What is the disadvantage in taking the MCAT two times?

[yousafob]

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I was just wondering how medical schools would interpret two MCAT scores as opposed to one. For example, do MD schools average the MCAT scores, take the higher one, the most recent one, etc.? I realize that most MD schools are different, but what do the majority of MD schools do?

Here's a hypothetical situation that I've been pondering:

Let's say I have taken the MCAT twice but I only improved 1 or 2 points from my first MCAT.

Or maybe the second time I take the MCAT I improve anywhere from 3-5 points from the first.

How do admissions committee's interpret such scenarios?

 

[Law2Doc]

I was just wondering how medical schools would interpret two MCAT scores as opposed to one. For example, do MD schools average the MCAT scores, take the higher one, the most recent one, etc.? I realize that most MD schools are different, but what do the majority of MD schools do?

Here's a hypothetical situation that I've been pondering:

Let's say I have taken the MCAT twice but I only improved 1 or 2 points from my first MCAT.

Or maybe the second time I take the MCAT I improve anywhere from 3-5 points from the first.

How do admissions committee's interpret such scenarios?

Most schools take the higher one, some take the most recent, a couple let you use the best score of each section. But all schools will see all times you have taken it. So ideally you only want to take it once and do your best. Don't wing it -- if you don't have multiple full length practice tests that are in the range of a score you would be happy with, then you aren't ready.

 

[nomoreplz]

However, if you've already taken it and you're not happy with your score, make sure you significantly raise it, as in your second 3-5 points scenario. It's by far best to take it once, but if your score isn't competitive, take it again!

 

[LoveMyRam]

But all schools will see all times you have taken it. So ideally you only want to take it once and do your best.

Does that included a voided exam?

 

[GoldShadow]

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/examineedata/tables.htm

3-5 point increases are rare for most mid-range scores.

 

[TheRealMD]

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/examineedata/tables.htm

3-5 point increases are rare for most mid-range scores.

Overall, not in each section!

The major problem comes not from taking it twice but the fact that it causes bad timing during a cycle to take it again. Retaking it again during the summer means that there will be a point in time when you are just waiting on your MCAT score. The real problem comes if your first MCAT is in June/July, where the dates for retaking may be just August and September, and more likely the latter than the former.

Taking a September MCAT is often suicide for your chances that year for most people. Sad, but true.