511 MCAT Florida ORM 3.96 sGPA (Research and Leadership Focused Application)

[dankmemes1]

Hello!

I got my MCAT score today and I got a 511 (82 percentile;128/127/127/128), however I anticipated a higher score and am now in the position of having to retake my MCAT (unless someone here advises against that). I was aiming for any MD acceptance with some sort of merit scholarship whether in-state or out of state (T20 school if possible, prefer California and NY for out of state). However, any MD acceptance is also A-OK. I was also going to apply DO to have the safety net.

Here are my other general qualifications:
Top 5 Public University for Undergrad
Graduated Cum Laude cGPA: 3.95 science GPA: 3.96
Florida Resident
~1500 hrs Paid Clinical hours as ED Scribe
~3000 hrs Leadership Hours Global Health Service Organization (Board of Director/ State Officer Position)
~2000 hrs Teaching Hours (University TA and Underserved Students)
~3000 hrs Research Hours across 3 Labs (3 publications ( 2x 2nd author or 1x 3rd author), 1 pending high impact pub, anticipate 4-5 more pubs by the end of the year for update letters), 9 poster presentation (however only listed 6 in Work/Experiences section due to space), 3 Research Awards
~250 hrs Community Service Not Medical/Clinical
~350 hrs Community Service Medical/Clinical
~250 hrs Artistic Endeavor (Podcast)
~280 hrs Physician Shadowing (200 multiple ED physicians and 80 virtual shadowing)
~Several glowing letters of recommendation (Science Profs, Non-Science Prof, Non-Profit Director, Research Labs, MD in ED)


My primary app is ready and I was going to submit tomorrow to get verified before June 28th.

So here is the dilemma:

First, I do not have a school list sorted because I am not sure how to deal with my average MCAT score (I need help with this). I am submitting my primary with a Florida MD I know I want to apply to.

Second, in terms of a MCAT retake I wanted to retake earliest June 27th and latest July 13th so that the new score which I am aiming is a 518+ is in by end of July or beginning of August. Would the two weeks make a difference in terms of what batch I am evaluated with or should I take the two weeks and plan to test July 13th?

Third, assuming I pre-write my secondaries and submit within 2-3 days of getting each, would the ADCOMS evaluate based on the 511 MCAT score or wait until the new MCAT score comes in at the end of July/ beginning of August to evaluate my full application for a potential interview invite? If they evaluate based on the first MCAT score, would I need to wait until my new MCAT score is released to submit secondaries?

Obviously my situation is not ideal in-terms of the MCAT, but I am grateful for all the other opportunities I have been given for the rest of my application!

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[gyngyn]

1. We can help with a school list when all MCAT scores are available.
2. A two week difference in that time frame is inconsequential.
3. Schools are under no obligation to wait for planned scores and may issue a decision before the second score is uploaded.

 

[Faha]

I suggest these schools with your current stats:
U Florida
Florida State
Central Florida
Florida Atlantic
Florida International
USF Morsani
Miami
NOVA MD
Tulane
TCU
Creighton
St. Louis
Rosalind Franklin
Loyola
Medical College Wisconsin
Oakland Beaumont
Wayne State
Wake Forest
Belmont
Virginia Commonwealth
Eastern Virginia
Georgetown
George Washington
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Penn State
Hackensack
New York Medical College
Albany
Vermont
Quinnipiac

 

[dankmemes1]

1. We can help with a school list when all MCAT scores are available.
2. A two week difference in that time frame is inconsequential.
3. Schools are under no obligation to wait for planned scores and may issue a decision before the second score is uploaded.

@gyngyn
1. Thank you that would be very helpful! So, because I will get my score later would I need to add schools to my primary at the end of July to get secondaries then?
2. Ok that is good to hear could you please give me a little more details about why?
3. Ok fair, so would I need to wait till I got my second MCAT score to even submit secondaries?

 

[dankmemes1]

I suggest these schools with your current stats:
U Florida
Florida State
Central Florida
Florida Atlantic
Florida International
USF Morsani
Miami
NOVA MD
Tulane
TCU
Creighton
St. Louis
Rosalind Franklin
Loyola
Medical College Wisconsin
Oakland Beaumont
Wayne State
Wake Forest
Belmont
Virginia Commonwealth
Eastern Virginia
Georgetown
George Washington
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Penn State
Hackensack
New York Medical College
Albany
Vermont
Quinnipiac

Well some of those schools would be great to get into but at this point def planning a retake so how do you think that list would change if I got a 518+?

 

[Faha]

Well some of those schools would be great to get into but at this point def planning a retake so how do you think that list would change if I got a 518+?

