Thoughts about lower VR score for MSTP

[fiesta]

Hi everyone,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I'm a junior at a top 5 USNWR school applying to MSTP programs next cycle. I took the MCAT early this year and got 12P/10V/15B. While the aggregate score is good/average for mid to top tier MSTP programs, I'm worried about the low verbal score and whether that would affect my chances. Retaking is not an option for financial reasons. So my questions are:

1) is the 10 a red flag of any kind?
2) can I do anything to erase doubts about my verbal ability?
3) how important is the verbal score to top MSTP programs?

I'll be applying to schools in either molecular biology or computational neuroscience.

Other potentially relevant information:
- 4.0 GPA, majoring in biology with significant CS/statistics coursework
- 4 years research experience in 2 labs, with 2 papers (2nd and 4th author) and at least 2 more (2nd author, low author) before my app
- >10 hours/wk clinical and non clinical volunteering

Thanks!

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[ValentinNarcisse]

1) no, 2) no, 3) not important

 

[EcoMoose]

.

 

[Fencer]

You will be fine, but apply to 10-15 schools and not just top MSTPs (some mid tier and some safety based on geography).

 

[fiesta]

great. thanks for the advice everyone!