506 (retake) and 3.66 cgpa

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Wagley

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2015
Messages
32
Reaction score
11
I took the mcat june last year and got 505 (127, 123, 128, 127). Retook this year and got 506 (129, 125, 127, 125). I graduated this may and am currently scribing. I was intending on applying next cycle but now I am hesitant. What would you guys advise me to do. My cgpa is 3.66; sGPA 3.5. I have 4 years of clinical psych research (4 posters [middle author], 1 abstract [middle author], 2 pubs (mid author). 1 year of playing cricket through college club. 2 years of volunteer (200+ hours). Great letter of recommendations. I feel like I should quit scribing and study to retake in April since my goal is any MD schools in the States. I am VA resident. What would you guys suggest?

Members don't see this ad.
 
If you are open to DO, you have a fair chance.

If you want MD only, then I think you need to re-take and aim for at least a 515+ (if you're interested in where I get that number, that would put your average MCAT to a 508; it's also a good enough to tell schools that you are capable of major improvement). You might have a chance at WVU and VCU but scoring essentially the same score will definitely hurt you. Paired with a below average GPA and I think your chances at an MD school are marginal. Only re-take when you feel absolutely ready.
 
Your gpa is fine. It's definitely not below average. I'd retake the MCAT if you want to focus on MD schools. Like the person above said 515+ is probably your best bet. It's very much doable. Just be ready to work hard and change your MCAT study habits. Good luck!
 
Members don't see this ad :)
Concur.

Your gpa is fine. It's definitely not below average. I'd retake the MCAT if you want to focus on MD schools. Like the person above said 515+ is probably your best bet. It's very much doable. Just be ready to work hard and change your MCAT study habits. Good luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
I took the mcat june last year and got 505 (127, 123, 128, 127). Retook this year and got 506 (129, 125, 127, 125). I graduated this may and am currently scribing. I was intending on applying next cycle but now I am hesitant. What would you guys advise me to do. My cgpa is 3.66; sGPA 3.5. I have 4 years of clinical psych research (4 posters [middle author], 1 abstract [middle author], 2 pubs (mid author). 1 year of playing cricket through college club. 2 years of volunteer (200+ hours). Great letter of recommendations. I feel like I should quit scribing and study to retake in April since my goal is any MD schools in the States. I am VA resident. What would you guys suggest?

My 2 scores were the exact same scores as yours. Had I known for certain I could have jumped to say 510+, i woulda saddled up one last time for the MCAT (God that test is a beast and a half--still the hardest test i have ever taken in my life by a longshot)...but heaven forbid your score somehow goes down, I think it would be safe to say your MD chances are all but gone.
 
My 2 scores were the exact same scores as yours. Had I known for certain I could have jumped to say 510+, i woulda saddled up one last time for the MCAT (God that test is a beast and a half--still the hardest test i have ever taken in my life by a longshot)...but heaven forbid your score somehow goes down, I think it would be safe to say your MD chances are all but gone.
Did you do it the 3rd time?
 
If you are open to DO, you have a fair chance.

If you want MD only, then I think you need to re-take and aim for at least a 515+ (if you're interested in where I get that number, that would put your average MCAT to a 508; it's also a good enough to tell schools that you are capable of major improvement). You might have a chance at WVU and VCU but scoring essentially the same score will definitely hurt you. Paired with a below average GPA and I think your chances at an MD school are marginal. Only re-take when you feel absolutely ready.

What even is this advice about OP's GPA being below average? His/her GPA is bang average for many schools.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
What even is this advice about OP's GPA being below average? His/her GPA is bang average for many schools.

Average GPA for matriculants was 3.7 and average sGPA was 3.64. He is below both metrics (particularly sGPA) and is therefore below average.

This wouldn't be an entirely big deal if not for the fact that it's paired with a below average MCAT.

He is also a Virginia resident which means that state schools like WVU will be difficult since average GPA and sGPA is 3.8. The only school that falls within his numbers is VCU and EVMS both of which he falls essentially at the 10th MCAT percentile.
 
Average GPA for matriculants was 3.7 and average sGPA was 3.64. He is below both metrics (particularly sGPA) and is therefore below average.

This wouldn't be an entirely big deal if not for the fact that it's paired with a below average MCAT.

He is also a Virginia resident which means that state schools like WVU will be difficult since average GPA and sGPA is 3.8. The only school that falls within his numbers is VCU and EVMS both of which he falls essentially at the 10th MCAT percentile.

Yeah and I consider a 3.66 to be pretty average if the average GPA for matriculants was 3.7. I was referring to your comment about the GPA being below average.
 
Average GPA for matriculants was 3.7 and average sGPA was 3.64. He is below both metrics (particularly sGPA) and is therefore below average.

This wouldn't be an entirely big deal if not for the fact that it's paired with a below average MCAT.

He is also a Virginia resident which means that state schools like WVU will be difficult since average GPA and sGPA is 3.8. The only school that falls within his numbers is VCU and EVMS both of which he falls essentially at the 10th MCAT percentile.

Additionally, EVMS has stressed recently placing a emphasis on high MCAT scores, and was stated outright during my interview day there. Though last year was the final cycle for their dean of admissions as he retired, and a new DOA is in charge now, so who knows.
 
Top