Accepted with a 28 or below?

[spin girl]

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Hi everyone,

I have a 28 and am interested to see how many people have gotten in with a similar score. I'm currently waitlisted at a couple of schools but would like to hear from those who got in (where at?) and with what kind of grades. Also, what experiences did you have that might have compensated for a lower MCAT? Thanks, that would be sooo helpful!

😀

 

[chubisk]

I would suggest running a search on mdapplicants (link on sdn homepage) if you have not already. Good luck!

 

[MD Rapper]

x

 

[brynn7]

a girl that graduated the year before me (2004) got into albany, SUNY upstate, and SUNY buffalo (NYS resident) with a vs10,bs11,ps7. she is at Upstate. But, she had a 4.0.

 

[Termwean]

I got in with less than a 28.

 

[schoolgirl]

-

 

[relema]

I got into a school with less than a 28. Not all schools are number ******!

 

[WillyWonkerer]

I got a 28, applied really late, and got into MSU. I also received interview offers from UCLA (unranked waitlist), UCSD (acceptable pool), UC Davis (alternate status), UVM (first third of waitlist), and Albany (declined interview). Good luck to you!

 

[lfesiam]

hey spin girl, i got a 28 and still got in, check my profile for advice! gluck!

Hi everyone,

I have a 28 and am interested to see how many people have gotten in with a similar score. I'm currently waitlisted at a couple of schools but would like to hear from those who got in (where at?) and with what kind of grades. Also, what experiences did you have that might have compensated for a lower MCAT? Thanks, that would be sooo helpful!

😀

 

[Jezzielin]

I got into a school with less than a 28. Not all schools are number ******!

Can anyone list others medical schools that they know are not "number ******"??? That would greeeaaat... 🙄

 

[kdogg- 00]

Can anyone list others medical schools that they know are not "number ******"??? That would greeeaaat... 🙄

UVM and Drexel. I got into both places with a 28 MCAT and 3.77 GPA.

 

[Friendly]

UVM and Drexel. I got into both places with a 28 MCAT and 3.77 GPA.

I got in with < 28. One was a private school in NY. Another was a state school in a state where I am not a resident. Circa 3.3 UG GPA and 3.8 grad.

 

[DrThom]

My friend got in with a 17.

I am shocked but really happy for her.

 

[Uegis]

My friend got in with a 17.

I am shocked but really happy for her.

Wow, to an allopathic school? That is great! I am happy for her too. It's good to know that commitment and desire to pursue medicine can overcome low scores. Awesome!

 

[BaylorGuy]

I got a 30 and got rejected

 

[tank you]

My friend got in with a 17.

I am shocked but really happy for her.

do you mind giving her stats?

 

[StartingLine3]

I know many many people at my university, of whom some were URMs, that got into texas medical schools with MCAT scores between 18 and 27. I know two individuals with sub-27 scores that got into UTSouthwestern and more than a handful of people who got into UTMB with less than a 24.

 

[Trunion]

Don't be fooled...Allo acceptance with MCAT of 18 = URM...but don't worry a 28 and good GPA & EC will get you notices

 

[MD-iwish]

what's urm? sorry i'm new here.

 

[USArmyDoc]

Under represented minority

 

[LizzyM]

Find out the year of admission as well as the MCAT. A school that would take a non-URM with a 24 back in 1995 won't look at anyone with <28 today. MCAT inflation

 

[brotherbloat]

I got a 25--7 PS 8 BS 10 V and did not get a single interview. I have a cum of 3.5 and a sci of 3.7. I applied to Ros. Franklin, Rush, NYMC, Albany, Temple, and Drexel. I am a non-trad married lady with a previous art career.

 

[albinomidget]

You will hear lots of stories about people getting in with very low MCAT or GPA's. The reality is that usually one of the two are low (< 27, < 3.3) and not both. If both are low, then chances are the person did research (Ivy/NIH or otherwise top level stuff and is published or did presentations at International Meetings), did a post-bac or other grad program, knows someone (either current students at a particular school or someone of considerable stature), had some really good reason (like family/personal issues), is a URM or otherwise foreign born with English as a 2nd language, non-traditional, other EC's, # times applying, CEO of a company, distinguished athelete, philanthropist, worked at an AIDS clinic in Africa, etc..... or any combo of those. Furthermore, few people are distinuishing b/t MD/DO. While I feel both train competant physicians, there is no secret that DO schools especially look at other factors besides #'s.

