Should I retake the MCAT? 10/10/9

[Deveraux]

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Hey guys!
So i plan to apply to both MD/DO schools. I'm not saying I'd prefer one over the other - because I don't - but I'd feel like I have a better shot if I bring up my MCAT score up a couple points so I can have the option of MD/DO and then decide accordingly.
My cGPA is a 3.62 and sGPA is a 3.47
I was thinking of retaking the MCAT on July 26,2013
I've been working on my application and will be most likely submitting it in sometime in June.
I plan to study/work on applications and don't really have much else going on right now (except I might hit the gym and some family bbqs and stuff🙂) So I was wondering If i should not consider re-taking it because med-schools won't look at my application until septemberish (aug 27) and that will significantly hurt my chances of getting in. please let me know what you think! Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[polyatomic]

It's never a good idea to retake the exam unless your score was completely off from your practice exam averages, or because you studied completely wrong the first time, and have a new, proven plan to study this time.

Think about whether you really think you can make that improvement. I think your score is fine, and if you apply broadly and really beef up your activities/personal statement, you'll do fine.

 

[Deveraux]

It's never a good idea to retake the exam unless your score was completely off from your practice exam averages, or because you studied completely wrong the first time, and have a new, proven plan to study this time.

Think about whether you really think you can make that improvement. I think your score is fine, and if you apply broadly and really beef up your activities/personal statement, you'll do fine.

Thanks Poly Atomic for your input!
I'd definitely say the nerves got to me when I was taking it - I felt like I was blanking on a lot of things when taking the MCAT. I also studied in the school year - so amist all my classes and such. Now, I'd definitely go in with an alternative game plan and try my best to improve my score. With that said - I'd like to ask again if you think I can get in simply by applying broadly?
I'm also an Asian American Female, so competition is though in that sense haha

 

[Mt Kilimanjaro]

Don't retake that late with those GPAs. Apply early and to DO schools and you might be a med student next year instead of a reapplicant.

 

[polyatomic]

Don't retake that late with those GPAs. Apply early and to DO schools and you might be a med student next year instead of a reapplicant.

Yeah I agree. I think your best shot is to apply early. Your MCAT is very balanced at the least. If it's really killing you and you know for absolute certain that you can get a significantly better score, consider taking it. But don't put off your application, submit that ASAP.

I get the Asian thing. I'm an Asian American female too. Don't worry too much about it. Put your best foot forward. Again, really try to kill the personal statement and your work/activities. Show them you really want it.

Also, there's a thread floating around about this, maybe contact the admissions at the schools you want to get in, explain your situation and ask what they think about your chances. You might get some good input, and better yet, they may remember your name when your application comes around.

 

[Deveraux]

Thanks for all you input! I'll definately take it into account. additional inputs welcome 🙂😀

 

[arish]

Stick to what you have, You will not going to improve unless you change your whole strategy which I am doing right now.
The key is to find a school which is heavily focused on primary care (since your GPA is avrg) and play it right and tell the admission committee that you want to serve people, crap like that and you might have a chance.

 

[Deveraux]

thanks arise! I am actually thinking of changing my entire strategy however, so Idk...still so conflicted.

 

[coffeesnob]

thanks arise! I am actually thinking of changing my entire strategy however, so Idk...still so conflicted.

What were your practice test scores?

 

[gyngyn]

Stick to what you have, You will not going to improve unless you change your whole strategy which I am doing right now.
The key is to find a school which is heavily focused on primary care (since your GPA is avrg) and play it right and tell the admission committee that you want to serve people, crap like that and you might have a chance.

It appears that you may need to amend more than your MCAT verbal study strategy, Arish.

 

[Dreamstoo]

Hey guys!
So i plan to apply to both MD/DO schools. I'm not saying I'd prefer one over the other - because I don't - but I'd feel like I have a better shot if I bring up my MCAT score up a couple points so I can have the option of MD/DO and then decide accordingly.
My cGPA is a 3.62 and sGPA is a 3.47
I was thinking of retaking the MCAT on July 26,2013
I've been working on my application and will be most likely submitting it in sometime in June.
I plan to study/work on applications and don't really have much else going on right now (except I might hit the gym and some family bbqs and stuff🙂) So I was wondering If i should not consider re-taking it because med-schools won't look at my application until septemberish (aug 27) and that will significantly hurt my chances of getting in. please let me know what you think! Any help is greatly appreciated!

If you're applying to DO schools as well, I wouldn't retake it personally. I have a friend who had similar grades to you but lower. She had a low 3.4 cgpa and I believe a low 3.3 sgpa. She got into 3 MD and 2 DOs while getting a 29 on the MCAT. She did however have very strong ECs. The school she currently goes to boosts a 3.7cgpa/3.7sgpa and a 33 MCAT.

For DO, I think you're good. You have a good outside shot at MDs. Good luck!

 

[Benedictus123]

That was exactly what my MCAT score was in 2005. A 29 is annoying because it's sooooooo close to the magical 30 but just not quite there. Nevertheless, it's a serviceable score and like the others say there really is no point in retaking unless it was way off of your practice scores (I managed to get two interviews at top-50 schools, though I ended up waitlisted and not going). I would hold off retaking for this cycle and see what happens. If you don't get in anywhere, start studying again in January or February, and retake in April or May next year.

 

[Deveraux]

thanks guys for all your input! i was practice testing in the 30's 33 being my highest

 

[medCR]

Do you mind sharing what school she got into? I'm curious at at what schools are more flexible from their MSAR!