Accepting Jan scores?

[nanad]

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Hey all

I am on the brink of depression tonight

To make a long story short, I bombed the Aug 20th MCAT BIG TIME , don't even want to post the grade, its horrible

I really want to go to DO school and I really want to be in the class of 2008.

Does anyone know if DO schools will accept a Jan MCAT grade for the class of 2008? I will already have in my primary and secondary apps, I would just need to update my file

PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ANSWER THIS Q', I FEEL LIKE MY LIFE IS CRUMBLING APART =(

 

[Jug]

How bad did you do? I bombed my MCAT as well and am curious about the same thing. Did you have any circumstances that directly affected your score?

 

[EEL08]

I think it depends on how badly you bombed it. Over on the pre-allo board they think they bombed the MCAT with a 32, so it's somewhat relative. Someone said that DCOM will take a January score. I'm not actually sure about the other schools but I'm hoping as well that they would consider a January score as an update to my app. You can always check with the individual schools.

 

[nanad]

Ok I didn't want to post this because I don't want people to bash me but I got an 18. I was extremely nervous and sick and the time but that really doesn't help me because no one cares what happened to you during the exam. I am curious if they will even attempt to look at an updated file with that kind of grade

I am curious, does everyone get a secondary application? I know for NYCOM only those who get interviews do, but what about other's?

 

[prionsRbad]

Ok I didn't want to post this because I don't want people to bash me but I got an 18. I was extremely nervous and sick and the time but that really doesn't help me because no one cares what happened to you during the exam. I am curious if they will even attempt to look at an updated file with that kind of grade

I am curious, does everyone get a secondary application? I know for NYCOM only those who get interviews do, but what about other's?

Dude, I feel you. I got an 18 the first time too 🙁

OK, here's the scoop. People HAVE gotten with 18, 19, 20's, but it's rare . . . not impossible, but rare. Some DO schools have MCAT cutoffs.

For instance: TOURO's cut off is 23 (all campuses), UNECOM's is 18M, MSU's is 18 (4V/5P/6B).

What schools are you interested in? You might want to check out some of the newer schools (ATSU-SOMA, PNWU and LMU (Don't check out Rocky Vista 😱) as they might be more lenient in trying to fill their 1st and 2nd year classes.

Good luck and don't give up! If you have great EC's, good letters of rec and a decent GPA I say why not shoot for this year?! You never know until you try and there's always next year. 😀

 

[EEL08]

Dude, I feel you. I got an 18 the first time too 🙁

OK, here's the scoop. People HAVE gotten with 18, 19, 20's, but it's rare . . . not impossible, but rare. Some DO schools have MCAT cutoffs.

For instance: TOURO's cut off is 23 (all campuses), UNECOM's is 18M, MSU's is 18 (4V/5P/6B).

What schools are you interested in? You might want to check out some of the newer schools (ATSU-SOMA, PNWU and LMU (Don't check out Rocky Vista 😱) as they might be more lenient in trying to fill their 1st and 2nd year classes.

Good luck and don't give up! If you have great EC's, good letters of rec and a decent GPA I say why not shoot for this year?! You never know until you try and there's always next year. 😀

Okay prions I have a quick question for you. I got a 22 on the MCAT and Touro-NV sent me a secondary without having my MCAT score yet. If they have a 23 cut-off then won't they probably just reject me as soon as they get my score? I haven't submitted because I don't want to waste the $100 if that's true.

 

[prionsRbad]

Okay prions I have a quick question for you. I got a 22 on the MCAT and Touro-NV sent me a secondary without having my MCAT score yet. If they have a 23 cut-off then won't they probably just reject me as soon as they get my score? I haven't submitted because I don't want to waste the $100 if that's true.

Well, I got a letter via snail mail from Touro-NV, NY and CA about 2 weeks after I submitted my primary and they all said that I didn't meet their minimum standard MCAT score of 23.

Sounds like you got a secondary because you applied without your MCAT score. I would call them. They also told me that they "are willing to make exceptions and review applications on a case by case basis". You, my friend, have a shot because you are only 1 point off . . . I was 5 points off! 😱 Case in point: call them. 😀

These are the people that I spoke with:

Roger Corbman @ TOURO-NV: 702-777-1751
Obed Figueroa @ TOURO-NY: 212-851-1199
Lynn Huckle or Donald Haight @ Touro-CA: 707-628-5270

Good luck!

