The Official January 26th, 2013 MCAT Thread

Boost your MCAT score by 12 points or more.
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alpharez said:
No but I don't really consider myself ESL. I was in ESL the program till 5th grade and speak Spanish at home but I've been in the American school system since kindergarten so I have no excuses.

My verbal range was 7-9 so I died when I saw that 3. Dunno what happened. I knew I felt too good coming out of that section.

As of now I'm planning on still applying and taking a June/July MCAT. I'm afraid I will get lower science scores though.

Again I got 12p/3v/11b
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What state do you live in? Bro, I'm sure you'll get in a MD program with a 26 given URM and high GPA.

Target schools with MCAT right at 30 and apply to those. Don't believe the hype put forth on here that anything less than a 30 means you're not getting accepted. It's simply not true.
 
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Still in complete shock. Checked SDN at work, saw that the scores were up, briefly debated about whether to check now or 5 hrs later when I got home, decided I couldn't wait, and checked... 39!!! (14 PS, 11 VR, 14 BS). Didn't think this was ever possible for me! This was a retake from 29R last summer (which I studied my butt off for), and I didn't get to use the AAMC exams this time cause I'd used them all up already. So I used TBR and my scores were all over the place so I had no idea what to expect going into the exam (the 26 on TBR 5 two days before my exam didn't help). Praise the Lord! (in my eyes, this is definitely some kind of miracle).

For those who didn't do as well as they'd hoped, don't give up! It's not easy to get a good score, especially the first time around, but you learn from the experience and figure out how to improve the next time 🙂 Don't get hard on yourself and call yourself a failure, because it's not true. How you do on a test doesn't define who you are, and persistence will ultimately make you a better doctor. Good luck everyone!
 
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alpharez said:
No but I don't really consider myself ESL. I was in ESL the program till 5th grade and speak Spanish at home but I've been in the American school system since kindergarten so I have no excuses.

My verbal range was 7-9 so I died when I saw that 3. Dunno what happened. I knew I felt too good coming out of that section.

As of now I'm planning on still applying and taking a June/July MCAT. I'm afraid I will get lower science scores though.

Again I got 12p/3v/11b
Click to expand...

I'd look into getting that rescored...
 
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Just got my score back and I'm pretty ticked off. I didn't feel that good about taking it, but my scores were the opposite of what I thought.

AAMC:

PS:12-13
VR:8-11
BS: 12-13

Avg: 34


Actual:

PS:13
VR: 6
BS: 11
Score : 30
I missed an entire Ochem passage of extremely easy stuff which ticked me off but I had in no way anticipated a 6 on VR. It just doesn't make any sense to me.

I signed up for 4/4/2013 and am convinced I will do MUCH better, The prometric computer screwed up on me at one point + I had been practicing on a laptop.
 
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AdrianVeidt said:
What state do you live in? Bro, I'm sure you'll get in a MD program with a 26 given URM and high GPA.

Target schools with MCAT right at 30 and apply to those. Don't believe the hype put forth on here that anything less than a 30 means you're not getting accepted. It's simply not true.
Click to expand...

While I agree that have less than a 30 doesn't necessarily doom your app, that verbal score is going to kill his app. If he had a 7 or 8, then I would say that he has fair shot at DO and URM heavy MDs. In fact, if he had 7 or 8, then he'd have at least a 30 and would be decent candidate for MD regardless of ethnic background. As he said, having been in the American school system for so many years, and having left ESL in 5th grade, I don't think adcoms will be as sympathetic towards a low verbal score. I hate to sound harsh, but a 3 just won't cut it. A retake is in the books. I think if he really attacks verbal, while maintaining his PS and BS skills, then he has a real shot at a bona fide good score, because those science scores are nothing to scoff at.
 
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MedWonk said:
While I agree that have less than a 30 doesn't necessarily doom your app, that verbal score is going to kill his app. If he had a 7 or 8, then I would say that he has fair shot at DO and URM heavy MDs. In fact, if he had 7 or 8, then he'd have at least a 30 and would be decent candidate for MD regardless of ethnic background. As he said, having been in the American school system for so many years, and having left ESL in 5th grade, I don't think adcoms will be as sympathetic towards a low verbal score. I hate to sound harsh, but a 3 just won't cut it. A retake is in the books. I think if he really attacks verbal, while maintaining his PS and BS skills, then he has a real shot at a bona fide good score, because those science scores are nothing to scoff at.
Click to expand...
I completely agree. Even though I'm urm and some schools won't screen me because of that, they will see that 3 and toss my app.

