Uneven MCAT

[Vineyard Vines]

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[DoctorLacrosse]

from what I've heard, 9's are never a problem. I certainly would not retake that. it's a pretty solid score IMO. great job on that PS

 

[striker112]

I'm wondering the same thing... just got my scores back and it's 15/9/13. The 9 really puts a dent and I'm worried - should I retake you think?

 

[gyngyn]

I'm wondering the same thing... just got my scores back and it's 15/9/13. The 9 really puts a dent and I'm worried - should I retake you think?

Only if you want to look disturbed.

 

[striker112]

Only if you want to look disturbed.

ah, no that would not be my goal. Any advice on what I can do to make up for it? Or is it more of a done deal? I've also only taken like 2 humanity classes total for the rec so my GPA for those can't pull me up

 

[gyngyn]

ah, no that would not be my goal. Any advice on what I can do to make up for it? Or is it more of a done deal? I've also only taken like 2 humanity classes total for the rec so my GPA for those can't pull me up

Your MCAT is acceptable at any school. Focus on the rest of your application.

 

[striker112]

Your MCAT is acceptable at any school. Focus on the rest of your application.

Thanks man. I might be getting too worked up on this hahaa

 

[zzxxzz]

I'm wondering the same thing... just got my scores back and it's 15/9/13. The 9 really puts a dent and I'm worried - should I retake you think?

I don't think you should ever retake a 98th percentile score.

 

[Don'tStopMeNow]

I'm wondering the same thing... just got my scores back and it's 15/9/13. The 9 really puts a dent and I'm worried - should I retake you think?

So kinda veers into "devils advocate" territory here. Be warned.

The only slight problem is some schools tend to like a solid verbal a bit more than the other two. Verbal is the usually seen as the most important score. However a 9 is still ok and nothing to pull hair out over (especially with the overall excellent score). It does hurt you a little bit though.

Really though, the difference between a 13 and a 15 on some test days can really just come down to luck. Not worth retesting at all as you could easily go down in those other areas.

 

[striker112]

I don't think you should ever retake a 98th percentile score.

oh wow I didn't know that was 98th percentile. I think I was just a bit annoyed because I've always gotten 11 on verbal on every single practice exam. Granted I expected a lower overall score but the 9 is still unexpected

 

[striker112]

So kinda veers into "devils advocate" territory here. Be warned.

The only slight problem is some schools tend to like a solid verbal a bit more than the other two. Verbal is the usually seen as the most important score. However a 9 is still ok and nothing to pull hair out over (especially with the overall excellent score). It does hurt you a little bit though.

Really though, the difference between a 13 and a 15 on some test days can really just come down to luck. Not worth retesting at all as you could easily go down in those other areas.

Makes sense. Thanks - I'm not aiming for any top top schools really. Do you think it's gonna be a problem for schools like BU, Georgetown, UC schools? I'm from nyc so I'm applying to the ny/north east schools.

 

[Don'tStopMeNow]

Did you have any previous scores?

It really depends on your entire application... but I don't see a problem.

 

[Abstractions]

Makes sense. Thanks - I'm not aiming for any top top schools really. Do you think it's gonna be a problem for schools like BU, Georgetown, UC schools? I'm from nyc so I'm applying to the ny/north east schools.

UC schools are top schools and notoriously difficult to get into for in-state residents, let alone OOS.

 

[Vineyard Vines]

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[zzxxzz]

oh wow I didn't know that was 98th percentile. I think I was just a bit annoyed because I've always gotten 11 on verbal on every single practice exam. Granted I expected a lower overall score but the 9 is still unexpected

You've been reading too much SDN. Distribution of scores in WAMC posts isn't close to the actual curve. People act like a 32, for example, is nothing even though it's 88th percentile.

I know how you feel, I scored 2 points lower on my BS than I expected to. Considered retaking...until I looked up the percentiles.

 

[striker112]

Did you have any previous scores?

It really depends on your entire application... but I don't see a problem.

Ah no I don't - It's my first exam. I keep thinking I should take it again but I just switched jobs and first years ibd don't have vacation so I really don't have time to take it again. And I work weekends so I don't really have time to study either. argh.

 

[Abstractions]

no previous scores, but high gpa + strong research with 2 co-authored publications. Weak EC's tho. applying to MD/PhD

What is your GPA? A 32 is solid for MD schools, but low for MD/PhD (particularly MSTP programs).

 

[Don'tStopMeNow]

Vinyard Vines:
Just be smart about the schools you apply to. I see plenty of schools were you are right in the competitive range (although the data sheet I have is from 2012... whatever).

