Anyone get into MD with less than 30 MCAT this cycle?

[SCooFS]

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Specifically interested in non-URM. Where did you apply? How was your cycle? What do you recommend to those of us who are trying for MD this cycle with lower MCAT scores?

 

[baskintheglow]

There will always be the tails on the bell curve. Generally you want to get a better score if you can. How long did you study for the MCAT? What materials?

 

[einsteinm]

You can't worry about your scores now. Just apply smartly to schools that you aren't below the 10th percentile for each MCAT subsection. Make the rest of your app good.

 

[ndafife]

According to Table 25, over 6,000 white (assuming that's what you mean by "non-URM") applicants have gotten in with under a 30 MCAT the last two years. It makes things tougher but its far from the death sentence SDN can make it seem like

 

[baskintheglow]

According to Table 25, over 6,000 white (assuming that's what you mean by "non-URM") applicants have gotten in with under a 30 MCAT the last two years. It makes things tougher but its far from the death sentence SDN can make it seem like

SDN does have a pretty significant "unless you have 1000 hours of community service with people who have infectious disease, a 40 on the MCAT, and a 4.00 cGPA you will never get into med school" thing going on. Oddly, it kind of helped me though, thinking I had to do much better than was expected made the process easier. Shoot for the moon but aim for the horizon I guess.

 

[MerciMerci]

Plenty of non-URM applicants with sub-30 MCAT are accepted every year (just look at the charts). A few things to consider about these applicants though is:

1. They will usually have good GPAs
2. They usually have significant EC's (whether that is extensive community service, research, extensive clinical exposure or another activity)
3. They more than likely have a balanced MCAT (I would suggest nothing under an 8 in a section, though obviously some get in with less than an 8 in a section) Also not all sub-30's are created equal. 29 has a much better chance than a 25.
4. Have compelling PS/LORs
5. I'm sure I am forgetting stuff, but you get the drift.

If being a doctor is your ultimate goal though, I would add DO Schools. If you are near the 30, add some of the original DO Schools.

EDIT: Tri723 brings up a good point with the in-state preference schools as well.

 

[PhillyMed777]

^ good thoughts above.

ALso consider those sub-30 acceptances could also be in states with state-schools that have "easier" standards.

 

[darklabel]

Plenty of non-URM applicants with sub-30 MCAT are accepted every year (just look at the charts). A few things to consider about these applicants though is:

1. They will usually have good GPAs
2. They usually have significant EC's (whether that is extensive community service, research, extensive clinical exposure or another activity)
3. They more than likely have a balanced MCAT (I would suggest nothing under an 8 in a section, though obviously some get in with less than an 8 in a section) Also not all sub-30's are created equal. 29 has a much better chance than a 25.
4. Have compelling PS/LORs
5. I'm sure I am forgetting stuff, but you get the drift.

If being a doctor is your ultimate goal though, I would add DO Schools. If you are near the 30, add some of the original DO Schools.

If you have an all around solid application but your MCAT is the only thing holding you back, then it's probably better to take a year off and focus on the MCAT depending on your goals.

 

[HCMVresearcher]

I'm non-URM and I got into two MD schools this year with a 28 MCAT, a 3.55 undergrad GPA and 4.0 grad GPA. It took me three cycles to get in though... with LOTS of improvements in my ECs, essays and LORs over the years. Getting in with these stats takes determination and perseverance, but it is definitely possible.

 

[Shams al Deen]

It's not all about stats. Actually having an unbalanced app is arguably as bad as having low stats. Like if you have a 36/4.0 but no research, minimum clinical, avg LORs, avg essays then you can easily be passed up everywhere even if you apply to a good number of schools.

 

[technician]

It's not all about stats. Actually having an unbalanced app is arguably as bad as having low stats. Like if you have a 36/4.0 but no research, minimum clinical, avg LORs, avg essays then you can easily be passed up everywhere even if you apply to a good number of schools.

Also you must apply smart and broad, as made popular as of late on the 4.0/40 rejected everywhere thread

 

[HCMVresearcher]

Also you must apply smart and broad, as made popular as of late on the 4.0/40 rejected everywhere thread

This is VERY true... my first cycle I think I only applied to 7 or 8 schools. This cycle I applied to 25 and I still only interviewed at 2 (accepted to 3 though, MSUCOM doesn't do interviews).

