should your MCAT score go on your resume while you're a medical student?

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got a good score. worth it to put on resume? or is it tacky

I would think your medical school would reflect your mcat score, no?

Originally Posted by Verum

I would think your medical school would reflect your mcat score, no?

No.

Your MCAT score should never appear on your resume, ever.

Originally Posted by GuyWhoDoesStuff

Your MCAT score should never appear on your resume, ever.

I second this. I know a resident who put her STEP 1 score in bold letters on the center of her CV for residency apps. Even that's pushing it IMO.

Originally Posted by RestoreSight

I second this. I know a resident who put her STEP 1 score in bold letters on the center of her CV for residency apps. Even that's pushing it IMO.

Why was a resident applying for residency?

Originally Posted by RestoreSight

I second this. I know a resident who put her STEP 1 score in bold letters on the center of her CV for residency apps. Even that's pushing it IMO.

Residency and fellowship apps require your step scores. There is a section devoted to it.

Originally Posted by authorization66

got a good score. worth it to put on resume? or is it tacky

How good are we talking?

Tell us the score. If it's >40 then you may purchase a stamp maker and stamp it on everything you see, including your resume, claiming it as yours for all to know and respect.

What are you applying for?

Originally Posted by cowme

Residency and fellowship apps require your step scores. There is a section devoted to it.

Which is precisely why your MCAT (or Step I/II) scores do not belong anywhere on your resume, ever.

[I suppose the one exception may be if you are applying to be an MCAT or USMLE tutor]

Originally Posted by authorization66

got a good score. worth it to put on resume? or is it tacky

extremely tacky, borderline dbaggy

In a similar vein, if you have a non-so impressive MCAT score, will you be required to list this on residency applications? My instinct is NO, for the same reason you don't list your SAT score when applying to med school.

Originally Posted by RedSox10

In a similar vein, if you have a non-so impressive MCAT score, will you be required to list this on residency applications? My instinct is NO, for the same reason you don't list your SAT score when applying to med school.

Nope.

Originally Posted by GuyWhoDoesStuff

Which is precisely why your MCAT (or Step I/II) scores do not belong anywhere on your resume, ever.

[I suppose the one exception may be if you are applying to be an MCAT or USMLE tutor]

Every CV Ive seen for medical students includes Step scores. Not sure why you think those don't belong on a medical students CV?

Originally Posted by Sheldor

Every CV Ive seen for medical students includes Step scores. Not sure why you think those don't belong on a medical students CV?

quick question, how would you respond to a pre-med attempting to correct you on advice on how to get into med school? and how many CVs have you seen? I would assume that he, as a resident, has seen more. And given that this topic is essentially "things med students do that they probably shouldnt do" I dont know that your argument holds all that much water

Originally Posted by drizzt3117

Nope.

thanks =)

Originally Posted by SpecterGT260

quick question, how would you respond to a pre-med attempting to correct you on advice on how to get into med school? and how many CVs have you seen? I would assume that he, as a resident, has seen more. And given that this topic is essentially "things med students do that they probably shouldnt do" I dont know that your argument holds all that much water

I had my step 1 and 2 score, shelf scores, and GPA on my resume during med school, if they're impressive why wouldn't you put them on there? I'm sure it wasn't perused as carefully as the research component, but there's no reason not to put them. Keep in mind the only reason you'd need a cv during med school is to apply to scholarships, away rotations, and research positions like HHMI etc, might as well sell yourself as much as possible.

That really didn't address my post...

Originally Posted by SpecterGT260

That really didn't address my post...

If I put "resident" on my status would it change things? Both gwds and I are graduated m4s about to start TYs.

It's standard practice to put step scores and other quantitative metrics on a med student CV. I've seen it done at a half dozen institutions. People have very few other metrics to evaluate the quality of a resume outside of school name and research.

Originally Posted by authorization66

got a good score. worth it to put on resume? or is it tacky

NO for the same reason you would not put your SAT score on your CV. It will not impress anyone.

Originally Posted by drizzt3117

If I put "resident" on my status would it change things? Both gwds and I are graduated m4s about to start TYs.

.

well that changes things.

Originally Posted by Sheldor

Every CV Ive seen for medical students includes Step scores. Not sure why you think those don't belong on a medical students CV?

Those belong on ERAS, in the specific section designated as such. I really don't see a reason to include it anywhere else, although others clearly disagree. Drizzt and I are both at the same stage in our training, as he pointed out. I'll gladly remove my "resident" tag until I start on the 11th to avoid any confusion.

Anyway, I just don't see the point. Unless you're sending your resume directly to VSAS for an away rotation (which sometimes asks your Step I score if you're applying for a competitive specialty), it's a bit silly. Shelf exam scores? C'mon drizzt, I like you, but that's a bit much don't you think? I guess I always try to err on the side of humility in real life situations, and I understand the importance of not selling yourself short, but that kind of info is more on a "need to know" basis. If they need to know, they'll ask.

