502 MCAT, lost don't know what to do

[daretodream93]

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Hi! I'm a 23 year old senior. 3.9 cGPA 3.85 sGPA in a state school. 2 years of research, upcoming pub, 2 presentations, shadowing both in and out of the US, volunteering abroad and study abroad, clinical and research experience in a developing country, tons of volunteering in local hospitals, Phi Beta Kappa, good LOR, highest recommendation from my pre-med committee and I speak 5 languages. I already submitted my primary but it's not verified yet. I just received my MCAT scores and I'm considering withdrawing my application. I scored 502 123/127/125/127. I really don't know what happened. I studied a little every week for 3-4 months then I gave myself a month of practice tests and questions when classes ended. 4 days before the exam I was scoring in the 516 in the AAMC practice test. I was dealing with family drama starting the week before the exam and on the morning of, I had car trouble and had to find someone to take me last minute. Obviously I need to retake it, but it will be too late in the cycle if I take it in August so I think my best bet is to withdraw. Also if I do improve, I'm afraid that 502 will be a permanent mark that ADCOMs will look down upon. In the meantime, I don't know what to do. Should I apply to a Masters offering post bac? Or complete a graduate degree before applying again? The problem is , I don't even know what else I am interested in. I have always wanted to be a doctor and I've never really been attracted to any other field. Any thoughts or suggestions ?

 

[Espressso]

I mean, your gpa is really good.. So a post-bacc wouldn't improve much. I think you're a little...shell shocked from your score being released recently. Breath.

 

[daretodream93]

Yeah I heard post-bacs aren't really that useful when the GPA is already good. That's why I'm considering the MS in Medical Physiology ones. But I don't know....I haven't left my room since my score was released. I can't even describe the feeling. I've worked so hard....

 

[anonymoose1640]

Take a deep breath and try to relax. S*** happens. I know you worked so hard to take this MCAT and it didn't pan out the way you wanted, but the only way to become a doctor is to pick yourself back up and hit the ground running again. It's time to dust yourself off and leave your house, what's done is done, but it's not the end of the world (or your medical career).

I agree, taking the MCAT in August might be too late for this cycle. You should also consider the possibility that you might not do as well as you want with only a month to go. Consider withdrawing your apps and taking the MCAT in January or April of next year. Take it again when you feel like you are absolutely going to knock it out of the park and only take it when you have no (or minimal) drama in your life to hold you back.

You're obviously very intelligent, there's no reason you won't be able to knock the MCAT out of the park when the circumstances are right 🙂

As for next year, keep in mind that more school costs $$. I think you've proven that you're intelligent with your GPA and PBK. I think you might be better served getting a job, either in research or in the healthcare field (CNA, scribe, EMT on an ambulance service). That's just my 2 cents though.

You could also consider DO schools. I know a 502 is on the lower end for some DO schools, but with your ECs and GPA, I think you might be successful with a DO application if you submitted soon.

Whatever you end up doing, I wish you the best of luck 🙂

 

[daretodream93]

Thank you so much for your kindness and your encouraging words. I've been feeling really stupid but I guess you're right, stuff happens. I will really put some thought into what I would like to do before I apply. I will also take some time to reflect and actually come up with a back up plan in case things don't work out. I've never shadowed a DO and I heard most schools are reluctant to accept you without a LOR from a DO.

Take a deep breath and try to relax. S*** happens. I know you worked so hard to take this MCAT and it didn't pan out the way you wanted, but the only way to become a doctor is to pick yourself back up and hit the ground running again. It's time to dust yourself off and leave your house, what's done is done, but it's not the end of the world (or your medical career).

I agree, taking the MCAT in August might be too late for this cycle. You should also consider the possibility that you might not do as well as you want with only a month to go. Consider withdrawing your apps and taking the MCAT in January or April of next year. Take it again when you feel like you are absolutely going to knock it out of the park and only take it when you have no (or minimal) drama in your life to hold you back.

You're obviously very intelligent, there's no reason you won't be able to knock the MCAT out of the park when the circumstances are right 🙂

As for next year, keep in mind that more school costs $$. I think you've proven that you're intelligent with your GPA and PBK. I think you might be better served getting a job, either in research or in the healthcare field (CNA, scribe, EMT on an ambulance service). That's just my 2 cents though.

You could also consider DO schools. I know a 502 is on the lower end for some DO schools, but with your ECs and GPA, I think you might be successful with a DO application if you submitted soon.