My personal story is that I had a low GPA and a 29 and then a 28 (best combo = 31) MCAT. I did Ivy research, I am published (2nd author on an article, 1st author on numerous abstracts, author on even more abstracts), I did 2 talks and a poster presentation at International conferences, I did a post-bac, and I applied 3 times. In addition, my undergrad GPA had an upward trend (Freshman year ~2.5, Senior year ~3.9). Furthermore, I was an EMT >6 years by the time I applied, and had a ton more EC's (shadowing, sports, leadership roles...) It wasn't until the third time that I got off waitlists and got lovin from 2 allopathic schools (I didn't try for a third b/c they were habitually waitlisting me...so screw them!!)

I'm not suggesting that you need any of these variables, but you really need to wonder the particular situation of each person. If all I did was say that I had an undergrad gpa of ~3.1 and 29/28 MCAT's and a 3.5 grad gpa, then you wouldn't get the full picture.

Good luck, and feel free to PM me with any specific q's you may have.

 

[joeyzipp]

Hi everyone,

I have a 28 and am interested to see how many people have gotten in with a similar score. I'm currently waitlisted at a couple of schools but would like to hear from those who got in (where at?) and with what kind of grades. Also, what experiences did you have that might have compensated for a lower MCAT? Thanks, that would be sooo helpful!

😀

Med Schools just dont look at your MCAT scores. they also weight on ur GPA, extracurricular activities-especially volunteering at hospital or shadowing a physician, ur people skills, etc.. they even consider each individual score on ur mcat. the best thing is to look up in the MSAR. it should be available at ur school's library.

being said that, if u think ur mcat is ur downside, dont be afraid to take it again. I think u'll improve since it will be on the same material, in general, u studied for. But i do think that u will get in somewhere with a 28. just dont be afraid to apply all over US. Goodluck.

 

[Mad Cow]

Can anyone list others medical schools that they know are not "number ******"??? That would greeeaaat... 🙄

When I interviewed at SLU, the interviewer told me flat out they reject students with MCAT scores of 35 every week. Their approach, they continued, was to create great clinical physicians and not research oriented physicians. To qualify as an acceptable student, they went on to say, that you must have this minimum gpa, science gpa, minimun MCAT, and patient contact (note, a MUST). You could imagine their dismay at spending a lot of time training a doctor to have them turn around and hate it. I was impressed with their honesty and viewpoint.

 

[sigepwelker]

Yeah.. mad cow this is a statment that medical adcoms routinely like to say, especially state schools. The fact of the matter is that schools may not be number ****** but between two similar candidates they will accept the numerically better one. many schools will then wait list the one with the lesser numbers because statistically these better # applicants will probably get in to more than one school.

 

[RAD11]

I was told by my premed advisor that if you don't make the "computer cut-off" adcoms will not even look at the rest of your application and LORs....even if these can show that you are highly qualified to be a great physician. Is this true? 😕 If there is such a cut-off then this might be the reason why one has to have a high MCAT score even if their GPA is on the low side and vice versa in order for the applicant to be considered by adcoms.

 

[Termwean]

You will hear lots of stories about people getting in with very low MCAT or GPA's. The reality is that usually one of the two are low (< 27, < 3.3) and not both. If both are low, then chances are the person did research (Ivy/NIH or otherwise top level stuff and is published or did presentations at International Meetings), did a post-bac or other grad program, knows someone (either current students at a particular school or someone of considerable stature), had some really good reason (like family/personal issues), is a URM or otherwise foreign born with English as a 2nd language, non-traditional, other EC's, # times applying, CEO of a company, distinguished athelete, philanthropist, worked at an AIDS clinic in Africa, etc..... or any combo of those. Furthermore, few people are distinuishing b/t MD/DO. While I feel both train competant physicians, there is no secret that DO schools especially look at other factors besides #'s.

My personal story is that I had a low GPA and a 29 and then a 28 (best combo = 31) MCAT. I did Ivy research, I am published (2nd author on an article, 1st author on numerous abstracts, author on even more abstracts), I did 2 talks and a poster presentation at International conferences, I did a post-bac, and I applied 3 times. In addition, my undergrad GPA had an upward trend (Freshman year ~2.5, Senior year ~3.9). Furthermore, I was an EMT >6 years by the time I applied, and had a ton more EC's (shadowing, sports, leadership roles...) It wasn't until the third time that I got off waitlists and got lovin from 2 allopathic schools (I didn't try for a third b/c they were habitually waitlisting me...so screw them!!)

I'm not suggesting that you need any of these variables, but you really need to wonder the particular situation of each person. If all I did was say that I had an undergrad gpa of ~3.1 and 29/28 MCAT's and a 3.5 grad gpa, then you wouldn't get the full picture.
Good luck, and feel free to PM me with any specific q's you may have.

