Bombed the MCAT... should I apply anyway or wait a year?

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Hi all... I have given and received lots of advice from SDN so I just want to say thanks for all the entertainment.

Now, I took the MCAT 5/31/12 and based on my practice tests and averages, I was expecting a 31 or 32 and hoping for a 33... I got a 27Q -- 9/9/9 -- 3.65 cGPA, 3.7 sGPA. No idea how this happened as I felt pretty okay coming out of the test, but what's done is done. What matters is how I deal with this setback.

Based on my app, I was planning to apply to upper middle tiered schools and upper schools. I have a Nature paper, two other publications, lots of independent leadership, superb rec letters, over 5 years of research experience, shadowing, clinical volunteering, etc... On top of that, I was applying as economically disadvantaged, but I am not URM. I am 25 so I was ready to move forward and go to medical school to pursue my dream of going into clinical research.

So.... my options are:

1) Re-take MCAT after 1 month of studying only 3 hours/day and hopefully do better, but possibly not. Apply this cycle... but very very late and possibly too late to have a good app cycle. If I don't get in somewhere, I will be considered a re-applicant next year. Based on my MCAT averages, I could have gotten over a 30 on the MCAT. Some people would say to re-take. The problem is that I work full time and there is no way that I would have time to study for a re-take as it has been a full month since I opened up the books.

2) Cancel my application ASAP (I am not verified yet so I would NOT be considered a re-applicant next year). Study over several months and re-take the MCAT in January -- high probability to get above 32.

3) Apply to low-tier schools with a 27 and hope that the strength of my application in other areas such as research will get me in somewhere... but I may not be happy with the research options available to me.


I don't care about "rankings" for medical school, but I DO care about the quality and opportunity for research. I want to be among the best physician scientists because I want to do translational research -- medical research is my long-term career goal. Are there any low-tier schools that have great research?

Please; any advice would be greatly appreciated. I don't know what is best for me. As This happened this week, I just needed a few days to get my mind off of the situation, but now I need to face it and start moving forward.

Best,
C

#2 looks to be by far the best option. Your GPA isn't great, especially for CA and with a 27 MCAT. But if you do get above 32, you'll be in good shape next year.

I see that you're 25 and ready to get started though. So it really depends on how willing you are to take another year off and start med school at 27.

I would retake. I got in the low 30s, which certainly isn't bad, but I was expecting mid-30s. I regret not retaking the exam. If you have the time and patience, I think it would surely help, even if you just bring it up to 30 (and not the 31-33 you were expecting).

I would advise to put a hold on things, cancel the app NOW, and retake the MCAT. It would suck to retake it, get another mediocre score, and be in a position to just apply "just because you already spent a grand on apps."

Not sure if you're traditional or non-trad, but I don't think a year is going to hurt you a whole lot to take some time off to get a higher score.

I think the biggest thing that I've heard from my friends who matriculated a year or two earlier than I did, and even those from this admissions cycle, is that applying late sucks. to retake it in late august, and to be complete by then....you're basically putting yourself at a disadvantage right from the get-go. Besides, if your mcat comes up to say a 30, it's not a great score, but its not bad. Such a score places a great necessity to applying earlier, just so they have the time and luxury to review your application more thoroughly.

MCAT improvements aren't impossible, but require a lot of thought and critical thinking-not for the test, but figuring out a plan on how you want to improve. It might mean taking some time away from it to freshen your mind and refocus. I don't think such improvements occur in a month, unless you had a disadvantage during the test, such as a cold or something. I've been in your shoes once-I had a mediocre MCAT and I decided to take another year off, get involved more, and ensure I had the right MCAT score I wanted before applying.

I can tell you from this experience that I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever by taking another year. Exceptions I can see to this are of the following: massive student debt that needs to be repaid, older, and non-trad. Besides, having an extra year will allow you to get a job to have more money to apply to more schools. I didn't get any help from my parents applying, so I used all my paychecks on the application process. 30 schools was NOT cheap, lol.

Number 2 all the way baby.

