Should I retake a 37 MCAT?

[Karabo]

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I took the MCAT in 2013, and scored a 37. Unfortunately, I am not able to apply until 2016 (matriculate in 2017), and many schools only accept an MCAT taken 2 years prior to applying/3 years prior to matriculation. Out of the 70+ med schools I've researched so far, only about 20 schools will accept my MCAT when I apply in 2016. They are mostly top schools (Hopkins, U Penn, Vandy, etc), or low yield schools (BU, Jefferson). There aren't really many "safety" schools that accept an MCAT taken 3 years prior to application. Should I retake the MCAT, and risk not scoring as well as my first MCAT, but have more schools that I'm eligible to apply to?

 

[cactus8910]

What's your GPA? Are your ECs set? If you have the solid app to match your MCAT score, you might be okay applying only to top tier and low yield schools, plus whatever other schools will take your MCAT. It's hard to quantify how much of a risk that is, so ultimately it will be up to you. How much of a drain will taking the MCAT again be on your life?

 

[miamiheatfan]

If everything else on your app is above average and you don’t have any red flags, I agree with cactus and I’d take the risk and apply to every school that will take your MCAT. It’s your call

 

[Karabo]

What's your GPA? Are your ECs set? If you have the solid app to match your MCAT score, you might be okay applying only to top tier and low yield schools, plus whatever other schools will take your MCAT. It's hard to quantify how much of a risk that is, so ultimately it will be up to you. How much of a drain will taking the MCAT again be on your life?

My GPA is solid (3.9), and I think my ECs are good- research with pubs, shadowing, clinical and nonclinical volunteering, and I'm currently serving in the Peace Corps (which is why my MCAT will be old).

 

[northernlights15]

You're golden!! Aim high!

 

[cactus8910]

My GPA is solid (3.9), and I think my ECs are good- research with pubs, shadowing, clinical and nonclinical volunteering, and I'm currently serving in the Peace Corps (which is why my MCAT will be old).

Oh yeah, then I would say go ahead and apply with your old MCAT. Just make sure the schools who claim to take 3+ year-old MCAT scores won't be switching to only taking the new version of the MCAT.

 

[StudyLater]

If everything is set, why not just apply now and defer?

 

[Lawpy]

My GPA is solid (3.9), and I think my ECs are good- research with pubs, shadowing, clinical and nonclinical volunteering, and I'm currently serving in the Peace Corps (which is why my MCAT will be old).

As our lovable penguin in fluffy sweater pointed out, with your good stats and ECs, stick with the old MCAT and apply to top schools

Check list below from AAMC
https://www.aamc.org/students/download/398586/data/mcatexampolicy.pdf

Great link. Saved for reference.

You're golden!! Aim high!

#StolenGoroMessage

 

[northernlights15]

Hahahaha you're right @Lawper. I am on this site too much...

 

[Karabo]

Check list below from AAMC
https://www.aamc.org/students/download/398586/data/mcatexampolicy.pdf

thanks, that's a great resource!

 

[MrChance2]

I don't think people should run to far with this but I think at least some (maybe most) schools will bend rules like this if they love the applicant. I was actually missing what was listed as a hard requirement for a school I was accepted to and they never brought it up. I wouldn't retake personally. I think if a school has an MCAT average of 31 and GPA avg of 3.6 and they see a 3.9/37 with great research and ECs they will find a way. Also, applying to 20 schools with those stats should yield a few hits regardless of the schools.

 

[Nymphicus]

I wouldn't retake in your situation

 

[Karabo]

If everything is set, why not just apply now and defer?

I am currently serving, so it would be almost impossible to apply due to lack of reliable internet, and it would be hard (and expensive) to schedule interviews while abroad.

I didn't apply before I left because I would have had to defer for 3 years, and I heard med schools only usually allow 1 year deferments. I also wanted to be able to talk about Peace Corps in my applications/interviews.

 

[Karabo]

I would split the difference and email schools with your situation/request

That's my next step. Some websites say they have a strict cut-off, but I'm hoping that some (especially my state schools), will make an exception.

 

[Goro]

Agree 1000% with my young protégé. Good luck!

You're golden!! Aim high!

 

[UTUT]

Don't forget texas schools! 5 years validity from matriculation

https://www.tmdsas.com/medical/admissions_Tests.html

3.9/37 is so strong you shouldn't need many safety anyway, and should aim for top schools.