Should I Retake a 513 MCAT with a low CARS?

[neurotypicalemt302]

I recently got back my score being 513 (130/124/128/131), and I’m being terrorized by the idea of retaking. I keep leaning one side or the other and I am not sure which choice is better. My full lengths were 508, 508, 512,515,516 and I’ve used all of them. My CARS was within the 125-127 range.

I’m looking to apply MD 2025-2026 cycle, my gpa is 3.93 and I’ve got some decent ECs, should I retake for the low CARS? (Not Canadian btw), I plan on applying broadly as I have saved up a lot for this

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[ecobio]

i wouldnt retake. the advice ive heard is, unless you are CONFIDENT you can score 6+ on the retake, it is a net negative because you couldve focused your time bolstering ECs etc. 513 is a great score, you should be proud!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

i wouldnt retake. the advice ive heard is, unless you are CONFIDENT you can score 6+ on the retake, it is a net negative because you couldve focused your time bolstering ECs etc. 513 is a great score, you should be proud!

I generally say +10 (3 SD's from variability of 3 points). But I concur, you shouldn't retake unless explicitly told to do so. Your score fits comfortably in the middle of your FL practice scores.

 

[neurotypicalemt302]

i wouldnt retake. the advice ive heard is, unless you are CONFIDENT you can score 6+ on the retake, it is a net negative because you couldve focused your time bolstering ECs etc. 513 is a great score, you should be proud!

thanks for the advice, I appreciate your input, I will probably not retake unless I have time later and can perform considerably better on CARS

 

[neurotypicalemt302]

I generally say +10 (3 SD's from variability of 3 points). But I concur, you shouldn't retake unless explicitly told to do so. Your score fits comfortably in the middle of your FL practice scores.

thanks for your advice, is the 124 CARS going to be an issue? although my score was around my average FLs, I can change that with more practice if I chose to retake in the future

 

[Mr.Smile12]

thanks for your advice, is the 124 CARS going to be an issue? although my score was around my average FLs, I can change that with more practice if I chose to retake in the future

No solid evidence shows medical schools consider 124 CARS negatively for an application review.

 

[LeaveNoTrace]

I generally say +10 (3 SD's from variability of 3 points). But I concur, you shouldn't retake unless explicitly told to do so. Your score fits comfortably in the middle of your FL practice scores.

When I was an MCAT tutor, I said +5 or +6 on two consecutive official AAMC practice tests.