I am going to take this another direction.... 27 MCAT with solid 9s is not a bad score. Its not. Depending on what state you are applying in you have a good shot at getting into your state school. Also keep in mind with a broad and early app like you have you do have a shot. Now I don't know where you have applied and I could give you better information if I did but you are not doing that bad. People see any MCAT score under 30 and jump on it like it is the worst score in the world. People get in with your stats. Also consider applying DO to broaden your app. All you need is a letter of rec from a doctor ( although they prefer DOs it isn't the end of the world if its an MD). There are alot of awesome DO schools out there that you have a good shot at.

I say roll the dice and I bet you will get into a good school that you could be happy with.

Originally Posted by WorldChanger36

I am going to take this another direction.... 27 MCAT with solid 9s is not a bad score. Its not. Depending on what state you are applying in you have a good shot at getting into your state school. Also keep in mind with a broad and early app like you have you do have a shot. Now I don't know where you have applied and I could give you better information if I did but you are not doing that bad. People see any MCAT score under 30 and jump on it like it is the worst score in the world. People get in with your stats. Also consider applying DO to broaden your app. All you need is a letter of rec from a doctor ( although they prefer DOs it isn't the end of the world if its an MD). There are alot of awesome DO schools out there that you have a good shot at.

I say roll the dice and I bet you will get into a good school that you could be happy with.

Please. 27 is like 5 points below the median of people who get accepted. Sure people get accepted with his stats but obviously not many people do. Yes 27 is bad for MD.

#1 Because 2 is not a winner and 3 nobody remembers.

I would go with number 2... focus on pulling your score up and apply early next year.

Originally Posted by FattySlug

Please. 27 is like 5 points below the median of people who get accepted. Sure people get accepted with his stats but obviously not many people do. Yes 27 is bad for MD.

Like I said all people see is the number and freak out. OP, according to the AAMC you have a 50.5 percent chance of acceptance to an MD school if you apply to the average number, which is 15, and everything else is in order. If you apply to more then 15 schools, that are open to your application ( OOS friendly and not top tier) this chance goes up a lot. If you add in DO schools it goes up even more. The MCAT is a real beast of a test and no one wants to retake it. In the end to call is up to you but you have a real chance at this and as long as you have a strong plan if you don't get in, you be fine if you have to reapply.

But you don't have to take my word for it...
https://www.aamc.org/download/270906...ridall0911.pdf

If you dont play the game you can't win.

Best of luck on whatever you choose

Originally Posted by Fivo

#1 Because 2 is not a winner and 3 nobody remembers.

I see what you did there.

Apply MD and DO. If you don't want to apply DO...apply DO.

People get into MD schools with your stats all the time and you have amazing ECs, there's no reason to put off another year a 27 isn't killer. If you got a 25 then I would say wait a year.

I'm guessing you already took most of the practice tests already, and you were getting decent averages, maybe you're just not a good test taker that's ok. However if you already used your practice test resources I don't know how much you can expect to improve, not saying you couldn't I'm just saying it's something to consider.

Originally Posted by WorldChanger36

Like I said all people see is the number and freak out. OP, according to the AAMC you have a 50.5 percent chance of acceptance to an MD school if you apply to the average number, which is 15, and everything else is in order. If you apply to more then 15 schools, that are open to your application ( OOS friendly and not top tier) this chance goes up a lot. If you add in DO schools it goes up even more. The MCAT is a real beast of a test and no one wants to retake it. In the end to call is up to you but you have a real chance at this and as long as you have a strong plan if you don't get in, you be fine if you have to reapply.

But you don't have to take my word for it...
https://www.aamc.org/download/270906...ridall0911.pdf

If you dont play the game you can't win.

Best of luck on whatever you choose

+1.

I think if you apply broadly enough you have a legitimate shot at getting in to MD. You would definitely get in to a DO program. Apply!

#2 because you know you can do much better!

I don't see why you couldn't apply and retake the MCAT 3 or 4 months from now. You would then have a potentially better score for this application cycle. I don't think you should give up on this cycle anyway.

pelican...uh...you sure about that? 3-4 months is october/november...the last mcat is in september...

I'm a little curious as to when you went through with the cycle and whatnot...

