What happens if you score lower on your second MCAT?

While it's true that you can take the MCAT three times in the same year and seven times in a lifetime, medical schools can see how you scored on each attempt. If you score even lower on a second or third attempt, admissions committees will not see you as a worthwhile investment.

What if your second MCAT score is lower?

So, if you retest, make sure you are improving. Even getting the same score a second time looks bad on an application because it may indicate that you aren't learning from your mistakes, are unsure of yourself, and don't have forward momentum. A lower score or the same score isn't good; improvement is the only option.

Does it look bad to take MCAT twice?

More than three attempts can reflect poorly. Although you can take the MCAT up to seven times in your lifetime, that number certainly doesn't reflect how many times you should be taking the MCAT. Taking the MCAT twice is fine; even three times shouldn't impact your admissions too much.

What happens if you get a low MCAT score?

There are few medical schools who accept students with an MCAT of lower than 490. If your MCAT score is dangerously low, you may be better off retaking the test or applying to no-MCAT medical schools.

What if my MCAT score goes down?

If you're scoring higher in your practice test and then you took the real MCAT and got lower, then something went wrong on test day. Go and retake the test as soon as possible. Refresh your memory if it's been a month since you've taken it. Go take some more practice tests.

5 Tips to Achieve a 99.9th Percentile MCAT Score

Does a bad first MCAT affect chances?

No matter what, admissions committees will see all of your MCAT scores. While taking the test twice is unlikely to impact your admissions decision, if you end up taking the MCAT three or more times could make them question if you're prepared for the challenges of medical school.

Do schools accepting low MCAT scores?

Medical institutions in the U.S. and Canada that necessitate the MCAT typically accept scores ranging from 490-495 at the minimum. Scores below 490 are rarely if ever, accepted.

How do I compensate for a low MCAT score?

The most traditional strategy for offsetting a low MCAT is having a very high GPA. These two application elements are often considered in relation to each other. So, having a high GPA can truly save a lower MCAT score!

What is the lowest MCAT score possible?

Test takers will receive scores for each of the four sections. Total Score: Scores for the four sections are combined to create a total score. The total score ranges from 472 to 528. The midpoint is 500.

Can you get into Harvard with a low MCAT?

Before you throw your hands up in defeat, consider that while Harvard's average stats are quite high, not everyone getting in has a 3.9 GPA and 520 MCAT score. Given that these are average scores, approximately as many students with lower stats get in as those with higher stats.

Do med schools look down on retaking MCAT?

If you're able to show an appreciable score jump from one test to the next, the majority of medical schools won't see having retaken the MCAT as an issue. (Note: This answer also applies to the question, “Do medical schools care if you take the MCAT twice?”)

Is taking the MCAT 3 times a red flag?

Unfortunately, there are some schools that may discourage applicants who have taken the MCAT more than three times, which can be disappointing. Ultimately, you did your best and have what you have, so let the medical schools make their decisions based on their own criteria.

Should I retake a 502 MCAT?

Should I Retake The MCAT If My Score Is 502? If you want to maximize your chances of achieving medical school acceptance, and if your overall application is not strong, we recommend you retake the MCAT if your score is 502.

Is retaking the MCAT a red flag?

Taking the MCAT more than once isn't necessarily a red flag for admissions committees. Many applicants opt for at least one retake to improve their scores. However, the impact of retakes on your application can vary between institutions.

Should I retake MCAT if I got a 508?

If you want to maximize your chances of achieving medical school acceptance, and if your overall application is not strong, we recommend you retake the MCAT if your score is 508.

How common is it to retake the MCAT?

On average, 38 percent of all MCAT test takers retake the MCAT. It should be noted that there is no shame in retaking the MCAT. There are thousands of doctors who took the MCAT two and even three times.

How do you explain low MCAT score in interview?

The "Please Explain Your Bad Grades/Score" question

They know about your bad grades/MCAT score/etc and they want to interview you anyway. Think of this question as an opportunity to explain what you learned from this experience and what you have done to show that it won't or hasn't happened again.

Is a 517 MCAT too low?

Medical schools have different minimum score requirements for students based on being in-state, out-of-state, in particular programs, socioeconomic backgrounds, and more. Considering that a 517 is far ahead of the average MCAT score of a 501, it's very competitive for med-school admission.

What score is 100% on MCAT?

They act as placeholders, however, and can be useful in better understanding the score range. Scores of 524-528 are in the 100th percentile, meaning no one has achieved them.

Can I get into med-school with a 502 MCAT?

Chances of Being Accepted to Med School by MCAT Score

510 to 513: About 65% of applicants admitted‍ 506 to 509: 50% of applicants admitted‍ 502 to 505: About 35% of applicants admitted‍ 498 to 501: Over 20% of applicants admitted‍

Can I get into med-school with a 505 MCAT?

So, for students who are doing about average or a little above average on the MCAT, in the 502-505 range, that's good enough to get a look and probably good enough to get an interview—although you would have to knock it out of the park on everything else—it could get you an acceptance.

Can I get into med-school with a 507 MCAT?

Whilst it's certainly possible to get into a medical school with a 507 or below (and there have been cases of students accepted with sub-500 scores), it's unlikely – especially if you're applying for a more competitive college. In general, it's difficult to get accepted with an MCAT score below 500.

Should I retake a 506 MCAT?

Should I Retake The MCAT If My Score Is 506? If you want to maximize your chances of achieving medical school acceptance, and if your overall application is not strong, we recommend you retake the MCAT if your score is 506.

Is 512 a low MCAT score?

If you scored a 512 on the MCAT, this means you performed in the 85th percentile according to most recent AAMC statistics, and you now have a competitive score for med-school admission.

Is a 500 MCAT score bad?

The MCAT scale is centered so that a 500 represents the mean score. AAMC recommends that med school admission committees consider applicants near the center of the range, rather than placing the most emphasis on the higher end of the scale.