Another when to apply question...

[OLYWA]

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Sorry...but an honest ? here...

I have a 3.2 science and a lousy MCAT (22) which I am probably gonna retake in July/Aug.

Question is...apply early (mid/end June) with the crummy MCAT or wait until about Sep 1 and apply with a better MCAT?

I realize the absolute priority to apply early for someone with my stats...but at the same time I am concerned that those stats will simply place my app in the garbage at an admin office.....whereas.....I might get some consideration with an improved MCAT...even if it is later.

I guess I'm afraid I'd be worse off if I actually applied earlier in my situation.

Thanks in advance for responding. 🙂

P.S. So I don't get asked...Excellent EC's, stellar DO LOR's, and the 22 MCAT represents no preparation, no prep course, and never having taken physics. Definitely expecting a better MCAT if I retake in Aug.

I'm trying, desperately, for the new school in Yakima, WA...PNWU.

 

[ana]

Sorry...but an honest ? here...

I have a 3.2 science and a lousy MCAT (22) which I am probably gonna retake in July/Aug.

Question is...apply early (mid/end June) with the crummy MCAT or wait until about Sep 1 and apply with a better MCAT?

I realize the absolute priority to apply early for someone with my stats...but at the same time I am concerned that those stats will simply place my app in the garbage at an admin office.....whereas.....I might get some consideration with an improved MCAT...even if it is later.

I guess I'm afraid I'd be worse off if I actually applied earlier in my situation.

Thanks in advance for responding. 🙂

P.S. So I don't get asked...Excellent EC's, stellar DO LOR's, and the 22 MCAT represents no preparation, no prep course, and never having taken physics. Definitely expecting a better MCAT if I retake in Aug.

I'm trying, desperately, for the new school in Yakima, WA...PNWU.

Well, I am pretty sure you will not get in with the current score.

OK, if you are absolutely sure you can do better, then I would go for it. You can save a year of having to wait.

However, I am sure others have already warned you about the perils of repeating, and then not showing improvement. You should shoot for at LEAST very high 20's. 30 and above is even better to offset a low-ish gpa.

Sometimes, when you show dramatic improvement between two exams, interviewers will ask how you did it. Do not say what you are saying in this post (you took it unprepared) as it may indicate you were too cavalier about it when you sat for the exam the first time. Just stick with "I redoubled my efforts... I studied even harder... etc." Answers like the latter will still be true, and you will not give anyone reason to question your judgement.

Good luck. Be sure you post after your aug mcats and let us know how you did and wheether it led to any interviews.

 

[Lamont]

I had your numbers (3.2 OVR 3.3 sci, 22Q MCAT) and I got accepted (DCOM, waiting on OSU). I applied in november. I had a good resume/ec's, good clinical, great letters, all that. Apply early, apply broadly, cross your fingers and hope for the best. I am the exception of all exceptions, not the rule. I should not be in medical school, most people will agree there (and I dont really care). Apparently they really do check out the "whole person" in osteopathic medicine, so my other application strengths did the trick for me. I was considered more than just numbers, thank God. Now if you can up that GPA by retaking a couple classes (something I opted not to do, but was going to if not accepted) that would never hurt. I would retake the MCAT asap and try to get closer to a 30 (a 27 for example). If you have a good, early application, expect some interviews and if you do well there (not freak out, answer questions well, be a normal person which some people cant do), expect a few acceptances. Good luck!

 

[nlax30]

I'd say take a few practice MCATS and see where you stand. I also had a ~3.3 GPA, but was able to balance it out with a good MCAT score, and this was with applying extremely late....so it is possible. If you can put in the effort and are pretty confident that you can do well on a MCAT retake in August, then I'd say go for it even though it'll make your app a little late. Just make sure that you can get the rest of the application started on time so all you'll be waiting on is your MCAT score.