Will schools judge me on my first MCAT score even if I'm retaking? (for AMCAS)

[whathappened1]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I plan on retaking the MCAT in July and submitting AMCAS in late June. Thing is, my MCAT score (taken 1 yr ago) was below 30 (not competitive at ALL, a complete fluke) & I KNOW i'll do better in July.

I'm applying to 1 school (that I don't really want to go to/ an extremely reach school since I have the bad MCAT) before my new MCAT score. My question: will schools wait till my new score to show up to view my app?

 

[Dingo Mango]

Are you waiting to apply to the rest until you get your second score in August? If so, it is fine, they will look at your new score, you'll just be a slightly later applicant by the time you get your secondaries in.

 

[EthylMethylMan]

From what I understand, they'll consider both scores. Surely if you rock your next one most schools will be inclined to think that it's a bit more indicative, but they probably won't just ignore the first one. AdComs like it when applicants take the exam when they're "most ready" for it. That being said, you should definitely still retake and aim for 30+.

EDIT: Whoops, misread your post a little. Nah, they definitely wouldn't just ignore the new score - quite the contrary, really. But your original score will still be of at least some consideration, odds are.

 

[whathappened1]

From what I understand, they'll consider both scores. Surely if you rock your next one most schools will be inclined to think that it's a bit more indicative, but they probably won't just ignore the first one. AdComs like it when applicants take the exam when they're "most ready" for it. That being said, you should definitely still retake and aim for 30+.

EDIT: Whoops, misread your post a little. Nah, they definitely wouldn't just ignore the new score - quite the contrary, really. But your original score will still be of at least some consideration, odds are.

No, i was just wondering whether they will judge me solely based on the bad score and not even look at the good score? I feel like a fluke on a test (going from 23 to 33) is okay, which is definitely my case. I had a bad test day (relative passed), so I should have voided... but I think I should be fine if my new score is 30+!

Are you waiting to apply to the rest until you get your second score in August? If so, it is fine, they will look at your new score, you'll just be a slightly later applicant by the time you get your secondaries in.

No i'm submitting my amcas in June w/ bad score to only 1 school tho...

 

[Dingo Mango]

Yeah man don't worry, I also got a below 30 and then scored above 35 the second time and it didn't hurt me at all. I just got several questions on interviews about why I thought I had scored lower for the first MCAT.