17M on mcat and 3.36 overal GPA getting into OUCOM?

[med26]

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I would love to be a famous actor. I would be able to help as many people as I would as a physician, among other things. But I'm not good at acting, and I know that I will be more successful and much more happier if I pursued something that I'm good at.

NOBODY here is saying that this person is not smart. In fact, he/she could become one of the top lawyers/engineers/anything else in 10 years.

Physicians have people's lives in their hands. A score of 17 on the MCAT would make it very unlikely to become a successful and good physician (MCAT scores are correlated with board scores). It doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to become a good physician with high MCAT/Board scores; it's up to you what you do with your knowledge. But if you don't have the knowledge, you can't be a very good physician. It is a very intelectually demanding career and not everyone in the world can/should become one.

 

[OSUdoc08]

I would love to be a famous actor. I would be able to help as many people as I would as a physician, among other things. But I'm not good at acting, and I know that I will be more successful and much more happier if I pursued something that I'm good at.

NOBODY here is saying that this person is not smart. In fact, he/she could become one of the top lawyers/engineers/anything else in 10 years.

Physicians have people's lives in their hands. A score of 17 on the MCAT would make it very unlikely to become a successful and good physician (MCAT scores are correlated with board scores). It doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to become a good physician with high MCAT/Board scores; it's up to you what you do with your knowledge. But if you don't have the knowledge, you can't be a very good physician. It is a very intelectually demanding career and not everyone in the world can/should become one.

You seem to be an expert. However, I found your argument completely flawed. The MCAT is composed of organic chemistry, physics, general chemistry, biology, and verbal.

There is ABSOLUTELY NO organic chemistry in medical school and MINISCULE physics and general chemistry. Although there is biology on the MCAT, most of it isn't pertinent, and you will learn all of the biology you need in medical school.

Although there may be a correlation between the MCAT and USMLE/COMLEX, this may be due to the fact that a certain population is good at taking ANY standardized test, where a certain portion of the population is not.

Your performance on the MCAT has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with what kind of physician you will be. It is kind of amusing when the people with high MCAT's and no clinical experience are absolutely clueless when starting their clinical years, while former paramedics with low MCATs excel at patient care and diagnoses.

 

[faith2DO]

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

Press on, study hard, bring up your scores, and don't let anything drag you down if this is really what you want....

God Bless

 

[V4viet]

To all of those that are putting their words of encouragement.. Thank you so much.. I really appreciate your support and I will surely be updating you guys with my progress.. I'm currently studying for the august mcat.. thanks again

 

[med26]

It is kind of amusing when the people with high MCAT's and no clinical experience are absolutely clueless when starting their clinical years, while former paramedics with low MCATs excel at patient care and diagnoses.

True, but if you take two former paramedics, and one got a very high score on the MCAT and the other got a very low score on the MCAT, which would you expect will do better in med school?

 

[OSUdoc08]

True, but if you take two former paramedics, and one got a very high score on the MCAT and the other got a very low score on the MCAT, which would you expect will do better in med school?

There are people in my class with high MCATs that are doing worse than people with low MCATs.

You cannot base performance off of the MCAT.

 

[Jaynine]

I would love to be a famous actor. I would be able to help as many people as I would as a physician, among other things. But I'm not good at acting, and I know that I will be more successful and much more happier if I pursued something that I'm good at.

NOBODY here is saying that this person is not smart. In fact, he/she could become one of the top lawyers/engineers/anything else in 10 years.

Physicians have people's lives in their hands. A score of 17 on the MCAT would make it very unlikely to become a successful and good physician (MCAT scores are correlated with board scores). It doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to become a good physician with high MCAT/Board scores; it's up to you what you do with your knowledge. But if you don't have the knowledge, you can't be a very good physician. It is a very intelectually demanding career and not everyone in the world can/should become one.

you spelled intellectually wrong. So much for that.

 

[Wyclef]

A good friend of mine got a 17 on the MCAT last year. He did end up getting into med school his first time around with this score. He is a really smart guy (~3.6 gpa), just had a bad test day. I think he really rushed his MCAT prep (2 months one summer) and this hurt him as well (btw it was kaplan). Don't be discouraged by a bad MCAT score. I'd say there is a chance you could get into a school this year (maybe not the one of your choice), but if you are set on getting into a particular school you'll probably want to take that August MCAT. Good luck!

