4 MCATs - what range should I apply to?

[lastdrop]

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[Noggin]

Four MCAT scores!...props to you for taking that beast so many times I probably would have pulled the plug on the third try. Anyway to answer your question, you need to apply to schools that look at the most recent set of scores (or the best set of scores). I believe this is most medical schools so you are in luck. I really don't know how schools that average your scores will think of your app. I don't think it will be good though. Go to each schools website and look at how they treat multiple MCAT scores. Some schools don't list this information, but many do. Good luck.

 

[khrisskhoras]

The first and second ones, i believe, will expire. So schools will only consider the last 2

 

[lastdrop]

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[gyngyn]

This is another thing I am curious about. Will low MCAT scores that have expired hurt my chances less than more recent low MCAT scores? Will these still count towards the MCAT score averages that some schools take?

MCAT scores only "expire" with regard to your eligibility to apply. All of your scores are visible. Schools that are willing to accept you will post your highest score in order not to hurt their own stats.

Your problem is that the screener will make an early decision on the "story" that your MCAT pattern tells. In your case there are several possibilities. They range from "oh no, this applicant takes 4 years and 4 trys to get to our acceptable range." to "great! this guy finally figured it out."

BTW, your Master's grades do not affect your undergrad gpa.

 

[khrisskhoras]

MCAT scores only "expire" with regard to your eligibility to apply. All of your scores are visible. Schools that are willing to accept you will post your highest score in order not to hurt their own stats.

Your problem is that the screener will make an early decision on the "story" that your MCAT pattern tells. In your case there are several possibilities. They range from "oh no, this applicant takes 4 years and 4 trys to get to our acceptable range." to "great! this guy finally figured it out."

BTW, your Master's grades do not affect your undergrad gpa.

This. They may or may not consider it heavily. Just depends on the school.

 

[lastdrop]

MCAT scores only "expire" with regard to your eligibility to apply. All of your scores are visible. Schools that are willing to accept you will post your highest score in order not to hurt their own stats.

Your problem is that the screener will make an early decision on the "story" that your MCAT pattern tells. In your case there are several possibilities. They range from "oh no, this applicant takes 4 years and 4 trys to get to our acceptable range." to "great! this guy finally figured it out."

BTW, your Master's grades do not affect your undergrad gpa.

Thanks for your input. I did not mean to imply my undergraduate GPA was boosted by my MSc classes. I meant if you pooled all classes, that they would be boosted to the said numbers. The reason I thought this was worth mentioning is because during a post application interview with an admissions committee member they said that they use a cumulative GPA which includes classes taken during both undergraduate and graduate.

 

[alpinism]

I've read through these forums quite a bit but there isn't too much on anyone taking 4 MCATs - probably not a good sign I know. Regardless, I'm putting together my application and am unsure what range of schools I should apply to, based on my range of MCAT scores.

MCAT scores:
05/2009 - 26L (8, 9, 9)
01/2010 - 29N (9, 11, 9)
01/2011 - 28O (9, 10, 9) - I was very sick during this and should definitely have voided.
08/2012 - 33Q (11, 11, 11)

Undergraduate GPA:
Cumulative - 3.49
BCPM - 3.45

I am finishing up a masters program in Exercise & Wellness this Fall with a 4.0 GPA, which boosts my science GPA to a ~3.52 and my cumulative GPA to a 3.62.

Extracurriculars:
- 5 years volunteering as a youth ice hockey coach
- 1 year of volunteering in a PACU, 1 year of volunteering in a cancer inpatient
- 5 years of research in 3 different labs with 1st author on one publication and 2nd author on 3 publications
- Shadowed an ER doctor and a Neonatologist for a couple months
- 6 months working as a medical scribe in a low-income, pediatric, multi-speciality clinic
- 6 months hospice volunteering

I have 5 LORs, 3 of which should be strong and 2 I am unsure of.

So with 4 MCATs with a range from 26-33, should I apply to schools with an average MCAT between there? Obviously I am going to apply broadly and early, but I am unsure if there are certain schools which will not even look at me with 4 MCATs. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Gotta say, I'm impressed with your persistence.

Now its time to do some research. Search SDN and find med schools that only consider either your most recent MCAT score or your highest score. There are a bunch of threads with lists if you take the time to find them. Apply to those schools along with your state schools at a minimum. I would highly advise 20+ applications overall.

Unfortunately, your sGPA is still 3.45, as grad grades have their own separate category. You can also look for schools that place more emphasis on grad credits (Tulane and Wayne State come to mind).

Good Luck!

 

[lastdrop]

You can also look for schools that place more emphasis on grad credits (Tulane and Wayne State come to mind).

Good Luck!

This is great information. I really appreciate it.

 

[October88]

I took my mcat three times and I don't think it hurt me at all... I didn't research how schools consider it but just applied to a lot of schools and spent a lit of money so that's a goo idea. But with your low GPA I would provably apply to a a good handful of lower tier, some mid tier and maybe a few top ier that really fit your interest cuz your ecs look great🙂

 

[Goro]

Low-mid tiers only; throw in your state school (if any), and definitely some DO programs to be on the safe side.

I've read through these forums quite a bit but there isn't too much on anyone taking 4 MCATs - probably not a good sign I know. Regardless, I'm putting together my application and am unsure what range of schools I should apply to, based on my range of MCAT scores.

MCAT scores:
05/2009 - 26L (8, 9, 9)
01/2010 - 29N (9, 11, 9)
01/2011 - 28O (9, 10, 9) - I was very sick during this and should definitely have voided.
08/2012 - 33Q (11, 11, 11)

Undergraduate GPA:
Cumulative - 3.49
BCPM - 3.45

I am finishing up a masters program in Exercise & Wellness this Fall with a 4.0 GPA, which boosts my science GPA to a ~3.52 and my cumulative GPA to a 3.62.

