MCAT score and med school advice! please!

Question

Hi all, I got my score and wanted your opinions. I tested on 1/24 and overall, I got a 510 (127/123/129/131) which I thought I was going to do much better. This is my second time taking the MCAT. The first time, I got a 499 (125/125/126/123). Clearly, this time, I really didn't do well on CARS compared to all the other sections. So my question is, should I take it again or stick with this score? My GPA is about 3.6 my science GPA is probably lower and I have a pretty strong recommendations and extracurricular activities. I'm planning on MD schools. I am also unsure if medical schools look at section scores or the total score more. I'm sure it depends on the school but should I retake it just because CARS is so low? Also how bad is it to take it for the third time? Do medical schools strongly discourage that? It would be awesome if I can get your opinions because I am really conflicted about this and unsure what to do here. MCAT was pretty stressful so it would be great if I don't have to do it again but if needed I know I can take it again and do much better. Thank you!

Answer 1

Schools definitely take the CARS score very seriously. If a student's CARS score is at a higher percentage level than the other scores are, the school will weight that CARS high score more heavily in the admissions process. (In effect, this "gives" the student extra points in the minds of the admission panel.) I teach for the MCAT-CARS and I have techniques that consistently raise students' practice scores. A physician wil have a massive amount of information to read and analyze throughout his or her career, so the admissions people know that a high CARS score is critical to the success of their graduates.