•••quote:•••Originally posted by SRS:
•I got a 6 on the verbal section and applied to schools this year. I received some interviews and even one from a top 30 school which I have been waitlisted at. My interview went really well and I have a 3.92 gpa as well as over all good scores on the rest of the mcat (PS = 13, B = 10). I am so pissed that this one stupid section of the test messed up so many of my dreams and all the hardwork from the past 3 years of my life. So many people on this thread talk about how their 8 in the verbal section is not good enough,etc. Do you think I have a shot at getting into the top 30 school I am waitlisted at? Obviously, since they kept me this long it means they are looking past this score and see something that they like in me right? any comments would be appreciated. thank you•••••Hi There. 13 10 6 is still below a 30, which is going to be below the mean for most top 30 schools, in fact, i think all of them. Albeit, your GPA is stellar, so having a lower MCAT would be acceptable.
However, I also know that schools would rather see a balanced score,..i.e. 10,10,10 rather than a 13,10,7
In my own situation, i received a 7, 12, 13 the first time i took the test. Although a 32 isnt that bad, i knew that having a low verbal would hurt me so i opted to retake the test. The second time i prepared for the test, i spent about 70% of my time on verbal. I read alot of political history books and did tons of verbal passages. The work pays off: got a 11, 12, 13.
Studying for the MCAT again is a nightmare, i guess. But to be candid, that 6 on your verbal is going to really hurt. I think you should take the test again and spend a disproportionate amount of time studying for the test.
Personally, when i took the test the first time, i finished all the sections with time to spare. The second time i took it, i didnt even finish a passage and got an 11. I think "speed" reading is a tactic that may not work for all. Take your time and be accurate.
Good luck!