A very low MCAT,PCOM interview

[DockB]

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I was just wondering if anyone else out there with a low MCAT (less than 20) received an interview at PCOM, and if so what was their status post interview. I have a low MCAT, yet have one interview so far. Any suggestions or advice for interview questions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PlasticMan]

I was just wondering if anyone else out there with a low MCAT (less than 20) received an interview at PCOM, and if so what was their status post interview. I have a low MCAT, yet have one interview so far. Any suggestions or advice for interview questions would be greatly appreciated.

You may want to re-take the MCAT. If you plan on doing this, you could actually tell them during your interview that you are re-taking the MCAT this spring. That may help demonstrate your determination.

 

[DockB]

You may want to re-take the MCAT. If you plan on doing this, you could actually tell them during your interview that you are re-taking the MCAT this spring. That may help demonstrate your determination.

Why would I tell them at the interview that I plan on retaking the MCAT?? They already think I look good enough on paper to give ma an interview...so this is my time to shine and show them that I am more than my MCAT score, which I know that I am...

 

[poormansDO]

Why would I tell them at the interview that I plan on retaking the MCAT?? They already think I look good enough on paper to give ma an interview...so this is my time to shine and show them that I am more than my MCAT score, which I know that I am...

you got an interview at pcom with an mcat of lower than 20?, when did you apply because i might want to. i got an mcat of 23

 

[DockB]

you got an interview at pcom with an mcat of lower than 20?, when did you apply because i might want to. i got an mcat of 23

Yes I did get an interview. I applied in August. I am also an in-state resident. I think my app was complete in October, since I was an August MCATer. Goodluck and you should definately apply...PCOM is a great place, and if I get accepted it will definately be my first choice. Goodluck and let me know how you make out, or if you have any more questions.

 

[poormansDO]

they have to recieve the supplemental application in order to give an interview invite right? and also what is included in the supplemental application, the problem is i am not a PA resident but i am from MI. also when do classes start at PCOM, august?

 

[DO Sigma Nu guy]

they have to recieve the supplemental application in order to give an interview invite right? and also what is included in the supplemental application, the problem is i am not a PA resident but i am from MI. also when do classes start at PCOM, august?

Yes you need to submit the secondary to get an invite.

"Why osteopathic medicine?" "What healthcare related expierences do you have?" "Why PCOM?"

You dont have to be a PA resident to be accepted. PCOM is private and the tuition is the same for in-state and out of state. The secondary application is pretty easy. I'm from Va and I know 2 other people just around my area who were accepted. They accept around 400 students and ~250 matriculate. Good Odds.

 

[shminger]

Why would I tell them at the interview that I plan on retaking the MCAT?? They already think I look good enough on paper to give ma an interview...so this is my time to shine and show them that I am more than my MCAT score, which I know that I am...

If it comes up you may want to tell them

 

[DO Sigma Nu guy]

also when do classes start at PCOM, august?

Yep. Unless you decide to take the summer biochem course.

 

[DockB]

If it comes up you may want to tell them

Tell them what? THat I will retake the MCAT this spring? THat would be a boldfaced lie..

 

[PlasticMan]

Tell them what? THat I will retake the MCAT this spring? THat would be a boldfaced lie..

If you got below a 20, why would you not consider re-taking it unless you already have a definite acceptance?

 

[DockB]

If you got below a 20, why would you not consider re-taking it unless you already have a definite acceptance?

If I have an interview, I am halfway there...why would I tell them I want to backtrack now?? I mean I don't want to look like I'm not confident. If I do wind up retaking the MCAT, they don't have to know about it..that's a last resort...Right now I am holding on to faith that I will get into PCOM.

 

[RuDownWithOPP]

If I have an interview, I am halfway there...why would I tell them I want to backtrack now?? I mean I don't want to look like I'm not confident. If I do wind up retaking the MCAT, they don't have to know about it..that's a last resort...Right now I am holding on to faith that I will get into PCOM.