Anyway, we can agree to disagree here. Clearly people do it. I happen to think it comes off as amazingly tacky, but I suppose not everyone shares that view.

As for the OP, I think the consensus is clearly "no" when it comes to the MCAT.

[disclaimer: and this is coming from a guy who is very proud of his scores]

I agree that shelf exam scores are a bit much, I put them because my school doesn't put them on the mspe or transcript like other schools and I got almost all 99s.

I put step 1/2 on my CV when applying for scholarships and away rotations because I thought it'd help; I got all the ones I applied for so I guess it didn't hurt too much. Rads programs didn't require a step 1 for aways but some programs asked during the rotation.

I agree that MCAT score is irrelevant and shouldn't be on there.

Originally Posted by GuyWhoDoesStuff

Those belong on ERAS, in the specific section designated as such. I really don't see a reason to include it anywhere else, although others clearly disagree. Drizzt and I are both at the same stage in our training, as he pointed out. I'll gladly remove my "resident" tag until I start on the 11th to avoid any confusion.

Anyway, I just don't see the point. Unless you're sending your resume directly to VSAS for an away rotation (which sometimes asks your Step I score if you're applying for a competitive specialty), it's a bit silly. Shelf exam scores? C'mon drizzt, I like you, but that's a bit much don't you think? I guess I always try to err on the side of humility in real life situations, and I understand the importance of not selling yourself short, but that kind of info is more on a "need to know" basis. If they need to know, they'll ask.

Anyway, we can agree to disagree here. Clearly people do it. I happen to think it comes off as amazingly tacky, but I suppose not everyone shares that view.

As for the OP, I think the consensus is clearly "no" when it comes to the MCAT.

[disclaimer: and this is coming from a guy who is very proud of his scores]

Originally Posted by drizzt3117

It's standard practice to put step scores and other quantitative metrics on a med student CV. I've seen it done at a half dozen institutions. People have very few other metrics to evaluate the quality of a resume outside of school name and research.

I don't have my Step score on my CV because my school puts it (and shelf scores) on our transcript, and I figure anywhere that matters is going to be getting an official transcript as well.

The only time I have reported them was when I was applying for an NIH predoctoral grant--that required MCAT and USMLE scores.

Originally Posted by cowme

Residency and fellowship apps require your step scores. There is a section devoted to it.

Doesn't seem to apply to a CV. On ERAS yes, but not on a CV

Just CV? Make sure to put your MCAT score in your email signatures too. Make business cards with it too.

Originally Posted by pkwraith

Just CV? Make sure to put your MCAT score in your email signatures too. Make business cards with it too.

I've heard of someone doing the email thing....

Never mention MCAT after starting medical school. Never mention steps 1 or 2 after starting residency.

Originally Posted by thesauce

Never mention MCAT after starting medical school. Never mention steps 1 or 2 after starting residency.

Totally agree with the slight addendum that Steps 1 through 3 will be on your CV for the rest of your career. However, the scores are on there pre-residency and come off after. CVs I've seen for clinicians include the date and Pass for each of the steps.

Originally Posted by Sheldor

Totally agree with the slight addendum that Steps 1 through 3 will be on your CV for the rest of your career. However, the scores are on there pre-residency and come off after. CVs I've seen for clinicians include the date and Pass for each of the steps.

Right. I'm talking about the scores.

Since OP never responded to my question about how good of an mcat I'll break it down based on score:

45 I would definitely put it
44 I might put it
43 or less Would not put
40 or less If I saw someone's resume with this score when it was not required/asked for, I would ridicule them.

Originally Posted by thesauce

Right. I'm talking about the scores.

Gotcha, I figured so much! Just though the clarity might help someone.

Originally Posted by HopesandDreams

Since OP never responded to my question about how good of an mcat I'll break it down based on score:

45 I would definitely put it
44 I might put it
43 or less Would not put
40 or less If I saw someone's resume with this score when it was not required/asked for, I would ridicule them.

43-45 used to be the max score, is that not the case anymore? Either way, even a 45 should not go on a CV

Originally Posted by Sheldor

Gotcha, I figured so much! Just though the clarity might help someone.



43-45 used to be the max score, is that not the case anymore? Either way, even a 45 should not go on a CV

Its not the case because I dont think a 43 has ever been attained aamc has the stats by year published.... so wed have to double check that

There have been several 43s

People aren't smelly enough to put SAT scores in job resumes, so there's zero reason for an MCAT score.

Originally Posted by thesauce

There have been several 43s

https://www.aamc.org/students/downlo...combined11.pdf
https://www.aamc.org/students/downlo...combined10.pdf
https://www.aamc.org/students/downlo...combined09.pdf
https://www.aamc.org/students/downlo...combined08.pdf

Looks like you may be right.....but a 0.0% of the total makes this not really all that debate worthy

Originally Posted by Sheldor

Every CV Ive seen for medical students includes Step scores. Not sure why you think those don't belong on a medical students CV?

