When to apply!

[airix]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I got a 31 9/11/11 on my MCAT, but I have a low gpa. I was wondering if I could submit my amcas to all the schools I want to go to, then retake my MCAT in August. After I get my scores back in September, I will send and update all the schools that I have applied to/received secondaries for.
What do you guys think? Would schools even look at the new MCAT score this cycle?

Thanks,
A

Not sure if this is the right forum to post this in. Thanks for all your help!

 

[orangeman25]

That actually sounds like a decent idea. I'm sure if you do really well on the retake they will see it. You can send updates.

 

[justAstudent]

If you don't mind, what is your GPA? Also, what are you scoring on your practice tests? A 31 MCAT is a good MCAT and I don't think that's what would hold you back. And retaking anything over a 30 is a risky proposition as your score can go down.

 

[airix]

I definitely agree that it is risky. I will have a 3.1 cgpa when I apply. I know this is extremely low, but it was lower and I have taken two quarters straight of classes to improve on my gpa which I have received 4.0s. In the fall I will be attending an SMP, I was accepted to Drexel IMS and waitlisted to GT and UCinn so I am waiting on those. I am going to apply broadly and also to DOs. I also need to apply at least to the schools I am going to the SMP for because if I qualify for an interview, I believe I have to have my application submitted to that school.

For my practice scores I usually scored 11-12 on Physical science, but for some reason on the actual exam I scored a 9. On the contrary, I usually scored 9-10 on the verbal section but I scored 11. I thought a lot the past few months of my study habits and I believe that I can improve on my MCAT.

Thanks for all your advice! If there are other recommendations let me know!

 

[DokterMom]

I'm not sure a 3.1 GPA and 31 MCAT and a 3.1 GPA and 33 MCAT are significantly different, so I wouldn't risk dropping your verbal to build your physical science. A lot of effort for a not-guaranteed payoff that, even if it happens, is likely to not be worth all that much. A 31 MCAT is 'fine' -- a 33 is 'good'. A 34 or 35 is 'very good' -- do you think you can do that without any other sacrifices?

You've got 2 strong quarters of academics -- Focus your efforts more there. It's your GPA that is the weak spot in your application.

 

[theseeker4]

I'm not sure a 3.1 GPA and 31 MCAT and a 3.1 GPA and 33 MCAT are significantly different, so I wouldn't risk dropping your verbal to build your physical science. A lot of effort for a not-guaranteed payoff that, even if it happens, is likely to not be worth all that much. A 31 MCAT is 'fine' -- a 33 is 'good'. A 34 or 35 is 'very good' -- do you think you can do that without any other sacrifices?

You've got 2 strong quarters of academics -- Focus your efforts more there. It's your GPA that is the weak spot in your application.

This. Retaking the MCAT, even if you know you will bump it up a few points, has no real purpose, since your GPA is your glaring red flag. Work to improve that, and don't retake the MCAT.

 

[el_duderino]

What are your ECs like? I think it might make more sense to project applying for 2016 entry and planning accordingly: that is, give yourself more time to prepare for retaking the MCAT and get some more A's under your belt without trying to rush things in right now and ending up with a similar MCAT score and same GPA. It's not looking good for this year IMO.