Originally Posted by UrshumMurshum

Apply MD and DO. If you don't want to apply DO...apply DO.

This, or #2.

Study hard, change your study strategy, retake the exam.

If you took a prep class, know that the "practice" exams tend to have easier grading curves towards the end so that the class can justify its own existence - i.e. you're "improving" as shown by your increasing MCAT scores. Averaging in the low 30s doesn't mean you'll score in the low 30s on the real test.

Originally Posted by Alejandro

pelican...uh...you sure about that? 3-4 months is october/november...the last mcat is in september...

I'm a little curious as to when you went through with the cycle and whatnot...

Yeah I guess in September it will be two years since I took the MCAT.

Two months is still enough time to study in my opinion especially if you already have prepared for a MCAT recently.

Hey all!

Thanks soooo much for the comments. After reading them all so far, I feel like my brain is starting to really consider the options.

I am leaning more towards #2 now... I feel like its not like my life is on hold right now or like I am working at McDonalds in the meantime. I can spend more time beefing up my app, working at a cancer research lab, and getting some more volunteer experiences in. I am going to mull over it a bit more, wait for some more comments on here, and make a decision by Monday (I submitted on the 21st--this should be enough time to prevent verification I think.) Also, I think that Option #2 would get me into a top research institution that will ensure success in the field of medical research that I am interested in. Also, I just feel like that 27 doesn't represent me, you know? I can't really bring myself to own up to it. If I felt like I deserved that score it would be different. But really, I just feel like the standardized testing has failed me....

Gosh it would be so hard to pull that application though. I put soooo much time and effort into it. To pull that thing would be devastating. But, I feel like it might be the right thing.

I can still be swayed though. So, if anyone else has some advice... SPEAK NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE!

Best,
C

.

What is keeping you from applying MD this cycle, retaking the MCAT in September anyway, and seeing what happens? You may get into a school you're happy with with your 27 because the rest of your application is solid, and then if you get in, that's great, but if not, you can reapply next year.

I understand that it's really expensive to reapply, but your ECs seem really incredible, and if you're that confident that you can do better, I think you can retake in September and make it happen. It seems like a waste to put off applying just for the MCAT... that's one less year of income you could have as a licensed physician, you know? I know a lot of people will disagree with me, and that's okay; I understand not wanting to take the risk of having to do the application process twice, because it really is expensive.

What it comes down to, I think, is this: How important is prestige to you when it comes to selecting a medical school? You would probably have a great shot at "low" or "mid" tier institutions, but the very most selective schools are going to be a big reach (they'd be a reach even with a 31-33). What do you want most? Do you want to cast the widest net possible and aim for the more prestigious, but often expensive, institutions, or do you simply want an MD acceptance, which may be more affordable? Only you know what is most important to you. I wish you the best, whatever you decide

OP, why is your studying during the next month limited to three hours per day? You can still apply this cycle if you get your butt in gear!

For those of you who are recommending to apply this season...lemme ask-did you guys apply last year, or in previous years? I will say that from having gone through the experience and whatnot, nothing is detrimental to your application than a late app. You're basically ruling yourself out of many schools, just because some schools are just overwhemled with the volume of apps they receive.

IMHO, it seems silly to apply to 20 schools and find that 5 are automatically going to nix you from the get go.

I disagree with those that advise to apply now. Wait a year, get all your stuff in shape, get the MCAT you want, and aim high, and apply broadly. It'll also give you the extra time and leisure to beef up your application, AND prepare secondaries for the schools you apply to. This'll help you get to the school that you like the most. (doesn't necessarily mean highest ranked, but a place where you feel like you'll do your best.)

Originally Posted by K M R

OP, why is your studying during the next month limited to three hours per day? You can still apply this cycle if you get your butt in gear!

Simply because I work about 50-60 hours per week ... It is not realistic to study more than three hours per weekday, although I could study a lot over the weekends, but it is just not enough...