 

[EEL08]

Well, I got a letter via snail mail from Touro-NV, NY and CA about 2 weeks after I submitted my primary and they all said that I didn't meet their minimum standard MCAT score of 23.

Sounds like you got a secondary because you applied without your MCAT score. I would call them. They also told me that they "are willing to make exceptions and review applications on a case by case basis". You, my friend, have a shot because you are only 1 point off . . . I was 5 points off! 😱 Case in point: call them. 😀

These are the people that I spoke with:

Roger Corbman @ TOURO-NV: 702-777-1751
Obed Figueroa @ TOURO-NY: 212-851-1199
Lynn Huckle or Donald Haight @ Touro-CA: 707-628-5270

Good luck!

I didn't even think about that. I just figured without my MCAT score they would just wait until they got it before they sent the secondary or rejected me pre-secondary. I guess I better find out before I even think about completing it but it sounds like I'll be rejected. You brought up your MCAT a significant amount didn't you?

 

[prionsRbad]

I didn't even think about that. I just figured without my MCAT score they would just wait until they got it before they sent the secondary or rejected me pre-secondary. I guess I better find out before I even think about completing it but it sounds like I'll be rejected. You brought up your MCAT a significant amount didn't you?

I wish . . . 2 points 😎 We'll see what happens for me this cycle. I'm basically in the same boat as the OP. Life's a bitch 🙄

Good luck @ Touro-NV. I bet they will consider your application . . . you're sooo close!

 

[fabu1ous]

Hey all

I am on the brink of depression tonight

To make a long story short, I bombed the Aug 20th MCAT BIG TIME , don't even want to post the grade, its horrible

I really want to go to DO school and I really want to be in the class of 2008.

Does anyone know if DO schools will accept a Jan MCAT grade for the class of 2008? I will already have in my primary and secondary apps, I would just need to update my file

PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ANSWER THIS Q', I FEEL LIKE MY LIFE IS CRUMBLING APART =(

How does the rest of your application look? I think schools maaay consider you if the only thing negative is your MCAT. If the rest of your application is strong, they may place your file on hold if they will consider your January MCAT and are interested otherwise. Unless you get a rejection, anything you have to add to your application, including an updated spanky new and improved MCAT score could be fair game. True there would be less seats available in Jan, but many schools are still interviewing the first few months of the new year. I would take the chance and go for it if you feel strongly otherwise about your application-- and can sell yourself accordingly.

Worst case scenerio, you retake the MCAT in Jan, completely rock it, and can apply super early for next year. Best to you!

 

[EEL08]

I wish . . . 2 points 😎 We'll see what happens for me this cycle. I'm basically in the same boat as the OP. Life's a bitch 🙄

Good luck @ Touro-NV. I bet they will consider your application . . . you're sooo close!

Thanks! to you too!

 

[fabu1ous]

...and you're life is NOT crumbling apart. I think many wise SNDers have posted and can truly say that medical school is not a sprint, but a marathon. Take a nap, get a mocha blast (yaye Dunkin Donuts), pick yourself up and keep on doing what you have to do if this is what you feel you are meant to do. No worries lil' kipper. 😉

 

[nanad]

THanks you guys

you all are really wonderful

I've just been laying crying for the last 3 hours , your post's really made me cheer up a little bit.

I cannot say that I feel totally strong about other parts of my application. My GPA is not awesome, I have 3.3 overall and only 3.0 science

I am a Licensed practical Nurse currently working, tons of DO rec's and MD rec's. I have volunteered and shadowed both MD and DO physicians. I have tons of study abroad. I have a pretty nice personal statement. I really do not think this is an amazing "other side" of my application.

I live in NY and my dream school was NYCOM =(

It looks as if I will have to retake and apply for 2009 class =(

For those of you who scored as low as mine, how did you bring up your score? I feel like test stress day really had an impact on my performance, especially during verbal while I was thinking to myself "omg this is horrible and boring why am I reading this?"

 

[Jug]

THanks you guys

you all are really wonderful

I've just been laying crying for the last 3 hours , your post's really made me cheer up a little bit.

I cannot say that I feel totally strong about other parts of my application. My GPA is not awesome, I have 3.3 overall and only 3.0 science

I am a Licensed practical Nurse currently working, tons of DO rec's and MD rec's. I have volunteered and shadowed both MD and DO physicians. I have tons of study abroad. I have a pretty nice personal statement. I really do not think this is an amazing "other side" of my application.