 

[lil sunshine]

Accepted to my instate MD school with an MCAT of 28. I applied to 14 schools - 7 DO and 7 MD. I received five II (2 MD, 3 DO). With that kind of score, though, I wouldn't limit yourself to MD schools - DO schools gave me a lot more love when it came to acceptances.

 

[mbeus]

I was accepted into 3 schools with a 27 MCAT. My gpa is 3.96, and I have a very interesting story (nontrad), and really stellar ECs and LORs. It can be done, though!!!

 

[mbeus]

I was accepted into 3 schools with a 27 MCAT. My gpa is 3.96, and I have a very interesting story (nontrad), and really stellar ECs and LORs. It can be done, though!!!

MD schools, too, all three of them

 

[SCooFS]

Accepted to my instate MD school with an MCAT of 28. I applied to 14 schools - 7 DO and 7 MD. I received five II (2 MD, 3 DO). With that kind of score, though, I wouldn't limit yourself to MD schools - DO schools gave me a lot more love when it came to acceptances.

I do plan on DO. I'm doing about 20 MD's and about 5 DO. I just want to do this one time. I think I have all the pieces (research, shadowing, clinic, volunteering, diversity, etc.) Thanks to all for the positivity. Some days the number 29 (my score) just won't get out of my head.

 

[NTheo91]

Plenty of non-URM applicants with sub-30 MCAT are accepted every year (just look at the charts). A few things to consider about these applicants though is:

1. They will usually have good GPAs
2. They usually have significant EC's (whether that is extensive community service, research, extensive clinical exposure or another activity)
3. They more than likely have a balanced MCAT (I would suggest nothing under an 8 in a section, though obviously some get in with less than an 8 in a section) Also not all sub-30's are created equal. 29 has a much better chance than a 25.
4. Have compelling PS/LORs
5. I'm sure I am forgetting stuff, but you get the drift.

If being a doctor is your ultimate goal though, I would add DO Schools. If you are near the 30, add some of the original DO Schools.

EDIT: Tri723 brings up a good point with the in-state preference schools as well.

I have a 27 MCAT (9/9/9) and got into an in-state MD school. I have a (relative) ton of work experience, community service, volunteering, and leadership experience. No research. I wouldn't imagine a 29 MCAT being a death sentence for MD schools, but it probably will be if you don't have a balanced application or enough low/mid tier schools on your list. Definitely try your best to do extraordinary on your secondary applications and prewrite as much as you can throughout the year so you are not overwhelmed during the application season. As others said, apply to DO as well to increase your chances on an acceptance.

 

[Eppur Si Muove]

I know a non-urm that got into Ohio state with a 28 this cycle

 

[moonwake]

I do plan on DO. I'm doing about 20 MD's and about 5 DO. I just want to do this one time. I think I have all the pieces (research, shadowing, clinic, volunteering, diversity, etc.) Thanks to all for the positivity. Some days the number 29 (my score) just won't get out of my head.

A 29 isn't bad at all. It's not amazing but you can get accepted/interviews with it for sure if you apply mid-low tier. Apply as early as possible and prepare.

 

[ShabbaRanks]

Specifically interested in non-URM. Where did you apply? How was your cycle? What do you recommend to those of us who are trying for MD this cycle with lower MCAT scores?

Me. I was accepted to multiple places. Apply early and strategically. Invest in MSAR and check the WAMC forums for people with stats and activities similar to yours.

 

[TheCounter]

California resident, completed undergrad in the Northeast. Non-URM with 28 balanced MCAT, 3.52 cGPA, 3.44 sGPA. 4 II, 1 waitlist, 1 MD acceptance in November at a non-California school (turned down other 2 IIs). Applied early, extracurricular activities that included captain of college sports team for junior and senior years while doing research at the same time probably helped. Lots of meaningful clinical experience during my gap year was crucial too (went from being a volunteer to employee at the hospital).

 

[typoncho]

Texas applicant. Two interviews, 1 DO and 1 MD. Rejected by the DO, and accepted by MD. Stats: 3.9 cGPA 3.81 sGPA, 26 (8,8,10) MCAT (I was accepted with this MCAT through the match, but prior to that acceptance I was prepping for reapplying and took the MCAT again in January and got a 33. I was accepted prior to this score being released though). I am a nontrad infantry Marine with a (somewhat) interesting story, and then I got my paramedic and worked for a while which I think helped a little. Since it usually comes up: I am a caucasian male.