Hey catz, I remember you from the 5/31 thread. I would learn toward option 2, but I remember you said in your posts you were getting 12/13's on VR and 13's on BS toward the end and averaging a 9 on PS. So if you were getting 35's on the later AAMCs, I would think that your performance on test day was more bad luck/not thinking straight - because an 8 point fall is greater than Kasho's fall of 5 pts. Because of this fluky 8 point fall, I think you might consider retaking soon in a month or two and apply this cycle instead of waiting a whole year.

i feel your pain. Same shfdsfd%z happened to me too.
i guess you can't control fate aka tests.
i would pick 2 if you are not interested in DO.

Originally Posted by catzzz88

3) Apply to low-tier schools with a 27 and hope that the strength of my application in other areas such as research will get me in somewhere... but I may not be happy with the research options available to me.

beggars can't be choosers now can they?

How long have you been out of school? I had the same problem before I got my MCAT scores in June, which were great. I was contemplating on whether to apply to lower end schools, etc. The reason I chose to go ahead with it before knowing my new MCAT score was that I have already been out of school for quite a long time and have never applied. I figured I need to give it my best now and see what happens, I've waited long enough and mainly because like you, I have to work about 60 hrs/week. I also want to do translational research, some lower tier MD schools do have very large hospitals associated with them and they can be great places to do clinical research because of the large and diverse population. Also look at schools that will allow you to perform research at other campuses nearby, such as schools in NY, etc. Small schools may also have PhD programs that you can get into after your first year of medical school. This may be a good option since smaller schools can offer very individualized attention (big fish in small pond). You can do very well and do your residency at a higher ranked university, especially if you have a lot of research under your belt by then you'll stand out for those residency spots. I'll let you know how it goes for me, I can't say I speak for experience. I am just starting to fill out secondaries.

option 2

Originally Posted by catzzz88

Hi all... I have given and received lots of advice from SDN so I just want to say thanks for all the entertainment.

Now, I took the MCAT 5/31/12 and based on my practice tests and averages, I was expecting a 31 or 32 and hoping for a 33... I got a 27Q -- 9/9/9 -- 3.65 cGPA, 3.7 sGPA. No idea how this happened as I felt pretty okay coming out of the test, but what's done is done. What matters is how I deal with this setback.

Based on my app, I was planning to apply to upper middle tiered schools and upper schools. I have a Nature paper, two other publications, lots of independent leadership, superb rec letters, over 5 years of research experience, shadowing, clinical volunteering, etc... On top of that, I was applying as economically disadvantaged, but I am not URM. I am 25 so I was ready to move forward and go to medical school to pursue my dream of going into clinical research.

So.... my options are:

1) Re-take MCAT after 1 month of studying only 3 hours/day and hopefully do better, but possibly not. Apply this cycle... but very very late and possibly too late to have a good app cycle. If I don't get in somewhere, I will be considered a re-applicant next year. Based on my MCAT averages, I could have gotten over a 30 on the MCAT. Some people would say to re-take. The problem is that I work full time and there is no way that I would have time to study for a re-take as it has been a full month since I opened up the books.

2) Cancel my application ASAP (I am not verified yet so I would NOT be considered a re-applicant next year). Study over several months and re-take the MCAT in January -- high probability to get above 32.

3) Apply to low-tier schools with a 27 and hope that the strength of my application in other areas such as research will get me in somewhere... but I may not be happy with the research options available to me.


I don't care about "rankings" for medical school, but I DO care about the quality and opportunity for research. I want to be among the best physician scientists because I want to do translational research -- medical research is my long-term career goal. Are there any low-tier schools that have great research?

Please; any advice would be greatly appreciated. I don't know what is best for me. As This happened this week, I just needed a few days to get my mind off of the situation, but now I need to face it and start moving forward.

Best,
C

Retake. The rest of your app is good enough to garner interviews at some very good schools, and it's silly to have an MCAT score as the sole handicap in your application, especially considering the fact that you were expecting ~5 points higher.

You do realize that you'll never be this mythical super-applicant destined for a seat at a prestigious research-heavy medical school, do you not? You will be an MCAT re-taker. Not exactly Hopkins material.

You may have to.......now wait for it.......apply to those crumby bottom-tiers. And you may still get rejected.

