Long Road...Finally Here help please. What are my chances

[getgoing89]

Please feel free to tell me what you think. Really would prefer M.D because of my interests in global health but have no problem with D.O

Will be working on a one yr mph starting next month

D.O cum gpa 3.35
D.O science gpa 3.5

MD cum gpa 3.05
MD science gpa 3.2

MCAT first try 21 - 5V 9B 7P....I just cant get verbal, maybe because of my African descent
Might retake

Past yr grades is as follows- Huge upward trend;
College Physics and Lab Physics 4 hrs A
Human Geography 3 A
Organic Chemistry and Lab 4 A
Genetics Bio/Zoology 4 A
Principles of Physiology and Lab 4 B
College Physics and Lab II Physics 4 A
General Chemistry II Inorganic Chemistry 4 A
Biochemistry and Lab Bio/Zoology 4 A

ACTIVITIES/WORK
NCAA div 1 Men's Soccer for a year
Volunteer -Homeless shelter, Library, Hospital
UVA summer medical and dental education program
Independent Lab Project on leptin sensitivity 2 poster presentations
Hospital Phlebotomist for a yr
Treasurer of 2 organizations
President of 2 organizations
Library Circulation Specialist for 2 yrs at University
Phleobotomist at plasma donation facility
Secretary for non profit organization and model united nations

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[mspeedwagon]

Unfortunately, you have no choice but to re-take the MCAT. That 5 is going to screen you out at many MD/DO schools. You are going to need to get to at least a 7 in each sub-section.

EK 101 verbal is great practice. Granted, I think it is pretty hard (and probably something you should work up to). The TPR workbook is also pretty good. It's one of the sections that is hard to improve on but gets easier with practice. Just keep at it.

 

[Aerus]

Please feel free to tell me what you think. Really would prefer M.D because of my interests in global health but have no problem with D.O

Will be working on a one yr mph starting next month

D.O cum gpa 3.35
D.O science gpa 3.5

MD cum gpa 3.05
MD science gpa 3.2

MCAT first try 21 - 5V 9B 7P....I just cant get verbal, maybe because of my African descent
Might retake

Past yr grades is as follows- Huge upward trend;
College Physics and Lab Physics 4 hrs A
Human Geography 3 A
Organic Chemistry and Lab 4 A
Genetics Bio/Zoology 4 A
Principles of Physiology and Lab 4 B
College Physics and Lab II Physics 4 A
General Chemistry II Inorganic Chemistry 4 A
Biochemistry and Lab Bio/Zoology 4 A

ACTIVITIES/WORK
NCAA div 1 Men's Soccer for a year
Volunteer -Homeless shelter, Library, Hospital
UVA summer medical and dental education program
Independent Lab Project on leptin sensitivity 2 poster presentations
Hospital Phlebotomist for a yr
Treasurer of 2 organizations
President of 2 organizations
Library Circulation Specialist for 2 yrs at University
Phleobotomist at plasma donation facility
Secretary for non profit organization and model united nations

I highly recommend retaking that MCAT. If you can get it up to at least a 25 (with at least a 7 on verbal), then you have a good shot and DO schools and a decent shot at an MD.

 

[Temperature101]

I highly recommend retaking that MCAT. If you can get it up to at least a 25 (with at least a 7 on verbal), then you have a good shot and DO schools and a decent shot at an MD.

OP should forget about MD unless he/she can kill the MCAT...I agree with your DO assessment.

 

[Temperature101]

Please feel free to tell me what you think. Really would prefer M.D because of my interests in global health but have no problem with D.O

Will be working on a one yr mph starting next month

D.O cum gpa 3.35
D.O science gpa 3.5

MD cum gpa 3.05
MD science gpa 3.2

MCAT first try 21 - 5V 9B 7P....I just cant get verbal, maybe because of my African descent
Might retake
Past yr grades is as follows- Huge upward trend;
College Physics and Lab Physics 4 hrs A
Human Geography 3 A
Organic Chemistry and Lab 4 A
Genetics Bio/Zoology 4 A
Principles of Physiology and Lab 4 B
College Physics and Lab II Physics 4 A
General Chemistry II Inorganic Chemistry 4 A
Biochemistry and Lab Bio/Zoology 4 A

