Taking the MCAT more than 3X

[Amygdala]

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[blz]

I am posting this for the rest of us who have to be more humbling and thoughtful for where we have to go next from the MCAT scores we are getting. I am happy for the people who got 30s, and in actuality anything above it will not matter as much as you hope it will. A 40 MCAT versus a 36 is not a BIG difference once you are in the competitive scoring range... unless you had a really low score in ONE section ie 14, 14, 6. That is actually bad, despite the composite number, which is "above" a thirty. Moreover, I will not regard my doctor as Dr. 37R or Dr. 30M. I will call him the title of his name and seek the care of his practice to heal.
But the title of this thread is taking the test more than 3X. I have taken it three times and how did they pan out?
V 6, P 7, B 14 = 24Q w/ Princeton Review
V 8, P7, B 8 = 23R summer after graduation
V 6, P7, B 8 = 21 Q w/ Kaplan

Based on these scores, I deduct a couple of things, I do not think that I am strong standardized test taker. I am "tempted" to try and up my verbal score (I was an English major btw) but you know, for me, I think I would like to stop here. My score went up one point after an incredible semester of graduate work AND princeton review. I have faith that most of us deserve scores reflecting our dedication and preparation. But the test can rule us. I called a certain school on Friday and talked to a "representative" (not a dean) who in so many words told me that I might have a learning disability. My graduate work reflects a GPA of 3.6, all sciences. How am I supposed to take that? Is anyone out there ready to jump on my question. I want this thread to be humbling and available to those of us who who need assurance and most importantly, guidance. I do not want to hear anymore about students who are whining about trying to "break a 35"

🙄

6 + 7 + 14 = 27

...that should explain the 7 ps

 

[Amygdala]

you are JUST plain mean i guess

 

[blz]

you are JUST plain mean i guess

Harsh...i know, but you're an english major and I still don't know what you were blabbing about.

 

[dhoonlee]

.

 

[IndyZX]

I am happy for the people who got 30s

thanks! 🙂

in actuality anything above it will not matter as much as you hope it will.

oh.

A 40 MCAT versus a 36 is not a BIG difference once you are in the competitive scoring range... unless you had a really low score in ONE section ie 14, 14, 6. That is actually bad, despite the composite number, which is "above" a thirty.

gotcha, you cant just add them up.

I have faith that most of us deserve scores reflecting our dedication and preparation.

going to have to disagree with you here, chief. you're not owed anything.

 

[TheFlash]

The AAMC says that a score of 24 on the MCAT means that you have the potential to handle the medical school curriculum and make a good doctor. The competitiveness of the admissions process is a different matter, though.

 

[jeffsleepy]

I have faith that most of us deserve scores reflecting our dedication and preparation.

The MCAT isn't there to reward students for studying hard. It's probably a necessary tool to weed people out since the number of med school spots is so limited.

 

[DemonDeacon]

Hey, I didn't do much better on the first try. What score did you get the very last time (since they don't add up), on the biological science section? It's really important because you MIGHT be able to just add up the highest score in each section to a maximum score. It will sure be tough to get in those scores, and I know what you mean by deserving better scores, but unfortunately it doesn't work like that.

 

[Big Bill]

Are any of these scores more than 3 years old. I have two from 7and 5 years ago and i will have to retake. many schools do not look at your MCAT scores if they are old. Just wait a few years and then retake.

 

[pathdr2b]

There are people like myself that have/will have taken the test multiple times for a variety of reasons and are not so insecure as to critisize you for it. Think about it, you know there HAS to be others in your situation on THIS web site but are either not telling the truth or unwilling to admit it because of all the hositilty here.

Here are my suggestions:

1) First don't give up on the test. There's a young lady at Hopkins that took the test 6 times!

2) I assume it's been a while since you took the courses that are tested on the MCAT like general chemsitry. If your MCAT scores are from successive tests, spring 2004, august 2003, spring 2003, then I would repeat courses like chem 1, bio 1 ect over the next year, and repeat the test next August. If you take 2 classes/semester, you could have repeated all of the basic required courses by the time August rolls around.