 

[drjds]

You seem to be an expert. However, I found your argument completely flawed. The MCAT is composed of organic chemistry, physics, general chemistry, biology, and verbal.

There is ABSOLUTELY NO organic chemistry in medical school and MINISCULE physics and general chemistry. Although there is biology on the MCAT, most of it isn't pertinent, and you will learn all of the biology you need in medical school.

Although there may be a correlation between the MCAT and USMLE/COMLEX, this may be due to the fact that a certain population is good at taking ANY standardized test, where a certain portion of the population is not.

Your performance on the MCAT has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with what kind of physician you will be. It is kind of amusing when the people with high MCAT's and no clinical experience are absolutely clueless when starting their clinical years, while former paramedics with low MCATs excel at patient care and diagnoses.

Thank you.

 

[davematthews]

HOw did u study? What was the breakdown? What did you get on the ACT? Do you have a learning disability?
I ask because I dont want to make assumptions, everyone is different.
I knew a girl who got a 18 or 20, cant remember, and went to Nova. She was VERY smart, did not study a lot for the MCAT, and did not want to put in the time and effort to score well. She could have done well over a 25, but chose not to. I think that in her case it was sad that she had this attitude and should of had to retake and work for it, like most everyone else does. I do not know what she told adm committee, but I would have not given her an interview in the first place unless she had a profound excuse. ie learning disability. Even so, people with disabilities, by law, can have arrangements made to 1) have the test read to them and 2) have time limits removed and/or extended and score extremely well on a test they would otherwise flunk.

For someone who just cant get a score over twenty, but has done well in the prereq classes, you are likely not studying as efficently as you could, or not putting in the time. Putting in a few hundred hours of smart studying, taking an MCAT class, and being dedicated 5 days a week for 4-6 month period should get you well into the twenties...

 

[cmn2102]

Hey guys, I'm applying for OUCOM for 2007 class and I was wondering with a 17M on the MCAT and a 3.36 overal gpa and a biology major at VCU. Can I at least get an interview? have anyone heard of anyone getting in with my credentials? Ofcourse I have other extra-stuff on the sides like volunteering, feeding the homeless etcc and a summer enrichment program at uva so if anyone know anything can you please help me out? I've been hearing great things about OUCOM.

Were there any circumstances that led to the 17? Were you sick, did you take a class, what were you scoring on practice tests leading up to the tests? If the score is not representative of your practice tests then definitely retake it.

 

[cmn2102]

You seem to be an expert. However, I found your argument completely flawed. The MCAT is composed of organic chemistry, physics, general chemistry, biology, and verbal.

There is ABSOLUTELY NO organic chemistry in medical school and MINISCULE physics and general chemistry. Although there is biology on the MCAT, most of it isn't pertinent, and you will learn all of the biology you need in medical school.

Although there may be a correlation between the MCAT and USMLE/COMLEX, this may be due to the fact that a certain population is good at taking ANY standardized test, where a certain portion of the population is not.

Your performance on the MCAT has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with what kind of physician you will be. It is kind of amusing when the people with high MCAT's and no clinical experience are absolutely clueless when starting their clinical years, while former paramedics with low MCATs excel at patient care and diagnoses.

I agree. I've worked with a well respected Neurosurgeon who went to 4 different undergrad schools, 2 different med schools and didn't score well on any exam he ever took. He laughes at the fact we have to learn Organic because he's never even heard of anyone even using it. I fail to see the value of the written section myself. The MCAT is a hoop that everyone has to jump through but it by no means should be a measure of ability. Who seriously will use kinetic energy equations in clinical setting?

 

[zer0el]

Serious post to the OP:

If the only school you want to go to is OUCOM, then go ahead and apply (shouldn't be that much money) while simultaneously studying for the August MCAT. I've seen stranger things than people getting in with a 17. No one here can tell you whether or not you'll get in. Chances are that you won't, but you don't have much to lose by applying.