Let me know when you actually have a 518.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Choose wisely with your initial submission to have some space in case you post a 518+ should you retake (so you can add schools). You sound motivated to want to play in that applicant pool, so if your practices have been consistently 520+, why not bet on yourself?

 

[dankmemes1]

Choose wisely with your initial submission to have some space in case you post a 518+ should you retake (so you can add schools). You sound motivated to want to play in that applicant pool, so if your practices have been consistently 520+, why not bet on yourself?

Thank you for the encouraging words! Practices have been 515 to 518 range but I never finished the AAMC materials and my studying was quite spread out due to finishing up college. However, now I have 4-6 weeks with nothing to do but secondaries and MCAT studying so I feel like I ought to give it my best shot to get to that 518+ score range. My initial AMCAS submission was just going to be U Florida. Would I need to add schools after I receive my retake MCAT score in late July/August? Also, would there be any difference between a June 27th and July 13th MCAT date in terms of delaying my application?

 

[dankmemes1]

Hello!

I haven't gotten a clear answer to this question. If I want to retake my MCAT June 27th (score release date July 30th) do I wait to submit my secondaries till July 30th or do I get them in ASAP? I am worried because I do not want to get rejected based on my current MCAT score if my retake is higher. Also can I add most of my schools when I get my new score July 30th, currently submitting tomorrow with a throwaway school I know I want to apply to anyways. Would I get all my secondaries July 30th or would it take longer to receive them? My thought process is if I pre-write everything then if I get all my secondaries within a few days of July 30th I can get them in instantly.

 

[gyngyn]

Hello!

I haven't gotten a clear answer to this question. If I want to retake my MCAT June 27th (score release date July 30th) do I wait to submit my secondaries till July 30th or do I get them in ASAP? I am worried because I do not want to get rejected based on my current MCAT score if my retake is higher. Also can I add most of my schools when I get my new score July 30th, currently submitting tomorrow with a throwaway school I know I want to apply to anyways. Would I get all my secondaries July 30th or would it take longer to receive them? My thought process is if I pre-write everything then if I get all my secondaries within a few days of July 30th I can get them in instantly.

A true "throwaway" school is the best strategy in this case, not a school you are interested in.
Add as appropriate when the second score is available.

 

[Goro]

A 511 is just fine for applying to medical schools. No need for a retake.

I understand that you were doing much better in practicals, but anybody can hit $300 in batting practice. It's different when you're facing a 95 mph fastballer when you're playing in Citi Field.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Training for the Marathon: SDN Resources to Submit Your Best Application - SDN

The Student Doctor Network provides free tools, resources, and advising services to help students become health professionals.

www.studentdoctor.net

 

[GoSpursGo]

Merging your active threads.

Personally I think it's crazy to think you're going to get a 7+ point jump in less than a month when you presumably have not been studying over the last couple of weeks. I understand you're disappointed, but it seems like that time could be better spent, and you run the risk of potentially doing worse. But it's up to you.

If you do choose to retake, I agree with @gyngyn 's advice to use a throwaway school

 

[dankmemes1]

Training for the Marathon: SDN Resources to Submit Your Best Application - SDN

The Student Doctor Network provides free tools, resources, and advising services to help students become health professionals.

www.studentdoctor.net

Hello thank you for directing me to this article.

"...Application reviews generally begin in July (“While You Are Waiting”), and admissions staff will put your application on hold if any preliminary items, like your test scores, are missing when they first scan it..." someone else in this thread said that ADCOMS have no obligation to set your application aside if you are waiting on a new MCAT score; so would I need to wait until I recieve the new one to submit secondaries?

 

[dankmemes1]

Merging your active threads.

Personally I think it's crazy to think you're going to get a 7+ point jump in less than a month when you presumably have not been studying over the last couple of weeks. I understand you're disappointed, but it seems like that time could be better spent, and you run the risk of potentially doing worse. But it's up to you.

If you do choose to retake, I agree with @gyngyn 's advice to use a throwaway school

I was aiming for July 13th or June 27th that was the dilemma; so 6 weeks versus 4. I do believe that I can do better because of my mental state during the exam but I would be mad at myself if I did not try to score higher. I will def use the throwaway school method as @gyngyn suggested

 

[GoSpursGo]

How do you think your mental state will be any better in 4-6 weeks when you're rushing to retake a high stakes exam under the pressure of being dissatisfied with your first result?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Hello thank you for directing me to this article.

"...Application reviews generally begin in July (“While You Are Waiting”), and admissions staff will put your application on hold if any preliminary items, like your test scores, are missing when they first scan it..." someone else in this thread said that ADCOMS have no obligation to set your application aside if you are waiting on a new MCAT score; so would I need to wait until I recieve the new one to submit secondaries?

