Surprised & confused by bad/worse score, should I reschedule?

[lumberjack89]

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I'm scheduled for the Sept. 12th MCAT - first the numbers, then the story:

AAMC-3 = 31 : 10/ 10 / 11
AAMC-4 = 33 : 9/ 12 / 12
AAMC-5 = 33 : 8/ 15 / 10
AAMC-7 = 35 : 9 / 13 / 13
GS-1 = 27 : 9 / 7 / 11 (not sure what happened on the VR here
GS-2 = 34 : 11 / 12 /11
GS-3 = 33 : 11 / 11 / 11
GS-4 = 30 : 9 / 10 / 11
GS-5 = 30 : 10 / 11 / 9
GS-6 = 30 : 10 / 11 / 9
GS-7 = 30 : 9 / 10 / 11
GS-8 = 31 : 8 / 12 / 11
AAMC-8 = 31 : 10 / 10 / 11

My score was steadily going up on AAMC tests, and looking around for additional material I ran across the GS stuff. I saw from other users that their scores dipped by about 3-5 points on the GS tests because they're different and "harder", but in every single case I've seen, their scores skyrocketed from their GS work by a solid 5-7 points when they returned to AAMC tests, such that if they were doing low/mid 30s on the first 4 AAMC tests like me, left and did a bunch of GS work, they'd come back scoring well into the upper 30s and even low 40s on AAMC tests.

That's the result I was hoping for when I employed the same strategy by taking and heavily reviewing the GS material, but I just took AAMC #8 after completing eight GS tests and my score went DOWN compared to my previous AAMC scores. Needless to say, I'm pretty much devastated by what looks like a worse-than-zero return on investing nearly 4 extra weeks of study, and I have no idea what happened or how to "fix" it. I was hoping for a mid-to-high 30s score on the real test, and by the looks of my previous AAMC tests I was on track to get that had I continued working that material for another 4-6 weeks, and I've seen so many people trudge through the GS material with low 30s scores like mine and then snap back with huge numbers on the AAMC stuff, so...

I have no idea what to do! I was originally scheduled for August 15, pushed it back to Sept. 12th so I could do all this GS material, and now it looks like I'm worse off for it, or at least no better. I don't know whether to reschedule, take a couple days off to regroup and try AAMC#9, or what, but I'm feelin' pretty lost. Any advice would be much appreciated 🙁

 

[valkener]

Relax, you're in a good range. One test is just a snapshot, why don't you take the remaining AAMC tests for a better average?

 

[acac]

I think those are very good scores but we each have our own standards I guess. Especially your verbal scores are freaking amazing!

From the looks of it, you're struggling mainly with PS and some BS topics. First finish all the exams that you got left. Then if you got any free time, I would recommend using it to master every science concept you're weak at. Read the chapters from a test prep book (preferably TBR) and do all the related questions (also watch videos/animations if thats how you learn). An easy way to check for stuff you're weak at would be to click on 'Diagnosis' on the GS exams and the Topics Score breakdown for the AAMC exams. Master them all cold. Good luck on your exam 🙂

 

[lumberjack89]

Relax, you're in a good range. One test is just a snapshot, why don't you take the remaining AAMC tests for a better average?

Bronze deadline is Sept. 5th though, if I wanna cancel. I assume then that your advice includes not caring about the fact that if I don't like my scores on the next three exams I'll have to pull a no-show because it will be too late to cancel, and that will count as one of my three attempts for the year? Doesn't really matter that much this late in the year, I guess. It's not like I'm going to take it two more times this fall if I don't show for Sept. 12th anyways

 

[lumberjack89]

I think those are very good scores but we each have our own standards I guess. Especially your verbal scores are freaking amazing!

From the looks of it, you're struggling mainly with PS and some BS topics. First finish all the exams that you got left. Then if you got any free time, I would recommend using it to master every science concept you're weak at. Read the chapters from a test prep book (preferably TBR) and do all the related questions (also watch videos/animations if thats how you learn). An easy way to check for stuff you're weak at would be to click on 'Diagnosis' on the GS exams and the Topics Score breakdown for the AAMC exams. Master them all cold. Good luck on your exam 🙂

Haha, that was my plan 4-5 weeks ago, and that's what I've been doing. I'm just running out of time as far as making major improvement, that's all that my question is based on, really - if I proceed at the rate of taking an exam and reviewing it the next day I've JUST got enough time to take the last three AAMC tests with an off day before test day, and all told those last three test are really just going to be a litmus test to see where I'm at; I don't plan on massive advancement from them this late in the game.

