To do or not to do?

[kson223]

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So I just got my MCAT score today (26R - 9BS, 8PS, 9VR). My cGPA is 3.53 and sGPA is 3.13 (it should go up a little bit.)

Now the question is, should I retake the MCAT in the beginning of August? I took the MCAT before taking the second semester of physics so I am currently debating. By the Aug. 5-6 date, I should be done with the second semester of physics and should have all of my basic sciences done.

I have good ECs/Leadership experience. I did a summer internship at a hospital and will be interning again in the fall in the addictions recovery section. I do NOT have a LOR from a DO/MD though. Any advice? Thanks!

 

[FutureDoc33]

So I just got my MCAT score today (26R - 9BS, 8PS, 9VR). My cGPA is 3.53 and sGPA is 3.13 (it should go up a little bit.)

Now the question is, should I retake the MCAT in the beginning of August? I took the MCAT before taking the second semester of physics so I am currently debating. By the Aug. 5-6 date, I should be done with the second semester of physics and should have all of my basic sciences done.

I have good ECs/Leadership experience. I did a summer internship at a hospital and will be interning again in the fall in the addictions recovery section. I do NOT have a LOR from a DO/MD though. Any advice? Thanks!

You have to ask yourself what you can reasonably expect on your second MCAT. If you really think you can get a 30 or so, go for it.

 

[FutureDoc1988]

I would hold off on retaking the MCAT because you already did pretty good and if you apply early you should have a good chance. If you wait until August to retake your MCAT you won't be complete at schools until at least end of September which with your sGPA is applying late.

If I were you I would work on getting your application submitted soon and then working on shadowing a physician. There aren't many school that don't require a physician letter at all, and by not having this you are severely limiting your choices and with your stats you do need to apply broadly.

 

[kson223]

A little confused now. So my primary application will not be considered completed until I get the scores from the August MCAT even though I already have a score right now? What if I submitted the 26R that I have right now and then updated the schools to my new (and hopefully slightly better) score when I receive that?

 

[Colbare]

The schools you are complete with will make a decision if you apply now or they will have you on hold in which case an update in September including a higher MCAT could bump you to the interview. Apply as though you will only have your current stats though. Even if you get a 30 or higher on your MCAT in August it may be too late for schools with higher average accepted stats. Just make sure you are scoring consistently higher on practice tests so you don't do the same or worse when you retake.

You need to work on a DO letter asap because a lot of them require if not strongly recommend one. You also don't want to put your writer in a bind by asking on short notice.

 

[kson223]

I guess then the question is: should I mark that I am planning on retaking the MCAT on AACOMAS? This would delay my application but might give me a chance to get a LOR from a physician (hopefully).

 

[Goro]

On those numbers alone, you'd be accepted at our school, so quit worrying and start applying.

 

[kson223]

On those numbers alone, you'd be accepted at our school, so quit worrying and start applying.

If you don't mind me asking, where do/did you go to school? So I can apply there?

 

[Vishna]

If you don't mind me asking, where do you go to school? So I can apply there?

I believe Goro is an adcom, so good luck trying to get him to tell you ;-)

 

[EnDOct]

If you're going DO, your scores are probably just fine. I wouldn't worry 👍

 

[Colbare]

Here's a table of compiled average accepted stats in 2010:

http://www.doapplicants.com/Pages/Schools/Schools.aspx?mode=2

 

[kson223]

Here's a table of compiled average accepted stats in 2010:

http://www.doapplicants.com/Pages/Schools/Schools.aspx?mode=2

Thanks! That was really helpful! 👍