What to do?

[drawcab]

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Background:

- Non-traditional applicant: Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2009, working in the field for 3 years
- 24 (8PS, 8V, 8BS) on MCAT in 2010
- 28 (8PS, 10V, 10BS) on MCAT in 2011
- Great extra ECs, shadowing experience etc. etc.

- 2011 cycle applied late, and only to 3 MD schools in 2011, "small pooled" at 1, no interviews
- 2012 applied June 1, broadly to both DO and MD

Here's my question, do I take the MCAT again? I am taking it tomorrow, but don't feel confident and will most likely VOID my score. Should I reschedule for late July? I believe I could get at least a 30... but that would put off my secondaries until late August. Or do I just roll with my 28, cross my fingers, and hope applying early will do the trick.

Thanks

 

[FrkyBgStok]

What is your gpa? If you didn't care about MD/DO, I wouldn't retake it, but I am glad to done with that test forever. Your call though.

 

[dragonfly99]

Don't take the test unless you are reasonably confident you will do better.
What is your GPA? What is your science GPA?
I think you have a good shot at DO schools but will be hard for MD...but depends on your GPA and some other things, and also what state you live in and where you apply. Also if you can sell your "nontraditionalness" if you make it to the interview. 28 MCAT will probably make it hard to get a lot of MD interviews unless you are URM and/or the rest of your application is really really good.

 

[drawcab]

Wisconsin resident, not URM

Mean gpa 3.75
Science gpa 3.65

I know I have at least a shot at Medical College of Wisconsin. I definitely don't mind going the DO route either.

 

[HuskerHopefulMD]

Wisconsin resident, not URM

Mean gpa 3.75
Science gpa 3.65

I know I have at least a shot at Medical College of Wisconsin. I definitely don't mind going the DO route either.

With a 28 MCAT and your cGPA/sGPA, assuming your EC's, and interview skills are adequate you should get an MD acceptance if you apply broadly! Good luck.

P.S. - I wouldn't retake with a 28. While its slightly under the average, there is always the possibility of scoring lower and a 28 is good enough to get in as it is.

 

[Courtjester8]

Dear God most certainly do not take that mcat again. If you do, some schools will hold your app until that mcat is scored. While they wait, their spots fill up and fill up which decreases your chances the longer they have to wait. You would probably end up doing more harm than good, even if you were able to increase your score.

-cj8