And yeah, I just finished a degree in philosophy so my verbal is sharp, but it's been 3-4 years since I finished undergrad, so my PS/BS is much more rusty. It's been funny looking around the forum at almost everyone else's experience of struggling with verbal yet smashing PS/BS, while I'm doing exactly the opposite, wishing I could do as well as they are on PS/BS

 

[valkener]

Medical Schools actually like seeing different majors, at least a good amount! When I enrolled, it was "trendy" to have a different major and pick-up the requirements for med school on the side. Just make a good case as to what you are bringing to the table.

Only you can decide if you want to reschedule to gain a few extra weeks, but ideally you want to only take the MCAT once (this is not the reality for many, but the pressure to improve builds each time). What is important is that you are ready, apply early, and apply broadly. That means apply right when application season starts, apply to many MD and DO schools, and have your ducks in a row. a 30 is not a bad score at all, but the decision is yours. There's the possibility that you will get 33-35 in the next two AAMC tests and you might feel ready, that's why I suggested take more. Major improvement occurs over time, but many people also feel they improve the most towards the end (learning curve). Good luck!

 

[Thoroughbred_Med]

Yeah I don't have any good advice for you. But I went through the same thing. I was scheduled for August 7th, cancelled, rescheduled for August 27th and cancelled again. Target score is 35+ and was not consistently hitting it. In fact, I never got above a 30.... I came to grips that I had some knowledge gaps and or application issues.

I rescheduled all the way back to January 8th. Be smart.

 

[lumberjack89]

Medical Schools actually like seeing different majors, at least a good amount! When I enrolled, it was "trendy" to have a different major and pick-up the requirements for med school on the side. Just make a good case as to what you are bringing to the table.

The philosophy degree was a masters, my undergraduate was a BS in physiology and neurobiology, so I don't exactly have a good excuse for my science performance

Yeah I don't have any good advice for you. But I went through the same thing. I was scheduled for August 7th, cancelled, rescheduled for August 27th and cancelled again. Target score is 35+ and was not consistently hitting it. In fact, I never got above a 30.... I came to grips that I had some knowledge gaps and or application issues.

I rescheduled all the way back to January 8th. Be smart.

This is exactly where I'm at - I really don't want anything under a 35, and I just can't figure out why my score on AAMC-8 was 4 points lower than my last AAMC attempt even though I took and reviewed 8 GS tests over 4 weeks between those AAMC attempts, and did plenty of content review/drilling besides. Not to beat a dead horse, but everyone else I saw using this strategy immediately shot up to scores in the 38-40 range on AAMC #7 and #8, and their GS scores were extremely similar to mine, in many cases exactly the same.

Ah well, it didn't happen for me, and like valkener said there's really only one thing to do I guess: I'll take the next 2-3 AAMC exams and see if AAMC-8 was a fluke for me. Unless all three of my scores on AAMC 9/10/11 are 35+ though, I'll probably reschedule. There's no need to risk it if I keep scoring mid-low 30s, but I gotta admit: after 4 months of full-time no-job studying almost every day, another couple months of cramming is a hard pill for me to swallow... we'll see what comes of the next few tests I guess!

Thoroughbred_Med what are you going to do differently from what you did before? How did you study for the exams in August, and what were your scores, if you don't mind my asking? Also, are you at all concerned with the fact that if you can't get your score up for the January date that you'll have to recalibrate and prepare for the new 2015 test? I'm asking because these are all the questions I worry about when I think about rescheduling again.

 

[Thoroughbred_Med]

The philosophy degree was a masters, my undergraduate was a BS in physiology and neurobiology, so I don't exactly have a good excuse on the science side



This is exactly where I'm at - I really don't want anything under a 35, and I just can't figure out why my score on AAMC-8 was 4 points lower than my last AAMC attempt even though I took and reviewed 8 GS tests over 4 weeks between those AAMC attempts, and did plenty of content review/drilling besides. Not to beat a dead horse, but everyone else I saw using this strategy immediately shot up to scores in the 38-40 range on AAMC #7 and #8, and their GS scores were extremely similar to mine, in many cases exactly the same.

