When should a CA resident retake MCAT?

[MedHopeful09]

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So I got a 30 on the old MCAT and did not have a successful app cycle (no interviews). Applied to a wide range of schools (specifics in my mdapps). I included a lot of reach schools, but I had the funds and wanted to make donations. Please don't harp on this point. No DOs either. I did my research and I wouldn't like it. Moving on....

I think I have solid ECs and LORs. I have ~ 3.5 cGPA and sGPA. Upward trend with 3.8+ gpa in post bac. I think my downfall was my secondaries. I think they could have been more well-written and more thoughtful. I did put effort into them, but I guess I didn't dig deep enough. I've definitely used this year to further examine my goals and passion for medicine and believe I can better convey this in my secondaries this time around.

Taking more classes would not change my gpa much, so I devoted a lot of time to preparing for the MCAT. I took a prep course and feel more prepared than I did last time around. So here are my questions:

1. With the MCAT changes, can one really compare the old with the new MCAT? It has been said that people who retake the MCAT rarely see improvements, but with two different versions, does the statement still ring true?

2. I've read that people don't recommend retaking a 30, but as a CA resident, it's something to consider. What would be the new "30" benchmark for CA residents contemplating a retake? Particularly for someone with my stats. =)

3. Since I feel my secondary responses could have been flushed out more, should I not retake the MCAT and see how far my improved secondaries take me? I'm leaning towards just retaking, since I've already put in the time, and would be something to help my app (if my score increases ) . Just want to get some opinions on this point.

Thanks and hopefully this helps other CA residents in my position.

 

[gyngyn]

So I got a 30 on the old MCAT and did not have a successful app cycle (no interviews). Applied to a wide range of schools (specifics in my mdapps). I included a lot of reach schools, but I had the funds and wanted to make donations. Please don't harp on this point. No DOs either. I did my research and I wouldn't like it. Moving on....

I think I have solid ECs and LORs. I have ~ 3.5 cGPA and sGPA. Upward trend with 3.8+ gpa in post bac. I think my downfall was my secondaries. I think they could have been more well-written and more thoughtful. I did put effort into them, but I guess I didn't dig deep enough. I've definitely used this year to further examine my goals and passion for medicine and believe I can better convey this in my secondaries this time around.

Taking more classes would not change my gpa much, so I devoted a lot of time to preparing for the MCAT. I took a prep course and feel more prepared than I did last time around. So here are my questions:

1. With the MCAT changes, can one really compare the old with the new MCAT? It has been said that people who retake the MCAT rarely see improvements, but with two different versions, does the statement still ring true?

2. I've read that people don't recommend retaking a 30, but as a CA resident, it's something to consider. What would be the new "30" benchmark for CA residents contemplating a retake? Particularly for someone with my stats. =)

3. Since I feel my secondary responses could have been flushed out more, should I not retake the MCAT and see how far my improved secondaries take me? I'm leaning towards just retaking, since I've already put in the time, and would be something to help my app (if my score increases ) . Just want to get some opinions on this point.

Thanks and hopefully this helps other CA residents in my position.

1. We are using percentages to compare old and new MCAT's.
2. You would need at least a 512+ to avoid having the repeat be a detriment.
3. A more strategic application is a distinct consideration. There were only a handful of schools where you had a shot at an interview on your old list. You are now a re-applicant at those schools and need to show improvement. There are plenty of schools where you will still be a first-time applicant, though.

 

[MedHopeful09]

Thanks @gyngyn! But I was wondering more about how people say improving your MCAT score the second time around is a "rare" occurrence. Since the two versions are pretty different, is the previous statement still true? At least for those who have taken the old MCAT and are now taking the new one.

 

[gyngyn]

Thanks @gyngyn! But I was wondering more about how people say improving your MCAT score the second time around is a "rare" occurrence. Since the two versions are pretty different, is the previous statement still true? At least for those who have taken the old MCAT and are now taking the new one.

We have no data on odds of improvement between the old and new MCAT. I doubt that AMCAS would publish it even when they have it! They don't want direct comparisons.
It's not so much that improvement is rare. It's more that a significant improvement is less common than similar or worse scores (which are worse than no re-take at all).

 

[Goro]

You have to be realistic and recognize that CA is pretty much the worst state to be a resident hoping for the CA MD schools. UCLA grads alone can fill every seat!

So since you're boning for the MD, you need to have a more realistic list that targets OOS schools . There are plenty for which you're competitive.

You can always show some commitment to service in the area that UCD serves [@gyngyn?], or the Inland Empire for UCR. Otherwise, VCU, Albany, U Miami, Wake, etc.

So I got a 30 on the old MCAT and did not have a successful app cycle (no interviews). Applied to a wide range of schools (specifics in my mdapps). I included a lot of reach schools, but I had the funds and wanted to make donations. Please don't harp on this point. No DOs either. I did my research and I wouldn't like it. Moving on....