Pre-meds with your flavor or intellectual-entitlement syndrome are as annoying as a cab filled with the smell of fart. No one owes you anything in this process. People like you end up shooting themselves in the foot and never become doctors because their ego is bigger than their brain.

Originally Posted by diagonal

You do realize that you'll never be this mythical super-applicant destined for a seat at a prestigious research-heavy medical school, do you not? You will be an MCAT re-taker. Not exactly Hopkins material.

You may have to.......now wait for it.......apply to those crumby bottom-tiers. And you may still get rejected.

Pre-meds with your flavor or intellectual-entitlement syndrome are as annoying as a cab filled with the smell of fart. No one owes you anything in this process. People like you end up shooting themselves in the foot and never become doctors because their ego is bigger than their brain.

This is a needlessly mean-spirited and illogical post. A 5 point drop in MCAT score makes a big difference in the application process and frankly, the 27Q just looks weird next to OP's other stats. Since the MCAT is given heavy weight, why not retake to have the whole package?

Originally Posted by Dave89

This is a needlessly mean-spirited and illogical post. A 5 point drop in MCAT score makes a big difference in the application process and frankly, the 27Q just looks weird next to OP's other stats. Since the MCAT is given heavy weight, why not retake to have the whole package?

The "whole package" doesn't include an MCAT retake. And guess what, the OP did indeed get a 27. I don't care how weird that looks. It's reality. We're not arranging a deli platter - you don't get to pick the best meats because they fit better. OP done bought some balogna, now it's time to take a bite and accept that.

The powers that be don't hand out better standardized exam scores because you successfully managed working the system and getting good grades, or getting into a lab that was kind enough to throw your name on a Nature paper because you were good at sexing flies while listening to Coldplay on your iPod.

Originally Posted by diagonal

You do realize that you'll never be this mythical super-applicant destined for a seat at a prestigious research-heavy medical school, do you not? You will be an MCAT re-taker. Not exactly Hopkins material.

You may have to.......now wait for it.......apply to those crumby bottom-tiers. And you may still get rejected.

Pre-meds with your flavor or intellectual-entitlement syndrome are as annoying as a cab filled with the smell of fart. No one owes you anything in this process. People like you end up shooting themselves in the foot and never become doctors because their ego is bigger than their brain.

harsh but true

Originally Posted by diagonal

The "whole package" doesn't include an MCAT retake. And guess what, the OP did indeed get a 27. I don't care how weird that looks. It's reality. We're not arranging a deli platter - you don't get to pick the best meats because they fit better. OP done bought some balogna, now it's time to take a bite and accept that.

The powers that be don't hand out better standardized exam scores because you successfully managed working the system and getting good grades, or getting into a lab that was kind enough to throw your name on a Nature paper because you were good at sexing flies while listening to Coldplay on your iPod.

If OP retakes and scores 31+ the 27 will be forgotten, IMO. Off the top of my head, I believe it's not too late to schedule a retake for this cycle. Having AMCAS verification in late September/early October with a 31+ gives far better odds than sticking with a 27.

Originally Posted by Dave89

If OP retakes and scores 31+ the 27 will be forgotten, IMO. Off the top of my head, I believe it's not too late to schedule a retake for this cycle. Having AMCAS verification in late September/early October with a 31+ gives far better odds than sticking with a 27.

a 9/9/9 doesnt seem like a bombed mcat. if a test is a bomb i would think only 1 section would have a low score while at least one other section showed a higher scores reflecting of your true poential. this leads me to believe 1 more month of studying will not improve his mcat much. especially only 3 hrs/day (come on, that is nothing. now if you pull something like 18 hrs a day or something like that and completely devote fulltime into material reviewing, you can improve your PS and BS drastically) even if he pulled a 32, if he is lucky his app will get submitted in early/mid october (way too late, super close to the deadline of some secondaries) and his stats are not that great (the restake is there, lots of MD schools average mcat scores). option 1 is def not a good idea.
either you apply now (apply DO and all MD, skip the upper tier school since you wont get in, mid tier and lower tier MD and some DO) or you wait and hopefully study 3 months for MCAT and apply early next cycle.

