Should I mark that I'm retaking the MCAT?

[trojanpremed]

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Hi,
I think this question has been asked before but if anyone could give advice to my situation I would appreciate it.
So I am almost ready to send in my AACOMAS primary but I am wondering if I should mark that I'm retaking the MCAT. I have taken the MCAT twice and got a 22 and 21 (I did lower the second time).

PS/VR/BS
22: 6/10/6
21: 5/8/8
I was really disappointed with my second score because on the AAMC and Kaplan practice tests I was averaging a 25-26.
I am retaking in January and will solely be studying until then.

I have a 3.7 non science GPA, 3.1 science GPA, and 3.6 cumulative GPA. I have good ECs and LORs.

I know a 22 /21 is a very very low score so do you think I have any shot of getting in anywhere with those scores?
Would it be better to NOT mark that I'm retaking in hopes of getting considered with my current score (but risk getting flat out rejected) or mark that I'm retaking and risk it being too late in the cycle to be considered (since scores will come out in feb)? I'm always hearing that January or later is really late in the cycle so that's why I'm so concerned.

EDIT: I am considering waiting until next cycle BUT if I do apply this cycle:
If I sent in my primary after receiving my new MCAT score in February would I have a stronger chance (considering my new MCAT is 28-30)? I know it would be very late in the cycle...but would my application look stronger if I sent it in later with a good MCAT and decent GPAs compared to sending it in now with bad MCAT and decent GPA?

 

[SkipJunior]

You have to choose between a rock and a hard place. Also certain schools like Nova, Campbell etc will make a decision to give you a II or not even if you've mentioned in AACOMAS that you will be retaking the MCAT. They won't place your app on hold.

The chance of you being accepted is quite low. Your highest chances are with schools like Liberty and Marian.

 

[AlteredScale]

Hi,
I think this question has been asked before but if anyone could give advice to my situation I would appreciate it.
So I am almost ready to send in my AACOMAS primary but I am wondering if I should mark that I'm retaking the MCAT. I have taken the MCAT twice and got a 22 and 21 (I did lower the second time).

PS/VR/BS
22: 6/10/6
21: 5/8/8
I was really disappointed with my second score because on the AAMC and Kaplan practice tests I was averaging a 25-26.
I am retaking in January and will solely be studying until then.

I have a 3.7 non science GPA, 3.1 science GPA, and 3.6 cumulative GPA. I have good ECs and LORs.

I know a 22 /21 is a very very low score so do you think I have any shot of getting in anywhere with those scores?
Would it be better to NOT mark that I'm retaking in hopes of getting considered with my current score (but risk getting flat out rejected) or mark that I'm retaking and risk it being too late in the cycle to be considered (since scores will come out in feb)? I'm always hearing that January or later is really late in the cycle so that's why I'm so concerned.

I'm going to be real with you, I believe a 21 is too low to apply. Additionally with having an okay sGPA I think you are taking too much of a risk.

Best bet is to retake your MCAT in January, and from Jan to June retake some of your science courses to strengthen that sGPA then apply for the 2015-2016 cycle. I believe that would be best for your application and ability to receive an acceptance. But I'm just one opinion!

 

[hallowmann]

Yes, absolutely mark that you're planning a retake. 22 is very low and it won't even pass most of the initial screens, if you at least say you're retaking, it might prevent schools from outright rejecting you.

EDIT: If you are willing to wait until next year, I would. It's unlikely you'll get in anywhere with that score. Save your money and apply more broadly next cycle with a higher score.

 

[Fargofargo]

Agree with above. Most schools will screen you out with a 22/3.1sgpa.

 

[hallowmann]

It'll look the same either way. That said, I wouldn't apply yet anyways. If you end up getting a 28/30, great! But if you don't, you will have wasted a lot of money for nothing.

Your best bet is to apply early and broadly with a higher MCAT.