I think I have solid ECs and LORs. I have ~ 3.5 cGPA and sGPA. Upward trend with 3.8+ gpa in post bac. I think my downfall was my secondaries. I think they could have been more well-written and more thoughtful. I did put effort into them, but I guess I didn't dig deep enough. I've definitely used this year to further examine my goals and passion for medicine and believe I can better convey this in my secondaries this time around.

Taking more classes would not change my gpa much, so I devoted a lot of time to preparing for the MCAT. I took a prep course and feel more prepared than I did last time around. So here are my questions:

1. With the MCAT changes, can one really compare the old with the new MCAT? It has been said that people who retake the MCAT rarely see improvements, but with two different versions, does the statement still ring true?

2. I've read that people don't recommend retaking a 30, but as a CA resident, it's something to consider. What would be the new "30" benchmark for CA residents contemplating a retake? Particularly for someone with my stats. =)

3. Since I feel my secondary responses could have been flushed out more, should I not retake the MCAT and see how far my improved secondaries take me? I'm leaning towards just retaking, since I've already put in the time, and would be something to help my app (if my score increases ) . Just want to get some opinions on this point.

Thanks and hopefully this helps other CA residents in my position.

 

[Holmwood]

We have sort of comparable stats, but I had interviews at a couple schools which you did not apply to...

In my opinion, you should reapply to schools that are more within your range, where your mcat/gpa combo is close to the median (use MSAR).
Half of your schools on your list aren't worth applying to because they are:
1) way above your mcat/gpa
2) are research power houses (you don't seem to have significant research, though not sure about the fellowship)
3) have pretty strong instate bias (MSU/OHSU/Penn State)

You may be concerned about secondaries.... but in my opinion, I strongly recommend looking over your personal statement again.
In order of importance, primary application is ranked higher than secondary. You may have a good personal statement. But when you're competing against several thousand applicants with a less than 10% chance of being granted OOS interview slots, a good personal statement may easily be overlooked... Try and write a personal statement that is memorable.

 

[gyngyn]

You have to be realistic and recognize that CA is pretty much the worst state to be a resident hoping for the CA MD schools. UCLA grads alone can fill every seat!

So since you're boning for the MD, you need to have a more realistic list that targets OOS schools . There are plenty for which you're competitive.

You can always show some commitment to service in the area that UCD serves [@gyngyn?], or the Inland Empire for UCR. Otherwise, VCU, Albany, U Miami, Wake, etc.

The Big Valley (San Joaquin).

 

[GrapesofRath]

In summary you are one of many many CA applicants with average-below average stats(you are more on the below avg spectrum) without real state schools and having to rely largely on OOS schools that get 7-15k apps a year. For the ones who succeed here the first thing many have is a true "strength" per se in your app, something compelling and that stands out. Working as a waitor 6000 hrs obviously affects that and it's not an issue of "its your fault you dont stand out" rather you have to look at it from a schools perspective. If you dont stand out outside of academics, there's no reason to take on below avg academics. And it just isnt here right now

So without that there a couple things you can do from here

a) An MCAT retake to 513-514+ would help. It's a gamble many who retake this wont get that and hurt their app but it's to be considered
b) More PB work isnt going to change the discussion here, 3.50 vs 3.53 vs 3.57 etc. IF you have the confidence in your abilities and the money, an SMP can be considered. Do well in one, espec if the MCAT goes up, and youve completely changed the discussion and put yourself in a pretty nice position.
c) If your ECs dont stand out now you can take sometime to try and enhance them and create a compelling theme. he work with homeless patients if you keep up with it has potential to develop into the type of thing you need. More service with the less fortuante and most vulnerable populations in general is a good avenue to pursue here.
d) You can consider moving to a better state of residence that's also something to ponder. This app in a state like MI SC or LA with some enhanced ECs would certainly stand a better chance. Always something to at least throw out there for CA apps in this spot.

Youre a good DO candidate as is. As for talking about "when" to reapply the answer really is "when it's clear you can show youve made significant improvement". The fact you were at 0 IIs shows you still definitely have some work to do and itll take time. The standards are also higher as a reapplicant. But you have options here, it's just a matter of what you can do with them.

 

[Spector1]

ca as in california or canada?

 

[Goro]

Grapo is 100% spot on here. IF OP really wants to stay in CA, then s/he should realize that beggars can't be choosy, and consider Western or Touro-CA.

You're a good DO candidate as is. As for talking about "when" to reapply the answer really is "when it's clear you can show you've made significant improvement". The fact you were at 0 IIs shows you still definitely have some work to do and it'll take time. The standards are also higher as a reapplicant. But you have options here, it's just a matter of what you can do with them.

The Golden State

ca as in california or canada?

 

[bearintraining]

1. We are using percentages to compare old and new MCAT's.
2. You would need at least a 512+ to avoid having the repeat be a detriment.
3. A more strategic application is a distinct consideration. There were only a handful of schools where you had a shot at an interview on your old list. You are now a re-applicant at those schools and need to show improvement. There are plenty of schools where you will still be a first-time applicant, though.

Agree with the above and also think you really need a great MCAT with a lowish GPA and being CA. My situation is different because I'm international, but I received no interest from CA schools.