 

[ILoveIceCream]

Lots of people here seem to forget that there are many additional factors involved when one deals with numerical data such as the MCAT. I find the bashings that have occurred here highly offensive. For you people who offer no useful advice but, instead, make hurtful remarks about this person's intelligence, I don't think you have taken into considerations other factors that might have contributed to the score. Things such as a person's background in science, how many years they've learned english, the quality of the professors, the quality of the education, their socio-economic background and even the site of the test can all impact the outcome. Not everyone can spend 1400 for a prep course, or have the luxury of not working while going to school. Not everyone have the same quality of educations. I know of many people who have done not so well on board exams (MCAT, SAT...) but who've more than succeeded in school, and, most importantly, in life. Besides, those are usually the ones who are more grateful whenever they get accepted. So cut this person some slack and be mindful of their feelings, please 🙂 On the other hand, I think it is wonderful that there are so many people out there who have given constructive criticisms and who have offered kind words of encouragements.

 

[scpod]

I find the bashings that have occurred here highly offensive. For you people who offer no useful advice but, instead, make hurtful remarks about this person's intelligence, I don't think you have taken into considerations other factors that might have contributed to the score. ...So cut this person some slack and be mindful of their feelings, please 🙂 On the other hand, I think it is wonderful that there are so many people out there who have given constructive criticisms and who have offered kind words of encouragements.

What you might fail to realize it that SDN is not some kind of support group, nor is is cheap therapy for those who can't afford it otherwise. It is simply a group of people presenting their opinions on statements made and questions asked. It is not a censored forum. Of course, personal attacks are not condoned, but you can't expect useful advice to be the only think you'll get. You should also remember that you have absolutely no idea who is giving you this advice, nor do you know what their motives are.

If you want a support group, it would be better to turn to your friends and family. But, remember that even your friends and family are not likely to always give you helpful, supportive advice and generous, constructive criticism.

The one and only thing that you get here is opinions from people who either are or have been in the same situation (and some people who may just be pretending to have been there 🙂 ). Their answers may be good or bad; they may even be really hurtful. Your sole remedy for that is the "Ignore" button. When you encounter those individuals whose advice you do not like, I suggest you use that convenient tool to alleviate the problem. Of course, that's only my advice.

 

[OhNoNotAgain]

Lots of people here seem to forget that there are many additional factors involved when one deals with numerical data such as the MCAT. I find the bashings that have occurred here highly offensive. For you people who offer no useful advice but, instead, make hurtful remarks about this person's intelligence, I don't think you have taken into considerations other factors that might have contributed to the score.

I agree. People who do make these type of comments are insecure. That simple. There is no way to explain otherwise. Doctors with big heads, insecure. Homophobes, insecure. Xenophobes, insecure. Get the picture?

And yes, SDN can act as a suppport group. You may have not noticed, many people come here with their problems -- seeking support and help. But, this is a open public forum, so people can say whatever they want. Yes, people are asked to give their opinons, good or bad. These forums were formed for discussion and support. Again, it's that simple.

Also, I was held back in first grade and now almost a med school graduate. According to some people on here, I am a absolute idiot who couldn't color within the lines and should be looking for a new profession.

 

[DORoe]

Also, I was held back in first grade and now almost a med school graduate. According to some people on here, I am a absolute idiot who couldn't color within the lines and should be looking for a new profession.

I thought ability to color inside the lines was directly related to board scores is that true? 😉

 

[deezballas]

HOw did u study? What was the breakdown? What did you get on the ACT? Do you have a learning disability?
I ask because I dont want to make assumptions, everyone is different.
I knew a girl who got a 18 or 20, cant remember, and went to Nova. She was VERY smart, did not study a lot for the MCAT, and did not want to put in the time and effort to score well. She could have done well over a 25, but chose not to. I think that in her case it was sad that she had this attitude and should of had to retake and work for it, like most everyone else does. I do not know what she told adm committee, but I would have not given her an interview in the first place unless she had a profound excuse. ie learning disability. Even so, people with disabilities, by law, can have arrangements made to 1) have the test read to them and 2) have time limits removed and/or extended and score extremely well on a test they would otherwise flunk.

