Unsure about 2015 MCAT retake, suggestions please

[BawlsaWood]

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I just got my December MCAT score back and it was a 28 (11/8/9). I always did way better on the practice exams leading up to this (32 average, 36 best) and I just don't know what happened on test day. I didn't feel any different than when I sat down to take any of the practice tests. Now that I can't sign up for the old MCAT anymore, should I take the 2015 test when it comes out or go with the flow and apply (and if that doesn't work, definitely retake during a gap year).

Just to get a better idea:

cGPA: 3.48
sGPA: 3.35
NY resident with very strong ECs (EMT clinical experience for 4 years, research and other leadership (multiple club e-board memberships and one founder of a club)). Also, very strong upward trend in my GPA, which will increase even more after this coming semester to about a 3.55/3.45.

I plan on mainly applying to schools upstate, but I am also applying all across the country.

Any suggestions for my MCAT situation would be great! Thanks

 

[connie95]

I just got my December MCAT score back and it was a 28 (11/8/9). I always did way better on the practice exams leading up to this (32 average, 36 best) and I just don't know what happened on test day. I didn't feel any different than when I sat down to take any of the practice tests. Now that I can't sign up for the old MCAT anymore, should I take the 2015 test when it comes out or go with the flow and apply (and if that doesn't work, definitely retake during a gap year).

Just to get a better idea:

cGPA: 3.48
sGPA: 3.35
NY resident with very strong ECs (EMT clinical experience for 4 years, research and other leadership (multiple club e-board memberships and one founder of a club)). Also, very strong upward trend in my GPA, which will increase even more after this coming semester to about a 3.55/3.45.

I plan on mainly applying to schools upstate, but I am also applying all across the country.

Any suggestions for my MCAT situation would be great! Thanks

I guess it depends. Do you want to go to a DO or MD school? If I was in your situation and wanted to go MD, I would definitely retake. And depending on how high my new MCAT score is, I would apply. However, taking a gap year also sounds like a good idea since your GPA is below average. If you are not averse to taking a gap year, then go ahead and decide on that. I think things will become much harder if you became a reapp and had to take a gap year anyway because of that...

 

[Gladiator89]

If you're okay with going to a DO school, then there's no need to retake. However, given your GPA (although it has an upward trend) combined with your MCAT will make you a weak candidate at the majority of MD schools.

 

[625233]

Slim to no chance at MD, fair shot at DO. Overall suggestion, take a gap year, maybe even apply for an SMP and retake the MCAT, if you REALLY care about going MD. Otherwise, ride out this cycle with your current stats. You'll probably get 1 DO acceptance if you apply broadly and strategically enough.

 

[BuckyBadger!]

A 28 MCAT isn't necessarily the nail in the coffin, but with that GPA it could be. Upward trends do not tend to negate GPAs of <3.5. Looks like you have solid ECs though! DO=Go for it. MD=Post bac/Masters with possible MCAT retake. Just my advice.

 

[BawlsaWood]

A 28 MCAT isn't necessarily the nail in the coffin, but with that GPA it could be. Upward trends do not tend to negate GPAs of <3.5. Looks like you have solid ECs though! DO=Go for it. MD=Post bac/Masters with possible MCAT retake. Just my advice.

Thanks, and I'm just a little curious about something. I took a look at the graduate program I would like to enter if that is my choice (Biochemistry and Cell Biology), but if all of my grades continue this is how it would go: I would graduate undergrad with a 3.67, then, with the graduate courses (MS, ~24 courses for letter grade), I would end up with a ~3.71. Is that honestly worth the 3 semesters of work? If anything I wouldn't mind waiting to apply until my senior year so that the 3.67 shows on my transcript rather than a 3.55 and just continue my EMT experience and possibly move on from a Basic to an EMT-CC and also take the new MCAT. Long story short, I don't think I want to spend another $20,000 to increase my GPA by 0.04

 

[BuckyBadger!]

Thanks, and I'm just a little curious about something. I took a look at the graduate program I would like to enter if that is my choice (Biochemistry and Cell Biology), but if all of my grades continue this is how it would go: I would graduate undergrad with a 3.67, then, with the graduate courses (MS, ~24 courses for letter grade), I would end up with a ~3.71. Is that honestly worth the 3 semesters of work? If anything I wouldn't mind waiting to apply until my senior year so that the 3.67 shows on my transcript rather than a 3.55 and just continue my EMT experience and possibly move on from a Basic to an EMT-CC and also take the new MCAT. Long story short, I don't think I want to spend another $20,000 to increase my GPA by 0.04

I agree totally- probably not worth going through the MS in your case but it still may be worthwhile to wait until after your senior year. Definitely continue with your awesome EMT experience! That has to be soooo cool!

 

[Goro]

Everybody does. A 28 is close to circling the drain for MD schools, but fine for DO schools. If you're boning for an MD, I suggest a retake only AFTER you try one cycle...and you fix whatever deficits caused you to underperform.. Invest in MSAR Online and target schools whose scores are closest to your own. Avoid OOS public schools....they prefer the home team.

I always did way better on the practice exams leading up to this (32 average, 36 best) and I just don't know what happened on test day.

Just to get a better idea:

cGPA: 3.48
sGPA: 3.35
NY resident with very strong ECs (EMT clinical experience for 4 years, research and other leadership (multiple club e-board memberships and one founder of a club)). Also, very strong upward trend in my GPA, which will increase even more after this coming semester to about a 3.55/3.45.

I plan on mainly applying to schools upstate, but I am also applying all across the country.

Any suggestions for my MCAT situation would be great! Thanks[/QUOTE]