I live in NY and my dream school was NYCOM =(

It looks as if I will have to retake and apply for 2009 class =(

For those of you who scored as low as mine, how did you bring up your score? I feel like test stress day really had an impact on my performance, especially during verbal while I was thinking to myself "omg this is horrible and boring why am I reading this?"

I got an 18 as well. Do you have any documentation that you were ill? I had a 10 mm kidney stone cutting into an artery in my ureter, and I have gotten a letter of recommendation from my urologist, kind of explaining my circumstances, and hopefully that will help a bit. I wanted to take it again, but of course there were no more seats available for this year. I've gotten secondaries from about 70% of the schools I applied to, DO and MD. No interviews yet, but I just started getting my files complete with letters and other documentation. Don't give up hope, if you do, with your experience, then what do I have?

 

[nanad]

Hey Jug:

Yes I was deathly sick on that day but decided to take it anyway. Do you really think that will mean anything by giving a notice from an MD? and who are you going to send it to? I have been e-mailing schools and they are e-mailing back , some saying that they will hold files for Jan MCAT scores so I am going to re-take first thing in Jan. What are you planning on doing? Are you going to re-take in Jan?

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Don't waste your time and money applying this year. Study your ass off and take the test again in january, or even a later one if you need more time. in that amount of time, with proper preparation and a little luck, you could improve your score by 10 points (or more).

It sucks that you want to get in and start next year, but if that was going to happen, you would probably have to apply to like every school and then hope the right person reads your application. That would be a fortune, and you'll waste all your time filling out secondary aps.

And you know what else? If you don't re-take it, they're going to want to know why. If you do re-take it, and you're prepared, the schools will probably just write the first one off as a fluke, and not give it much thought.

 

[mrjbb]

OP keep your head up seen others make it with similar mcats as you.

You'll never know if you even had a chance if you never try and apply!!Point blank!

If you feel up to it apply this time around and see what happens. If you're worried about money then thoroughly research all the schools you apply too and make sure your mcats not to low for them and just apply!!

Apply anywhere and everywhere that you possibly can apply!!

If you still feel self-conscious and want to apply next year then just concentrate on doing one more year post bac, bring GPA up and conduct some research, volunteer, shadow and incorporate some EC's in order for you to become a more competent candidate.

The Best of luck to you... Just remember procrastination's a B@#%!!!....😉

 

[TexasTriathlete]

My point is this: you bombed the MCAT because it wasn't your day. You said you were sick, so I'd imagine you think you can do a lot better. Why go into the applications process without your best stuff?

With all your health care experience, you will definitely get a look. But with your MCAT, not offset by a stellar GPA, it will be a real shot in the dark for you. Like I said, you will probably have to apply everywhere, and hope someone likes you.

My updated advice: apply this year to NYCOM and nobody else. Spend your free time preparing for the MCAT, and take it again when you're ready. If NYCOM doesn't bite, then come back next cycle with a stronger application and apply again.

I've waited 2 years trying to improve my application since my last rejection cycle. It was hardly the end of the world for me. I am fairly certain I will be in medical school at this time next year.

If you want some tips on how to improve your MCAT, shoot me a PM.

 

[Meatwad]

I got an 18 as well. Do you have any documentation that you were ill? I had a 10 mm kidney stone cutting into an artery in my ureter, and I have gotten a letter of recommendation from my urologist, kind of explaining my circumstances, and hopefully that will help a bit. I wanted to take it again, but of course there were no more seats available for this year. I've gotten secondaries from about 70% of the schools I applied to, DO and MD. No interviews yet, but I just started getting my files complete with letters and other documentation. Don't give up hope, if you do, with your experience, then what do I have?

😱😱😱 You took the MCAT with a kidney stone?!?! You are a ****ing trooper.

 

[nanad]

I feel like I should take the chance and take the MCAT in Jan. I have e-mailed schools and although they have said they are all basically on rolling admissions, they will accept the score and consider me if there are seats open.

What is everyone planning to do if they scored <20? Retake in Jan?

I really don't know what to do. It stinks that I wasted so much on primary application already

 

[LauraDO]

I am taking the mcat for the first time in Jan, all of the schools I'm applying to and talked with said that they would take a Jan MCAT no problem. As far as minimum MCAT score most have told me above 21, Pikeville however said that they would take down to an 18

 

[EEL08]

I feel like I should take the chance and take the MCAT in Jan. I have e-mailed schools and although they have said they are all basically on rolling admissions, they will accept the score and consider me if there are seats open.