Is rescoring really a thing? Even if it is I doubt there was any mistake, it's computerized.
 
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alpharez said:
I completely agree. Even though I'm urm and some schools won't screen me because of that, they will see that 3 and toss my app.

Is rescoring really a thing? Even if it is I doubt there was any mistake, it's computerized.
Click to expand...

I'm not adcom, but I wouldn't be so sure. The 12 and 11 make it pretty clear that you understand English. 3 just comes from bad luck and I'm sure if you got an interview you could explain that.

Keep your head up bro. You'll definitely get in if you can pull that VR up on your retake. I have faith that you can do it with your current 26 because the sciences are so good, but I'm sure you'll make the best decision.
 
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AAMC Average: 37
Predicted Score: 36 (This was my average for AAMC 8 - 11)
Actual: 38 (14 PS, 11 VR, 13 BS)
 
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AdrianVeidt said:
I'm not adcom, but I wouldn't be so sure. The 12 and 11 make it pretty clear that you understand English. 3 just comes from bad luck and I'm sure if you got an interview you could explain that.

Keep your head up bro. You'll definitely get in if you can pull that VR up on your retake. I have faith that you can do it with your current 26 because the sciences are so good, but I'm sure you'll make the best decision.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Yeah I will definitely retake.

Really I'm just shocked as to how I scored in the 2-4%-tile. Didn't see that coming.
 
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My average for the AAMC practices was a 29 (PS 10 VR 8 BS 11)

I freaked out and almost rescheduled my test but decided to stick it out. In the last few weeks I went into "screw it" mode and realized it was just a test. I went in with confidence knowing that I'd get the best I could get. Came out thinking I got around a 30-31.

My actual scores:

PS: 12
VS: 11
BS: 12
Overall: 35

I never once got an 11 on my verbal- the highest I ever got on an AAMC practice was a 9. I am ecstatic. I knew I came out feeling better than the practice tests, but believe me, my celebrations are starting right now and I'm not complaining. WOW.
 
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VR: 10
Bio: 9
Phys: 8
Total: 27

Super excited about this considering 3 years ago I got a 23 twice! Now I'm in nursing clinical and I work 39 hours a week between two jobs. So an improvement without having those science classes in forever plus my current workload is a miracle. Congrats on you guys scoring 39s and what not, but I can guarantee you I'm just as excited about my score! For those who didn't do well, it's all about tweaking stuff based on old practice tests. Practice every aamc test you can get. When I first started studying in October, I took a full length and got a 16. So.. Bust a$s and you'll improve!
 
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UC pre med said:
Guys......I have no idea what to feel.

15/15/15

I don't even think it's real. This has to be a dream. I didn't even think this kind a score was possible until I saw it. I scored in the high 40's on the practice exams...but this is ****ing ridiculous.

I swear I'm not trying to troll.
Click to expand...

Can you post a pic? Legitimate question. I've never seen anyone on SDN even claim to have gotten a 45, nor have I met anyone IRL. Would love to see a real picture, assuming you are telling the truth.
 
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brood910 said:
Same here.
I heard there has been only 0.01% who scored 45 on MCAT.
Click to expand...

you guys are seriously doubting the power of photoshop, even if he does post a pic.

For example, here's my 45.

proofi.png
 
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First time taker, got a 30. Can't complain.

PS: 11
V: 11
BS: 8

Considering I'm a math major without a strong bio background I will take it. Worth retaking?
 
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Lol, I don't really know what a picture will prove since so many of you have already pointed out that it's easy to photo shop everything now a days. But I don't even have experience with photo-shop let alone have it on my computer.

Anyway, I've never posted a picture on here? How do I do so?
 
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HEY guys!!

Congrats to everyone on their scores!! Hardwork really pays off!

I finally worked up the courage to look at my scores and got a 11/7/12 = 30 with a GPA 3.62
but i'm stuck in a dilemma, would schools screen me out because of the 7? Should i retake? I'm from Cali and wanted to apply this cycle but looks like all the test dates up to May are filled in Cali
 
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armpitcurry said:
Just got my score back and I'm pretty ticked off. I didn't feel that good about taking it, but my scores were the opposite of what I thought.

AAMC:

PS:12-13
VR:8-11
BS: 12-13

Avg: 34


Actual:

PS:13
VR: 6
BS: 11
Score : 30
I missed an entire Ochem passage of extremely easy stuff which ticked me off but I had in no way anticipated a 6 on VR. It just doesn't make any sense to me.

