506 MCAT, 3.73 GPA

[jojjos]

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Hey guys,

I was so bummed when I received my MCAT this summer (125/125/128/128) total 506. I'm applying to MD/PhD programs and feel like my score is not even close to what could get me accepted.. Other stats:

GPA: 3.73 from Columbia Uni.
250 hours clinical research volunteering
a bit over 1.5year year full-time research assistant for nobel laureate (hoping this helps my app)
Second author paper Submitted but not published yet.
And some other conferences/jobs/activities for ECs.

Do I even have a shot? Any school where I could have a chance? If I retook the MCAT, I would have to take it within a month to make it this cycle, would it even be possible to improve with enough points that it would be worth it? I have exhausted most practice exams already, including all 3 from AAMC.

I already postponed applying last year because I wanted more research experience and don't think I could wait another year, but I might have to because of the MCAT.

Thoughts?

 

[Dr. Stalker]

At any school, a separate MD PhD committee will review you first. Your MCAT score certainly does not win you points there (sorry for being harsh OP). However, the extensive research experience certainly does compensate for this.

Will top tier MSTPs look at you? Maybe not. At best, I can say a mid-tier school will forgive the MCAT and interview you due to your incredible research experience. Low tier MSTP will certainly be interested in you though.

As far as the retake goes, you ultimately may have to. If you post to the physician-scientist forums you'll get more feedback

 

[jojjos]

@Dr. Stalker Thank you for your input, you actually give me some hope. And oops I thought I did post in the right thread! Those are my thoughts too, I have dropped top schools and hoping smaller programs will "overlook" my MCAT when they see the rest of my app. (My famous PI wrote a "brilliant-amazing-youcangoeffinganywhere" rec letter, in his words. Hoping that carries heavily..) My current list of schools include:

Columbia (because of my undergrad + my research is at their medical center)
Cornell (only because I did clinical research there and have a rec letter from one of their docs)
Dartmouth
MC of Wisconsin
Penn State
Rutgers (both RWJ and NJ)
UConn
Jefferson
SUNY Upstate

Any I should add? I am also international (but with all coursework in the US), which limits me from a lot of MSTP programs that won't secure other funding.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

@Dr. Stalker Thank you for your input, you actually give me some hope. And oops I thought I did post in the right thread! Those are my thoughts too, I have dropped top schools and hoping smaller programs will "overlook" my MCAT when they see the rest of my app. (My famous PI wrote a "brilliant-amazing-youcangoeffinganywhere" rec letter, in his words. Hoping that carries heavily..) My current list of schools include:

Columbia (because of my undergrad + my research is at their medical center)
Cornell (only because I did clinical research there and have a rec letter from one of their docs)
Dartmouth
MC of Wisconsin
Penn State
Rutgers (both RWJ and NJ)
UConn
Jefferson
SUNY Upstate

Any I should add? I am also international (but with all coursework in the US), which limits me from a lot of MSTP programs that won't secure other funding.

add all the SUNYs. You're aware of the MSTP vs. MD-PhD difference (with respect to who the source of funding is). SBU is the only suny MSTP to my knowledge; the other 3 are all MD PhD.

Try to find not necessarily low-tier MD MSTP programs, instead, ones where your research is highly applicable. If school X is known for their neuroscience research and that's what your 1.5 years were in, they will give you special consideration.

Gah, I know, it sucks when you everything except the MCAT score. How far along the application cycle are you? Is your AMCAS verified/are you complete at the schools you've listed?

 

[Dr. Stalker]

You should definitely add all the low-tier MD PhD programs. Drexel, NYMC, etc.

 

[jojjos]

add all the SUNYs. You're aware of the MSTP vs. MD-PhD difference (with respect to who the source of funding is). SBU is the only suny MSTP to my knowledge; the other 3 are all MD PhD.

Try to find not necessarily low-tier MD MSTP programs, instead, ones where your research is highly applicable. If school X is known for their neuroscience research and that's what your 1.5 years were in, they will give you special consideration.

Gah, I know, it sucks when you everything except the MCAT score. How far along the application cycle are you? Is your AMCAS verified/are you complete at the schools you've listed?

Unfortunately the other SUNYs do not consider international students, neither does Drexel (or it does not provide funding, I excluded it for either reason).. I actually have not submitted my primary yet, was planning on doing so this weekend after finishing editing my essays. Which is why I would still be able to take another gap year without being a reapplicant. I'm so unsure of what to do at this point, retaking the MCAT within a month is also risky, could even hurt if I get a lower or the same score.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

Unfortunately the other SUNYs do not consider international students, neither does Drexel (or it does not provide funding, I excluded it for either reason).. I actually have not submitted my primary yet, was planning on doing so this weekend after finishing editing my essays. Which is why I would still be able to take another gap year without being a reapplicant. I'm so unsure of what to do at this point, retaking the MCAT within a month is also risky, could even hurt if I get a lower or the same score.

