Should I retake?

[scottydsntkno]

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Yes I know there is a thread for this, but it is absolutely dead right now and I have been very stressed.

I took the July 7th mcat (biggest mistake ever apparently) and received a 10/10/10.

My averages were 34-36 on aamcs and I never get less than 12 on the sciences. On the exam, I felt really good on the sciences (even Better than on practice exams) finished with plenty of time, double checked - the whole nine yards. Basically, I don't feel like my score is my own, but enough of a rant because it this point there isn't muchi can do about it.

I have a 3.98 gpa and went from thinking I was competitive at top 20s to scared I won't get into my state school (ct res). I know I can score higher but it's too late at this point to sign up for a retake.

Should I hold off a year and retake or spend a year desperately trying to get into an average school, despite the fact I know I can do better.

God i just don't understand how an mcat could have gone so awry... This should scare future mcat takers.

 

[scottydsntkno]

100+ views and n one can offer a little perspective?

 

[PanRoasted]

Few people will be sympathetic to your plight, which is why you are getting zero replies. You're complaining about having a good chance of getting into an "average" school (and 3.98/30 MCAT is a good set of numbers to have), while some people are fighting for the chance to get into any school at all. The prevailing opinion on these forums: don't be too picky. If the rest of your application looks good, don't waste a year trying to (maybe) boost your MCAT. If your resume sucks (i.e. no research, no volunteering, very little clinical), then you might be justified in taking a gap year to study for the MCAT/retake/boost your resume.

 

[gettheleadout]

Will you be comfortable attending an "average" school? What's more valuable to you, attending a prestigious/competitive school like you wanted to, or a year's time and the effort to retake?

Suppose it was more extreme: AAMC average of 37+ and I score a 30. Would I retake? Yes. That said, I would have taken the exam early enough in the year to allow time for a retake for the same cycle. Had I taken it too late to allow a retake, would I take a year to retake? Actually, yeah, I probably would. If I thought my application wasn't representative of my qualifications, I wouldn't apply with it. Just me.

 

[EarthtoneJon]

I agree. I am also a CT resident with a 3.98. I just re-took the MCAT to boost my score from 25 into the (probably) high 20s to low 30s range. I would be thrilled to get into UCONN, but may end up in New York, Maine, or Virginia. But, to each his own. If you are dead-set on a top 20 school (call me naive, but I don't understand what their draw is- many of them have sub-par campus locations, and none of them can guarantee better student life or career outlook) retake the MCAT and get a 38. Then, you still might not get in where you want.

If you'd rather not spend a year boosting your resume, own your application, and trust that you can turn any acceptance into a first-rate medical education.

 

[scottydsntkno]

I really appreciate your advice everyone. And pan, you are very correct I'm sorry to put others down by saying I'm not satisfied with my scores. I just feel I wasnt able to demonstrate my abilities, and I spent 3 months studying for this test.

For more info, I have good ecs, well rounded and long term - inc. research, clinical exp. etc.

Do I have a chance at nyu or bu? They have always been dream schools for me.

 

[Anthrax]

I think you have a really balanced score, which is a really good thing.

Yes, it would be nice to have a higher total. But I would think that a balanced, although a bit lower total, score is much better than a higher total but really unbalanced score. And I, myself, am an example of this. I scored 32Q in my first actual test but my score is very uneven (14/8/10).

HOWEVER, if you think you have the potential to improve, if you're willing to put in the time, then I would say definitely go for it.

You know yourself better than anyone. So if you think that you can do better and are confident, then you should re-take.