Should I update schools with my new MCAT score??

[TwoBits]

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I just received my scores from the January MCAT. Got what I was expecting, since I lost motivation to study after earning two acceptances. I was going to cancel, but since I couldn't get a full refund, I figure I take the exam just to"see what happens". Well....

I got the exact same overall score as my previous highest score, but not the same on each individual section. I scored four points higher in one section (9 to 13) 😀, but a combined four points lower in the other two sections 👎. If you combine my best scores from each section of every MCAT I have ever taken, my composite score increased by four points (which I don't think schools actually care about, except when they report to MSAR, USNews, etc).

I am really excited about the one section I got a 13 on, but bummed about the other two. Is this something I should include in my update letter to schools? One of the scores that dropped, actually went below an 8, which from what I understand, is an MCAT no-no. I am hesitant to give any additional attention to this most recent score, other than that of what AMCAS does already by automatically releasing them to schools.

Will schools actually get updated through AMCAS, and find out about anyway?

Let me know what you think... Thanks!

 

[coyotelime]

What did you get overall and what were your scores in the subsections? Without this information, it would be difficult to gauge if sending in your new scores would be advisable.

 

[thlaxer]

I am really excited about the one section I got a 13 on, but bummed about the other two. Is this something I should include in my update letter to schools? One of the scores that dropped, actually went below an 8, which from what I understand, is an MCAT no-no. I am hesitant to give any additional attention to this most recent score, other than that of what AMCAS does already by automatically releasing them to schools.

Based on the bolded and that your overall score did not increase, I would not include this in your update.. I would be hesitant too to draw any attention to the sub-8 score..

 

[EBTrailRunner]

I just received my scores from the January MCAT. Got what I was expecting, since I lost motivation to study after earning two acceptances. I was going to cancel, but since I couldn't get a full refund, I figure I take the exam just to"see what happens". Well....

I got the exact same overall score as my previous highest score, but not the same on each individual section. I scored four points higher in one section (9 to 13) 😀, but a combined four points lower in the other two sections 👎. If you combine my best scores from each section of every MCAT I have ever taken, my composite score increased by four points (which I don't think schools actually care about, except when they report to MSAR, USNews, etc).

I am really excited about the one section I got a 13 on, but bummed about the other two. Is this something I should include in my update letter to schools? One of the scores that dropped, actually went below an 8, which from what I understand, is an MCAT no-no. I am hesitant to give any additional attention to this most recent score, other than that of what AMCAS does already by automatically releasing them to schools.

Will schools actually get updated through AMCAS, and find out about anyway?

Let me know what you think... Thanks!

I would not mention it. First off, the September MCAT was the last you could take for consideration this cycle. Secondly, a 13 on one section does not make up for a sub-8 on another.

 

[TwoBits]

Old score: 9P, 9V, 9B = 27

New score: 13P, 6V, 8B = 27

Combined: 13P, 9V, 9B = 31

Writing sample did not change. I have been employed as a tutor for college level physics and chemistry since my last exam, which can explain the drastic improvement; but I stopped practicing the reading strategies I had mastered for my previous MCAT, and did absolutely no review of the Bio section. I was also overwhelmed with interviews, applications, work, and family situations, which pretty much devoured my timetable piece by piece.

Retrospectively, taking this exam was a pretty bad decision, but I have made worse.

 

[TwoBits]

Based on the bolded and that your overall score did not increase, I would not include this in your update.. I would be hesitant too to draw any attention to the sub-8 score..

Yes, completely agree. That is the main reason why I am hesitant.

I would not mention it. First off, the September MCAT was the last you could take for consideration this cycle. Secondly, a 13 on one section does not make up for a sub-8 on another.

This statement is not completely accurate. Some schools I applied to have mentioned that the January MCAT can be considered as an update score.

 

[EBTrailRunner]

This statement is not completely accurate. Some schools I applied to have mentioned that the January MCAT can be considered as an update score.

You scored a 6 on Verbal. There should be no update about your MCAT score to make.

 

[octupus]

Dear Admissions. words words words Old score: 9P, 9V, 9B = 27

New score: 13P, 6V, 8B = 27

Combined: 13P, 9V, 9B = 31 words words words

Yea. all they'll see is the big red 6 on your verbal. If I were you, I wouldn't ever even possibly think of sending an update. ever. not for a 13, not for a 15.

Think about this way. if you were a new applicant for the next cycle
the balanced 27... I would say, go ahead and apply and retake if you're confident you'll score better.
The unbalanced 27 .. I would highly recommend a retake prior to applying. so do yourself a favor, keep that update letter in your draft box.

 

[DCBFan]

Goodness, if I had an acceptance you would have to pay me a large amount of money to make me study for and take the MCAT again.