Should I retake a 523?

[AnotherLawyer]

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Hey guys, it's April 1 which means there's barely a month until AMCAS opens, which in turn is making me pretty nervous. I was initially happy with my MCAT score, but after some reflection I think that my section score breakdown is quite troubling. With a 130/131/131/131 I haven't really shown a mastery of any one section. If we're being completely honest, it screams mediocrity. I got a 132 on CARS on FL1 and FL2 and 30/30 on the OG. I'm pretty sure on a retake I can get a 132, which I think would really make an impact.

This may seem a little excessive at first glance, but my ECs are also a little thin. I'm a non-trad and aside from my time in the military and clerking for Clarence Thomas after law school, it's all pretty cookie cutter. At first I was counting on an LOR from Justice Thomas, but someone on the student doctor high school network said as a non-MD/scientist, his LOR would carry very little weight. This poster had several hundred "likes" so I am confident his advice is sound.

Because of the weak ECs, I think I really need to do better than average on the MCAT. Thoughts?

 

[CharlieBillings]

It's true that with weaker ECs you're going to need to demonstrate that you bring something else to the table. Having a mastery of even a single section of the MCAT could help, but frankly at this point it might be a good idea to submit high scores from other exams (LSAT, GRE, etc.).

And yeah that LOR won't mean much. Try shadowing 3 different doctors in different specialities for 1-2 days each and get 3 LORs there. That will show that you have a good and well rounded knowledge of medical practice (try and get 1 surgeon and 1 medical specialty).

 

[@Hazel-rah]

The humble brag has found a new dimension. Thanks for a laugh in the middle of a s****y night shift.

 

[CharlieBillings]

The humble brag has found a new dimension. Thanks for a laugh in the middle of a s****y night shift.

Hook, line, and sinker!

 

[banthapug]

You've got to be kidding me.

 

[kamakazi5]

Lol at anyone who falls for this. Check your calendars.

 

[Salmanium Chloride]

Nope nope nope. No hope here. Straight to SGU for you, buddy.

 

[Turkishking]

What's with all the troll posts tonight?

 

[kamakazi5]

What's with all the troll posts tonight?

Check the date. People just having some fun.

 

[Luka75]

Mentioning that it's April 1st gave you away...

 

[SouthernGent]

You might make it to Ross, but you will probably waitlisted first.

 

[libertyyne]

Have you thought about DO schools?

 

[joe7456]

missing 1-2 points is like missing 1-2 patients in your career and this is unacceptable as you must make no mistakes when practicing unless you want to pay for malpractice insurance... your ECs are a major red flag. I'd consider getting a LOR from your state Governor over Judge Justice. Overall, you stand a chance at the Caribbean schools. But I wouldn't bank on a stellar job coming out-- you may end up working in a clinic such as locations in deserted areas like Odon Indiana. You really set the bar low for us this time man.

 

[LePepe]

You should definitely do it if you want a higher LePepe score.

 

[sullen-burger]

Hey guys, it's April 1 which means there's barely a month until AMCAS opens, which in turn is making me pretty nervous. I was initially happy with my MCAT score, but after some reflection I think that my section score breakdown is quite troubling. With a 130/131/131/131 I haven't really shown a mastery of any one section. If we're being completely honest, it screams mediocrity. I got a 132 on CARS on FL1 and FL2 and 30/30 on the OG. I'm pretty sure on a retake I can get a 132, which I think would really make an impact.

This may seem a little excessive at first glance, but my ECs are also a little thin. I'm a non-trad and aside from my time in the military and clerking for Clarence Thomas after law school, it's all pretty cookie cutter. At first I was counting on an LOR from Justice Thomas, but someone on the student doctor high school network said as a non-MD/scientist, his LOR would carry very little weight. This poster had several hundred "likes" so I am confident his advice is sound.

Because of the weak ECs, I think I really need to do better than average on the MCAT. Thoughts?

First of all-- awesome post. Loved it. I especially loved how you opened with april first as being somehow important to your question. Top choice kek.


Second, I'm also waiting on Justice Thomas to RSVP so regardless of koalifactions, I wouldn't hold your breath on that one.

 

[breezy1245]

You should definitely do it if you want a higher LePepe score.

 

[Str3ampaw]

I think you should retake. You can probably get in somewhere with the 523 but improving even a single point at that range is SO hard. If you do it, adcoms will be so impressed 🙂

 

[AnotherLawyer]

Thanks for all the excellent advice! From what I'm hearing I should probably stock up on sunscreen because I'm likely headed to the Caribbean.

 

[Astra]

Definitely. 523 indicates that you aren't capable of achieving a perfect score and that will not get an admission. You NEED a 528, otherwise they will think you are a failure.

 

[LePepe]

Definitely. 523 indicates that you aren't capable of achieving a perfect score and that will not get an admission. You NEED a 528, otherwise they will think you are a failure.

Exactly. You can't make mistakes when someone's life is at stake. Anything less than a 528 means you made a mistake.

 

[pioneer22]

I think I'm going to start a thread: "SHOULD I RETAKE A 527????"

 

[LePepe]

I think I'm going to start a thread: "SHOULD I RETAKE A 527????"

Yes. See my post above.