2019-2020 Applicant looking for some advice

[Lonebush]

Hello all,

Long story short I retook my mcat and to my disappointment I got a 499 (first time was a 497) and was looking for some advice. Retaking again before I apply this coming cycle is out of the question since I just have too much on my plate prior to applying and I don't want to risk another bad score if I don't feel confident going in. For reference I was scoring between 506-512 on my AAMC FL's, I just have anxiety and bad time management during my actual test day and didn't finish a decent amount of sections.

A overview of myself:
I am a asian male, 3.50 science and 3.50 cumulative GPA graduating this spring with a biochem degree at a pretty science/stem heavy university in new york. My freshmen and sophomore year I had a lot going on in my private life with my family, work, and a divorce so my GPA was struggling between 3.1-3.2. But starting my junior year and up until now I have maintained a 3.94+ GPA every semester w/ 20+ credits (mostly upper divison bio/chem courses) and proven that with a lot of sacrifice and hard work I can handle a rigorous course load. And currently in my last semester projecting a 3.9+ as well, so i'll probably end up around 3.58-3.62 hypothetically. I have about 900+ hours of research, 80+ hours of shadowing (cardiothocric surgery, anesthesiology, family medicine and many more), volunteering at a camp for underprivileged kids every summer with cancer or family with cancer, and have TA'd Orgo1, orgo2, and biochem 1. A pretty good list of recommendation letters from MD/PhD PI's, upper division science professor (like biochem and orgo), DO's, and a few others. And to me a pretty compiling personal statement that translate why it's so important for me to go to medical school involving my purposes, curiosity for science, and being able to apply myself and all those great things.


With all that formalities out of the way I'm really looking for some advice. Been doing some very thorough thinking and reflecting on what steps I need to take at this point. My end goal is to become a physician and practice medicine (I know this is redundant but bare with me). I am now at a point where I don't know how realistic it would be for me to apply and even get interviews at DO or MD. I really want to stay in-state if possible to take care of my parents (they can't speak english well and have health issues) so I was really considering NYITCOM or touro, I really liked NYIT's campus and community so I'm gunning for that school in particular (but I will go out of state if that's the only way, I am open to suggestions). I have never applied before so I actually have no idea of how realistic it may be for me to even get an interview. I am now considering SMP's during my gap year while I apply and was looking at SMP's that have guaranteed interview or even admission (I am looking at both MD and DO SMP's).

So now that you know my situation here are things I am looking advice for and any feedback is greatly appreciated!

1. Anyone who has ever received an interview or matriculated to NYITCOM, how realistic is it for me to have a shot at this school with my stats? (this is my top choice if it isn't clear enough).
2. Looking from a outside perspective, do I have a shot at getting any interviews at DO's or MD's? and if so what schools should I be looking into with my stats.
3. Is it a good idea for me to do a SMP during my gap year? If so what programs have guaranteed interviews/admission if completed?

I really do appreciate any feedback if possible.

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[BobbyKoch]

... I just have anxiety and bad time management during my actual test day and didn't finish a decent amount of sections....

This is a very fixable problem and it's imperative that you fix it, given that the tests in medical school and beyond just keep coming. Seek out a learning specialist and/or psychologist/psychiatrist that specializes in learning. If the first person you see doesn't jive with you move on and find someone else.

As for applying with a ~3.5 and 499... I doubt you would gain any interviews from MD schools. With a far and wide approach to DO you might snag some interviews and an accept, especially at some of the newer schools. But targeting one school in a highly competitive state (NY has a surplus of decent students) with a 499 MCAT is a bad idea, imo.

An SMP is an expensive and risky way of showing your readiness for medical school. If I were you, I would get that MCAT above 505, broaden your DO application and send it in early, while continuing to accrue clinical/volunteer/shadowing experiences. If you don't get anywhere by Christmas, I would start considering an SMP.

To give you some anecdotal evidence, I applied to NYITCOM the last two cycles with a lower GPA but MCAT in the range of 510-514 and I never heard from them. Adding to that, my very first MCAT score was 499, so improvement is certainly possible. I know it sucks to think about taking it again, but I really think it may be the best option for you. Best of luck going forward!

 

[Faha]

You could receive interviews at these DO schools with your MCAT of 499.
ACOM
ARCOM
NYIT-Arkansas
BCOM
UIWSOM
PCOM Georgia and South Georgia
UP-KYCOM
WVSOM
VCOM (all 3 schools)
LUCOM
LECOM (all schools)
Most of these schools have MCAT medians in the 498 to 502 range so you should receive interviews. Apply in June and submit all your secondaries by July.
MD acceptances are unlikely with your MCAT scores of 497 and 499.
You do not need to do a SMP. The weakness in your application is your MCAT scores.