What is everyone planning to do if they scored <20? Retake in Jan?

I really don't know what to do. It stinks that I wasted so much on primary application already

You already completed the primary so I think you should go ahead and complete the season and see what happens. Definitely retake in January and in the meantime I would tell schools that you are planning on a January retake unless you wait until then to submit your secondaries. It's better if they put you on hold than reject you outright. I don't have <20 but my plan is to retake in January and if by the grace of God someone will let me in before then I won't have to retake. It is a difficult position to be in but don't give up hope.

 

[EEL08]

I am taking the mcat for the first time in Jan, all of the schools I'm applying to and talked with said that they would take a Jan MCAT no problem. As far as minimum MCAT score most have told me above 21, Pikeville however said that they would take down to an 18

Laura which schools did you ask about this? As a side note, UNECOM requires at least an 18M to receive a secondary.

 

[LauraDO]

LMU
LECOM-B
Pikeville
NOVA
VCOM
AT-SOMA

 

[EEL08]

LMU
LECOM-B
Pikeville
NOVA
VCOM
AT-SOMA

Those are the ones that will take the January MCAT? I realized I wasn't actually clear before but that's what I'm asking.

 

[LauraDO]

Yes, I understood what you meant, those are the ones I have personally talked with that will take the Jan MCAT score

 

[nanad]

for those of you who are interested

I have e-mailed practically every DO school and I have gotten a lot of e-mails back saying that they will accept Jan scores but it has to be in our file that we plan to re-take.

I was also reminded ofcourse of the rolling admissions so chances are obviously not high but there are still slight chances

I am def going to re-take come Jan. I will study little by little until then and hopefully I will do much better than my <20 score

I just want to say thank you to those who are so kind and understanding and try to help others out


You guys will be wonderful doctors =)

 

[EEL08]

Yes, I understood what you meant, those are the ones I have personally talked with that will take the Jan MCAT score

That's great because LECOM-B and NOVA are at the top of my list. I already took the MCAT once but did not do that well. I was hoping to use a January MCAT as an update to my application.

 

[LauraDO]

LECOM-B and NOVA are my first choices too, followed closely by LMU!

 

[EEL08]

LECOM-B and NOVA are my first choices too, followed closely by LMU!

LECOM-Erie is in our top three too, although LMU does seem like a great school.

I didn't know about schools taking Jan MCAT if you told them you were retaking. I struggled with the decision whether to tell them or not but I decided against it because I don't want my application to be held up. I guess it's time to pray and pray hard.

 

[LauraDO]

I guess it's time to pray and pray hard.

This is what I tell myself everyday. I want desperately to get in somewhere this year, but I have been through enough disappointments in my life to know that if it doesn't happen there was a reason for it and I have no right to decide what is or is not unfortunate.

Best of luck, we just have to keep positive

 

[Jug]

😱😱😱 You took the MCAT with a kidney stone?!?! You are a ****ing trooper.

I started the day strong with a heavy dose of Toradol and Vicodin before the 2 hour drive, and felt great until about half way through physical sciences. It took 42 days to pass that 10 mm stone, but I did, and since have given up soda, and all the other foods they think are linked to kidney stones. I NEVER want to go through that again.

 

[prionsRbad]

This is what I tell myself everyday. I want desperately to get in somewhere this year, but I have been through enough disappointments in my life to know that if it doesn't happen there was a reason for it and I have no right to decide what is or is not unfortunate.

Best of luck, we just have to keep positive

I'm in the same boat / feeling the exact same way! 😀

It will happen for us when it's supposed to happen 😉

Everyone!

 

[Jug]

I feel like I should take the chance and take the MCAT in Jan. I have e-mailed schools and although they have said they are all basically on rolling admissions, they will accept the score and consider me if there are seats open.

What is everyone planning to do if they scored <20? Retake in Jan?

I really don't know what to do. It stinks that I wasted so much on primary application already

I'm going to retake anyway, no matter if I get in or not, just because I got so angry with myself over it. Since you finished primary, pick a couple of top schools, let them know what you plan to do, and submit secondaries. I've contact the admissions offices at my tops, and told them what was going on, and now I have a strong letter from my urologist verifying that I was between a rock and a hard place when I took the exam. They are all going to hold my apps until they recieve his letter, and then evaluate me.

 

[EEL08]

I'm in the same boat / feeling the exact same way! 😀

It will happen for us when it's supposed to happen 😉

This is what I keep trying to remind myself.

