Applying with Low ACT Score

[researchchanger]

Hi everyone,

I'm a career changer applying to PBPM programs including top programs (Goucher, Scripps, BM).

I feel pretty good about my application overall:
- IRTA Postbac Research Fellow at the NIH for 2.5 years (neuroscience lab w. clinical population)
- Undergrad GPA: 3.77
- Volunteered with underserved communities for 4 years
- Worked as a behavior technician for 2 years
- Clinical shadowing with MDs

My concern is my low ACT score. I scored a 23 on the ACT almost 10 years. Will this be an application killer for top programs?

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[premed19876787]

Hi everyone,

I'm a career changer applying to PBPM programs including top programs (Goucher, Scripps, BM).

I feel pretty good about my application overall:
- IRTA Postbac Research Fellow at the NIH for 2.5 years (neuroscience lab w. clinical population)
- Undergrad GPA: 3.77
- Volunteered with underserved communities for 4 years
- Worked as a behavior technician for 2 years
- Clinical shadowing with MDs

My concern is my low ACT score. I scored a 23 on the ACT almost 10 years. Will this be an application killer for top programs?

I think you may find some people who will say

“it’s the entire story, you’ll never know if you don’t apply..” and similar comments.

I would say 100% it will be an application killer. These top programs have a 98% + acceptance rate to med school. The most important metric is still your mcat. A great mcat score can make up for a lower gpa. A great gpa will not makeup for a low mcat. Are there exceptions? 100%. I’m not talking about the Olympic athlete or someone with an X factor. I’m talking about the average person. These programs want people with a history of great standardized test scores because that’s the best predictor of scoring well on the mcat. They aren’t taking chances on great stories if you don’t have the scores to back it up (imo.)

If I were you, I’d hold off on applications, study for the ACT this year, get it up to an 29/30 and then apply next year. I am at one of the post bacc programs you mentioned and I know of a couple of students who did this.

 

[researchchanger]

I think you may find some people who will say

“it’s the entire story, you’ll never know if you don’t apply..” and similar comments.

I would say 100% it will be an application killer. These top programs have a 98% + acceptance rate to med school. The most important metric is still your mcat. A great mcat score can make up for a lower gpa. A great gpa will not makeup for a low mcat. Are there exceptions? 100%. I’m not talking about the Olympic athlete or someone with an X factor. I’m talking about the average person. These programs want people with a history of great standardized test scores because that’s the best predictor of scoring well on the mcat. They aren’t taking chances on great stories if you don’t have the scores to back it up (imo.)

If I were you, I’d hold off on applications, study for the ACT this year, get it up to an 29/30 and then apply next year. I am at one of the post bacc programs you mentioned and I know of a couple of students who did this.

Thank you for your honesty! I’ve actually already sent in my applications. I’m curious though, is it recommended I take the ACT or take the GRE?

 

[premed19876787]

Thank you for your honesty! I’ve actually already sent in my applications. I’m curious though, is it recommended I take the ACT or take the GRE?

I don’t believe it makes a difference. What makes a difference is the percentile you score in. That’s all these tests do. They compare you.
Do remember some linkage schools have a minimum required sat/act score. So if you were going to study for a test I’d probably do act/sat over GRE.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

How long ago did you take the ACT??? Who is requiring a recent ACT?

 

[researchchanger]

How long ago did you take the ACT??? Who is requiring a recent ACT?

In my original post! 10 years ago

 

[Mr.Smile12]

In my original post! 10 years ago

Have you talked with the PBPM directors about whether your ACT score excludes you? Some of us use this as a proxy to your grade school education.

 

[researchchanger]

How long ago did you take the ACT??? Who is requiring a recent ACT?

In my original post! 10 years ago, all PBPM

Have you talked with the PBPM directors about whether your ACT score excludes you?

They said most successful applicants have an SAT sub score of approx 600 and the ACT equivalent