Taking retaking MCAT summer of application cycle

[sbspftw]

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Hello,

I had a quick question. I"m in a sort of dilemma right now.

My dream is to go to UPenn Medical School, but I have only a 33 on MCAT. I don't think that's enough, so I was going to retake the summer of my application cycle. I don't have time during the school year, so I was going to take it mid- to end- of July. The thing is I also don't want to be put at a disadvantage application wise because I don't want the schools wait to look at my app just because I check "retaking MCAT on Day X". I think my MCAT is till good for some mid-tier schools, so I'd like to be able to get an early spot (early app, early interview). Is it okay if I don't tell AMCAS I'm retaking MCAT? I heard UPenn Med School, and a lot of "non-rolling schools", have like an informal later date of application review, meaning they don't start reviewing until mid to late August. I figured that if the mid-tier schools thought a 33 was good enough if the rest of my app, they'd go ahead and give me an interview right away.

Thoughts anyone?

 

[Optimist Prime]

My thought is don't retake a 33.

 

[MyNameWasUsed]

Is going to UPEN MS really gonna make that big of a difference for you? I wouldnt do it. I think youll be able to find happiness in going to a mid tier school.

 

[Lawpy]

iirc, Penn's MCAT median essentially rivals WashU's, meaning you should get at least a 38 equivalent on the new MCAT. Being a retake from a 33 makes things harder since there are applicants who got a 38+ on the first try. Likewise, retaking a 33 in itself is a very risky move and should be assessed very carefully. Only retake if you can consistently score above a 520 (which is roughly a 37-38 equivalent) on the practice tests. Much easier said than done, which is why retaking a 33 is strongly discouraged.

On the plus side, if you get a 43-equivalent on the new MCAT (which is a 526), the schools that average the two scores will result in a 38. Good luck getting a 43 though 😉