Chances without retaking MCAT

[mdapp]

Hello I'm new to the forum and I'd like to get some opinion!

I'm IP (graduated UG this fall) and I applied to UBC last year with a TFR of around 65 (decently balanced AQ and NAQ) and MCAT~75%tile (2 attempts, low CARS)

I was rejected post-interview with a below-avg score. 

I'm debating whether or not it'll be a good idea to retake the MCAT. I haven't started studying yet (though I'd be my 3rd time taking it) and will only have 3 weeks before the deadline for this year (Aug 24th). If I do bad this time, i won't be able to apply to U.S schools and this is my main concern.

Is it likely for my MCAT to keep me from being accepted, say if I do above avg or avg this time on the interview? I'm also looking to get stronger letters of recommendations this year. Is this likely going to help?

[TARS]

75th percentile sounds fine, it's not super ideal but it's not a deal breaker either.  With a TFR of 65 as an IP applicant, your app seems strong enough to get in as long as you do well in the interview with a slightly weak MCAT.  Not worth the risk to retake in this situation IMO.

[46dr]

I think you're on the right track with letters of recommendations this year. I think it's an area of the post-interview stage that's grossly overlooked on this forum. I intentionally chose people that I felt would be good at writing a persuasive argument for why I'm a better candidate than the rest. For example, I chose one of my english professors as my academic reference because writing academic papers is all about being concise and persuasive. 

I agree with TARS, I think unless you're feeling really confident that you'll improve on your MCAT you should be ok. A girl I know got in with a 504 this year, but has a very strong application otherwise. 

Also, work on improving that interview score!

[FlyingSolo]

I would also recommend not re-taking if you're set on UBC. Your other scores are stellar and with a good interview score you should be fine. IMO, without that good interview score, improving the MCAT will likely not get you into UBC.  Enjoy the rest of your summer!