Should I retake the MCAT a third time???

[terdei00]

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Hey everyone!

Looking for some advice . . . I took the MCAT back in August of 2012 and received a 27 (10V/08PS/09BS) and just received a 28 on April 26 (09V/10PS/09BS). I didn't make the smartest decision and tried to study during my final semester of undergrad AND taking it during finals week. I already have my AMCAS complete and am at the beginning of my gap year. I want to apply this year to MD, but I honestly don't know if taking the MCAT again will be the best thing because it will postpone my application and be considered incomplete at many schools until they receive the new score. I have a 3.9 GPA, many extracurriculars including a traveling collegiate choir for 3 years, research experience, TA, tutor, student worker, shadowing, volunteering, clubs, etc. Any suggestions? I've always wanted MD, so DO is not an option. Also, Emory has always been my top choice and I fear that may be so far out of reach (out-of-state Michigan resident currently living in Atlanta).

 

[BecksTriad]

your GPA is good but your MCAT score is not good enough-- especially for Emory. You may have a chance at lower tier MD schools but I would suggest taking it a third time if you are set on being an MD. However, if you don't get in to any MD schools are you willing to sacrifice being a doctor just because you don't want to be a DO?

 

[mirimonster]

You should be able to get into lower tier MD if your Ec's are good. Emory will probably not happen.

 

[jw3600]

I would say 50/50 for not getting into any MDs. If you can spare the time and money apply and see what happens. Know you might need to retake later this year though.

 

[askamsky51]

I say it all depends on ECs. You've already showed schools your scores are consistent. They may see the third as an outlier--unless you absolutely crush it.

Anecdotally (as it seems many if my replies lately are)I have a friend w/ strong ECs who got into a good school with a 26. Point is it CAN happen, but you gotta really sell yourself/impress adcoms (ps, interviews, etc)

MD will be an uphill battle, it's silly to rule out DO. I feel like those of you who rule it out have never actually worked around healthcare... So many DOs doing so many great things.

Edit: I'm not saying don't shoot for what you really want--but saying MD or not medicine is ridiculous, and probably means you aren't in it for the right reasons.

 

[Mt Kilimanjaro]

Hey everyone!

Looking for some advice . . . I took the MCAT back in August of 2012 and received a 27 (10V/08PS/09BS) and just received a 28 on April 26 (09V/10PS/09BS). I didn't make the smartest decision and tried to study during my final semester of undergrad AND taking it during finals week. I already have my AMCAS complete and am at the beginning of my gap year. I want to apply this year to MD, but I honestly don't know if taking the MCAT again will be the best thing because it will postpone my application and be considered incomplete at many schools until they receive the new score. I have a 3.9 GPA, many extracurriculars including a traveling collegiate choir for 3 years, research experience, TA, tutor, student worker, shadowing, volunteering, clubs, etc. Any suggestions? I've always wanted MD, so DO is not an option. Also, Emory has always been my top choice and I fear that may be so far out of reach (out-of-state Michigan resident currently living in Atlanta).

I've always wanted a Bentley, so a Honda is not an option. The problem is I can't afford a Bentley so I don't drive anything.

 

[Sassafrass23]

I'm taking it for the thrid time in a few weeks. I went from a 22 (big mistake - shouldn't have taken it then) to a 29 two years ago. I am waitlisted right now in Texas but am not holding my breath. I've got really good ECs, a few publications, but I think I need a few more points on the MCAT to balance out a 3.5 GPA. Best of luck!
PS - I know someone who took it 4 times and was just accepted this past year (with a 30).

 

[ovenmitts]

I'm in the SAME boat as you with identical scores. Haha. I'm definitely taking it for a 3rd time in Sept because I know I can do better.

 

[cheechootrain]

It isn't impossible but very unlikely. What others have said, you'll need other areas of your application to be stronger to compensate for the MCAT. Most schools approach it holistically even though some do have cutoffs.

 

[BuddyTheElf]

I've always wanted a Bentley, so a Honda is not an option. The problem is I can't afford a Bentley so I don't drive anything.