Well I wouldnt exactly say that you are half way there. You seem a little over confident. With such a low MCAT score be prepared to defend your accomplishments stated on your application/supplemental.Your performance at the interview will be key. Although the MCAT is just a number, it has been said to be a good indicator of your performance on the Board exams. Prepare yourself to the best of your ability, and rest assured that you will be asked if you plan on taking the MCAT again. Good luck to you.

 

[PlasticMan]

Well I wouldnt exactly say that you are half way there. You seem a little over confident. With such a low MCAT score be prepared to defend your accomplishments stated on your application/supplemental.Your performance at the interview will be key. Although the MCAT is just a number, it has been said to be a good indicator of your performance on the Board exams. Prepare yourself to the best of your ability, and rest assured that you will be asked if you plan on taking the MCAT again. Good luck to you.

This is what I was going for - most likely they will ask you why your peformed poorly on the MCAT and if you plan on re-taking it. If they ask this, most likely they are looking to hear "yes" that you are going to re-take. How would they take it if you answered "no"? 😱

 

[JohnUC33]

I quick search of MD. applicants shows that a girl got accepted to PCOM-GA with a MCAT Of 19.

 

[PlasticMan]

I quick search of MD. applicants shows that a girl got accepted to PCOM-GA with a MCAT Of 19.

Ahh, but does the search show if she had to defend it?

 

[DockB]

Ahh, but does the search show if she had to defend it?

It's not problem for me to defend my low MCAT score. I have tons of EC's and great LOR's from DO's to support me. Not to mention I am in a post bacc program that the Mayo Clinic right now, and have a first authored publication. If I don't wind up getting in this time around, I am determined to try again. Thanks for your input.

 

[DockB]

Ahh, but does the search show if she had to defend it?

It's not problem for me to defend my low MCAT score. I have tons of EC's and great LOR's from DO's to support me. Not to mention I am currently in a post bacc program at the Mayo Clinic right now, and have a first authored publication. If I don't wind up getting in this time around, I am determined to try again. Thanks for your input.

 

[Jamers]

Why would I tell them at the interview that I plan on retaking the MCAT?? They already think I look good enough on paper to give ma an interview...so this is my time to shine and show them that I am more than my MCAT score, which I know that I am...

I have a 22 MCAT, seven interviews, four acceptances, thus far, one of the interviews being at PCOM. I agree with your statment above, you need to sell yourself and your low MCAT. If you say you are planning on retaking it then they will assume that you have already given up on trying to get in this round. You need to tell them that, while important, the MCAT cannot measure everything about a doctor that is important (compassion, empathy, ect.)

 

[DockB]

I have a 22 MCAT, seven interviews, four acceptances, thus far, one of the interviews being at PCOM. I agree with your statment above, you need to sell yourself and your low MCAT. If you say you are planning on retaking it then they will assume that you have already given up on trying to get in this round. You need to tell them that, while important, the MCAT cannot measure everything about a doctor that is important (compassion, empathy, ect.)

Thanks for your comment Jammers. Goodluck to you. I assume you are headed to DMU? Did you have your PCOM interview yet? If so, how did you feel about it? Are you in state for PCOM? Are you an URM?

 

[Jamers]

Thanks for your comment Jammers. Goodluck to you. I assume you are headed to DMU? Did you have your PCOM interview yet? If so, how did you feel about it? Are you in state for PCOM? Are you an URM?

Haven't had my interview yet, it is actually next week (still trying to decide if I even want to go on it but feel bad canceling, oddly). Yes, I am headed to DMU and I am a PA resident but not a URM.

 

[DockB]

Haven't had my interview yet, it is actually next week (still trying to decide if I even want to go on it but feel bad canceling, oddly). Yes, I am headed to DMU and I am a PA resident but not a URM.

Mine is next week too! Goodluck to you at DMU..I wish you the best of luck and much success in your future career. This is just the beginning...

 

[poormansDO]

i know it is very late in the app cycle but do i have a realistic shot of getting an interview at PCOM with a 23O MCAT? also what is included in the secondary application? please be specific.

