SHOULD I RETAKE THE MCAT?

updated: 10 March 2008

You should retake the MCAT if your score is too low. This is an obvious statement that leaves you with a significant task. How do you figure out if your score is too low? Start taking a look at "the numbers." How does your score stack up against all applicants from last year? How does your score compare to the students who got accepted to medical school last year? You can get this important information at the following URL: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/examinee data/start.htm.

Next, you need to take a look at individual schools that you want to apply to. Imagine this scenario: I come to you telling you that I got a nineteen on the MCAT and you know that I have applied to the toughest medical schools in the country, ones that have an average MCAT combined score of around a thirty-five. You would probably tell me that I should retake the MCAT or apply to a fair number of foreign medical schools--maybe both of those things, and you would be right.

Now, ask yourself why you got the score you did. Actually this is not always an easy question! Often, people can have a very hard time understanding why they have performed well or poorly. Understanding why some things went well on the MCAT and why some things did not go well is the key to improvement.

There might be an easy to identify reason for a low score on one or all sections of the test: stomach ache, worrying about a sick relative--it could be anything. This should give you hope. Your score should be higher as long as misfortune does not darken your door again.

Think back on how you prepared yourself for the MCAT. Did you put enough time in? Did you take a review course? Do whatever you can to remedy your weaknesses.

Take the long view. Other people in the past have successfully contended with a low MCAT score. Why can't you?

 

 

 

 

 

Related Resources: Test Preparation links