I originally took my MCAT back in January 2017 and scored a 513. Unfortunately, I didn't get in during the 2017-2018 cycle. I took a few years off to work on strengthening my app, and I went ahead and scheduled a retake for the 2020-2021 cycle because I thought my old score would expire. After studying for months and averaging around 512-513 for FLs 3 and 4 (improved from 508 and 509 from FLs 1 and 2), I ended up with a 508 (128, 125, 128, 127). Needless to say, I'm pretty disappointed and afraid that the decrease in score is going to kill whatever chances I have at getting an acceptance. I'm weighing the following options and would appreciate some advice on what to do next...
1. Continue applying this cycle to low/mid-tier MD schools and DO schools. My biggest fear about this option is that the decrease in score would be enough to come up empty-handed again.
2. Withdraw from this cycle and apply next cycle, with the focus on retaking the MCAT for a higher score. Obviously, there are risks of getting around the same score or worse.
The rest of my app is solid - I got additional clinical experiences, non-clinical volunteering, new letters, and rewrote everything. It's just the MCAT that didn't get better. Thanks in advance for any feedback or advice.
1. Continue applying this cycle to low/mid-tier MD schools and DO schools. My biggest fear about this option is that the decrease in score would be enough to come up empty-handed again.
2. Withdraw from this cycle and apply next cycle, with the focus on retaking the MCAT for a higher score. Obviously, there are risks of getting around the same score or worse.
The rest of my app is solid - I got additional clinical experiences, non-clinical volunteering, new letters, and rewrote everything. It's just the MCAT that didn't get better. Thanks in advance for any feedback or advice.