 

[DO Sigma Nu guy]

"Why osteopathic medicine?" "What healthcare related expierences do you have?" "Why PCOM?"

 

[DockB]

i know it is very late in the app cycle but do i have a realistic shot of getting an interview at PCOM with a 23O MCAT? also what is included in the secondary application? please be specific.

First, you will never know what your shots are until you submit your application yourself...Many people told me that I would never get an interview with my low MCAT score and that I didn't have a chance in hell, but I had to try it for myself, and now I have an interview. So submit your stuff, fill out the secondary and be confident in yourself. Now, as far as the PCOM secondary..I just remember the questions being focused on why osteopthic medicine, and why at PCOM. Do some research on the school's website, and read up on OMM and you should be good from there..Goodluck and remember to stay confident throught this process, it's not for the faint of heart...

 

[poormansDO]

First, you will never know what your shots are until you submit your application yourself...Many people told me that I would never get an interview with my low MCAT score and that I didn't have a chance in hell, but I had to try it for myself, and now I have an interview. So submit your stuff, fill out the secondary and be confident in yourself. Now, as far as the PCOM secondary..I just remember the questions being focused on why osteopthic medicine, and why at PCOM. Do some research on the school's website, and read up on OMM and you should be good from there..Goodluck and remember to stay confident throught this process, it's not for the faint of heart...

thanx! can you tell me when the first semester for first year student starts at PCOM is it august? i need to know this, very important! this makes a difference to whether i will apply or not.

 

[DockB]

thanx! can you tell me when the first semester for first year student starts at PCOM is it august? i need to know this, very important! this makes a difference to whether i will apply or not.

The academic calendar on PCOM's website says that the fall term begins on August 14th. I am thinking there will be orientation before that though. Check out their website or call the admissions office for a more definitive answer. Goodluck, and I think you should definately apply. Take care.

 

[poormansDO]

well, i just submitted my aacomas application to PCOM, wish me luck!

 

[DockB]

well, i just submitted my aacomas application to PCOM, wish me luck!

Nice! You work fast! Goodluck and please let me know how things pan out for you. I will keep you in my prayers!

 

[PlasticMan]

I have a 22 MCAT, seven interviews, four acceptances, thus far, one of the interviews being at PCOM. I agree with your statment above, you need to sell yourself and your low MCAT. If you say you are planning on retaking it then they will assume that you have already given up on trying to get in this round. You need to tell them that, while important, the MCAT cannot measure everything about a doctor that is important (compassion, empathy, ect.)

I see how that could come into play. I was thinking if you re-take the MCAT it shows them how determined you are at getting into school, but I see your point of view as well.

 

[EastCoaster78]

I see how that could come into play. I was thinking if you re-take the MCAT it shows them how determined you are at getting into school, but I see your point of view as well.

A common PCOM interview question is "what would you do if you do not get accepted anywhere this year?" With a sub-20 MCAT, I couldnt see any reason to reaply without retaking it.

 

[kahoo99]

I have a 22 MCAT, seven interviews, four acceptances, thus far, one of the interviews being at PCOM. I agree with your statment above, you need to sell yourself and your low MCAT. If you say you are planning on retaking it then they will assume that you have already given up on trying to get in this round. You need to tell them that, while important, the MCAT cannot measure everything about a doctor that is important (compassion, empathy, ect.)

I'm not sure re-taking the MCAT signifies you're giving up. It could signify that you get while medicine is about more than numbers, some numbers are important and you know you can do better and you're going to show any adcom that'll give you a chance.

 

[NonTradMed]

Why would I tell them at the interview that I plan on retaking the MCAT?? They already think I look good enough on paper to give ma an interview...so this is my time to shine and show them that I am more than my MCAT score, which I know that I am...

I was never asked about any of my academics, but a girl that I interviewed with told me that her interviewers told her that her grades were not 'up to their standards'....and made some other negative comments about her grades, so if your academics are below the general requirement, then perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to prepare for such a question.

Also, if your stuff is on the border for their school, it is very likely they will also ask you what you plan on doing if you don't get into med school this year. I have heard this question being asked by students who were on the borderline.

