FAQ: Should I Rewrite the MCAT (And other MCAT Score related Questions)

[fallingawake]

Is this a joke?

No... Perhaps I should have been more explicit in my original post but I was truly concerned that my score was, well is, unbalanced. Plus, the title of this thread is also "other MCAT score related questions."

[bpp]

hey I'm IP in Ontario, my score is 13PS/9VR/12BS. I know the VR is probably below the Queens and definitely below western cut off, but I just want to know whether it's worth rewriting to raise my VR score. On the practice tests I usually scored from 9-12, so I may or may not be able to raise it for next time. I should also say that I usually scored lowest in PS on my practice tests(~10), so that is another factor I'm considering. Any advice would be great!

[Premed me]

One of the reasons I love this site is because people offer informative info that allows me to have hope and pick myself back up again. Thanks!

[shikimate]

hey I'm IP in Ontario, my score is 13PS/9VR/12BS. I know the VR is probably below the Queens and definitely below western cut off, but I just want to know whether it's worth rewriting to raise my VR score. On the practice tests I usually scored from 9-12, so I may or may not be able to raise it for next time. I should also say that I usually scored lowest in PS on my practice tests(~10), so that is another factor I'm considering. Any advice would be great!

 

A PS of 10 is good, and PS isn't that important anyways. If you have time then rewrite is probably worth it (assuming your VR is unlikely to go down when you rewrite)

[hamham]

Would appreciate if someone can help me out. I'm going into my 4th year at UT St. George. Human Biology, Mathematics and Statistics.

 

MCAT last year: PS12, VR8, WS: R, BS12 - 32R

MCAT last month: PS13, VR8, WS: S, BS13 - 34S

 

wGPA (U of T) - 3.95

wGPA (Ottawa) - 3.83, will go up to 3.90 if I wait 1 more year. I'm confident of doing well in my 4th year.

GPA last two years (Queens) - 3.90

GPA best 2 years (Western) - 3.90

UBC - 90%

 

Full courseload every year. Lots of ECs and reference letters.

 

Seem that I have no flair for VR. Guess math students like me suck in VR. I wrote the MCAT twice, but there is still no improvement for VR. I know this sucks, and I'm definitely out for Queens and Western.

 

I know UCalgary allows scores in other section to compensate for a lower VR score... UBC is always another option, but I'm not sure how much they based on MCAT.

 

Now assuming I have stellar references and personal statement, is it necessary for me to rewrite the MCAT?

 

I know it's a long shot, but I was thinking maybe I can avoid the MCAT and try only for Ottawa and U of T, since my GPA seems alright. I will be flagged for U of T though, but there are still pple who got U of T even though they have VR8, so...

 

Any suggestions?

[igeorgex]

Would appreciate if someone can help me out. I'm going into my 4th year at UT St. George. Human Biology, Mathematics and Statistics.

 

MCAT last year: PS12, VR8, WS: R, BS12 - 32R

MCAT last month: PS13, VR8, WS: S, BS13 - 34S

 

wGPA (U of T) - 3.95

wGPA (Ottawa) - 3.83, will go up to 3.90 if I wait 1 more year. I'm confident of doing well in my 4th year.

GPA last two years (Queens) - 3.90

GPA best 2 years (Western) - 3.90

UBC - 90%

 

Full courseload every year. Lots of ECs and reference letters.

 

Seem that I have no flair for VR. Guess math students like me suck in VR. I wrote the MCAT twice, but there is still no improvement for VR. I know this sucks, and I'm definitely out for Queens and Western.

 

In my fifth year, I will be working in Alberta, so that may make me an IP for Alberta. I know UCalgary allows scores in other section to compensate for a lower VR score... UBC is always another option, but I'm not sure how much they based on MCAT.

 

Now assuming I have stellar references and personal statement, is it necessary for me to rewrite the MCAT?

 

I know it's a long shot, but I was thinking maybe I can avoid the MCAT and try only for Ottawa and U of T, since my GPA seems alright. I will be flagged for U of T though, but there are still pple who got U of T even though they have VR8, so...

 

Any suggestions?

 

are you applying this year? you should! I'd do Mac, UofA, UofT and maybe UofC this year for sure. if that doesn't work out, I'd rewrite to get a 10 in VR at least. that'll increase your chances at UofC, Mac, and open up doors to Queen's and Dal. with a GPA that strong, that VR might not hold you back. but I'd consider rewriting if you don't interview or get in anywhere this year

[hamham]

CaptainCrunchMan - Ottawa is a tough shot this year, I must confess. But let's weigh the pros and cons of applying to Ottawa.