This seems like an accurate statement b/c...
I could tell you that I got into my State school with a 24MCAT/ 3.6something science/3.76 overall....and it is true....but what you don't see is that I am 33y/o nontrad w/ 2 kids. I have been a respiratory therapist for 10yrs, I was a combat medic w/ the Marines in shield/storm, and with the Army in Afghanistan 2002-2003. I was on a surgical team as lead corpsmen and respiratory therapist for Bosnia ( operation deny flight/ operation something else). I have great LOR's.


My point is...I got in with low mcat and OK GPA....but the adcom looked at the other parts of my app......there is no EXACT formula for getting accepted. Some get in w/ low GPA...some w/ low mcat...You have to look at the whole application.

 

[DrThom]

I was told by my premed advisor that if you don't make the "computer cut-off" adcoms will not even look at the rest of your application and LORs....even if these can show that you are highly qualified to be a great physician. Is this true? 😕 If there is such a cut-off then this might be the reason why one has to have a high MCAT score even if their GPA is on the low side and vice versa in order for the applicant to be considered by adcoms.

True for some schools, not for others

However, almost all premed advisors are full of crap...

 

[LizzyM]

An adcom wants to select applicants who will be able to succeed academically (particularly in the first 2 years) as well as to enroll applicants who will be excellent physicians.

If there is historical data that indicates that at this particular school applicants with an MCAT <24, or a PS score <8 or a BS+PS <20 or some other measure are at high risk of academic failure in the first year, then applicants who don't meet that threshold might get dismissed without looking any further.

An adcom is reading thousands of applications trying to select a few hundred applicants who will be invited to interview (odds of getting an interview are about 1 in 8 or 1 in 10). Getting invited to interview means that on paper this applicant is good enough to be admitted. The interview adds information about the applicant's personality, poise, attitude and other characteristics that don't come across on paper.

Most applicants who get an interview are going to get an offer or be waitlisted. This means you've got what it takes to be admitted, the only problem is that there aren't enough seats for all of the qualified applicants. Very few get an outright rejection after interview (in otherwords, on paper you looked good but after the interview ...)

 

[spin girl]

Wow I am so thankful for all the advice and support everyone has been giving me. I wish I had followed these forums more closely earlier! As of right now, I'm waitlisted at GWU and Washington U, and hearing all the waitlist gossip makes me somewhat disappointed and anxious. Many of the state schools that accept people with lower MCATS seem difficult to get into and unfortunately, my own state schools are so competitive!! (everyone wants to come to California) 😉

I'm also wondering if considering post-bac programs is a good alternative to getting in. Thanks again for all the overwhelming support- it's comforting to know that you all will be supportive classmates and future doctors! Good luck to everyone still waiting and congrats to those of you who have gotten in with lower scores 🙂

-amy

 

[marilyn]

while i was at brown, a guy interviewed with a 25

 

[stcathm]

I got much less than a 28 on the MCAT and was told not to apply this year by my pre-med advisor..... I got interviews at New Jersey, Drexel, Temple, Military Medical Academy, George Washington, Iowa, Medical College of Wisconsin, University of Utah (as an out of state resident) and FSU. I got into ... TEMPLE, MCW, Utah and waitlisted at GW, IOWA, and the Military Academy. I also just got a scholarship awarding me a full ride to one of these schools! So do not let anyone discourage you. Nobody knows what these schools are looking for. I was told I had great recommendations and an awesome undergrad GPA (3.72). Just apply everywhere and see who bites. Good Luck.

 

[ajf211]

Hi! I received a 28 the first time I took the MCAT, and although I had both a BA and a Master's in Bio from NYU (with good grades) I was systematically rejected from everywhere I applied...no interviews, and it was very costly. So, I actually studied and retook the darn MCAT (which stinks, I know), received a 31, and was interviewed at 8 schools. I am now going to Univ. at Buffalo in the fall! My advice, unless your grades are very good (3.6 and up) and you went to a good school, then I would re-take the wretched MCAT!

 

[ppg]

They can get in with a low MCAT score but a decent GPA. My best friend got into all the schools here in NY and NJ with just a 25 on the MCAT. In the end he choose stony brook because they gave him a free ride scholarship.

 

[illiniTJ]

I am the furthest from URM (white, male) and I got in with a 26Q. I focused my undergrad lifestyle around community, leadership, and compassion, not biochemistry. It took me longer to get in, but I know that in 4 years I'll be a doctor and that's all that counts!