Whatever you end up doing, I wish you the best of luck 🙂[/QUOTE

 

[anonymoose1640]

Thank you so much for your kindness and your encouraging words. I've been feeling really stupid but I guess you're right, stuff happens. I will really put some thought into what I would like to do before I apply. I will also take some time to reflect and actually come up with a back up plan in case things don't work out. I've never shadowed a DO and I heard most schools are reluctant to accept you without a LOR from a DO.

I can't comment on if schools are "reluctant to accept you" without a DO LOR. I know some schools require one and other schools do not. That's something else you could try and pursue during your year, shadow a DO in a field you're interested in and see if the DO path is something that might interest you. Even if you retake the MCAT and do incredible on it, many people on this site will still advise you to apply to a couple of DO schools so that you ensure that you'll matriculate to a medical school the following summer.

Don't feel stupid about your MCAT score. The MCAT is a beast of a test and it knocks down even the most intelligent people. Your MCAT score doesn't define you or your intelligence. When the circumstances are better, I'm sure you'll do very well 🙂

I also agree with sleephead22, you should definitely look into TFA or other service opportunities for your year off as well. Most importantly, though, do something you want to do and something you're excited about, rather than doing something simply because you think it will boost your app. That will ensure that you are happy and that you enjoy your time during your year off. Good luck 🙂 Feel free to PM me throughout the year if you need any advice!

 

[chibaddie]

I've never shadowed a DO and I heard most schools are reluctant to accept you without a LOR from a DO.

I know of several people that got into DO schools without shadowing a DO. It definitely helps, but it won't completely kill your chances if the school doesn't require it. Do, however, know what the curriculum entails and what it's all about.

As a whole, I know of people with your mcat, lower gpa, and not even as solid ECs that have gotten into DO schools. You still have a shot. As for MD, just improve that mcat.

 

[ChrisMack390]

You have 2 options: really crack down and figure out what went wrong on the MCAT so you can try again and score above 510; apply to DO programs with your kickass GPA.

 

[TexasSurgeon]

Hi! I'm a 23 year old senior. 3.9 cGPA 3.85 sGPA in a state school. 2 years of research, upcoming pub, 2 presentations, shadowing both in and out of the US, volunteering abroad and study abroad, clinical and research experience in a developing country, tons of volunteering in local hospitals, Phi Beta Kappa, good LOR, highest recommendation from my pre-med committee and I speak 5 languages. I already submitted my primary but it's not verified yet. I just received my MCAT scores and I'm considering withdrawing my application. I scored 502 123/127/125/127. I really don't know what happened. I studied a little every week for 3-4 months then I gave myself a month of practice tests and questions when classes ended. 4 days before the exam I was scoring in the 516 in the AAMC practice test. I was dealing with family drama starting the week before the exam and on the morning of, I had car trouble and had to find someone to take me last minute. Obviously I need to retake it, but it will be too late in the cycle if I take it in August so I think my best bet is to withdraw. Also if I do improve, I'm afraid that 502 will be a permanent mark that ADCOMs will look down upon. In the meantime, I don't know what to do. Should I apply to a Masters offering post bac? Or complete a graduate degree before applying again? The problem is , I don't even know what else I am interested in. I have always wanted to be a doctor and I've never really been attracted to any other field. Any thoughts or suggestions ?

I wouldn't consider DO since you were scoring high before your real test. Seems like a case of 3rd party issues and some nervousness as a result. Take your exam again and just breathe for now. As for whether you need to withdraw, I'd look at when your score will be released (mid-late September). It's late and not ideal, you'll have to see for yourself whether that's something you really wanna do man. I feel your frustration on that part.

 

[candbgirl]

Your MCAT is going to hold you back this cycle so If you are going to withdraw your apps this cycle do it before you are verified. With your great GPAs and ECs it would be sad to be a reap at every school you applied to. Think about DO. From what @Goro says the DO cycle is much longer so you have a few months to research, shadow and think about DO schools. If you are going to withdraw you could retake the MCAT in September and see how you do. If you score well you can plan to apply MD next cycle. If your score isn't where you want it, I think you'd still have time to apply DO this cycle. You'll be fine. Calm down and think about what is best for you at this point. Good Luck.


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[QuestionsAnswers]

I agree with the above posters. Turn this less than optimal situation into a strength by giving yourself this next year to study a ton for your next MCAT and then do very well on it, and then you can apply with a strong GPA and MCAT score. Additionally, if you would like to find D.O.s to shadow, try this site: http://cf.osteopathic.org/iLearn/home.cfm It's a mentorship program where D.O.s sign up to mentor students in their area (you can search by state). I was able to find several D.O.s willing to let me shadow them in my area through this site.

