability to teach myself, but I lack the discipline to sit down and do workbooks.) And lastly will it be frowned upon to take the test twice? Please give me any information you have. Thanks so much...

 

[jebus]

Now that you've got the background, here are my questions. What sort of goal should I set for a competitive score? Thanks so much...

Sorry, I don't know the answers to your other questions. But I think a 30+ is generally considered good/competitive. A 30 is about 80th percentile, and it's pretty much the average of matriculants in Allopathic medical schools in the US. Allegedly it's better to be balanced. A 10 VR, 10 PS, 10 BS looks better than an 7 VR, 10 PS, 13 BS. Of course, the better you do the better it looks. Also, depending on your GPA, ECs, LORs, a good MCAT can make up for a poor GPA - within reason.
Your goal should be do to the best you can do and to successfully showcase your knowledge and critical thinking ability. Personally, I think a specific goal (all 11's, if that's what you want) is good. I set a goal for myself, it was good motivation, and it was satisfying to achieve it.
Good luck!