An interview is an expression of interest, it doesn't mean they expect that you are a shoo-in, so don't go in thinking you will get in simply because they offered you an interview. I brought that attitude into one school I interviewed at because my MCAT score was about four points higher than their average, and my GPA was on par with what they had but I think they sensed that I wasn't keen on doing the interview, and they waitlisted me. Just some food for thought.

 

[christinejane19]

I was just wondering if anyone else out there with a low MCAT (less than 20) received an interview at PCOM, and if so what was their status post interview. I have a low MCAT, yet have one interview so far. Any suggestions or advice for interview questions would be greatly appreciated.

im sure people out there have been accepted with a 20 mcat.. unfortunately, i was complete at PCOM in september...27 mcat and 3.4 gpa... and havent heard anything out of PCOM...sorry for the pessimism, just a little frustrated!

 

[DO Sigma Nu guy]

im sure people out there have been accepted with a 20 mcat.. unfortunately, i was complete at PCOM in september...27 mcat and 3.4 gpa... and havent heard anything out of PCOM...sorry for the pessimism, just a little frustrated!

Have you called them? If so, What did they say? What were your EC's and LOR's? Hopefully they didnt lose your application. Thats a long time to wait. I heard back in 3 weeks. HaHa I called everyday nearly.

 

[soosung]

I was just wondering if anyone else out there with a low MCAT (less than 20) received an interview at PCOM, and if so what was their status post interview. I have a low MCAT, yet have one interview so far. Any suggestions or advice for interview questions would be greatly appreciated.

I'm a junior still in undergrad with a 3.2 GPA and a 22M MCAT score. I also have tons of volunteering in hospitals and clinics as a volunteer translator and am shadowing a DO (that attended PCOM which I hope might help me) I was wondering if this would be good enough for PCOM, LECOM, and any other Osteopathic schools. Just curious...

 

[Marg06]

I was just wondering if anyone else out there with a low MCAT (less than 20) received an interview at PCOM, and if so what was their status post interview. I have a low MCAT, yet have one interview so far. Any suggestions or advice for interview questions would be greatly appreciated.

Back to your original post...I took the MCAT in both April and August, but had an interview at PCOM prior to them receiving my August score. My April score wasn't below 20, but it was low. My interviewer just asked me what I did to prepare for my MCAT in April compared to what I did to prepare for the August MCAT. Since you have only taken the MCAT once, a potential question could be the following: "How did you prepare for the MCAT and what would you do differently if you were to re-take the exam?" I hope this helps.

 

[DockB]

I'm a junior still in undergrad with a 3.2 GPA and a 22M MCAT score. I also have tons of volunteering in hospitals and clinics as a volunteer translator and am shadowing a DO (that attended PCOM which I hope might help me) I was wondering if this would be good enough for PCOM, LECOM, and any other Osteopathic schools. Just curious...

Soosung,
The only way you will know what your chances are is to APPLY! Don't let your MCAT or anyone tell you that you are not competitive enough. Only you know how strong of an applicant you are (EC's, LOR's). I urge you to apply, and retake the MCAT in April or August, just in case you need to re-apply for the following year. Goodluck to you, and remember--confidence is the key to success.

 

[DockB]

Back to your original post...I took the MCAT in both April and August, but had an interview at PCOM prior to them receiving my August score. My April score wasn't below 20, but it was low. My interviewer just asked me what I did to prepare for my MCAT in April compared to what I did to prepare for the August MCAT. Since you have only taken the MCAT once, a potential question could be the following: "How did you prepare for the MCAT and what would you do differently if you were to re-take the exam?" I hope this helps.

Marg06,
Thanks for your insight. I will definately be prepared for that question. Take good care, and goodluck to you! Will you be matriculating at PCOM?

 

[Marg06]

Marg06,
Thanks for your insight. I will definately be prepared for that question. Take good care, and goodluck to you! Will you be matriculating at PCOM?

Yeah, I'm planning to matriculate at PCOM in the fall. Good luck at your interview...they obviously liked you on paper so I think you have a good shot!