3) Purchase the EK materials. I can't speak yet from expereince but everyone I know that was a multiple test taker and used these materials were able to increase their score.

4) Keep in mind that the MCAT is a mind game and many peoople "pysche" themselves out a of a decent score with test anxiety. When you think about it it really isn't hard at all especially since you've taken grad science courses and know the true meaning of hard. But if you haven't had general chemistry in a while and didn't review properly, then the test will pose some challenges for you.

5) If you're a URM, thoses scores are above to right at the average for URM students matriculants. Unless you have your heart set on Harvard, retaking may not be necessary.

Good Luck!!!

 

[MoosePilot]

Was there a question in there?

I've taken the test three times, which made me think I should respond, but you basically said anyone who scored well should shut their trap, so I guess I'll be quiet. If you have a question, post it rather than a diatribe and you might get a best guess answer.

 

[NRAI2001]

I am posting this for the rest of us who have to be more humbling and thoughtful for where we have to go next from the MCAT scores we are getting. I am happy for the people who got 30s, and in actuality anything above it will not matter as much as you hope it will. A 40 MCAT versus a 36 is not a BIG difference once you are in the competitive scoring range... unless you had a really low score in ONE section ie 14, 14, 6. That is actually bad, despite the composite number, which is "above" a thirty. Moreover, I will not regard my doctor as Dr. 37R or Dr. 30M. I will call him the title of his name and seek the care of his practice to heal.
But the title of this thread is taking the test more than 3X. I have taken it three times and how did they pan out?
V 6, P 7, B 14 = 24Q w/ Princeton Review
V 8, P7, B 8 = 23R summer after graduation
V 6, P7, B 8 = 21 Q w/ Kaplan

Based on these scores, I deduct a couple of things, I do not think that I am strong standardized test taker. I am "tempted" to try and up my verbal score (I was an English major btw) but you know, for me, I think I would like to stop here. My score went up one point after an incredible semester of graduate work AND princeton review. I have faith that most of us deserve scores reflecting our dedication and preparation. But the test can rule us. I called a certain school on Friday and talked to a "representative" (not a dean) who in so many words told me that I might have a learning disability. My graduate work reflects a GPA of 3.6, all sciences. How am I supposed to take that? Is anyone out there ready to jump on my question. I want this thread to be humbling and available to those of us who who need assurance and most importantly, guidance. I do not want to hear anymore about students who are whining about trying to "break a 35"

🙄

YOu need to ask urself if u truely studied as hard as u could? Did u go through all of the materials on ur own? GOing to class alone will not help u much, u need to spend time studying the materials on ur own.

Like many people said before u don't deserve anything. The mcat is not designed to torture people, its designed to see if you could actually handle med school. Every year many people drop out of med school and many people need anti depressants bc they really can't handle med school and they struggle.

I think there are a few carribean schools that don't ever require the mcat, so maybe u could apply to those schools.

 

[hy2026]

First of all, please do not give up hope. Perpetual optimism is force multiplier.
I realize that it must be very frustrating for you. I had a similar experience.

I felt the same way about SAT. I studied so hard for that stupid exam but my score did not improve significantly (only 20 points, I think). I was bitter and angry with SAT, colleges, my life, everything.

I had this weird idea that if I do not get into any of the top 20 universities, that my life would end, that I would not marry any hot woman, that I would not get any decent job, that I would die miserable and lonely. But now I realize how immature I was and I wish that I enjoyed those moments. I probably would have similar results but I would have been much happier.

So I really tried to enjoy each day studying for the MCAT. Somehow it worked out.

I know it does not make sense, but you have to accept the reality that MCAT matters in medical school admissions process. It sounds crazy, but studying for MCAT can be very fun.

 

[IndyZX]

hmmm...