 

[sunflower23]

congraduation of acceptance to med schools...
wondering if you can give me some advice for my situation.
ever since I was freshmen in university, I took and repeated basic science courses yet still recieved C as higher grade. Partial reason was due to my english as second language yet I just did not wanted give me and move on...which I regrat now. One of my faculty member thinks I should change my major but honestly now I am finally having no problem with english...and I really like to major in biology and move on. My main goal was going to Med school...my last hope is...what if I just re start from beganing as my one last chance then apply to schools...does it sound helpless to you?
my other interest was in anthropology and currently I am working for their assistant....one of the faculty gave me advice to change my major to anthro then get degree in ANTH..then re take basic science courses for farther schooling...but I am not sure if I really like ANTH as much as I do in biology...

I know I sound really dumb...but I really liked your story on this site and I will appreciated any kind of advice you can give me

 

[45408]

I got into a school with less than a 28. Not all schools are number ******!

🙄 Most schools aren't number ****** - they just get to pick and choose whomever they wish.


Anyways, a friend of mine got waitlisted at MCW with a 28 (and almost a 4.0 though), but she was moved into the accepted pool in May of last year.

 

[45408]

When I interviewed at SLU, the interviewer told me flat out they reject students with MCAT scores of 35 every week. Their approach, they continued, was to create great clinical physicians and not research oriented physicians. To qualify as an acceptable student, they went on to say, that you must have this minimum gpa, science gpa, minimun MCAT, and patient contact (note, a MUST). You could imagine their dismay at spending a lot of time training a doctor to have them turn around and hate it. I was impressed with their honesty and viewpoint.

👎 That's stupid. What if a student is from the SLU area and wishes to stay in that area, but they studied hard in undergrad and performed well on the MCAT? They're just going to reject them? That's their loss.

 

[spin girl]

as I am still waitlisted at a couple of schools, i'm debating whether or not to retake the MCAT. I've heard that some applicants don't hear back until a week before school starts! Yikes, does that mean I should reapply in the meantime and study my ass of hoping i'll get in?? Anyone else in the same boat????

Thanks all,

😳

 

[sigepwelker]

: That's stupid. What if a student is from the SLU area and wishes to stay in that area, but they studied hard in undergrad and performed well on the MCAT? They're just going to reject them? That's their loss.

Prowler I think that the adcoms or whoever was implying that they will reject someone with outstanding numbers IF they are not a well rounded applicant who wants to be a doctor. It's a pretty routine statement from kaplan, premed advisors, and adcoms. It's away for schools to convince applicants that they are not number ******. They don't refuse people just because they have good numbers..... that's ridiculous

 

[StartingLine3]

Just let me add alittle to my post, the students with between a 18-27 did come from a diverse set of backgrounds. With a white female and asian female in the mixture, but the majority of the students were mexican american males and females. My state school also supports and serves one of the poorest areas of the country. Most of these students had fair to good GPAS and research expierence

 

[Uegis]

👎 That's stupid. What if a student is from the SLU area and wishes to stay in that area, but they studied hard in undergrad and performed well on the MCAT? They're just going to reject them? That's their loss.

They go to Wash U instead 🙂

 

[kgoods5]

I got in with a 27Q...and an average GPA. However, just to be safe, some of you should also apply to a few DO schools. You'll still be a doctor in the end, and you'll get a good education.

Sidenote: I had a high post-bacc GPA after 1 year of grad work (which I did while applying)

 

[ngotica]

in at University of Washington with <28

 

[cammy1313]

I'm a reapplicant with a 28 (30 if you take my best scores) and recieved a substantial amount of interviews and a couple of acceptances. No URM status or anything special to set me apart other than the fact that the first school to accept me was the school at which I did my Masters (post-bac).

 

[Scrub MD]

I know three people admitted to a top 25 primary care medical school (MD) with MCAT's of 25, 26, 27. The 25 had a Biochem GPA of 3.9 and had 2 years research experience at the med center. The 27 was a college athlete but nothing too special. All were in state residents to the med school.

 

[PAPPAPPAP]

I got in with a 27Q...and an average GPA. However, just to be safe, some of you should also apply to a few DO schools. You'll still be a doctor in the end, and you'll get a good education.

Sidenote: I had a high post-bacc GPA after 1 year of grad work (which I did while applying)

Hey Kgoods,
Where did you do your post-bacc? Was it a program or just grad school?

 

[spin girl]

I got in with a 27Q...and an average GPA. However, just to be safe, some of you should also apply to a few DO schools. You'll still be a doctor in the end, and you'll get a good education.

Sidenote: I had a high post-bacc GPA after 1 year of grad work (which I did while applying)

yea i think i'm going to apply to some DO schools in addition to re-applying this year if i don't get in. The question is......should i retake the MCAT in august (given it's already june??) 🙁

 

[ZAZA67401]

so If I have a 28 (9,9, 10) Would you retake in August or just reapply with this MCAT?