Ah well, it didn't happen for me, and like valkener said there's really only one thing to do I guess: I'll take the next 2-3 AAMC exams and see if AAMC-8 was a fluke for me. Unless all three of my scores on AAMC 9/10/11 are 35+ though, I'll probably reschedule. There's no need to risk it, I guess, but after 4 months of full-time no-job studying almost every day, another couple months of cramming is a hard pill for me to swallow... we'll see what comes of the next few tests I guess!

Thoroughbred_Med what are you going to do differently from what you did before? How did you study for the exams in August, and what were your scores, if you don't mind my asking? Also, are you at all concerned with the fact that if you can't get your score up for the January date that you'll have to recalibrate and prepare for the new 2015 test? I'm asking because these are all the questions I worry about when I think about rescheduling again.

I completely understand man. It's been the hardest pill to swallow for me too. I took the whole summer off, no working, no research etc. and studied full time every day. Definitely take those next AAMCs and get back to us with the scores... I'm sure 8 was a fluke.

What am I going to do differently? I'm going to relax... seriously. I had an incredibly unhealthy amount of stress studying this past summer that led to a mental breakdown. I'm going to solidify my content in the sciences by rereading all the TBR chapters and doing all the 1/3 questions spread out throughout the semester. I totally neglected the 1/3 TBR questions in my prep and I regret it....... so that's for content. But more importantly, I am going to learn how to smash verbal. I know this is not a problem for you but I saw my verbal scores actually consistently drop the closer I got to test date... not good.

I will retake all the AAMC FLs throughout the semester and save 9 and 11 for two weeks prior to test date. TBR FLs open Dec. 15 and I will be completing two of those a week over Christmas break.

No I'm not concerned with taking in January. My FL average will be pretty apparent walking into test day so I will have to be content with whatever it is. I would NOT retake for 2015 MCAT unless I scored below a 26. I would be perfectly satisfied attending DO... I end up being a productive member of society doing what I love either way.

Oh yeah, my shatty scores from this summer:

7/3 AAMC 3 (7/9/8) 24
7/12 AAMC 7 (6/7/8) 21
7/15 AAMC 10 (9/7/11) 27
7/17 AAMC 4 (8/9/10) 27
7/23 AAMC 5 (8/7/10) 25
7/21 GS-1 (9/9/10) 28
7/26 GS-2 (7/7/10) 24
7/27 GS-3 (8/9/11) 27
7/28 AAMC 9 (11/6/9) 25
8/19 AAMC 11 (8/6/10) 24

 

[lumberjack89]

^ Yeah I just don't know what to make of those scores :\ it's just like mine, if my trend keeps up: months of study yet no improvement. What full lengths are you going to use for accurate score prediction after having taken all of the AAMC's except for #8? That's a concern of mine if I reschedule, as it seems like the AAMC stuff gives the best feel and most accurate score.

If you guys happen to see this before heading to bed (whatever time zone you're in), would you recommend I take a day or two off in hopes of clearing my mind and taking care of any burn out - which would mean I'd have to skip one of my last 3 AAMC tests - or would you power on through with reviewing #8 tomorrow and set in on the last three the day after reviewing #8? I've planned for a day off before test-day, but if I want to take any more, I'll have to skip one of the AAMC's...

 

[texan2414]

Hey,

To me it looks like you don't really feel you're ready. And as soon as you have that doubt in your mind you should reschedule. Always take the MCAT when you are ready.

And like others have said, score on one test is not reflective of the overall trend. Also, you are more likely to burn out the more FLs you pump out closer to your exam date so RELAX!!! Take a little break. Reenergize and refocus yourself and then kick ass on AAMC 9. I'm willing to bet you'll make a 40 on AAMC 9 🙂

 

[Thoroughbred_Med]

^ Yeah I just don't know what to make of those scores :\ it's just like mine, if my trend keeps up: months of study yet no improvement. What full lengths are you going to use for accurate score prediction after having taken all of the AAMC's except for #8? That's a concern of mine if I reschedule, as it seems like the AAMC stuff gives the best feel and most accurate score.

If you guys happen to see this before heading to bed (whatever time zone you're in), would you recommend I take a day or two off in hopes of clearing my mind and taking care of any burn out - which would mean I'd have to skip one of my last 3 AAMC tests - or would you power on through with reviewing #8 tomorrow and set in on the last three the day after reviewing #8? I've planned for a day off before test-day, but if I want to take any more, I'll have to skip one of the AAMC's...

no need for a day off now. go ahead and review cause I guarantee you'll be stressing yourself out anyways on the day off thinkin you should be studying. Smash it man!