any advice on applying??

[Doron04]

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So I got my MCAT score and I did very well on the biological and physical science sections, but very poorly on the verbal reasoning. My combined score is in the mid 20's and I also got a Q on the writing. I have a strong GPA, very good research and clinical experience and very strong recommendations. Should I go ahead and apply or take the MCAT again next April and delay applying for now??? If I did well on the science sections, but poorly on verbal reasoning, will this keep me from getting in??? HELP!!

 

[deleted21609]

They say that the verbal reasoning section is the best predictor of your success in clinical medicine. That said, a poor score won't necessarily keep you out of school. Unless you're a minority or well connected you will have difficulty getting in with a score that low though.

You could always take the MCAT again in August. That way at least you don't have to waste a year.

 

[Finn]

Apply. What is the worst that can happen. I am in the same boat. I did well on bio and verbal but very poor in phy science. Other than that, however, I have a very strong application. Even if you don't get in, you will probably get some experience in interviewing and become more familiar with the entire process. And if you do get in, great, your worries are over... or are they just begining.

Good luck

 

[drjeni2b]

i think that with a good GPA and all of your valuable experience you are a good candidate....if you really want to retake the MCAT, go ahead, but my real advice is to get your amcas in early, make some contact with schools you want to go to to let them know you're interested..good luck!!

 

[efex101]

A score in the mid 20's is low. If you have the $$$ and can afford it yeah apply to a lot of schools and get stuff in ASAP but I would plan on retaking in August.

 

[MeowMix]

Apply. What is the worst that can happen.

You could spend thousands of dollars and a lot of time on applications and unscreened secondaries, only to have the very demoralizing experience of being rejected everywhere you apply.

Consider retaking the MCAT in August.

 

[buglady]

So I got my MCAT score and I did very well on the biological and physical science sections, but very poorly on the verbal reasoning. My combined score is in the mid 20's and I also got a Q on the writing. I have a strong GPA, very good research and clinical experience and very strong recommendations. Should I go ahead and apply or take the MCAT again next April and delay applying for now??? If I did well on the science sections, but poorly on verbal reasoning, will this keep me from getting in??? HELP!!

A mid-twenty's MCAT score is not a death sentence, believe me....I still only had a mid twenty MCAT score and a R for the writing after a 2nd time of taking it....I ended up getting 3 interviews and was accepted by my first choice school (as an out of stater, too). Also, not having a super duper high MCAT score doesn't mean you won't do well in med school...

If you don't want to go through the heartache of taking the stupid MCAT again, then don't. I relied heavily on my strong GPA and extra-curric's to see me through. And not that it makes a huge difference, but I came from a fairly low-tiered undergrad institution, which didn't bother me, but some of the more prestigious schools do care. I still managed to get an interview from a top 10 school....

I say go for it....🙂

Good luck!

 

[greets fr. nyc]

true, true
bug lady has a point here.
it really depends on what schools you have in mind and how strong you come across in other aspects of your application and interview. how much money have you budgeted for secondary ($25, $50+ each) applications and travel?
are you willing to spend a lot or a little this time around?

i have known a few friends as well as mcat students of mine who had great mcat/gpa credentials who sadly got rejected everywhere they applied to. the converse is probably true for people who got in with lower mcat scores too.

point is, if you feel comfortable that this is your best effort, then apply. see what happens. in the end, you have to be satisfied with your decision.

best of luck.