 

[Lonebush]

This is a very fixable problem and it's imperative that you fix it, given that the tests in medical school and beyond just keep coming. Seek out a learning specialist and/or psychologist/psychiatrist that specializes in learning. If the first person you see doesn't jive with you move on and find someone else.

As for applying with a ~3.5 and 499... I doubt you would gain any interviews from MD schools. With a far and wide approach to DO you might snag some interviews and an accept, especially at some of the newer schools. But targeting one school in a highly competitive state (NY has a surplus of decent students) with a 499 MCAT is a bad idea, imo.

An SMP is an expensive and risky way of showing your readiness for medical school. If I were you, I would get that MCAT above 505, broaden your DO application and send it in early, while continuing to accrue clinical/volunteer/shadowing experiences. If you don't get anywhere by Christmas, I would start considering an SMP.

To give you some anecdotal evidence, I applied to NYITCOM the last two cycles with a lower GPA but MCAT in the range of 510-514 and I never heard from them. Adding to that, my very first MCAT score was 499, so improvement is certainly possible. I know it sucks to think about taking it again, but I really think it may be the best option for you. Best of luck going forward!

Thanks for the advice and guidance, this gives me a good idea of my options and what routes to take!

 

[Lonebush]

You could receive interviews at these DO schools with your MCAT of 499.
ACOM
ARCOM
NYIT-Arkansas
BCOM
UIWSOM
PCOM Georgia and South Georgia
UP-KYCOM
WVSOM
VCOM (all 3 schools)
LUCOM
LECOM (all schools)
Most of these schools have MCAT medians in the 498 to 502 range so you should receive interviews. Apply in June and submit all your secondaries by July.
MD acceptances are unlikely with your MCAT scores of 497 and 499.
You do not need to do a SMP. The weakness in your application is your MCAT scores.

Thanks for the comprehensive list! and yeah my mcat score sucks there's no way around it. I'm just trying to make the best of it.

 

[Dwigt_1]

You could receive interviews at these DO schools with your MCAT of 499.
ACOM
ARCOM
NYIT-Arkansas
BCOM
UIWSOM
PCOM Georgia and South Georgia
UP-KYCOM
WVSOM
VCOM (all 3 schools)
LUCOM
LECOM (all schools)
Most of these schools have MCAT medians in the 498 to 502 range so you should receive interviews. Apply in June and submit all your secondaries by July.
MD acceptances are unlikely with your MCAT scores of 497 and 499.
You do not need to do a SMP. The weakness in your application is your MCAT scores.

This is a really good list. I was in the same boat and was accepted into LECOM, KYCOM, and LUCOM. Would highly recommend applying as early as possible with these schools also. It makes a big difference because they interview large groups of people at a time.

 

[Lonebush]

This is a really good list. I was in the same boat and was accepted into LECOM, KYCOM, and LUCOM. Would highly recommend applying as early as possible with these schools also. It makes a big difference because they interview large groups of people at a time.

That's reassuring to know, and my plan is to get all my apps in prior to end of may if possible. Would you mind sharing your stats when you got all those acceptances? You could pm if you're more comfortable.

 

[Dwigt_1]

That's reassuring to know, and my plan is to get all my apps in prior to end of may if possible. Would you mind sharing your stats when you got all those acceptances? You could pm if you're more comfortable.

I can't PM you for some reason! Try messaging me. I'd love to help.

 

[Magus5454]

My vote is no to a SMP. Your GPA is fine. You have a shot at schools but you have to fix your testing issue or med school plus boards is going to eat you alive.

 

[Lonebush]

My vote is no to a SMP. Your GPA is fine. You have a shot at schools but you have to fix your testing issue or med school plus boards is going to eat you alive.

I appreciate the advice. And yeah I know I'm going to have to work on this issue, I've honestly never had problems with test throughout college. It was only the MCAT, but I know I have to work on this.

 

[JSReed]

My personal mantra: "After this, you get to go home and eat ice cream."

You seem pretty smart, and you've got the numbers to back it up. Would recommend maybe reading some books on how to set yourself up mentally for success. No concrete recommendations, but have heard a few good things from the sports psychology side. Theres a book by Michael Johnson (the track guy who got caught for doping) that's supposed to be good. Would also recommend reading about self talk, that helped me out of some similar issues.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

I'm going to be honest, your stats are a little light. You could get into a newer school. The lowered third of our class has similar or better stats that that. Also, the lower third, who have board and class failures with remediation have better or similar stats. These are red flags for PDs. It's a tough call. I think its better to consult a learning specialist at you school for some insight. Consider a post bac with attachment to a med school. I understand LECOM has a linked post bac and their tuition is cheap. Something to consider. Good luck and best wishes.

 

[BarrelRoll]

You're fine for DO. I used to see the advice for applicants in your (our) position and think: "They're just saying that."

