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If you think you can score significantly higher on your MCAT on a retake (519++) then go for it, but if not, your chances probably aren't bad at some schools. n=1, but I applied this cycle with pretty similar stats (t5 school and high GPA with low MCAT) but 0 pubs and much less clinical experience and got 7 interviews, 5 from top 20 schools. With your research background, clinical exp and high profile pubs, I'd imagine you're probably a better qualified candidate than I was. A really good personal statement/secondary app might put your foot in the door at some schools that might be willing to take a chance on your low MCAT.
 
Retake if you’re very confident you can score a 518 or higher. I think your app is definitely competitive for top 20 as is. If you want to break into the T5 you’ll most likely need a higher mcat score, but I’d say you have *a not insignificant* chance as is given your research accolades
518? I would say that OP needs to be quite confident that he can get a 520 or better. Preferably 523. I think anything less than a 519 won't do anything for him.
 
518? I would say that OP needs to be quite confident that he can get a 520 or better. Preferably 523. I think anything less than a 519 won't do anything for him.
Confidence band on an mcat score is around 2 so you need at least 3 to have a significant improvement. Obviously higher is always better, but if your confidence floor for a retake is anything less than +3 then the attempt will most likely hurt more than help you
 
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