ACTIVITIES/WORK
NCAA div 1 Men's Soccer for a year
Volunteer -Homeless shelter, Library, Hospital
UVA summer medical and dental education program
Independent Lab Project on leptin sensitivity 2 poster presentations
Hospital Phlebotomist for a yr
Treasurer of 2 organizations
President of 2 organizations
Library Circulation Specialist for 2 yrs at University
Phleobotomist at plasma donation facility
Secretary for non profit organization and model united nations

What does African descent have to do with verbal? If you are ESOL, I understand VR will be a challenge as it is one for me as well. However, people's background has NOTHING to do with them scoring low in VR...

 

[getgoing89]

What does African descent have to do with verbal? If you are ESOL, I understand VR will be a challenge as it is one for me as well. However, people's background has NOTHING to do with them scoring low in VR...

Do you really think so? I feel like so many little things especially sarcasm are just very hard for me to grasp because I didn't grow up with the language. Not trying to make excuses but I have been practicing verbal for over a year now and have seen no significant improvement. I will be retaking the mcat next month before beginning my masters. I expect to do better in the sciences but verbal... "Scream" Ahhh!!! I just don't know what to do.

 

[Temperature101]

Do you really think so? I feel like so many little things especially sarcasm are just very hard for me to grasp because I didn't grow up with the language. Not trying to make excuses but I have been practicing verbal for over a year now and have seen no significant improvement. I will be retaking the mcat next month before beginning my masters. I expect to do better in the sciences but verbal... "Scream" Ahhh!!! I just don't know what to do.

Were you born in the US? When you say African descent, I take it as being African American...ie born in the US. If you were not born in the US (or in a country in which English is not the first language), I can understand your issue with VR. I also have the same issue because English is not my first language; so I can relate.

 

[getgoing89]

Nope lived in Africa till age 13~
6 is my average but if I could be consistently scoring 2-3 points higher. I just can't risk giving it everything till I take it again in a month and not seeing improvement still. Would rather focus on sciences. What do you guys think?

But I have absolutely no shot with my current mcat?

 

[Temperature101]

Nope lived in Africa till age 13~
6 is my average but if I could be consistently scoring 2-3 points higher. I just can't risk giving it everything till I take it again in a month and not seeing improvement still. Would rather focus on sciences. What do you guys think?

But I have absolutely no shot with my current mcat?

I understand you can't risk everything by focusing only in VR; however, your main issue is VR so you should spend a good amount of your study time in it. No matter how good you do in BS/PS, if your VR score is <6, you will have tough time getting into any DO. For instance, let say your score is 11/5/10 even if it is a good score for DO, you probably won't get in. On the other hand, if your score is 9/7/9, which is a lower score but balanced, you will probably get into 3+ due do your AA status. I have the same problem with VR. Last time I took the test my score was 7/4/9 and I was spending a lot of my time in science for my retake. I took AAMC#3 two weeks ago and my score was 10/6/8. I said to myself my problem is mainly VR so I should spend more of time on it then. Consequently, I am spending over 60% of my time in VR (reading, doing practice passages etc..). Look at the big picture. In your case if you get an 8 in VR and you keep your other scores in BS/PS, you overall score will be 24 and you will get multiple interviews and possibly multiple acceptances with that score because of your AA status. The average acceptance stats for AA into DO is 3.35 cGPA, 3.14 sGPA and 22.31 mcat. I think I just have to throw in there these stats so they can help you look at the big picture. Good luck.

 

[getgoing89]

I understand you can't risk everything by focusing only in VR; however, your main issue is VR so you should spend a good amount of your study time in it. No matter how good you do in BS/PS, if your VR score is <6, you will have tough time getting into any DO. For instance, let say your score is 11/5/10 even if it is a good score for DO, you probably won't get in. On the other hand, if your score is 9/7/9, which is a lower score but balanced, you will probably get into 3+ due do your AA status. I have the same problem with VR. Last time I took the test my score was 7/4/9 and I was spending a lot of my time in science for my retake. I took AAMC#3 two weeks ago and my score was 10/6/8. I said to myself my problem is mainly VR so I should spend more of time on it then. Consequently, I am spending over 60% of my time in VR (reading, doing practice passages etc..). Look at the big picture. In your case if you get an 8 in VR and you keep your other scores in BS/PS, you overall score will be 24 and you will get multiple interviews and possibly multiple acceptances with that score because of your AA status. The average acceptance stats for AA into DO is 3.35 cGPA, 3.14 sGPA and 22.31 mcat. I think I just have to throw in there these stats so they can help you look at the big picture. Good luck.