Striker112:
haha man, chill out. I just wanted perspective here, don't expect you to take it again. Your score should be fine. Just be aware of it, and in the odd chance it turns up on an interview be able to talk about it intelligently (have put thought into the disparity)

 

[striker112]

UC schools are top schools and notoriously difficult to get into for in-state residents, let alone OOS.

Ah sorry didn't mean to say UC schools weren't top, just meant that I really want to be on the west coast. But yeah I'm more so aiming for USC I guess since they are more out of state friendly.

 

[striker112]

You've been reading too much SDN. Distribution of scores in WAMC posts isn't close to the actual curve. People act like a 32, for example, is nothing even though it's 88th percentile.

I know how you feel, I scored 2 points lower on my BS than I expected to. Considered retaking...until I looked up the percentiles.

Yeah man, I know the feeling. It's annoying to even consider since it's so time consuming, expensive and you don't know how much it actually matters. hahaa so same boat

 

[striker112]

Vinyard Vines:
Just be smart about the schools you apply to. I see plenty of schools were you are right in the competitive range (although the data sheet I have is from 2012... whatever).

Striker112:
haha man, chill out. I just wanted perspective here, don't expect you to take it again. Your score should be fine. Just be aware of it, and in the odd chance it turns up on an interview be able to talk about it intelligently (have put thought into the disparity)

haha yeah it has occurred to me that i'm freaking out a little. I'm just concerned because I gave up a really good job to study for the exam hahaa so I'm annoyed at the unexpected outcome but thanks for the advice man. I'm kind of new to the whole premed sphere and appreciate all the advice

 

[Vineyard Vines]

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[Don'tStopMeNow]

If you don't have time to retake it, it still is a respectable score so go for it.

If you don't get in this year, you have a lot of potential for an increase in application strength just by doing better on the MCAT.

 

[Abstractions]

If you don't have time to retake it, it still is a respectable score so go for it.

If you don't get in this year, you have a lot of potential for an increase in application strength just by doing better on the MCAT.

MD/PhD programs (particularly MSTP) don't take too kindly to re-applicants.

 

[Vineyard Vines]

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[Spinach Dip]

I'm wondering the same thing... just got my scores back and it's 15/9/13. The 9 really puts a dent and I'm worried - should I retake you think?

Retaking a 37 is akin to winning the lottery, then refusing that money because you might "win more" next week.

 

[Vineyard Vines]

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[gyngyn]

Retaking a 37 is akin to winning the lottery, then refusing that money because you might "win more" next week.

More like hitting two face cards in Blackjack!

 

[BeancheBlanco]

oh wow I didn't know that was 98th percentile. I think I was just a bit annoyed because I've always gotten 11 on verbal on every single practice exam. Granted I expected a lower overall score but the 9 is still unexpected

If you expected a lower overall score, the disappointment towards your verbal should be less than the excitement towards your PS/BS. Appreciate what you have, it could be much, much, much worse. And it really can't be much better. I'd bet your application cycle will be the same whether you have a 37 or a 39.

 

[gettheleadout]

Retaking a 37 is akin to winning the lottery, then refusing that money because you might "win more" next week.

I will never understand this resilient notion that achieving a high score requires profound luck.

I'd love to see input from @Microglia in this thread since OP is aiming for MD/PhD.

 

[NYCNative]

I'm wondering the same thing... just got my scores back and it's 15/9/13. The 9 really puts a dent and I'm worried - should I retake you think?

Definitely retake -- your score is too uneven. That 9 sends up huge flares to admissions offices. I know even DO adcoms like Goro will back me up on this.

 

[Ace-Co-A]

32. 14/9/9 PS/VR/BS. How will this be seen and should I retake? I don't think I can reproduce a 14 on PS, but can improve on the BS.

Also, I'm aiming for MD/PhD programs.

To get an idea for your competitiveness for MD/PhD programs in particular, check out the 'Physician Scientists' Forum (you have to scroll down on the Forums page to see this one): http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forums/physician-scientists.32/

 

[Microglia]

Also, is it going to look bad if I improve my composite on the retake, but my PS goes down?

I wouldn't worry about the PS going down as long as you can keep it in the 12ish range.

A 32 for MSTP's is pretty low, and will be a weakness in your app. If your research is outstanding (multiple pubs, first author pubs, etc) then you still have a fighting chance at mid tier MSTP's. I'd say your best bet is to spend the time to get your average up to the 37 range then retake it. Otherwise, it will be a riskier app cycle.

@striker112 Don't retake that score. It's perfectly fine.

 

[Lil Mick]

A 32 is kind of low, but if you are aiming for a PhD in a physical science area, you may be okay with some lower tier schools or non-MSTP. Ditto on above, though--research can make up for it.

Striker112, don't retake. I applied with a really uneven one like that and received interviews at several top programs. It's definitely not worth retaking!