Medical Surprise mcat

[Mr.Smile12]

Hello-

I have recently retaken the mcat from an original 506 and surprisingly got a 499. I am obviously very shocked and devastated, as on all 3 AAMC full lengths I was getting 510+. Even my tutor was surprised, and I know I did everything right with my study habits. I took the practice tests under conditions, and I even took off a month of work to study. I honestly do not know what happened or what problem to fix.

Moving forward, I have already submitted my primary and a few secondaries. I have about 12 more secondaries to submit. I have an otherwise good application in my opinion- 4.0 masters, 4000+ hours of clinical experience as a nurse, 3000 hours of research for the EPA, and 6000+ hours of volunteer work I have done during college and while working, among other activities. I am 27, and the thought of waiting another year is not favorable. I have also invested a lot of time and $$ into applying this cycle.

In your professional opinion, would it be wise to retake the mcat aug 30 for this cycle? How big of a disadvantage would I have? If not, what would be your suggestion?

I appreciate your time and advice.

I don't see any other choice, but that's why the later dates are important. You may be a late interview but that's okay. Go for it.

 

[Catalystik]

If you haven't already, you might like to check out how the schools on your application list consider multiple MCAT scores. Some look at the highest, some the average, and some the most recent. Some even "superscore" (take the highest subsection from all tests to make a new score) Depending on that you might decide where to refrain from returning Secondaries, go ahead with the August MCAT, or to proceed with what you have. Here is an older list for you to start with, but need to confirm: Multiple MCAT Score Policy School List

You might consider applying to DO schools, too, since a second application season isn't desirable. Their season runs much longer than that for AMCAS schools, so don't feel you need to rush. If you are Complete at all AACOMAS schools by Thanksgiving, you'd be fine.

 

[Catalystik]

the thought of waiting another year is not favorable.

since a second application season isn't desirable.

you believe it would be more detrimental to be a reapplicant than to be a late applicant this cycle?

I was referring back to your comment, not making my own declaration.

The question of reapplicant status vs late applications has no black or white answer, as it depends on the school you are talking about.

Were I in your position, considering that you think the score was a fluke, I would retake (not necessarily waiting until late August) if I was unwilling to consider DO schools (for which your application as we know it is fine as it is).

 

[Goro]

The only other choice I see is to withdraw and try again 2020, retaking the mcat in January or February.

I recommend this. The fact that you did so poorly after doing all the things you're supposed to do is not a good sign. Do you have test taking anxiety issues?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

You should remember you see a scaled score. Maybe you missed more than you know with questions compared to others that took the test. No one can be sure but it happens at the Olympics. Great practices but when it comes to the judges performance, you can still falter.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I don’t want to believe the “curve” would be so much lower than practice full lengths. Aren’t AAMC FL graded with similar standardization?

If this is true, how can one gauge if they’re ready to take test? I just want to get to the bottom of what I need to fix. Obviously something went wrong

I'm with you in trying to explain why the drop. The grading should be very similar as would the standardization converting raw score of correct answers to the scaled score. That said, with the computer test, the number of rescores that changed outcomes is extremely small. Validation results so far have shown strong reliability between test forms as far as I am aware. That's why I would say you are early enough in the process to retake the exam. Just keep working on taking the AAMC full length tests. If you took a specific AAMC FL and got 510+ before, you should be able to do even better the next time out (say 518+ if you want a goal). All you can do is focus on what you can control.

 

[Goro]

No, I do not. The only thing I can think of is timing, as I felt rushed. Or perhaps I was too relaxed and moving too slowly on questions.

If I have 6 weeks to fix whatever the problem is, do you still recommend withdrawing? Why? I would be a reapplication either way, no? And lose money, time, and work.

The other thought I have is retaking the mcat August regardless of application. I have already prepped and am in the momentum. If I wait 6 months, that will be lost. My tutor recommends retaking soon- do you agree with this?

Thanks

OK, retake, do much better and apply broadly to DO. And good luck!