Thanks a lot for your help. I will take it dearly. Verbal will be the death of me...well I guess only if I let it.

 

[getgoing89]

I understand you can't risk everything by focusing only in VR; however, your main issue is VR so you should spend a good amount of your study time in it. No matter how good you do in BS/PS, if your VR score is <6, you will have tough time getting into any DO. For instance, let say your score is 11/5/10 even if it is a good score for DO, you probably won't get in. On the other hand, if your score is 9/7/9, which is a lower score but balanced, you will probably get into 3+ due do your AA status. I have the same problem with VR. Last time I took the test my score was 7/4/9 and I was spending a lot of my time in science for my retake. I took AAMC#3 two weeks ago and my score was 10/6/8. I said to myself my problem is mainly VR so I should spend more of time on it then. Consequently, I am spending over 60% of my time in VR (reading, doing practice passages etc..). Look at the big picture. In your case if you get an 8 in VR and you keep your other scores in BS/PS, you overall score will be 24 and you will get multiple interviews and possibly multiple acceptances with that score because of your AA status. The average acceptance stats for AA into DO is 3.35 cGPA, 3.14 sGPA and 22.31 mcat. I think I just have to throw in there these stats so they can help you look at the big picture. Good luck.

Thanks a lot for your help. I will take it dearly. Verbal will be the death of me...well I guess only if I let it. I get what you are saying. I will devote a lot more time to verbal now. Thanks again. For some reason I thought they would be a little considerate of the fact that I english is my third language

 

[Temperature101]

Thanks a lot for your help. I will take it dearly. Verbal will be the death of me...well I guess only if I let it. I get what you are saying. I will devote a lot more time to verbal now. Thanks again. For some reason I thought they would be a little considerate of the fact that I english is my third language

If you are averaging 6 in VR now, you can definitely work hard to raise it to an 8. You most likely will get in with a 6 in VR if your overall score is 24+, but averaging a 6 now and get into the test booth with that average is too risky IMO.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

The overall MCAT score is your biggest problem. Being a non native speaker, a number of DO schools are willing to turn a blind eye for you in regards to your verbal performance. However, your combined sciences score is low too. If you had scored 10,5,10 I'm sure you will get some interviews, but that 21 will hurt you. You need to retake. Focus on improving your PS score since it is easy to do so. From what I read on this site, a number of students have gotten in DO schools with 5VR.

Good luck!

 

[Temperature101]

The overall MCAT score is your biggest problem. Being a non native speaker, a number of DO schools are willing to turn a blind eye for you in regards to your verbal performance. However, your combined sciences score is low too. If you had scored 10,5,10 I'm sure you will get some interviews, but that 21 will hurt you. You need to retake. Focus on improving your PS score since it is easy to do so. From what I read on this site, a number of students have gotten in DO schools with 5VR.

Good luck!

OP might find a couple schools that turn a blind eye if his/ her VR score is low but has 11/5/11. I think this is a big gamble for OP to neglect verbal when he/she is averaging only a 6 on it. We have seen many cases in SDN where people got rejected with a nice overall score but a low score in VR... We also have seen cases where people have been successful with a score combination like that 7/11/8. My question to adcoms is: Is an applicant with 7/11/8 better prepared to become a physician than an applicant with 11/5/11 mcat?

 

[Goro]

No chance for MD, but should be OK for DO....you definitely should re-take MCAT.