For someone who just cant get a score over twenty, but has done well in the prereq classes, you are likely not studying as efficently as you could, or not putting in the time. Putting in a few hundred hours of smart studying, taking an MCAT class, and being dedicated 5 days a week for 4-6 month period should get you well into the twenties...

This country is too PC! Should a physician with a learning diability be allowed arrangements to have a large medical staff walk him/her through a surgical procedure?

 

[surfgirl]

Hey guys, I'm applying for OUCOM for 2007 class and I was wondering with a 17M on the MCAT and a 3.36 overal gpa and a biology major at VCU. Can I at least get an interview? have anyone heard of anyone getting in with my credentials? Ofcourse I have other extra-stuff on the sides like volunteering, feeding the homeless etcc and a summer enrichment program at uva so if anyone know anything can you please help me out? I've been hearing great things about OUCOM.

Study for the August MCAT, but right now you should also consider a Post Bac program starting in Sept. It's not too late to apply. I have a fourth year classmate got into our school with a 17 MCAT she went through the Post Bac program and was accepted. It's been a difficult road for her the last 5 years. She failed Step 1 2x and finally passed it the third time with help, she's dyslexlic and had someone from comlex read her the exam. She got extra time for step 2, used the computer like the rest of us and passed it on her first try. She's graduating 6 months later than the rest of us but she did it. All that said, she is going to be a great FP. She has an incredible memory and retains everything people say verbally, just has problems with reading comprehension. Remember as physicians we take exams our entire careers so it doesn't stop at the mcat. So consider your options even with a 20 on the MCAT in August you still need a Post Bac program and do well there to prove yourself to that program. Hope this insight helps. Good luck.

 

[yanky5]

This is all bull. That "dyslexic" friend does not deserve special treatment. She should have to work hard like the rest of us. What liberal nonsense. Someone who can't read on their own has no place being a doctor. I would never see someone like that. But I think that she made it up because my sister had a bunch of "dyslexic" friends in high school who admitted privately they made the whole thing up to get extra time on the SAT's so they got high marks with scholorships by lying.

 

[ImNoSuperman]

Hey V4viet, it's so good to hear someone with as much drive and openness to constructive criticism as you. I was accepted to OUCOM c/o 2010 and I thought that I wasn't going to get in. My MCAT breakdown was PS6, VR6, BS10, and Q with a 3.65 cumulative GPA and got accepted. I have heard of students making it with a 21 MCAT into allopathic programs. I could have done much better than a 22Q; hell, I waltzed into my Biochem 2 final which is ACS and pooped out a 90th percentile. The trick to the MCAT is test-taking ability, not pure memory muscle. I know that if I would have invested to time and effort and mybe even money into learning how to take the MCAT, I would have pooped out a 27 or better. I would definitely encourage you to retake the MCAT in August if you can, just mainly because I think they would like to see that you made the effort to try and improve (and also because I was asked if I planned on retaking it). A 17 might get you an interview, but in all honesty most schools have some sort of grid or cut-off that they use for determining who gets an interview. A post-bac program sounds like a good idea as well. Good luck and I hope to see you at PreCOM next year.

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

I have heard of students making it with a 21 MCAT into allopathic programs.

Comments like this are 100% worthless unless they are in the context of every single variable taken into account when the acceptance was offered, eg status as a URM, state of residency, amount of money donated.

 

[ImNoSuperman]

Comments like this are 100% worthless unless they are in the context of every single variable taken into account when the acceptance was offered, eg status as a URM, state of residency, amount of money donated.

My point being that it isn't impossible to get accepted somewhere if don't make a 24 or better. Context or not! 🙁

 

[Med_Leviathan]

This is all bull. That "dyslexic" friend does not deserve special treatment. She should have to work hard like the rest of us. What liberal nonsense. Someone who can't read on their own has no place being a doctor. I would never see someone like that. But I think that she made it up because my sister had a bunch of "dyslexic" friends in high school who admitted privately they made the whole thing up to get extra time on the SAT's so they got high marks with scholorships by lying.

Quoted for truth.
How is she going to read journal articles?

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

My point being that it isn't impossible to get accepted somewhere if don't make a 24 or better. Context or not! 🙁

My point being that people that sometimes people return from comas after decades, but how often does that really happen?