 

[daretodream93]

I guess I'm going to start doing some heavy research on DO schools. I only added two schools to my MD application and only one sent me a secondary (that I haven't completed ) so I don't really think I will be considered a reapplicant. Even if I do manage to significantly improve my score, I don't think it's worth it spending all that money on this MD this cycle. I'm slowly coming to terms with that. No allopathic for me this year . Thanks for all the suggestions and encouragement !

 

[daretodream93]

Thank you so much for the link!

I agree with the above posters. Turn this less than optimal situation into a strength by giving yourself this next year to study a ton for your next MCAT and then do very well on it, and then you can apply with a strong GPA and MCAT score. Additionally, if you would like to find D.O.s to shadow, try this site: http://cf.osteopathic.org/iLearn/home.cfm It's a mentorship program where D.O.s sign up to mentor students in their area (you can search by state). I was able to find several D.O.s willing to let me shadow them in my area through this site.

nks

 

[JustAPhD]

Sounds like you froze up on exam day. It happens, no biggie. I think postponing and applying next cycle is your best bet. This would give you plenty of time to study and retake the MCAT and hopefully score closer to what you were practicing. With a good MCAT your app would look very competitive.

 

[candbgirl]

I guess I'm going to start doing some heavy research on DO schools. I only added two schools to my MD application and only one sent me a secondary (that I haven't completed ) so I don't really think I will be considered a reapplicant. Even if I do manage to significantly improve my score, I don't think it's worth it spending all that money on this MD this cycle. I'm slowly coming to terms with that. No allopathic for me this year . Thanks for all the suggestions and encouragement !

I think that once you are verified you are considered a reap at the schools named on your primary, even if you don't complete the secondary. Check AMCAS if you might want to apply next cycle to those two schools.


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[daretodream93]

I'm not verified yet, I'm currently ready for review. The school that sent me a secondary just automatically sends one to everyone, even before verification. I could just check with that school in particular next cycle. I checked on the AMCAS website and quote

"No. You are not considered a reapplicant if you formally withdrew your application through AMCAS."

I think that once you are verified you are considered a reap at the schools named on your primary, even if you don't complete the secondary. Check AMCAS if you might want to apply next cycle to those two schools.


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[candbgirl]

So they took out the part about being verified? You can just withdraw at any point and not be a reapplicant? Interesting.


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[dougy]

what state are you applying in? is your goal you instate public or were you hoping for prestigious private.

some instates ok with later apps. also some don't discriminate against re-app.

 

[Goro]

I'll tell you what happened. You took a career-deciding high stakes exam while stressed out. You should have never, ever set foot in that exam room.

So, write off this cycle and retake the exam, but only when you're 100% ready. There are a good number of schools that accept the more recent and better score.

Or try DO schools.

I really don't know what happened. I studied a little every week for 3-4 months then I gave myself a month of practice tests and questions when classes ended. 4 days before the exam I was scoring in the 516 in the AAMC practice test. I was dealing with family drama starting the week before the exam and on the morning of, I had car trouble and had to find someone to take me last minute. Obviously I need to retake it, but it will be too late in the cycle if I take it in August so I think my best bet is to withdraw. Also if I do improve, I'm afraid that 502 will be a permanent mark that ADCOMs will look down upon. In the meantime, I don't know what to do. Should I apply to a Masters offering post bac? Or complete a graduate degree before applying again? The problem is , I don't even know what else I am interested in. I have always wanted to be a doctor and I've never really been attracted to any other field. Any thoughts or suggestions ?

 

[To be MD]

Hi! I'm a 23 year old senior. 3.9 cGPA 3.85 sGPA in a state school. 2 years of research, upcoming pub, 2 presentations, shadowing both in and out of the US, volunteering abroad and study abroad, clinical and research experience in a developing country, tons of volunteering in local hospitals, Phi Beta Kappa, good LOR, highest recommendation from my pre-med committee and I speak 5 languages. I already submitted my primary but it's not verified yet. I just received my MCAT scores and I'm considering withdrawing my application. I scored 502 123/127/125/127. I really don't know what happened. I studied a little every week for 3-4 months then I gave myself a month of practice tests and questions when classes ended. 4 days before the exam I was scoring in the 516 in the AAMC practice test. I was dealing with family drama starting the week before the exam and on the morning of, I had car trouble and had to find someone to take me last minute. Obviously I need to retake it, but it will be too late in the cycle if I take it in August so I think my best bet is to withdraw. Also if I do improve, I'm afraid that 502 will be a permanent mark that ADCOMs will look down upon. In the meantime, I don't know what to do. Should I apply to a Masters offering post bac? Or complete a graduate degree before applying again? The problem is , I don't even know what else I am interested in. I have always wanted to be a doctor and I've never really been attracted to any other field. Any thoughts or suggestions ?

