Should I retake MCAT?

[treetrunk1]

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I am planning to apply June 1 of this year. I took the MCAT last summer and got a 29 (10p 9v 10b) then retook and got 28 (10p 7v 11b) Should I take it again or does it look bad to take it three times?

 

[NeuralNetwork]

That decision is highly dependent upon the rest of your stats and extra curriculars, but in general you need to improve at least a couple points for a retake to be good. Do you think your score can break a 30 if you work at it? What are your practice tests telling you?

 

[Slack3r]

If your scores keep decreasing, ya, it'd look bad.

Retakes don't look great, but if there's significant improvement, they're not the end of the world.

 

[FlowRate]

Some schools take your highest test. Some take your most recent test. In either case, for those schools, it would be to your advantage to do well next time. Some schools average your scores... you're screwed at those schools, except for the ones with lower-end admissions statistics.

 

[alexrgross]

If you have time to dedicate for a re-take where it doesnt interfere with the rest of your life (like school and whatnot) then maybe. I tried a retake studying over spring break and taking. I voided and went with my earlier score, but not taking a spring break has made spring quarter dreary although luckily I am doing well.

 

[gettheleadout]

Yeah, we need to know what your study habits were like for each of those tests, how you changed between the first and second, how you plan to change for the next one if you were going to retake, and most importantly if you end up intending to retake, don't do so until your practice test scores are significantly higher than 29.

 

[BushidoBrown]

Only if you score higher than a 30 this time. But you won't really know that until after you take it, will you?

 

[Uisa]

Take the higher numbered AAMC exams (if you haven't already) and gauge what you are doing wrong. You are fighting an uphill battle currently because your score decreased from the first time.

I would advise taking it again unless you are constantly getting 31 or higher on your practice exams. Also, are you reviewing your exams to see which part you're messing up on? Sometimes, people over look this aspect tremendously and just focus on what the overall score is rather than on the weaknesses.

 

[FattySlug]

I took it 3 times.
8VR 14PS 10BS
8VR 12PS 10BS
10VR 12PS 11BS

I only retook because I was doing well in AAMC. All scores are above or equal to 33 with 33 being the most common score. You really have to make improvement. I would feel uncomfortable with a downward MCAT but if there is a high chance you can drop lower then of course do not retake.

 

[waterpolo480586]

I would probably retake as I think many schools only look at your most recent score. The 7 in verbal hurts and may get you screened at some schools.