I signed up for 4/4/2013 and am convinced I will do MUCH better, The prometric computer screwed up on me at one point + I had been practicing on a laptop.
Click to expand...

Don't dwell on it too much man, the science sections are solid and it sounds like verbal was somewhat of a fluke. I actually ended up in a similar situation; was averaging a 33-34 on the AAMC's (with a range of 31-37) and wound up with a 31 on the real thing (13 PS, 8 VR, 10 BS). What are everyone's opinions on retaking in my situation? I averaged around a 10 VR and 11-12 BS on my practice tests, so maybe I had an off day in those sections. I am leaning towards a retake right now since I feel like I can do better, and because the score I received was at the low end of my range.
 
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Actual Exam: 38 (14 PS, 11 VR, 13 BS)
Average on AAMC 7-11: 42.3

Lower than my practice exams, but I can't say I am that upset.
 
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Hello cuculici1,

I don't think you should retake. Your biological and physical are excellent. Although your verbal score is an 8 - which might be a cut off for some schools - I think you still have a good chance of getting into medical school. If you think you should retake this is up to you, but your chances are going to be considering if your personal statement, gpa and extracurricular are great as well. I have not taken the MCAT but when I went to a private MCAT tutor, a score above 30 and a gpa of 3.5 or more, a 10 or more on both science (tells admission committees you will do well on the biological) - you have a good chance.
 
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7ec13 said:
Still in complete shock. Checked SDN at work, saw that the scores were up, briefly debated about whether to check now or 5 hrs later when I got home, decided I couldn't wait, and checked... 39!!! (14 PS, 11 VR, 14 BS). Didn't think this was ever possible for me! This was a retake from 29R last summer (which I studied my butt off for), and I didn't get to use the AAMC exams this time cause I'd used them all up already. So I used TBR and my scores were all over the place so I had no idea what to expect going into the exam (the 26 on TBR 5 two days before my exam didn't help). Praise the Lord! (in my eyes, this is definitely some kind of miracle).!
Click to expand...

Hello 7ec13,

I am taking TBR CBT exams right now and I am getting in the mid 20s (ie, 26). I am curious what were your average for TBR CBT when you did not have AAMC? Also, congratulations!
 
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Dirty Harry said:
Hello 7ec13,

I am taking TBR CBT exams right now and I am getting in the mid 20s (ie, 26). I am curious what were your average for TBR CBT when you did not have AAMC? Also, congratulations!
Click to expand...

Thanks! Regarding TBR, I took tests 1-5. Before taking the TBR tests I re-took AAMC 10 and scored 31 (can't remember the breakdown, but it was pretty even). Then I took TBR 1 a few days later and score 36 (I was shocked and figured it was a fluke). Took TBR 2 the next day and scored 36 again. But then for 3 and 4 I scored 31 or so (with some very uneven breakdowns), and just before my real exam I scored 26 on TBR 5, which freaked me out.

Don't worry though, TBR is definitely harder than the real thing, and the verbal on it is not at all representative (my verbal scores ranged from 6-13 I think). Actually, come to think of it, I think all of my sections had large score ranges (from like 8-13 or something). It all depends on the difficulty of the test and what topics they cover (i.e. weak/strong areas).

Have you done the AAMC self-assessments? I found those really helpful.
Good luck! When are you writing?
 
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7ec13,

Thank you for the reply. No, I have not taken the AAMC assessments nor any AAMC practice exams yet. My strategy is take all seven TBR exams and then take the AAMC assessment and exams a month before my exam in April 27th. Currently, I have only done TBR test 1 and test 2. I got a 25 on the first one and a 26 on the 2nd one. Funny you should say that the verbal is a wide range as I got a 11 on the first exam and a 7 on the second one! :laugh: But my scores were nothing like a 30 something like you had. However, I saw an increase in my sciences (ie, my physical went from a 7 to a 9 and my biological went from 8 to a 10). So I am hoping that an upward trend continues and hit a 30 on some of the TBR as I do feel that they are more difficult, particularly the physical and the occasional verbal. I do feel like I am getting better with the sciences because when I look over what I got wrong, I understand why and this is what is good about Berkeley Review. A 39 is astounding since you used up all your AAMC and only used Berkeley. Basically you scored higher than any of your practice exams.

Two months to go until my real MCAT:scared: Thanks again 🙂
 
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I know everyone knows this but I feel it is good to remind people who may be lurking reading this thread that SDN has a seriously biased community that ends up reporting consistently insanely high MCAT scores because of the nature of the kinds of pre-meds and students who post here.

