How much will my writing score hurt my chances

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So I did pretty well on my MCAT (PS: 14, VR: 12, BS: 14) but only got an O in writing. I've heard that the writing sample isn't heavily weighted in admissions. But I was wondering just how much it matters?
For example, would someone with a 38S be chosen over 40O given all else equal? I know its not an exact formula but input from anyone in admissions would be appreciated!

I'm not on an admissions committee, but I know that the writing section will no longer exist on the MCAT in 2015. I hope that helps.

Originally Posted by ACal

So I did pretty well on my MCAT (PS: 14, VR: 12, BS: 14) but only got an O in writing. I've heard that the writing sample isn't heavily weighted in admissions. But I was wondering just how much it matters?
For example, would someone with a 38S be chosen over 40O given all else equal? I know its not an exact formula but input from anyone in admissions would be appreciated!

40O is a very good score! give yourself a break! O-Q (as far as i know) is considered a good writing section scale. Reward yourself for a 40 and stop stressing

lol, you got a 12 on VR, as long as you don't get a J, K, L or M you're in the clear...

They actually eliminate the WS next year anyways. Not like they even look at it currently.
A 40 is getting you in pretty much anywhere as long as you have the ECs, PS, LoRs and all that jazz. Focus on those, you've successfully made the MCAT your biatch.

O isn't even a bad writing score, and a 40 is amazing. Please do not stress at all about your MCAT score. Seriously.

And yes, the writing section is all but admittedly useless, considering the AAMC's pending removal of the section without even waiting for the new exam format in 2015.

Yea the only reason I'm slightly worried is that when I'm looking at the acceptance statistics for most schools, the 10th percentile is an N and the 50th is a Q, which means I'm kinda below average compared to the other students...

Originally Posted by ACal

Yea the only reason I'm slightly worried is that when I'm looking at the acceptance statistics for most schools, the 10th percentile is an N and the 50th is a Q, which means I'm kinda below average compared to the other students...

Are you just trying to get attention and show off your 40?

Hey bro, I would retake.

A 40 with an O will not cut it for most schools. Better luck next time.

Originally Posted by fas376

Hey bro, I would retake.

A 40 with an O will not cut it for most schools. Better luck next time.

ahahahahaha

They're getting rid of the writing section next year I believe..That should show you how much schools care about the writing section.

Schools will see your PS and secondaries make those good.

Originally Posted by fas376

Hey bro, I would retake.

A 40 with an O will not cut it for most schools. Better luck next time.

I think you could raise that to a P or a Q if you really tried. An R would make you realllly competitive.

Originally Posted by maxb229

I think you could raise that to a P or a Q if you really tried. An R would make you realllly competitive.

I agree.

OP, an O will screen you out at most US Med schools. If you're okay with going to the Caribbeans, don't retake. Otherwise, I'd try bumping that O up to an R. It sucks to retake but you should be fine.

Are you serious...

Originally Posted by Eugeniager

Are you just trying to get attention and show off your 40?

No. And I know there is no point in retaking for the writing sample.
I was just trying to find out how a below average writing score will be considered...no need for all the sarcasm

I had a horrible writing score and otherwise strong MCAT score as well. It didn't seem to stop me, however it did come up at every interview without fail. I diffused it by drawing their attention to my several all essay humanities courses which were nearly all As. I laughed it off as them not liking my writing style. It's hard to ignore a series of high humanities grades over 4 years. All those history and literature courses came in handy after all.

Cheers!

"no need for the sarcasm.."

What can you possibly expect when you are scoring in the top 0.5% of test takers and you are asking about the implications of your O on the WS. There are plenty of threads on the writing samples implications in admissions. Please.

Caribbean might accept

I'm pretty sure with a 36+, you can literally turn around, take a deuce on the computer screen during the WS and click submit, and you'll still get into a majority of US MD schools.

Originally Posted by PreMedOrDead

I'm pretty sure with a 36+, you can literally turn around, take a deuce on the computer screen during the WS and click submit, and you'll still get into a majority of US MD schools.

That would give you an X for the writing score, which I gotta admit looks pretty cool.

Look at the bright side, you got a 400 on your MCAT. That's like, over 399.

Originally Posted by ACal

So I did pretty well on my MCAT (PS: 14, VR: 12, BS: 14) but only got an O in writing. I've heard that the writing sample isn't heavily weighted in admissions. But I was wondering just how much it matters?
For example, would someone with a 38S be chosen over 40O given all else equal? I know its not an exact formula but input from anyone in admissions would be appreciated!

Wtf

Originally Posted by sotto voce

Wtf

lmfao. Every single person on this forum would trade your 40O any day (except the 20-30 people that scored higher). That should give you a clue buddy. Now knock it off and don't be so neurotic. If anything, your neurotic side will get the best of you and you'll end up being one of the sad cases of a 40+ mcat score with no acceptance because of your personality. Please don't be a fail like that. Thanks.

Originally Posted by sotto voce

Wtf

I literally lol'd.

Originally Posted by gettheleadout

I literally lol'd.

The sad part is that I think OP is serious and not a troll.. hence my comment above. Not to be harsh but it's kind of concerning that there are literally people out there like this... I personally wouldn't want someone like this performing surgery on me.. just too neurotic and not confident.. probably would leave a rag in my cavity after stitching up. just sayin.

Originally Posted by cinamin

The sad part is that I think OP is serious and not a troll.. hence my comment above. Not to be harsh but it's kind of concerning that there are literally people out there like this... I personally wouldn't want someone like this performing surgery on me.. just too neurotic and not confident.. probably would leave a rag in my cavity after stitching up. just sayin.

You scored in the 99-percentile of the MCAT. If you do not get into an allopathic medical school this application cycle, it will not be your test score to blame.

I got a 39N and had what I consider to be a very successful application cycle. Nobody ever brought up my writing score. You'll do great.