 

Pros - I might just get lucky. Also, since I'm applying using OMSAS, no separate application needed. No need to waste any extra time writing essays etc

 

Cons - $75 wasted. A highly possible rejection letter, at least it testifies that I have tried my best.

 

If I applying, there is a 0.0000000001% of getting an interview. If I don't, then for sure there is no chance. So I say take the gamble since I have $75 to lose (that's like losing 3 times, each time with a min bet of $25, at Casino Niagara's BlackJack Table!!! LOL!)

 

Pple told me that UCalgary uses mainly the VR, but I heard that other scores are considered as well (Source: some podcast by a doc in the ad com). Besides, I meet the min cut-off and the MCAT score is worth only 20%. My GPA or percentage (not sure which they use) should be able to compensate.

 

I will prob retake the MCAT again sometime next year. It's not that I never try but I really did my best each time I take the MCAT. Study nothing but VR for the past 3 months, avg 9-11 on practice tests. It seems though that the VR benchmark is rising every year, b/c I thought I did better than the previous yr, but ended up with the same score.

 

igeorgex - Thanks for your words of encouragement. I'm trying only Ontario schools this year, coz I don't think I have the time to travel around the country even if I get a couple of interviews.

 

Bottomline: I guess there is no harm trying. I may even try NOSM or even Saskatchewan (need 90++% but I may be able to make it... fingerscrossed). Not sure whether you guys know this, but in Math and Stats, 100% is possible (even at U of T) if you set your heart and soul in them. Ottawa should be good if I wait 1 more year, so patience is a virtue. In the meantime, I can take a break from fulltime school and accomplish some stuff which I never could have done during my undergraduate years.

 

Best wishes to all who are applying this year. Even for those who aren't applying, have a great life! Cheerz!

[hamham]

^ I'm IP for Alberta. I'm an Alberta resident.

[kkentm]

I got a 14/10/11 Q. What schools (if any) will the 10 in VR and Q in writing prevent me from applying to?

[shikimate]

I got a 14/10/11 Q. What schools (if any) will the 10 in VR and Q in writing prevent me from applying to?

 

Unless you are from SWOMEN (southwestern Ontario), there's a good chance UWO will have VR11 as their cutoff and you won't qualify. But you should apply anyways because there is a chance they'll lower the VR cutoff.

[ameltingbanana]

Hey guys, I got my score back a little while ago and I got 12BS/11PS/10VR WS:S. I'm reasonably happy with my score, but a tiny bit bummed out about the VR score. What schools does this rule out for me? I heard that UWO has lowered the VR cutoff to 10 in the past, is this likely to happen again? I'm starting my 3rd year of undergrad if it's relevant. Thanks a lot in advance guys!

 

Edit: I'm also an Ontario student, so no real IP advantages for me. Cheers!

[in_hindsight]

PS:10 BS:11 VR:9 WS:Q . Planning on UofT, Mac, Queens, Ottawa. States is a maybe. So, rewrite y/n?

 

Edit: my OMSAS GPA is 3.83, UofT wGPA 3.94. I have research, EC, some volunteer etc..

[peppermint5039]

PS:12 BS:11 VR:10 WS:P

 

OMSAS GPA: 3.99

ECs: Volunteering, a bit of research, etc. I plan to work on this area this year

 

Pretty happy with everything except the writing sample score; VR 10 is my average and I'm not sure if I could recreate it haha. Should I rewrite due to the P?

 

I plan to apply to all the Ontario schools and perhaps a few out-of-province schools (Dal, memorial etc.)

 

Thanks for the help!

[PCmc]

Hello, I am a third year student having a score of VR 9/ PS 13/ BS 12 Essay Q. And as you can probably guess, I am really frustrated with my verbal...

 

1. Does this mean no chance for Queens at all?

2. This score is pretty reflective of my practice scores; should i spend 2 months studying again and rewrite?

3. I have ~3.98 GPA: taking this into consideration, what is my chance like for U of T or Mac or other schools? Or chance for any out of province schools (which all have minimal seats from what i have heard)

 

I apologize for so many questions but any help or general advice is appreciated!

 

Thank you for your time

[Nims205]

Great Thread!!! If you guys are looking for Cheap and new MCAT materials - i am selling my massive set for CHEAPP....mostly because i like to open some room in my library! I Got into Geroge Washington this pat August using my prep materials and i am sure they will help you as well! You can check yout my thread under the MCAT preparation section. o and i almost forgot - i paid almost $1000 for all my materials and selling them for much much cheaper - that you think i have lost my mind! Looking forward to hearing from you and in the mean time. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR MCAT PEOPLE! One quote that always helped me in my long study nights " My job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible" and using similar reminders i was able to knock it down and enroll in my first choice!

