MD I know I'm not good enough, but...

[thdo8598]

I am currently a senior in college majoring in Biology and Spanish (sGPA is 3.16 and cGPA is 3.4). I took the MCAT twice and scored a 21 and a 22. I know that my stats are not even close to being good, however, I don't want to give up my dreams of becoming a physician. For that reason, I have decided to take an extra year off to build up my resume as well as studying to retake my MCAT. I have a lot of volunteer hours and clinical, however, I don't have any research experience. One of the things I would like to do on my year off is go back abroad and teach English to children in Vietnam or Latin America. Is this a smart idea? Or should I just focus on improving my MCAT score?

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[deleted480308]

I am currently a senior in college majoring in Biology and Spanish (sGPA is 3.16 and cGPA is 3.4). I took the MCAT twice and scored a 21 and a 22.

Either get the mcat up or maybe look into podiatry, if you get the mcat up do some retakes and apply oateopathic

 

[thdo8598]

Do you have any tips on improving my MCAT score? I know it's a lot of "studying hard and staying focused," but tips in terms of test anxiety. I have taken a lot of AAMC practice exams and scored 32+ on them, however, when it comes to the actual exam, I totally bomb it...

 

[thdo8598]

Either get the mcat up or maybe look into podiatry, if you get the mcat up do some retakes and apply oateopathic

Do you have any tips on improving my MCAT score? I know it's a lot of "studying hard and staying focused," but tips in terms of test anxiety. I have taken a lot of AAMC practice exams and scored 32+ on them, however, when it comes to the actual exam, I totally bomb it...

 

[MDporfavor8888]

Did you take the practice AAMCs only once? and if you've only taken them once were you averaging around a 32?

 

[thdo8598]

Did you take the practice AAMCs only once? and if you've only taken them once were you averaging around a 32?

I took all the AAMC exams once and averaged around a 32-33 on them.

 

[MDporfavor8888]

if your test day anxiety is that severe, maybe talk about it with your doctor. i think it's pretty unusual to take it twice and get 10 points below your average. during your year off, definitely focus on the MCAT score and nothing else other than additional clinical experience

 

[thdo8598]

if your test day anxiety is that severe, maybe talk about it with your doctor. i think it's pretty unusual to take it twice and get 10 points below your average. during your year off, definitely focus on the MCAT score and nothing else other than additional clinical experience

Thank you for your prompt response. Do you suggest taking a course? I studied on my own last time, however, I am considering this option because I will not have taken psychology by the time I take the exam. Also, if I do raise my scores up, do you think I will have a good chance of getting into a medical school? I have a pretty good background in Spanish and Vietnamese, so I was wondering if I continued working with those communities and getting more clinical hours in, I could have a good shot...or will the fact that I will have taken my MCAT 3 times be detrimental?

 

[MDporfavor8888]

are you URM?

if not, you probably need to do a postbacc or SMP because your science GPA is pretty low.

taking the test 3 times isn't detrimental but if you do decide to take it a third time, it must be a 30+ or i would say your chances at MD schools would be very slim

 

[Goro]

The MCAT is what's standing between you and a career as a clinician. So, forget the kids and work on fixing your deficits. If test taking anxiety is one of them, see a therapist or learning specialist for that.

I am currently a senior in college majoring in Biology and Spanish (sGPA is 3.16 and cGPA is 3.4). I took the MCAT twice and scored a 21 and a 22. I know that my stats are not even close to being good, however, I don't want to give up my dreams of becoming a physician. For that reason, I have decided to take an extra year off to build up my resume as well as studying to retake my MCAT. I have a lot of volunteer hours and clinical, however, I don't have any research experience. One of the things I would like to do on my year off is go back abroad and teach English to children in Vietnam or Latin America. Is this a smart idea? Or should I just focus on improving my MCAT score?

 

[thdo8598]

I am Vietnamese...so I don't think I am part of AAMC's definition of URM. I also have been learning Spanish for over 10 years now and spent my sophomore year in Spain. I heard that taking each time you take the MCAT, medical schools grade you down even more...I sure hope this is not true! Do you think becoming certified as a Spanish and Vietnamese medical translator will be beneficial?

 

[thdo8598]

are you URM?

if not, you probably need to do a postbacc or SMP because your science GPA is pretty low.

taking the test 3 times isn't detrimental but if you do decide to take it a third time, it must be a 30+ or i would say your chances at MD schools would be very slim

I am Vietnamese...so I don't think I am part of AAMC's definition of URM. I also have been learning Spanish for over 10 years now and spent my sophomore year in Spain. I heard that taking each time you take the MCAT, medical schools grade you down even more...I sure hope this is not true! Do you think becoming certified as a Spanish and Vietnamese medical translator will be beneficial?

 

[thdo8598]

The MCAT is what's standing between you and a career as a clinician. So, forget the kids and work on fixing your deficits. If test taking anxiety is one of them, see a therapist or learning specialist for that.

I agree. That was just something I would like to do, but I am a little iffy on that idea due to funds and what's really going to get me into medical school.

 

[gyngyn]

I agree. That was just something I would like to do, but I am a little iffy on that idea due to funds and what's really going to get me into medical school.

MCAT.

 

[MDporfavor8888]

I am Vietnamese...so I don't think I am part of AAMC's definition of URM. I also have been learning Spanish for over 10 years now and spent my sophomore year in Spain. I heard that taking each time you take the MCAT, medical schools grade you down even more...I sure hope this is not true! Do you think becoming certified as a Spanish and Vietnamese medical translator will be beneficial?

to answer the medical translator question, i don't know but i don't see how it can hurt you

yes, taking the MCAT multiple times isn't ideal but if you can get a 30+ you'll be okay. otherwise, MD schools will unfortunately be out of reach for you.

having unique/good ECs are great and are helpful but medical schools will first look at MCAT & GPA before looking at anything else. you need to forget everything else for now and focus on a 30+ MCAT (or w/e the equivalent score may be on the new MCAT) and look into doing a postbacc or SMP as your science GPA is low. good luck

 

[thdo8598]

to answer the medical translator question, i don't know but i don't see how it can hurt you

yes, taking the MCAT multiple times isn't ideal but if you can get a 30+ you'll be okay. otherwise, MD schools will unfortunately be out of reach for you.

having unique/good ECs are great and are helpful but medical schools will first look at MCAT & GPA before looking at anything else. you need to forget everything else for now and focus on a 30+ MCAT (or w/e the equivalent score may be on the new MCAT) and look into doing a postbacc or SMP as your science GPA is low. good luck

Thank you for all your help! I was feeling really down about this since I just figured out my score yesterday. Good thing I am taking that extra year off!