Which schools average all MCAT scores?

[ccrose]

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Sooo I bombed my first MCAT attempt. I'm going to change a lot of things and take it again after giving myself a lot of time in January, but also need to know which schools are known to average all MCAT scores? I've been going and looking through the websites, but if there's any threads on here that compiled the info that would be really helpful as well

 

[gyngyn]

Sooo I bombed my first MCAT attempt. I'm going to change a lot of things and take it again after giving myself a lot of time in January, but also need to know which schools are known to average all MCAT scores? I've been going and looking through the websites, but if there's any threads on here that compiled the info that would be really helpful as well

The AAMC recommends that all of us average scores.
There are a few that are well known to follow that recommendation to the letter (Jefferson comes to mind).
The rest may (or may not) post their policy on multiple scores. Many of them say vague things like "all scores are considered."
Committee members can see all scores. This influences their decisions in ways that could not be predicted by school policy. I'm pretty sure many of them are unaware that such a policy even exists!
There is usually a thread in the pre-med forum about every year that lists practices (as posted on the website).

 

[ccrose]

The AAMC recommends that all of us average scores.
There are a few that are well known to follow that recommendation to the letter (Jefferson comes to mind).
The rest may (or may not) post their policy on multiple scores. Many of them say vague things like "all scores are considered."
Committee members can see all scores. This influences their decisions in ways that could not be predicted by school policy. I'm pretty sure many of them are unaware that such a policy even exists!
There is usually a thread in the pre-med forum about every year that lists practices (as posted on the website).

Thank you! Trying to stay positive, because I'm not in the US currently and had to fly to take the test in a different country quite a few time zones away and that coupled with general jitters made this attempt quite bad and not at all reflective of my preparation or testing scores. I understand that you can waver 7-8 points but this is a whole 22 points lower than anything I had ever done, and I am really kicking myself for not voiding.

Realistically speaking with a sub 500 score (which I know to be an anomaly) have I ruined my chances forever and ever at anywhere good even if I have a pretty good MCAT score the second time around? I know it's a different story if the second one is not REMARKABLE, but IF it is excellent (again, very hard, I know) is the first low score irreparable even with an explanation about my circumstances? Would love to hear any advice from folks who have been in this place/anyone coming from the adcom experience!

 

[gyngyn]

Realistically speaking with a sub 500 score (which I know to be an anomaly) have I ruined my chances forever and ever at anywhere good even if I have a pretty good MCAT score the second time around? I know it's a different story if the second one is not REMARKABLE, but IF it is excellent (again, very hard, I know) is the first low score irreparable even with an explanation about my circumstances? Would love to hear any advice from folks who have been in this place/anyone coming from the adcom experience!

Forever and ever is a long time! There are no "bad" US MD schools (ok, maybe one). From what I am told, there are very few "bad" DO schools (and they may be better by the time you apply).
Admission to any of them will set you up to practice medicine in the US (should that be your plan).
As an international with a sub 500 score, the second score could make a significant difference. Therefore, under no circumstance should you take the MCAT again until you are confident of a score consistent with success. The median score for a successful international (for MD) is 512. You should be aiming higher than that to offset the other score. Admittedly, it is quite unlikely to get a score that averages to 512 given what you have told us, but "pretty good" will probably not cut it (for MD).

 

[ccrose]

Forever and ever is a long time! There are no "bad" US MD schools (ok, maybe one). From what I am told, there are very few "bad" DO schools (and they may be better by the time you apply).
Admission to any of them will set you up to practice medicine in the US (should that be your plan).
As an international with a sub 500 score, the second score could make a significant difference. Therefore, under no circumstance should you take the MCAT again until you are confident of a score consistent with success. The median score for a successful international (for MD) is 512. You should be aiming higher than that to offset the other score. Admittedly, it is quite unlikely to get a score that averages to 512 given what you have told us, but "pretty good" will probably not cut it (for MD).

Appreciate you sharing this.

 

[ccrose]

Forever and ever is a long time! There are no "bad" US MD schools (ok, maybe one). From what I am told, there are very few "bad" DO schools (and they may be better by the time you apply).
Admission to any of them will set you up to practice medicine in the US (should that be your plan).
As an international with a sub 500 score, the second score could make a significant difference. Therefore, under no circumstance should you take the MCAT again until you are confident of a score consistent with success. The median score for a successful international (for MD) is 512. You should be aiming higher than that to offset the other score. Admittedly, it is quite unlikely to get a score that averages to 512 given what you have told us, but "pretty good" will probably not cut it (for MD).

Hi, so I received my score and I had been anticipating a 490 but actually received a 511 (128/129/125/129) and I must have very gravely misjudged my responses. all the things I noted to be incorrect may actually have worked out in my favor, or all my guess were miraculously right? I know a 511 is usually not suggested to be retaken, but as an international would you say this is different. Of course, I know I can't drop down or stay the same...that would work out against me (or panic and focus on noting down things I got wrong vs actually focusing on the test!)

 

[gyngyn]

Hi, so I received my score and I had been anticipating a 490 but actually received a 511 (128/129/125/129) and I must have very gravely misjudged my responses. all the things I noted to be incorrect may actually have worked out in my favor, or all my guess were miraculously right? I know a 511 is usually not suggested to be retaken, but as an international would you say this is different. Of course, I know I can't drop down or stay the same...that would work out against me (or panic and focus on noting down things I got wrong vs actually focusing on the test!)

When one has a very fortunate outcome, it is wise not to tempt fate.

 

[PreMedMissteps]

Hi, so I received my score and I had been anticipating a 490 but actually received a 511 (128/129/125/129) and I must have very gravely misjudged my responses. all the things I noted to be incorrect may actually have worked out in my favor, or all my guess were miraculously right? I know a 511 is usually not suggested to be retaken, but as an international would you say this is different. Of course, I know I can't drop down or stay the same...that would work out against me (or panic and focus on noting down things I got wrong vs actually focusing on the test!)

You totally lucked out by scoring 21 points higher than expected! Do not retake that score.

Yes, you’re an international and the decks are stacked against you. Even a higher score may make no difference.

Where do you plan on applying?

What would make you stand out against other int’l applicants?

Are you prepared to escrow up to 4 years of med school costs, if accepted?

What will you do/where will you apply if you don’t get into a US med school?

 

[ccrose]

You totally lucked out by scoring 21 points higher than expected! Do not retake that score.

Yes, you’re an international and the decks are stacked against you. Even a higher score may make no difference.

Where do you plan on applying?

What would make you stand out against other int’l applicants?

Are you prepared to escrow up to 4 years of med school costs, if accepted?

What will you do/where will you apply if you don’t get into a US med school?

Thank you! None of these answer my question and these are the most 101 level things anyone tells/asks an international premed.

 

[rdyotz]

Sounds like your question was should I retake, and everyone responded with do not retake. It seems like you scored 2+ standard deviations over what you were expecting.... So, I would agree on not retaking. Although, a lot depends on information I didn't see: GPA, ECs, etc. If those are weak, then you would need a 528. MCAT alone does not an application make.

 

[ccrose]

Sounds like your question was should I retake, and everyone responded with do not retake. It seems like you scored 2+ standard deviations over what you were expecting.... So, I would agree on not retaking. Although, a lot depends on information I didn't see: GPA, ECs, etc. If those are weak, then you would need a 528. MCAT alone does not an application make.

Makes sense! Thanks for your input