Sorry OP 🙁. I had nightmares about having car troubles the morning of, etc.

You have the academic skills! Retake the test and apply to some DO schools. There's always always next year, too. It's not that much time in the grand scheme of things.

 

[RN MD 2017]

You've got the stats, background, and practice test scores that say you are capable of more than a 502. Buckle down for a couple more months and take it again. You'd be applying pretty late, though, if you try to make it in time for this cycle. Take it slow and strategize. It's a long process, and not one that you can afford to half-ass.

 

[Lost In Transcription]

I agree with some of the posters. Take another year and do something cool and service based for a gap.

Sorry about your experience with the MCAT. Try not to let it feel like it's a reflection of you OR your ability. 🙁

 

[lexswift]

This is probably my biggest fear. I am sorry this happened to you 🙁 You are obviously capable of a higher score so if you were to retake under normal circumstances I think you would do much, much better. Good luck!

 

[raiderette]

So many times they say it is a marathon not a sprint. You have the GPS, you just need the MCAT. Take a gap year and live. Travel, work, learn to cook, volunteer. Come back to this process happy and prepared. This has been a stressful year, and I don't wish this on anyone that doesn't feel confident.

 

[Redpancreas]

Hi! I'm a 23 year old senior. 3.9 cGPA 3.85 sGPA in a state school. 2 years of research, upcoming pub, 2 presentations, shadowing both in and out of the US, volunteering abroad and study abroad, clinical and research experience in a developing country, tons of volunteering in local hospitals, Phi Beta Kappa, good LOR, highest recommendation from my pre-med committee and I speak 5 languages. I already submitted my primary but it's not verified yet. I just received my MCAT scores and I'm considering withdrawing my application. I scored 502 123/127/125/127. I really don't know what happened. I studied a little every week for 3-4 months then I gave myself a month of practice tests and questions when classes ended. 4 days before the exam I was scoring in the 516 in the AAMC practice test. I was dealing with family drama starting the week before the exam and on the morning of, I had car trouble and had to find someone to take me last minute. Obviously I need to retake it, but it will be too late in the cycle if I take it in August so I think my best bet is to withdraw. Also if I do improve, I'm afraid that 502 will be a permanent mark that ADCOMs will look down upon. In the meantime, I don't know what to do. Should I apply to a Masters offering post bac? Or complete a graduate degree before applying again? The problem is , I don't even know what else I am interested in. I have always wanted to be a doctor and I've never really been attracted to any other field. Any thoughts or suggestions ?

Just look at this objectively.

1. You scored 516 on a practice.
2. You had real issues before the test.

All you have to do is retake the exam (I recommend getting back on the grind immediately for round 2). Also, don't take the whole gap year to study. You'll burn out.
At interviews, mention that before the first MCAT you had some family issues come up and made the mistake of taking it and have since learnt from that experience.

 

[Redpancreas]

So many times they say it is a marathon not a sprint. You have the GPS, you just need the MCAT. Take a gap year and live. Travel, work, learn to cook, volunteer. Come back to this process happy and prepared. This has been a stressful year, and I don't wish this on anyone that doesn't feel confident.

Agreed and definitely get the MCAT out of the way FIRST! Don't sit on it.

 

[daretodream93]

Thank you so much everyone! I really love this community. I have withdrawn from this cycle and already signed up for the September MCAT. I'm either going to do research for a year or look for a clinical job. Next cycle I will definitely apply both MD and DO. I'm going to start studying and make sure I'm 100% ready when I retake the MCAT. Any tips and strategies? I thought about doing a diagnostic to pinpoint my weak areas and then build on from there. I'll probably space out my practice tests a little more and make sure I rest well the week before. I was really down this weekend but I'm doing better. You all understand how emotionally and physically draining being a Pre-med is. Always working for that good GPA, spending countless hours volunteering, doing research and looking for more opportunities to strengthen your application, feeling like every summer your not doing something, you are losing valuable time, losing your mind over studying for the MCAT, looking for ways to fund your education while trying to balance all that with work, family, and a social life. And the worst of all is living in that uncertainty, working so hard and not knowing if you will reap the benefits; and even then gaining entrance is just the beginning of the journey. I guess it's just one of those many obstacles on the path to becoming a physician, but I have passion and this is nothing short of a calling, so it will happen. One way or another, it will happen!

 

[candbgirl]

Let us know how things are going after you get your MCAT back! Good luck!


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