Briefly, that depends on the school. Some schools do pay attention to that pending MCAT signal. Also, some schools automatically send secondaries upon receipt of your AMCAS regardless of your MCAT status. Give yourself as much time as you need to fill those secondaries out.

 

[dankmemes1]

How do you think your mental state will be any better in 4-6 weeks when you're rushing to retake a high stakes exam under the pressure of being dissatisfied with your first result?

Determination. If my full length averages aren't there in the next month I won't take the exam plain and simple. Yes, I am disappointed but I haven't lost hope yet.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Were you not determined the first time?

I'm obviously being somewhat obstinate, but I hope you get my point. I think your time could be better spent completing your application early at the schools that you are competitive for now. You're not looking at a difference of two weeks--you're looking at a difference of completing your primary in June (early) vs August (on time, bordering on late depending on how quickly you can crank out your secondaries).

Furthermore, even if you get a 518... it's not the same as you getting a 518 on the first attempt. Instead you're an applicant who got a 511 followed by a 518. How schools may view that is likely dependent on the school, but I would not assume that you could just plug in a school list based on the 518 if you hit it. And that's the crux of the issue--even if you hit your lofty target, it's going to be really hard to know what to do with that score in hand. You may well wind up at the same schools that you could have just applied to with the 511.

Ultimately, it's your time and your money. But even if you have the money, what I'm trying to convey is that I would not brush aside the real cost of the time you're going to put in on rushing an MCAT retake, with very uncertain benefits. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[dankmemes1]

Were you not determined the first time?

I'm obviously being somewhat obstinate, but I hope you get my point. I think your time could be better spent completing your application early at the schools that you are competitive for now. You're not looking at a difference of two weeks--you're looking at a difference of completing your primary in June (early) vs August (on time, bordering on late depending on how quickly you can crank out your secondaries).

Furthermore, even if you get a 518... it's not the same as you getting a 518 on the first attempt. Instead you're an applicant who got a 511 followed by a 518. How schools may view that is likely dependent on the school, but I would not assume that you could just plug in a school list based on the 518 if you hit it. And that's the crux of the issue--even if you hit your lofty target, it's going to be really hard to know what to do with that score in hand. You may well wind up at the same schools that you could have just applied to with the 511.

Ultimately, it's your time and your money. But even if you have the money, what I'm trying to convey is that I would not brush aside the real cost of the time you're going to put in on rushing an MCAT retake, with very uncertain benefits. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Ok, I see what you are saying. I am a bit confused though. I plan on submitting my primary application tomorrow so it should be verified before the end of June, are you referring to the entire completed application with secondaries and the retake MCAT score when you say "completing your primary"?

 

[GoSpursGo]

Ok, I see what you are saying. I am a bit confused though. I plan on submitting my primary application tomorrow so it should be verified before the end of June, are you referring to the entire completed application with secondaries and the retake MCAT score when you say "completing your primary"?

Yes.

 

[dankmemes1]

Hello! Here is a general overview of my application. I have gotten a school list from @Faha but I was wondering if others could also kindly give some suggestions, as well as a seperate DO school list if possible. I will post @Faha's list in the comments.

MCAT: 511 (128/127/127/129)
Graduated Cum Laude cGPA: 3.95 science GPA: 3.96
Top 5 Public University for Undergrad
Florida Resident
~1500 hrs Paid Clinical hours as ED Scribe
~2500 hrs Leadership Hours Global Health Service Organization (Board of Director/ State Officer Position)
~1500 hrs Teaching Hours (University TA and Underserved Students)
~3000 hrs Research Hours across 3 Labs (3 publications ( 2x 2nd author or 1x 3rd author), 1 pending high impact pub, anticipate 4-5 more pubs by the end of the year for update letters), 9 poster presentation (however only listed 6 in Work/Experiences section due to space), 3 Research Awards
~250 hrs Community Service Not Medical/Clinical
~350 hrs Community Service Medical/Clinical
~250 hrs Artistic Endeavor (Podcast)
~280 hrs Physician Shadowing (200 multiple ED physicians and 80 virtual shadowing)
~Several glowing letters of recommendation (Science Profs, Non-Science Prof, Non-Profit Director, Research Labs, MD in ED)

I would prefer schools that emphasis research in their mission statement as that is something I want to be heavily involved in. All help is appreciated. If you want more specific details about anything please PM.

