511 MCAT ORM

[LunarPhoenix42]

Just got my MCAT score: 511 (128/126/128/129). ORM, 3.83 GPA, trying to apply to MD programs, MI resident.

On my FLs I was averaging a 515, and this exam really got me, and felt like nothing like the practice material from AAMC. Specifically though, my CARS was usually a 128/129 and I got a 126 on the actual exam.

- 6 months working as a CNA ~300 Hrs
- 1 yr working in a research lab ~900 Hrs, 1 publication + 1 pending publication (both 3rd author)
- Founded a student org, and served as VP for 2 years— had a lot of volunteering hours with this (~300)
- Currently a core leadership team member for a local nonprofit, have been doing this for 6 months and likely to continue in my gap year — this position also gives me patient interaction
- Currently working as an MA, planning on doing this during my gap year (probably over 1000 hours once I apply)
- Planning on shadowing for a few months during my gap year (~ 150 hrs)

I understand that 511 is a target score for a lot of people, but the reason I am concerned about this score is that it’s 3 points lower than the average acceptance score for an ORM. I understand that averages are still a range, but I feel like my experiences seem pretty standard for a pre-med, and it doesn’t necessarily stand out, so there’s nothing really setting me apart that they would accept a lower score for.

Additionally, I ideally want to go out of state, specifically east coast or Chicago. I wanted to apply to Boston and Chicago schools, many of which have an average MCAT of 513-517+. I feel like with my MCAT, even though I have a solid GPA and good ECs, just seems unfeasible.

Is my MCAT holding me back too much? I know that it looks bad if you retake and you score lower, and tbh that Sept MCAT was a curveball, and nothing like any of the AAMC FLs, so that’s decreased my confidence. Is it worth it to retake?

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[chilly_md]

Don't retake the MCAT. It is unlikely that you will score much higher and it would need to be a significant jump to make a difference. 50+ hours of shadowing is good, so use the extra100 hours for something else like non-clinical volunteering. What does your volunteering at the student org and your work at the non-profit consist of? Rush and Loyola are options too within Chicago, but they want you to get off campus and work directly with those less fortunate in a non-academic setting.

For the 2023-2024 cycle, I suggest:

All MI schools except University of Michigan
Rosalind Franklin
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Hackensack
MCW
EVMS
VCU
NYMC
Albany
Nova MD
Quinnipiac
Tufts
Creighton
Penn State
George Washington
Georgetown

You could add DO schools as well in the areas you like:

CCOM
PCOM
Touro NY
NYITCOM

 

[LunarPhoenix42]

Don't retake the MCAT. It is unlikely that you will score much higher and it would need to be a significant jump to make a difference. 50+ hours of shadowing is good, so use the extra100 hours for something else like non-clinical volunteering. What does your volunteering at the student org and your work at the non-profit consist of? Rush and Loyola are options too within Chicago, but they want you to get off campus and work directly with those less fortunate in a non-academic setting.

For the 2023-2024 cycle, I suggest:

All MI schools except University of Michigan
Rosalind Franklin
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Hackensack
MCW
EVMS
VCU
NYMC
Albany
Nova MD
Quinnipiac
Tufts
Creighton
Penn State
George Washington
Georgetown

You could add DO schools as well in the areas you like:

CCOM
PCOM
Touro NY
NYITCOM

The nonprofit I am a part of provides emotional support and resources for people experiencing pregnancy loss and termination including miscarriage, and stillbirth. My specific job is to be the initial point of contact for these people, do their intake and hear their story, and refer initial resources for them. Then I pair them with another volunteer that they meet with on a weekly basis (which I also helped train) over a telehealth platform. This position also entails a lot of leadership, as I also contributed to a significant part of developing our programs and videoconferencing platforms, and I manage the rest of the volunteers.
--> Our service is free and tailored towards LGBTQ, low SES, communities and we have developed specific trainings for our members that address members of more marginalized demographics (homeless, no insurance, single parent, low SES as mentioned before, non-English speakers).

The student org I am a part of focuses on promoting more local blood donations. We've all heard of Red Cross but local donations to local banks that keeps the blood local is important and extremely beneficial to the community. Our mission is to spread this awareness and get more donations at local banks, and more and more diverse donations overall. I've planned most of the blood drives, donor recruitment events, education events, community outreach events, and professional development events + panels, amongst a million other leadership tasks. I also volunteer at the drives, and recruitment events.

Also forgot to mention, volunteering with another org that leads physical activity courses in a gym for children with disabilities, getting them to exercise more, and develop skills like balance, coordination, and following directions.

 

[LunarPhoenix42]

Don't retake the MCAT. It is unlikely that you will score much higher and it would need to be a significant jump to make a difference. 50+ hours of shadowing is good, so use the extra100 hours for something else like non-clinical volunteering. What does your volunteering at the student org and your work at the non-profit consist of? Rush and Loyola are options too within Chicago, but they want you to get off campus and work directly with those less fortunate in a non-academic setting.

For the 2023-2024 cycle, I suggest:

All MI schools except University of Michigan
Rosalind Franklin
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Hackensack
MCW
EVMS
VCU
NYMC
Albany
Nova MD
Quinnipiac
Tufts
Creighton
Penn State
George Washington
Georgetown

You could add DO schools as well in the areas you like:

CCOM
PCOM
Touro NY
NYITCOM

Another experience that was virtual nonclinical volunteering was when I worked for a supply chain team for a nonprofit in NY, they basically coordinate donations from big corporations and deliver PPE for free to different organizations worldwide, specifically places that were more in need that had a high number of cases. A lot of the places we donated to were shelters, free clinics, preschools, nonprofits, and low SES communities. Did this for 5 months and secured a huge donation for the org.

All this considered I think you're right, I need some more nonclinical volunteer experiences. I already have some things in mind. I graduate in Dec so I'm gonna start looking more into it.

 

[KaiBuzz]

If you've got the time and energy, consider retaking your MCAT. A 515 or higher would open a lot more doors.