Originally Posted by tn4596

a 9/9/9 doesnt seem like a bombed mcat. if a test is a bomb i would think only 1 section would have a low score while at least one other section showed a higher scores reflecting of your true poential. this leads me to believe 1 more month of studying will not improve his mcat much. especially only 3 hrs/day (come on, that is nothing. now if you pull something like 18 hrs a day or something like that and completely devote fulltime into material reviewing, you can improve your PS and BS drastically) even if he pulled a 32, if he is lucky his app will get submitted in early/mid october (way too late, super close to the deadline of some secondaries) and his stats are not that great (the restake is there, lots of MD schools average mcat scores). option 1 is def not a good idea.
either you apply now (apply DO and all MD, skip the upper tier school since you wont get in, mid tier and lower tier MD and some DO) or you wait and hopefully study 3 months for MCAT and apply early next cycle.

(S)he said the expected score was ~32. I think it's reasonable to assume that the low 30s are within reach with a retake. The avg matriculating score is, I believe, a 32. It seems foolish to me to apply to MD schools with a 27.

Originally Posted by diagonal

You do realize that you'll never be this mythical super-applicant destined for a seat at a prestigious research-heavy medical school, do you not? You will be an MCAT re-taker. Not exactly Hopkins material.

You may have to.......now wait for it.......apply to those crumby bottom-tiers. And you may still get rejected.

anything is possible

Originally Posted by tenta20

anything is possible

Good point. She may get a 25 on her re-take.

Originally Posted by diagonal

You do realize that you'll never be this mythical super-applicant destined for a seat at a prestigious research-heavy medical school, do you not? You will be an MCAT re-taker. Not exactly Hopkins material.

You may have to.......now wait for it.......apply to those crumby bottom-tiers. And you may still get rejected.

Pre-meds with your flavor or intellectual-entitlement syndrome are as annoying as a cab filled with the smell of fart. No one owes you anything in this process. People like you end up shooting themselves in the foot and never become doctors because their ego is bigger than their brain.

are you ok man? Where does all this anger come from? I think the OP sounds alright. There are many SDNers with way worse "intellectual-entitlement syndrome."

Originally Posted by FattySlug

are you ok man? Where does all this anger come from? I think the OP sounds alright. There are many SDNers with way worse "intellectual-entitlement syndrome."

Just because some people come to you in DKA with sugars of 600, while others have 800, doesn't mean the former doesn't need to be treated.

Originally Posted by catzzz88

Also, I think that Option #2 would get me into a top research institution that will ensure success in the field of medical research that I am interested in.

I'm not really sure how you figure this at all. Believe it or not, different schools are strong in different areas of research, and without knowing what school you are going to, you don't even know what schools are strong in what departments.

Originally Posted by diagonal

You do realize that you'll never be this mythical super-applicant destined for a seat at a prestigious research-heavy medical school, do you not? You will be an MCAT re-taker. Not exactly Hopkins material.

You may have to.......now wait for it.......apply to those crumby bottom-tiers. And you may still get rejected.

Pre-meds with your flavor or intellectual-entitlement syndrome are as annoying as a cab filled with the smell of fart. No one owes you anything in this process. People like you end up shooting themselves in the foot and never become doctors because their ego is bigger than their brain.

I am all about this post. I have no idea who told you (OP) a 27 is a bad score but it's not. The best thing you can do for your stellar application (and it is stellar) is apply as early as possible (that includes completing secondaries ASAP as well). If you think you aren't getting interviews because of your score, then be proactive about getting your application looked at by emailing adcoms.

I second what another poster said about research - every school has its own research strengths so you can't know what's good until you get there. Besides, do you want to be a doctor or a scientist? If you want to be a doctor, then beggars can't be choosers. If you want to be a scientist, GET OUT NOW. If you want to do both, sorry you gotta pick which one is the priority. Like the poster I quoted said, no one owes you anything.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by diagonal

Just because some people come to you in DKA with sugars of 600, while others have 800, doesn't mean the former doesn't need to be treated.

diagonal is such a p---y bi---.....