 

[runner898]

How encouraging to see this topic! I am in the same boat, scored below a 20 and already sent in my apps for this year, thinking I did really well on the MCAT on Aug 14th.
I am a nontraditional student, so I was kind of banking on getting in in 2008, but I guess if I have to wait another year, I will. My husband and I sold our house and everything for me to return to school. Ahh!
I am retaking the MCAT in Jan. I just bought the examkrackers books and audio osmosis and will be studying really hard for the next few months! I guess if I don't get accepted for 2008 then there is a reason for it, and maybe in 2009!

 

[EEL08]

How encouraging to see this topic! I am in the same boat, scored below a 20 and already sent in my apps for this year, thinking I did really well on the MCAT on Aug 14th.
I am a nontraditional student, so I was kind of banking on getting in in 2008, but I guess if I have to wait another year, I will. My husband and I sold our house and everything for me to return to school. Ahh!
I am retaking the MCAT in Jan. I just bought the examkrackers books and audio osmosis and will be studying really hard for the next few months! I guess if I don't get accepted for 2008 then there is a reason for it, and maybe in 2009!

Welcome and ! I'm starting to think we should form a low MCAT club.

 

[runner898]

Thanks! I think we should! 😀

 

[LuckBALady]

Schools accepting Jan. MCAT scores: I wanted to add PCOM, PCOM-GA, and ATSU to the list.

LMU
LECOM-B
Pikeville
NOVA
VCOM
AT-SOMA

 

[LauraDO]

Schools accepting Jan. MCAT scores: I wanted to add PCOM, PCOM-GA, and ATSU to the list.

Oh yeah that's right I did talk to the PCOM's as well, thanks for adding those!

 

[prionsRbad]

Welcome and ! I'm starting to think we should form a low MCAT club.

Hahaha we should form a club!

We're going to blow all the other applicants out of the water because what we lack in MCAT scores, we make up for in personality 😉

 

[JimT30]

I started the day strong with a heavy dose of Toradol and Vicodin before the 2 hour drive, and felt great until about half way through physical sciences. It took 42 days to pass that 10 mm stone, but I did, and since have given up soda, and all the other foods they think are linked to kidney stones. I NEVER want to go through that again.

I know what that feels like, I couldnt stay put, sitting laying walking anything, let alone take the MCATs. Not fun to say the least!

 

[runner898]

Hahaha we should form a club!

We're going to blow all the other applicants out of the water because what we lack in MCAT scores, we make up for in personality 😉

I have an hour drive to school every day and I was thinking on my way in this morning....you know, MCAT is not everything! There are many things that make a premed student a good candidate. Just because you don't score high on the MCAT doesn't mean that you are not a smart person. I have a high GPA but just don't test well....I know...no excuse, but still! I say we officially start a club! Besides, I wouldn't want to go to an arrogant doctor who thinks he is all that because he scored well on all of his exams. I would want to go to one that has a personable personality, knows his stuff, but doesn't flaunt it.

 

[prionsRbad]

I have an hour drive to school every day and I was thinking on my way in this morning....you know, MCAT is not everything! There are many things that make a premed student a good candidate. Just because you don't score high on the MCAT doesn't mean that you are not a smart person. I have a high GPA but just don't test well....I know...no excuse, but still! I say we officially start a club! Besides, I wouldn't want to go to an arrogant doctor who thinks he is all that because he scored well on all of his exams. I would want to go to one that has a personable personality, knows his stuff, but doesn't flaunt it.

OMG I felt like starting a revolution after reading your post! You're sooo right. The MCAT is NOT everything! I did poorly on the SAT (which is supposed to indicate your success in college) and I did fine in college and even graduated with a BS in Biology and a minor in Chemistry! 🙄 Case in point, I don't test well either.

I was thinking though, what about the big question we will face during interviews: "Well, if you don't test well then how will you pass the boards . . . bla bla bla"? I've been thinking about this for a while now . . . . What are your thoughts on this? 😕

 

[runner898]

I don't know about the boards question, but I have been thinking the same thing myself. But, I guess.... think about it this way. Just because you score low on the MCAT doesn't mean you don't know the info. I mean, come on, you can miss 4 out of like 52 or so and get a 12! So, by getting at least a 5 on a section means you actually got quite a few questions correct. What I am trying to say is, you are graded on a "curve" as in how people did in the past. It is not an actual percentage of how many questions you got correct! You could get over 50% correct and still get a low score! From what I understand, boards are not that way. I could be wrong though.