Extracurriculars:
- 5 years volunteering as a youth ice hockey coach
- 1 year of volunteering in a PACU, 1 year of volunteering in a cancer inpatient
- 5 years of research in 3 different labs with 1st author on one publication and 2nd author on 3 publications
- Shadowed an ER doctor and a Neonatologist for a couple months
- 6 months working as a medical scribe in a low-income, pediatric, multi-speciality clinic
- 6 months hospice volunteering

I have 5 LORs, 3 of which should be strong and 2 I am unsure of.

So with 4 MCATs with a range from 26-33, should I apply to schools with an average MCAT between there? Obviously I am going to apply broadly and early, but I am unsure if there are certain schools which will not even look at me with 4 MCATs. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[lastdrop]

After scouring the MSAR and medical school websites here is the list of schools I am applying to:

Albany
Boston University
Chicago Medical School
Cooper
Creighton
Drexel
Eastern Virginia
Quinnipiac
Georgetown
Keck
Michigan State
NYMC
Rush
Temple
Commonwealth Medical College
Tufts
Tulane
University of Arizona Tucson & Phoenix
University of Iowa
University of Vermont
Virginia Commonwealth
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest
West Virginia University

I think I've removed all the OOS unfriendly schools from my list, but if you see any or have any other feedback I'd appreciate it.

 

[CoxMD]

After scouring the MSAR and medical school websites here is the list of schools I am applying to:

Albany
Boston University
Chicago Medical School
Cooper
Creighton
Drexel
Eastern Virginia
Quinnipiac
Georgetown
Keck
Michigan State
NYMC
Rush
Temple
Commonwealth Medical College
Tufts
Tulane
University of Arizona Tucson & Phoenix
University of Iowa
University of Vermont
Virginia Commonwealth
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest
West Virginia University

I think I've removed all the OOS unfriendly schools from my list, but if you see any or have any other feedback I'd appreciate it.

What about Hofstra? Might be a good replacement for VCU or VTECH which have an instate preference.

 

[TriagePreMed]

After scouring the MSAR and medical school websites here is the list of schools I am applying to:

Albany
Boston University
Chicago Medical School
Cooper
Creighton
Drexel
Eastern Virginia
Quinnipiac
Georgetown
Keck
Michigan State
NYMC
Rush
Temple
Commonwealth Medical College
Tufts
Tulane
University of Arizona Tucson & Phoenix
University of Iowa
University of Vermont
Virginia Commonwealth
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest
West Virginia University

I think I've removed all the OOS unfriendly schools from my list, but if you see any or have any other feedback I'd appreciate it.

The bolded ones are not going to happen. Your GPA is simply low. The masters will not be factored into your MD applications and only to some DO schools. Could happen with the other schools you listed. I think WVU doesn't accept OOS applicants, which is why I bolded it too.

 

[gyngyn]

Save your $ on USC.

 

[lastdrop]

The bolded ones are not going to happen. Your GPA is simply low. The masters will not be factored into your MD applications and only to some DO schools. Could happen with the other schools you listed. I think WVU doesn't accept OOS applicants, which is why I bolded it too.

I interviewed at University of Iowa two years, pre masters program and before my 33 retake. Afterwards they told me that the graduate GPA is factored into it.

I'll look into the WVU. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Goro]

Your numbers are still not competitive for some of the schools. State schools favor the home team, so you really have to be very good to be considered, especially the further away from your home state. So, not knowing your home state, I've removed the public schools from your list. You need to be up >3.6 and MCAT >36 to be really in their ballpark, lest the taxpayers give the administration heat for subsidizing your tuition, over in-states kids.


Albany
Boston University
Cooper
Creighton
Drexel
Eastern Virginia
Quinnipiac
Georgetown
NYMC
Rush
Temple
Commonwealth Medical College
Tufts
Tulane
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest
SLU
Rosy Franklin
Jefferson
Rowan-NJ
Hofstra
MCW
GWU
Georgetown

To be extra safe, throw some DO programs on the list....CCOM, DMU, AT Still, etc

 

[lastdrop]

Your numbers are still not competitive for some of the schools. State schools favor the home team, so you really have to be very good to be considered, especially the further away from your home state. So, not knowing your home state, I've removed the public schools from your list. You need to be up >3.6 and MCAT >36 to be really in their ballpark, lest the taxpayers give the administration heat for subsidizing your tuition, over in-states kids.


Albany
Boston University
Cooper
Creighton
Drexel
Eastern Virginia
Quinnipiac
Georgetown
NYMC
Rush
Temple
Commonwealth Medical College
Tufts
Tulane
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest
SLU
Rosy Franklin
Jefferson
Rowan-NJ
Hofstra
MCW
GWU
Georgetown

To be extra safe, throw some DO programs on the list....CCOM, DMU, AT Still, etc

Sorry, I should have included my state residency. I'm an Arizona resident.

I noticed you removed Chicago Medical School. The MSAR lists 50% OOS with an average GPA and MCAT of 3.57 and 30, respectively. Do the out of staters there really average above 3.6 and 36 MCATs?

Thanks for your input. I'm going to look to add a few of the schools you've suggested.

 

[SixStringPsych]

The bolded ones are not going to happen. Your GPA is simply low. The masters will not be factored into your MD applications and only to some DO schools. Could happen with the other schools you listed. I think WVU doesn't accept OOS applicants, which is why I bolded it too.

Tufts and Wake Forest are on the lower side in terms of GPA according to the MSAR, not sure why you would advise OP not to apply to those places.

Don't know what their specific policy is on looking MCAT scores however, I'm just saying as far as "tiers" go OP should apply to these places.