When applying for fellowships many programs list CV formats they want you to follow and they almost always have a USMLE section. For actual jobs outside of academic programs I would nix it.

I can't see a circumstance where the MCAT belongs on a CV -- once you are in residency that chapter is pretty much closed.

Originally Posted by SpecterGT260

https://www.aamc.org/students/downlo...combined11.pdf
https://www.aamc.org/students/downlo...combined10.pdf
https://www.aamc.org/students/downlo...combined09.pdf
https://www.aamc.org/students/downlo...combined08.pdf

Looks like you may be right.....but a 0.0% of the total makes this not really all that debate worthy

I've seen a few 44s and one 45. One of the ppl with a 44T brought a laminated copy of his score report to interviews and "accidentally" let it slip out of his portfolio at lunch.

Originally Posted by drizzt3117

I've seen a few 44s and one 45. One of the ppl with a 44T brought a laminated copy of his score report to interviews and "accidentally" let it slip out of his portfolio at lunch.

I was wrong about the 43 thing but I did read recently that a 45 has never been achieved. Do you have any conformation of this? The amcas links dont even have a sliver there

If the "never 45" thing is a myth it would be nice to know

Originally Posted by drizzt3117

I've seen a few 44s and one 45. One of the ppl with a 44T brought a laminated copy of his score report to interviews and "accidentally" let it slip out of his portfolio at lunch.

Back when I took it the highest score you could get on the Verbal section was "13-15", while you could get 15's in the other two sections so the highest score possible was "43-45." If you saw a 44, it sounds like that has changed!

Also, laminated? Seriously? Hopefully much ridicule that day.

Originally Posted by SpecterGT260

I was wrong about the 43 thing but I did read recently that a 45 has never been achieved. Do you have any conformation of this? The amcas links dont even have a sliver there

If the "never 45" thing is a myth it would be nice to know

Nah, it happens. At my Duke interview, one of the Deans said that an applicant who had scored a 45 had called them up all angry about not getting offered an interview.

nm

I wouldn't be including any scores on anything unless 1) they're specifically requested and/or 2) they won't appear anywhere else and are absolutely necessary for your evaluation. If I were a professor at an undergrad and a pre-med student included their MCAT score on their CV (rough equivalent to what's being discussed here with respect to step 1 scores), I would laugh. Even if it's a "good score," the fact that someone would volunteer that information in the context of something that doesn't require it (e.g., trying to get a research position) would be a red flag for me. I would assume that you're a tool. If an individual/program/whatever wants a piece of information and it's extremely important to them, they'll request it.

I don't put it on mine, but it is case specific. I recently modified my resume to include standardized scores for a tutoring position, but only because they specifically asked for it.

Originally Posted by NickNaylor

I wouldn't be including any scores on anything unless 1) they're specifically requested and/or 2) they won't appear anywhere else and are absolutely necessary for your evaluation. If I were a professor at an undergrad and a pre-med student included their MCAT score on their CV (rough equivalent to what's being discussed here with respect to step 1 scores), I would laugh. Even if it's a "good score," the fact that someone would volunteer that information in the context of something that doesn't require it (e.g., trying to get a research position) would be a red flag for me. I would assume that you're a tool. If an individual/program/whatever wants a piece of information and it's extremely important to them, they'll request it.

When I was a PRA, my PI advised me to include my GRE score on my CV, but not my MCAT score since he didn't have any idea what those numbers meant. So for a pre-med, I don't think including these scores is always laughable. It's not entirely out of context for a research position. Most research positions aren't long term. They are stepping stones on the way to a professional program in which GRE or MCAT scores are required for admittance. I'd assume most PI's would rather have a student in their lab they believe can go on to be successful in a graduate program.

Originally Posted by Cinclus

Nah, it happens. At my Duke interview, one of the Deans said that an applicant who had scored a 45 had called them up all angry about not getting offered an interview.

Yeah this is exactly the kind of person who gets waitlisted everywhere actually. There's always someone with phenomial stats who thinks they are entitled to their pick of the litter. Med schools try to avoid them in favor of humbler people without that sense of entitlement. You'd rather have the guy with a 38 who is excited to be there than the guy with a 45 who thinks he is doing you a favor. That the guy called them up in this manner pretty much validated their analysis of the situation.

Originally Posted by SpecterGT260

I was wrong about the 43 thing but I did read recently that a 45 has never been achieved. Do you have any conformation of this? The amcas links dont even have a sliver there

If the "never 45" thing is a myth it would be nice to know

The director of admissions from UCF talked about someone with a 45 MCAT and 4.0 GPA in a newspaper article a few years ago, I'm assuming he's not lying to the press in an interview.