I had a higher MCAT but way lower GPA and after going through this cycle and seeing the love people of our stat range can get from schools, it makes me think those with less luck had a major red flag they did not disclose on this forum or just did not cast a wide enough net. Don't be picky and don't be a chooser; even the best applicants are beggars in a way. Apply broadly if money allows. I mean very broad.

 

[armoman898]

Apply as early a freakin possible

 

[BASBaseball15]

I appreciate the advice. And yeah I know I'm going to have to work on this issue, I've honestly never had problems with test throughout college. It was only the MCAT, but I know I have to work on this.

Just browsing through this evening to let you know you’re not alone. I never had test anxiety before the MCAT and I’m not sure why I developed it. For me, I think it was because I’m a scribe in a rural setting and everyone I work with (physicians, nurses, and fellow scribes) were always checking in on how my MCAT prep was. I think internally I didn’t want to disappoint them. I ended up getting a 504 which isn’t awful, but if I had my normal CARS score I would’ve been around 506-509. I’m applying with my 504 and only going to retake if I have no interviews. Best of luck my friend!

 

[armoman898]

Just browsing through this evening to let you know you’re not alone. I never had test anxiety before the MCAT and I’m not sure why I developed it. For me, I think it was because I’m a scribe in a rural setting and everyone I work with (physicians, nurses, and fellow scribes) were always checking in on how my MCAT prep was. I think internally I didn’t want to disappoint them. I ended up getting a 504 which isn’t awful, but if I had my normal CARS score I would’ve been around 506-509. I’m applying with my 504 and only going to retake if I have no interviews. Best of luck my friend!

I also had a bad CARs score. That brought me to a 503.

I hate when people ask about my studying. Partially a reason why I’m looking for schools far away from home.

 

[Lonebush]

My personal mantra: "After this, you get to go home and eat ice cream."

You seem pretty smart, and you've got the numbers to back it up. Would recommend maybe reading some books on how to set yourself up mentally for success. No concrete recommendations, but have heard a few good things from the sports psychology side. Theres a book by Michael Johnson (the track guy who got caught for doping) that's supposed to be good. Would also recommend reading about self talk, that helped me out of some similar issues.

Yeah, I been meditating a lot and exercising. I really think it's because i psych myself out, I've always had the mentality of "I studied a lot, I'm going to wreck this test" throughout college. But when MCAT came around... I'm not going to lie... it beat me up and kicked me around, I felt helpless and wasn't in control of my mindset. But I've gotten back to the old mindset more so now. I will definitely take a look into those books. Thanks for the recommendations!

 

[Lonebush]

I'm going to be honest, your stats are a little light. You could get into a newer school. The lowered third of our class has similar or better stats that that. Also, the lower third, who have board and class failures with remediation have better or similar stats. These are red flags for PDs. It's a tough call. I think its better to consult a learning specialist at you school for some insight. Consider a post bac with attachment to a med school. I understand LECOM has a linked post bac and their tuition is cheap. Something to consider. Good luck and best wishes.

I appreciate the advice. I'm really on the edge on deciding if a postbac/SMP type of program is good for me. I have a few friends at LECOM and they recommended me the same, Thank you again.

 

[Lonebush]

Just browsing through this evening to let you know you’re not alone. I never had test anxiety before the MCAT and I’m not sure why I developed it. For me, I think it was because I’m a scribe in a rural setting and everyone I work with (physicians, nurses, and fellow scribes) were always checking in on how my MCAT prep was. I think internally I didn’t want to disappoint them. I ended up getting a 504 which isn’t awful, but if I had my normal CARS score I would’ve been around 506-509. I’m applying with my 504 and only going to retake if I have no interviews. Best of luck my friend!

I'm in the same boat, it's nice to know I'm not alone. I work with a lot of accredited post-docs, MD/PhD's, and physicians and they're always so curious about my score, it's a ton of pressure because I want to make them proud and prove myself to them. Indirectly I feel like I'm letting all these people down who have given me a chance to work for them or for them. I'm just gonna apply and not get me hopes up and retake and reapply if it comes down to it. Good luck my friend, may we have the wisdom to guide us and the perseverance to get us through.

 

[shark bait hoo ha ha]

NYITCOM is an amazing school so it makes sense that you won’t to shoot for them. However, they do get a ton of NY applicants. So make sure your secondary for them is spectacular and then apply to a bunch of DO schools just in case. And for reference I got in with a 3.7 and 511 to NYIT

 

[Lonebush]

NYITCOM is an amazing school so it makes sense that you won’t to shoot for them. However, they do get a ton of NY applicants. So make sure your secondary for them is spectacular and then apply to a bunch of DO schools just in case. And for reference I got in with a 3.7 and 511 to NYIT

Thanks that's really helpful to know! Knowing my mcat is my weakest point my plan is just to make sure I get everything in as early as possible and do my secondaries well.