<p>I know that MCATs are not like SATs b/c you should only take them once. However, say that I took the MCATs at the end of my soph yr and I retake them in junior yr. Do med schools see both scores or do they look at the highest score or at the last score? Does it matter how many times you take the MCATs? Sorry if you answered these quest. previously.</p>
<p>Yes, they will see both scores. Just take the MCAT only when you are ready for it.</p>
<p>And you should only take the SAT's once, too.</p>
<p>I think he was talking abt SAT I.</p>
<p>So was I .</p>
<p>you don't necessarily have to take SAT for once........colleges don't mind it if u can improve ur score......taking SAT I 3 times if u think u r rather improving ur score NEVER hurts! Afterall, cumulative score is taken.....anyway, let's come back to the MCAT discussion. :D</p>
<p>Why not just prepare adequately for the first time?</p>
<p>u mean SAT? Emm......people take SAT several times. this is why they do so (including me!)
1. oh, SAT is just an aptitude test....so, I don't really have to prep for anything.....
2. Then, when we hear other people having even 200+ rise in score after taking a prep course or just doing self-study we take it another time.
3. afterall, if u wanna apply for most scholarships, summer programs, internships, they love to see the student have taken SAT and performed well in it.....and that's why many students take SAT once as a sopho and then maybe once or twice more as a junior/senior.</p>
<p>There r definitely exceptions to it.......there r students who doesn't need to prep for it at all.........and can ace it real bad! but u know those r just exceptions. :)</p>
<p>How about just in general? SAT's, MCAT's, the first time you perform surgery...</p>
<p>Why not just do things after you're prepared for them?!</p>
<p>Now what about MCATs. How do you know that you are ready for them? Is it after you score 40+ on all of your practice exams?</p>
<p>Pick a target score. (Not forty.) Be able to beat it consistently by three points on practice exams. Ta-da.</p>
<p>Alternatively, take practice exams. Lots of them. Figure out how well you're consistently doing, because let's face it: you're going to max out at some point. Subtract three to five points. See if you'd still be willing to apply to medical school. If yes, then go for it.</p>
<p>well, u can't really compare SAT w/ performing surgery or I guess maybe MCAT even. Even many colleges encourage students to take SAT atleast twice......it doesn't hurt to take SAT twice..........
I'm not an expert at MCAT.....but I think as long as u get a consistently good score at MCAT practice exams, u shud plan on taking it....</p>
<p>BDM:</p>
<p>I'm not sure your method is really a good one. I took a Kaplan course, and I consistently maxed out my practice tests at 33. I did a lot better than that on the real exam.</p>
<p>I think what's most important is being able to do well on practice exams. Your score could go up or down on the real day depending on any number of things.</p>
<p>Not in response to SC's comment: I mean, this is common sense. One applicant has a 30 and a 35, and one just has a 35. Which strikes you as the stronger applicant?</p>
<p>You could say the same thing with SAT scores. Insert whatever numbers you choose. Isn't it obvious who you'd pick?</p>
<p>SC: The problem is I've seen too many of my friends suffer serious drops to be able to in-good-conscience recommend anything else.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Pick a target score. (Not forty.)
[/quote]
</p>
<p>When I finish my year of sophomore,
and begin studying for the MCAT of yore,
I'll pick not forty as a target score,
but rather, forty-four.</p>
<p>lol. Now, That's the Spirit! ;)</p>
<p>In fairness, my Kaplan teacher did always tell us to aim for a forty-eight.</p>