I didn't realize you were international; wow, that's a really tough spot. The average accepted score for international students tends to be 2 to 4 points higher than the usual MCAT average.

Ignoring your score, you'll be complete relatively...not late...but not at an optimal time. The ideal situation is to ace the MCAT in the spring and apply that June 1 - very few actually accomplish that.

Are you considering a retake? A jump to a 512 or 514+ would do wonders for you. I know, easier said than done, but I've taken my MCAT 3 times and steadily improved it each attempt, and I'm willing to do a 4th. Anything to get into an MD PhD program lol

 

[jojjos]

I didn't realize you were international; wow, that's a really tough spot. The average accepted score for international students tends to be 2 to 4 points higher than the usual MCAT average.

Ignoring your score, you'll be complete relatively...not late...but not at an optimal time. The ideal situation is to ace the MCAT in the spring and apply that June 1 - very few actually accomplish that.

Are you considering a retake? A jump to a 512 or 514+ would do wonders for you. I know, easier said than done, but I've taken my MCAT 3 times and steadily improved it each attempt, and I'm willing to do a 4th. Anything to get into an MD PhD program lol

I know I'm definitely late too, didn't get a chance to work on my essays with the MCAT in June. But I also thought that since MD/PhD do not have rolling admissions, it would be okay to submit a little later. But you're right, being international I should certainly have an even higher score. An 8+ jump in 4-5 weeks sounds extremely hard. How much did you improve and how much time did you have in between? Did you restructure the way you studied? I was not able to take a prep course so I self studied and used any free resource online, only bought a few full lengths.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

I know I'm definitely late too, didn't get a chance to work on my essays with the MCAT in June. But I also thought that since MD/PhD do not have rolling admissions, it would be okay to submit a little later. But you're right, being international I should certainly have an even higher score. An 8+ jump in 4-5 weeks sounds extremely hard. How much did you improve and how much time did you have in between? Did you restructure the way you studied? I was not able to take a prep course so I self studied and used any free resource online, only bought a few full lengths.

I don't believe in prep courses; I took one for my very first MCAT and found out they suck. With <$500, you should be able to purchase any and all MCAT materials (really its closer to $300...I'm estimating up).

Yeah, there were serious changes in my study style, materials, but the biggest was attitude: I was terrified, embarrassed, mortified, wahtever you wanna call it cause I graduated and was applying with "one gap year." I applied with an old 29 (balanced) and failed to get in despite great interviews. When all the medical schools rejected me and said my MCAT score was poor and that's why they couldn't admit, I got closure and accepted the reality of a retake. I was super bitter because the exam and completely changed (in my defense).

I half-assed studying and scored a 505.

Now, I retook it and did score higher. Yes, there's serious study changes students should adopt. I get the time factor pressuring you, and a June MCAT puts you in the spot you're in - you aren't alone, I just sent in my AMCAS. I'll be a little late, but I can (hopefully) handle that with my MCAT score. Its not stellar (DM for details). The biggest changes I had while studying was mastering content, but beginning passage prep early on in the study phase. This got my mind thinking in the critical way the MCAT is emphasizing and exposed me to just how wild and variable the exam is, but it trained me to be prepared for anything. This was probs the biggest change I had in studying this time around.

The average MD PhD first year student has 4 years off btw. Usually to boost CV, acquire pubs, and some amazing research experience (top tier labs like you, or the NIH for most lol). You're in no rush, and the low MCAT (btw I don't think its low - you'd kill it in med school, but, alas, i'm not on an admissions committee...), slightly late date of completion, and the international status point towards a retake my friend. Sorry OP, nobody wants to hear "you can't apply cause your MCAT is too low" but I'm afraid that's kind of the situation you're looking at given all the variables.

DO NOT RUSH TO RETAKE. Having a crap score on your record follows you forever - if you rush, I promise your score will decrease. Its newton's lesser known fourth law; premeds rushing MCAT --> low MCAT score. I'd suggest you:

1. DO NOT APPLY - if you do - just apply to Columbia, home court advantage.
2. Work in your lab until September or so. Then, really take 6 months off and study for your MCAT. Take one of the January MCAT exams at the start of 2018 and prepare your application for the 2018 cycle.

MD PhD students think differently - we aren't rushing for MD and if we fall short go to DO or foreign schools; that's out for us. We're (theoretically) the brightest because of dedication to the MD and PhD aspects of the career. Its okay if you need some time. With your letters of rec, lab experience, publication, a few points on your MCAT will really set you up at a top tier MD PhD program.

 

[Goro]

Hey guys,

I was so bummed when I received my MCAT this summer (125/125/128/128) total 506. I'm applying to MD/PhD programs and feel like my score is not even close to what could get me accepted.. Other stats:

GPA: 3.73 from Columbia Uni.
250 hours clinical research volunteering
a bit over 1.5year year full-time research assistant for nobel laureate (hoping this helps my app)
Second author paper Submitted but not published yet.
And some other conferences/jobs/activities for ECs.