Please feel free to tell me what you think. Really would prefer M.D because of my interests in global health but have no problem with D.O

Will be working on a one yr mph starting next month

D.O cum gpa 3.35
D.O science gpa 3.5

MD cum gpa 3.05
MD science gpa 3.2

MCAT first try 21 - 5V 9B 7P....I just cant get verbal, maybe because of my African descent
Might retake

Past yr grades is as follows- Huge upward trend;
College Physics and Lab Physics 4 hrs A
Human Geography 3 A
Organic Chemistry and Lab 4 A
Genetics Bio/Zoology 4 A
Principles of Physiology and Lab 4 B
College Physics and Lab II Physics 4 A
General Chemistry II Inorganic Chemistry 4 A
Biochemistry and Lab Bio/Zoology 4 A

ACTIVITIES/WORK
NCAA div 1 Men's Soccer for a year
Volunteer -Homeless shelter, Library, Hospital
UVA summer medical and dental education program
Independent Lab Project on leptin sensitivity 2 poster presentations
Hospital Phlebotomist for a yr
Treasurer of 2 organizations
President of 2 organizations
Library Circulation Specialist for 2 yrs at University
Phleobotomist at plasma donation facility
Secretary for non profit organization and model united nations

 

[Postictal Raiden]

OP might find a couple schools that turn a blind eye if his/ her VR score is low but has 11/5/11. I think this is a big gamble for OP to neglect verbal when he/she is averaging only a 6 on it. We have seen many cases in SDN where people got rejected with a nice overall score but a low score in VR... We also have seen cases where people have been successful with a score combination like that 7/11/8. My question to adcoms is: Is an applicant with 7/11/8 better prepare to become a physician than an applicant with 11/5/11 mcat?

I would like to know the answer for this too. Probably Goro could answer it.

 

[Goro]

Both candidates have deficiencies. I love the 11 in Bio, but a 5 in PS says this candidate either blew off the PS section almost entirely, or has some serious problems in dealing with difficult conceptual thinking.

The 7/11/8 is just the opposite...8 isn't that great for Bio, and 7 is not that good, especially for a native English speaker. I cut an ESL some slack though. 11 in PS say the applicant has some serious hard core science bona-fides, but someone doing that well should have done better in Bio.

Put a gun to my head and I'll pick the 11/5/11 guy/gal.


My question to adcoms is: Is an applicant with 7/11/8 better prepare to become a physician than an applicant with 11/5/11 mcat?

I would like to know the answer for this too. Probably Goro could answer it.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

Both candidates have deficiencies. I love the 11 in Bio, but a 5 in PS says this candidate either blew off the PS section almost entirely, or has some serious problems in dealing with difficult conceptual thinking.

The 7/11/8 is just the opposite...8 isn't that great for Bio, and 7 is not that good, especially for a native English speaker. I cut an ESL some slack though. 11 in PS say the applicant has some serious hard core science bona-fides, but someone doing that well should have done better in Bio.

Put a gun to my head and I'll pick the 11/5/11 guy/gal.


My question to adcoms is: Is an applicant with 7/11/8 better prepare to become a physician than an applicant with 11/5/11 mcat?

Thank you Goro for responding, but the order is PS/VR/BS so the 11/5/11 scenario is for a student who has scored 5 on VR and 11 on sciences. Would you still pick this applicant over an applicant who scores 11 on VR but 7 and 8 on the PS and BS, respectively?

 

[getgoing89]

Both candidates have deficiencies. I love the 11 in Bio, but a 5 in PS says this candidate either blew off the PS section almost entirely, or has some serious problems in dealing with difficult conceptual thinking.

The 7/11/8 is just the opposite...8 isn't that great for Bio, and 7 is not that good, especially for a native English speaker. I cut an ESL some slack though. 11 in PS say the applicant has some serious hard core science bona-fides, but someone doing that well should have done better in Bio.

Put a gun to my head and I'll pick the 11/5/11 guy/gal.


My question to adcoms is: Is an applicant with 7/11/8 better prepare to become a physician than an applicant with 11/5/11 mcat?

Hey Goro, what do you think about my situation. With advice from all the wonderful people on here, I will now be concentrating much more on verbal. If I can pull a 7 in verbal, would that be acceptable. I will be preparing for all sections but I am honest when I say I have been trying for a year. What do you think about the application as a whole also?