 

[dankmemes1]

I suggest these schools with your current stats:
U Florida
Florida State
Central Florida
Florida Atlantic
Florida International
USF Morsani
Miami
NOVA MD
Tulane
TCU
Creighton
St. Louis
Rosalind Franklin
Loyola
Medical College Wisconsin
Oakland Beaumont
Wayne State
Wake Forest
Belmont
Virginia Commonwealth
Eastern Virginia
Georgetown
George Washington
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Penn State
Hackensack
New York Medical College
Albany
Vermont
Quinnipiac

 

[spongebobdoc]

Dude, you have 8000+ hours of experience. Did you gap for 4 years? I’m not saying you’re lying or anything but sheesh make sure your contacts are correct

 

[dankmemes1]

Dude, you have 8000+ hours of experience. Did you gap for 4 years? I’m not saying you’re lying or anything but sheesh make sure your contacts are correct

All of my experiences I have had for at minimum 1 years (most of the ~200 hours one) some for 4-5 years. I did 4 years of undergrad but I started a lot of my research in 2020 when my university went fully virtually for about a year (I had a lot if free time) and am still doing it! My leadership hours start in 2019 and go to 2024 as I was part of the organization for about 8 years but wanted to touch on my leadership role which started in 2019. Contacts are all good!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Hello thank you for directing me to this article.

"...Application reviews generally begin in July (“While You Are Waiting”), and admissions staff will put your application on hold if any preliminary items, like your test scores, are missing when they first scan it..." someone else in this thread said that ADCOMS have no obligation to set your application aside if you are waiting on a new MCAT score; so would I need to wait until I recieve the new one to submit secondaries?

That depends on the school and the policy regarding screening. Many forget to tell us a pending score is coming so their original scores are considered.

 

[dankmemes1]

That depends on the school and the policy regarding screening. Many forget to tell us a pending score is coming so their original scores are considered.

I indicated in my primary application that I am taking the MCAT again will that be an adequate notification or should I plan to send update letters when the score does come out.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I indicated in my primary application that I am taking the MCAT again will that be an adequate notification or should I plan to send update letters when the score does come out.

That would be a good courtesy (should not hurt you) when that happens IMO.

 

[dankmemes1]

Hello!!! I am reigniting this thread because I got back my 6/27 MCAT score and I got a 519 (130/129/131/129)! I was wondering if @Mr.Smile12 @Faha @Goro @GoSpursGo could help me craft a school list? I plan on applying to all the MD schools in Florida but I need help deciding my out-of-state options. I would love to go to a school that emphasizes research in its mission statement and offers merit scholarships!

 

[Faha]

Hello!!! I am reigniting this thread because I got back my 6/27 MCAT score and I got a 519 (130/129/131/129)! I was wondering if @Mr.Smile12 @Faha @Goro @GoSpursGo could help me craft a school list? I plan on applying to all the MD schools in Florida but I need help deciding my out-of-state options. I would love to go to a school that emphasizes research in its mission statement and offers merit scholarships!

I suggest these OOS Md schools with your new MCAT of 519:
Emory
Tulane
Vanderbilt
Washington University (in St. Louis)
Northwestern
U Chicago
U Michigan
Mayo
Case Western
Cincinnati
Duke
Georgetown
Johns Hopkins (free tuition)
Jefferson
Pittsburgh
Hofstra
Einstein (free tuition)
NYU (free tuition)
Mount Sinai
Columbia
Cornell
Dartmouth
Brown
Harvard
Yale
Boston University

 

[GoSpursGo]

Congrats! I'm glad you proved me wrong

 

[dankmemes1]

Congrats! I'm glad you proved me wrong

Thank you!

 

[dankmemes1]

I suggest these OOS Md schools with your new MCAT of 519:
Emory
Tulane
Vanderbilt
Washington University (in St. Louis)
Northwestern
U Chicago
U Michigan
Mayo
Case Western
Cincinnati
Duke
Georgetown
Johns Hopkins (free tuition)
Jefferson
Pittsburgh
Hofstra
Einstein (free tuition)
NYU (free tuition)
Mount Sinai
Columbia
Cornell
Dartmouth
Brown
Harvard
Yale
Boston University

Wow, the tables have turned for me I can apply to some of my dream schools now. How do I factor in yield protection for some of these schools because I frankly do not understand what that is? Moreover, are there any that prefer in-state applicants only?

 

[Faha]

Wow, the tables have turned for me I can apply to some of my dream schools now. How do I factor in yield protection for some of these schools because I frankly do not understand what that is? Moreover, are there any that prefer in-state applicants only?

"Yield protection" refers to lower tier schools that will not consider an applicant because their stats are too high and they assume that the applicant will attend a high tier school. "Yield protection" usually does not occur at state public schools so it will not matter for your Florida schools.

 

[dankmemes1]

"Yield protection" refers to lower tier schools that will not consider an applicant because their stats are too high and they assume that the applicant will attend a high tier school. "Yield protection" usually does not occur at state public schools so it will not matter for your Florida schools.

Got it I understand now. Thank you!