Hell, we had a guy in this thread asking if he should retake a 37! :laugh::laugh:

Just so it's here:

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
 
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What do you guys think? Worth sending in a rescore for peace of mind? I just find my verbal so hard to believe considering I was scoring 7-9 on the aamc exams and that I read and answered every question for every passage and I scored in the 2-4%tile...

I'm the meantime I'll be doing practice passages and wallowing in my own mediocrity.
 
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alpharez said:
What do you guys think? Worth sending in a rescore for peace of mind? I just find my verbal so hard to believe considering I was scoring 7-9 on the aamc exams and that I read and answered every question for every passage and I scored in the 2-4%tile...

I'm the meantime I'll be doing passages and wallowing in my own mediocrity.
Click to expand...

Yes, of course. Got to keep them honest.

:luck:
 
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alpharez said:
What do you guys think? Worth sending in a rescore for peace of mind? I just find my verbal so hard to believe considering I was scoring 7-9 on the aamc exams and that I read and answered every question for every passage and I scored in the 2-4%tile...

I'm the meantime I'll be doing practice passages and wallowing in my own mediocrity.
Click to expand...

You've got nothing to lose. Go for it.
 
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30 (10PS/9VR/11BS)

I'm retaking this one because it did not reflect my performance on the practice tests, and it's not competitive enough for most MD programs.
 
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plumazul said:
Yes, of course. Got to keep them honest.

:luck:
Click to expand...

Did you use AAMC VR self assessments?

I only got an 8 in VR but my VR score was on average a 6 before I did AAMC VR SA and my VR score started to increase after doing AAMC SA verbal.

I read the verbal passages over and over for about a month ( I never graded the VR section-- If you want to grade your VR section you can download it to pdf before submitting it for a grade) .
I think analyzing the questions really helped.

Also I think it best to go slow do only 1-2 passages a day and do them untimed and then every weekend take a timed VR test whether it is with a FL or by itself.
 
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Wow, when I checked my score I felt really smart. But seeing all these ridiculously high scores and coupled with the fact that I got the lowest score of the people I know in my dorm (the others were: 35, 39, 43).

I'm starting to feel a little dumb.


:scared: 😡 🙁
 
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I'm going to retake just because it's on the borderline of "good enough" and "not good enough".

I'll be out $200+ again but at least now I can improve my study skills and have an application that stands out more.
 
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LaughingMan said:
Hey 26ers,

I am hearing more and more that MCAT Bio is more and more about analyzing and interpreting data from the passage---and not so much memorization of facts.

Anyone care to comment?

Ty
A 4/27er
Click to expand...

It's true, but there is still plenty of memorization.
 
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LaughingMan said:
Hey 26ers,

I am hearing more and more that MCAT Bio is more and more about analyzing and interpreting data from the passage---and not so much memorization of facts.

Anyone care to comment?

Ty
A 4/27er
Click to expand...

I think the way the MCAT is written makes it *seem* like you can get to the answers via Holmes-like analytical thinking. In reality, however, I'm inclined to say that if you don't have the necessary background information, you'll have a difficult time answering most of the questions. Other than for questions asking literally what the experiment did, the passages provide only the most minimal information (really just enough to jog your memory on a specific topic).
 
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Euxox said:
It's true, but there is still plenty of memorization.
Click to expand...

jeghaber said:
I think the way the MCAT is written makes it *seem* like you can get to the answers via Holmes-like analytical thinking. In reality, however, I'm inclined to say that if you don't have the necessary background information, you'll have a difficult time answering most of the questions. Other than for questions asking literally what the experiment did, the passages provide only the most minimal information (really just enough to jog your memory on a specific topic).
Click to expand...

Thank You

Best of luck to you guys on your application!
 
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jeghaber said:
I think the way the MCAT is written makes it *seem* like you can get to the answers via Holmes-like analytical thinking. In reality, however, I'm inclined to say that if you don't have the necessary background information, you'll have a difficult time answering most of the questions.
Click to expand...

I completely agree, you can't get away with not knowing the background information. But I just wanted to emphasize that you still need the Holmes-like analytical thinking to solve MCAT passages, and the only way you can get that is by doing practice problems.
 
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Euxox said:
I completely agree, you can't get away without knowing the background information. But I just wanted to emphasize that you still need the Holmes-like analytical thinking so solve MCAT passages. And the only way you can get that is by doing practice problems.
Click to expand...

Right, it seems that while with some questions, you can get away with just your own knowledge, others will require you to combine your background knowledge with the specialized information the passage provides and make an inference of sorts.
 
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