 

[DOtonijay]

I was just wondering if anyone else out there with a low MCAT (less than 20) received an interview at PCOM, and if so what was their status post interview. I have a low MCAT, yet have one interview so far. Any suggestions or advice for interview questions would be greatly appreciated.

Hey DockB-

Just wanted to let you know that my friend had a 20 on his mcat, with a 3.8 gpa and during his interview they did drill him about the low score versus the high gpa- it was question after question regarding his score- but he was defending himself about the mcat and finally he sold them on it. He said they wanted to know if this would be an indicator as to how he would perform in med school and would be able to succeed- and I guess they had faith in him because he WAS accepted!

So - definately be prepared as to what you are going to say when they ask you questions pertaining to your score. Have confidence in yourself and have hope because it happened for my friend. You can do it!!!

Let me know if you have any other questions because I also interviewed there and was accepted.

 

[DockB]

Hey DockB-

Just wanted to let you know that my friend had a 20 on his mcat, with a 3.8 gpa and during his interview they did drill him about the low score versus the high gpa- it was question after question regarding his score- but he was defending himself about the mcat and finally he sold them on it. He said they wanted to know if this would be an indicator as to how he would perform in med school and would be able to succeed- and I guess they had faith in him because he WAS accepted!

So - definately be prepared as to what you are going to say when they ask you questions pertaining to your score. Have confidence in yourself and have hope because it happened for my friend. You can do it!!!

Let me know if you have any other questions because I also interviewed there and was accepted.

DOtonijay,

Thanks for your comments. I am going to prepare for the "low MCAT question" for sure. I have lots of confidence in myself, that I will be ready for the interview. I interview next week, so I have a little more time to get my thoughts together. Will you be matriculating in the fall? Goodluck to you and thanks for the reply.

 

[Jamers]

👍

Hey DockB-

Just wanted to let you know that my friend had a 20 on his mcat, with a 3.8 gpa and during his interview they did drill him about the low score versus the high gpa- it was question after question regarding his score- but he was defending himself about the mcat and finally he sold them on it. He said they wanted to know if this would be an indicator as to how he would perform in med school and would be able to succeed- and I guess they had faith in him because he WAS accepted!

So - definately be prepared as to what you are going to say when they ask you questions pertaining to your score. Have confidence in yourself and have hope because it happened for my friend. You can do it!!!

Let me know if you have any other questions because I also interviewed there and was accepted.

👍

 

[babloo]

I have a23N MCAT and 3.57 GPA. I interviewed at 6 DO and one MD school. Accepted at 2 DO schools, WVSOM and NOVA and waiting to hear from PCOM. Wait listed at DMU and LECOM, FL . rejected by KCOM. Waiting to hear from MD school. Apply and defend your MCAT. Do not mention you will take it again even if you plan to do so. Good luck.

 

[PurpleHaze]

Why shouldn't you mention that you would take it again, if you are planning to? Wouldn't that show that you're determined and willing to do whatever you need to do to be the most competitive applicant possible if you don't get in this cycle?

 

[BengaliDocIsl]

I have a23N MCAT and 3.57 GPA. I interviewed at 6 DO and one MD school. Accepted at 2 DO schools, WVSOM and NOVA and waiting to hear from PCOM. Wait listed at DMU and LECOM, FL . rejected by KCOM. Waiting to hear from MD school. Apply and defend your MCAT. Do not mention you will take it again even if you plan to do so. Good luck.

I also applied to PCOM, when was your secondary recieved by them and how long have you been waiting, also how many lor's did you send? thanks

 

[Krazykritter]

As a student interviewer I can tell you that (unfortunately) getting an interview is not necessarily "half-way there." It basically means that you caught the eye of at least one person w/ your secondary and personal statement. After the interview, if it is anything like it is at my school, there is at least another two checks (which include consideration of MCAT) that you have to pass to be recommended to the Dean for admission.

If you are going to apply again next year, why wouldn't you retake the MCAT again?? It isn't THAT bad of a test.