Should I retake MCAT?

[Sobek]

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Background: 2016 graduate with BS in chemistry. 3.8 GPA. >3000 clinical hours >500 volunteering

Predicament: I intend on applying to MD schools for 2020/2021 cycle and need advise on whether I should retake the MCAT. I’ve take the MCAT 3 times before:

505 on APR2015,
500 on Aug2015,
513 on 01Jun2017 (most recent)

I know MCATs expire after 3 years, and most schools don’t accept mcats older than 2 years. Should I retake in March for the upcoming cycle? My jun2017 retake is right on the cusp of being considered expired for most 3 year MCAT considered schools.

Also, since this will be my 4th attempt, will the be looked at negatively?

Thank you all for your input!!

 

[cpatomedicine]

A few factors should help you determine what you need to do. I, like you a non traditional student (but in my 2nd year of medical school); however, I also happen to sit on the admissions committee at my school so I have an idea of how this works. For full disclosure - I also scored 513 on the MCAT.

For most places you have a very competitive score along with a solid GPA and clinical hours so as long as you choose a school which has similar parameters you should be fine.

Check the mean MCAT for the schools you are looking into; if you're above and IN STATE then you should be good. But if you are looking out of state then you may want to consider bumping it up.

A score from 2017 shouldn't look too old; however, if you have the time and think you can do better then there is nothing wrong with taking it again as a way to practice intense studying again before medical school (especially if you have been out of the classroom for a while). The key thing to do though is to make sure that between now and your application you are doing something to make yourself look better (or in interview language - better prepare yourself for medical school).

So recap: depends on your school - if your looking at 506-509 schools in state then you're probably fine. But be sure you show a trend of preparation for school to the committee.

That's my .02

 

[deleted859689]

Biggest concern is your score expiring. In that case you HAVE to retake.

 

[Sobek]

A few factors should help you determine what you need to do. I, like you a non traditional student (but in my 2nd year of medical school); however, I also happen to sit on the admissions committee at my school so I have an idea of how this works. For full disclosure - I also scored 513 on the MCAT.

For most places you have a very competitive score along with a solid GPA and clinical hours so as long as you choose a school which has similar parameters you should be fine.

Check the mean MCAT for the schools you are looking into; if you're above and IN STATE then you should be good. But if you are looking out of state then you may want to consider bumping it up.

A score from 2017 shouldn't look too old; however, if you have the time and think you can do better then there is nothing wrong with taking it again as a way to practice intense studying again before medical school (especially if you have been out of the classroom for a while). The key thing to do though is to make sure that between now and your application you are doing something to make yourself look better (or in interview language - better prepare yourself for medical school).

So recap: depends on your school - if your looking at 506-509 schools in state then you're probably fine. But be sure you show a trend of preparation for school to the committee.

That's my .02

Wow thank you so much for your reply!

I am an NC resident, so my instate schools are (and respective last MCAT considered for 2020):
UNC - 08/2018
Duke - 01/2017
Wake Forest - 01/2017
East Carolina Univesity - 01/2017

So it seems UNC would be the only school i couldn't apply to instate. ECU is honestly my Number 1, but im worried if I don't retake... I'd be limiting the amount of schools i could apply to. what do you think?

Also what would be looked at as favorable to show a trend of preparation for medical school?

Thank you so much for your insight! and happy (belated) thanksgiving 🙂

 

[Sobek]

Biggest concern is your score expiring. In that case you HAVE to retake.

I agree with you 100%. I'm a NC resident, so the only school i wouldnt be able to apply to instate is UNC. Teetering on what's the best decision.

Thank you for your input!

 

[Goro]

Background: 2016 graduate with BS in chemistry. 3.8 GPA. >3000 clinical hours >500 volunteering

Predicament: I intend on applying to MD schools for 2020/2021 cycle and need advise on whether I should retake the MCAT. I’ve take the MCAT 3 times before:

505 on APR2015,
500 on Aug2015,
513 on 01Jun2017 (most recent)

I know MCATs expire after 3 years, and most schools don’t accept mcats older than 2 years. Should I retake in March for the upcoming cycle? My jun2017 retake is right on the cusp of being considered expired for most 3 year MCAT considered schools.

Also, since this will be my 4th attempt, will the be looked at negatively?

Thank you all for your input!!

Quoting the wise Homeskool: Taking the MCAT is like getting married: ideally you only do it once, and the more times you do it the worse you start looking to suitors with good judgment.