Do I even have a shot? Any school where I could have a chance? If I retook the MCAT, I would have to take it within a month to make it this cycle, would it even be possible to improve with enough points that it would be worth it? I have exhausted most practice exams already, including all 3 from AAMC.

I already postponed applying last year because I wanted more research experience and don't think I could wait another year, but I might have to because of the MCAT.

Thoughts?

MD/PhD is out.

I suggest:
Rosy Franklin

Loma Linda (only if you are SDA or a very devout Christian)

Loyola

WVU

Rush

MCW

SLU

Creighton

Albany

NYMC

VCU

Tulane

U VM

Oakland-B

Uniformed Services University/Hebert (just be aware of the military service commitment)

Netter

Your state school(s).

Any DO school. I can't recommend Touro-NY, or LUCOM, for different reasons

Gtown

GWU

 

[jojjos]

I don't believe in prep courses; I took one for my very first MCAT and found out they suck. With <$500, you should be able to purchase any and all MCAT materials (really its closer to $300...I'm estimating up).

Yeah, there were serious changes in my study style, materials, but the biggest was attitude: I was terrified, embarrassed, mortified, wahtever you wanna call it cause I graduated and was applying with "one gap year." I applied with an old 29 (balanced) and failed to get in despite great interviews. When all the medical schools rejected me and said my MCAT score was poor and that's why they couldn't admit, I got closure and accepted the reality of a retake. I was super bitter because the exam and completely changed (in my defense).

I half-assed studying and scored a 505.

Now, I retook it and did score higher. Yes, there's serious study changes students should adopt. I get the time factor pressuring you, and a June MCAT puts you in the spot you're in - you aren't alone, I just sent in my AMCAS. I'll be a little late, but I can (hopefully) handle that with my MCAT score. Its not stellar (DM for details). The biggest changes I had while studying was mastering content, but beginning passage prep early on in the study phase. This got my mind thinking in the critical way the MCAT is emphasizing and exposed me to just how wild and variable the exam is, but it trained me to be prepared for anything. This was probs the biggest change I had in studying this time around.

The average MD PhD first year student has 4 years off btw. Usually to boost CV, acquire pubs, and some amazing research experience (top tier labs like you, or the NIH for most lol). You're in no rush, and the low MCAT (btw I don't think its low - you'd kill it in med school, but, alas, i'm not on an admissions committee...), slightly late date of completion, and the international status point towards a retake my friend. Sorry OP, nobody wants to hear "you can't apply cause your MCAT is too low" but I'm afraid that's kind of the situation you're looking at given all the variables.

DO NOT RUSH TO RETAKE. Having a crap score on your record follows you forever - if you rush, I promise your score will decrease. Its newton's lesser known fourth law; premeds rushing MCAT --> low MCAT score. I'd suggest you:

1. DO NOT APPLY - if you do - just apply to Columbia, home court advantage.
2. Work in your lab until September or so. Then, really take 6 months off and study for your MCAT. Take one of the January MCAT exams at the start of 2018 and prepare your application for the 2018 cycle.

MD PhD students think differently - we aren't rushing for MD and if we fall short go to DO or foreign schools; that's out for us. We're (theoretically) the brightest because of dedication to the MD and PhD aspects of the career. Its okay if you need some time. With your letters of rec, lab experience, publication, a few points on your MCAT will really set you up at a top tier MD PhD program.

Thank you so much for all the input. And you're definitely right in that I should not rush and retake. I wouldn't be able to take 6months off unfortunately (visa status,no other income etc). But if I retake I will start earlier than 2.5 months ahead. Lesson learned from my half-assing, I did not take my first full-length until 3 weeks before the day, big mistake.And then crammed in 2-3 full lengths per week up until, on top of full-time work. I would legit start an exam after coming home from work, no clue how I managed. 6 months would be good time with part time during the week and full exams on every other weekend or so.

I had no idea the average was 4 years! That's actually good news. I thought I was already getting too old (27), hehe. If I apply next year, I should also have 2 publications out too. Maybe just apply to CU and rutgers since it's close by (trying to stay in/close to NYC). Thank you Again.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

Thank you so much for all the input. And you're definitely right in that I should not rush and retake. I wouldn't be able to take 6months off unfortunately (visa status,no other income etc). But if I retake I will start earlier than 2.5 months ahead. Lesson learned from my half-assing, I did not take my first full-length until 3 weeks before the day, big mistake.And then crammed in 2-3 full lengths per week up until, on top of full-time work. I would legit start an exam after coming home from work, no clue how I managed. 6 months would be good time with part time during the week and full exams on every other weekend or so.

I had no idea the average was 4 years! That's actually good news. I thought I was already getting too old (27), hehe. If I apply next year, I should also have 2 publications out too. Maybe just apply to CU and rutgers since it's close by (trying to stay in/close to NYC). Thank you Again.

Of course, give the locals a shot. They will consider you bc the MSTP adcom review system is different than the MD review system alone. Studying sucks, and cramming FLs is never a good idea, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures. Let me know if you have any other questions mate