 

Cheers!

[Dr.Doom]

Hello, I am a third year student having a score of VR 10/ PS 14/ BS 11 Essay R. And as you can probably guess, I am really frustrated with my verbal...

 

1. Does this mean no chance for UWO at all?

2. This VR score is pretty reflective of my practice scores (usually 9-10) but my BS was much lower (usually 13-14 in practice); should i spend 2 months studying again and rewrite?

3. I have ~3.98 GPA: taking this into consideration, what is my chance like for U of T or Mac or other schools? Or chance for any out of province schools (which all have minimal seats from what i have heard)

 

I apologize for so many questions but any help or general advice is appreciated!

 

Thank you for your time

[lloyder34]

Are you applying this year?

1. Unless you are SWOMEN, you are unlikely to reach the UWO cutoff which has been 11 the past few years.

2. You have a decent score as it stands, so you run the risk of scoring lower in a section if you re-write (but most schools usually take your best so it shouldn't affect you)

3. Look at the admission stats for the schools. The majority of Mac acceptances had a 10 VR I believe. So it's obviously possible to get in with a 10.

[Larrivee]

Hello, I am a third year student having a score of VR 10/ PS 14/ BS 11 Essay R. And as you can probably guess, I am really frustrated with my verbal...

 

1. Does this mean no chance for UWO at all?

2. This VR score is pretty reflective of my practice scores (usually 9-10) but my BS was much lower (usually 13-14 in practice); should i spend 2 months studying again and rewrite?

3. I have ~3.98 GPA: taking this into consideration, what is my chance like for U of T or Mac or other schools? Or chance for any out of province schools (which all have minimal seats from what i have heard)

 

I apologize for so many questions but any help or general advice is appreciated!

 

Thank you for your time

 

If your goal is to just get into any medical school (not a specific one) apply broadly and your mcat score won't hold you back (for the most part). If your goal is specifically Western... then you're going to want to rewrite. Mac also likes VR but 10 is probably enough if the rest of your app and casper are solid. You should have a shot elsewhere (U of T, Ottawa, Alberta, maybe Calgary, potentially UBC, etc.) just do your research.

[fatty]

I'm really bummed about my Physical Sciences Score but let me know what you guys think...

 

PS 8 BS 10 VR 11

Writing Sample S

[uofA1234]

Thanks for the info

[ColourfulPenguins2]

Hello ladies and gentlemen,

 

I found out my scores a couple of weeks ago and I did worst on my second try. At this point, I don't know what to do. On the first test, I got 12-6-13 P (P,V, and on this test I got 10,8,9 Q. I don't know if I can re-study for the test in a month (since I work and such). Should I just wait until next year to re-write my mcat (and just try to study throughout the year) or just stick up with it and try to re-study for a month (and maybe risk of scoring lower again). I feel that I would have to review all the sciences again and try to raise my verbal score- so I am unsure that one month + full-time work + medical school applications would be enough time.

 

 

Thanks,

Confused student

[zsquared]

GPA 3.84

Mcat 8PS 10VR 12BS

Trying to get in Calgary + Edmonton

 

Rewrite?

[w_robin]

GPA 3.84

Mcat 8PS 10VR 12BS

Trying to get in Calgary + Edmonton

 

Rewrite?

 

The 8 is a little disconcerting. But I think Calgary takes into account what you majored in... So if you're a music major or something - you might be ok on that end.

 

Your GPA looks great though!

[zsquared]

The 8 is a little disconcerting. But I think Calgary takes into account what you majored in... So if you're a music major or something - you might be ok on that end.

 

Your GPA looks great though!

 

Haha thanks! the 8 is really worrying me :\ especially for Edmonton, but im not sure if I should rewrite or not. Would it be competitive even with the 8?. The writing sample was a Q...but any ideas? My major is bioscience

 

Thanks

[bigphish]

Hey all, just curious if I should re-write, I wrote on july 14th and got a 34Q, (VR13, PS 11, BS 10) I'm unsure what to think of this as I didn't study more than a day, so if I actually prepared I feel as if I could do better. The score is also unbalanced which makes me a little worried. Is it worth rewriting or would it be best to keep the scores and see (gpa is 3.95 if that means anything)?, thanks for any and all help in advance