Asking doctors their MCAT score

[bogle8]

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I'm not sure if any of you have had this experience, but sometimes I ask doctors what they got on their MCAT and most of them tell me that they can't remember. Does that sound right? I mean, as hard as we work to get a good MCAT score, don't you think we would remember? Do you think they are ashamed to share it for fear of criticism?

 

[TheWeeIceMan]

They've probably taken so many more important tests since the MCAT that they don't remember anymore.

 

[thekay]

i don't even remember my SAT scores and it's been around 4 years since i last took it

 

[Lamel]

Why would you ask them that to begin with? Now you're the wierdo kid who keeps asking them about MCAT scores. Way to go OP.

 

[487806]

I'm not sure if any of you have had this experience, but sometimes I ask doctors what they got on their MCAT and most of them tell me that they can't remember. Does that sound right? I mean, as hard as we work to get a good MCAT score, don't you think we would remember? Do you think they are ashamed to share it for fear of criticism?

I forgot my SAT scores, so I'm pretty sure doctors won't remember their MCAT scores. Also, it's impolite to ask anyone what they got on standardized exams. It's none of your business.

 

[TangoDown]

Ashamed to share it? They got into medical school so they obviously had a high enough MCAT.

MCAT and other standardized tests are good indicators of science knowledge and test taking skill - not of clinical competence.

Who cares about your MCAT score anyway? Once you get a score that can put you into medical school, it means absolutely nothing. That's why most of the physicians you've inquired do not remember - because it's useless information that has been purged from their brains to make room for relevant clinical knowledge that assists them in their practices.

Go up to a Marine infantryman in the middle of Afghanistan and ask him what is ASVAB score was. He'll probably lol in your face. It, like the MCAT, is a baseline number that allows for entry into profession, and means absolutely nothing once it's high enough to enter said profession.

 

[bogle8]

I limit it to one time per physician

 

[Planes2Doc]

I forgot my SAT scores, so I'm pretty sure doctors won't remember their MCAT scores. Also, it's impolite for someone who isn't a gunner to ask anyone what they got on standardized exams. It's none of your business.

ftfy

 

[airplanes]

The MCAT is only a big deal to pre-meds. Just trust me.

 

[Irish Football]

I know a doctor who remembers his percentile but couldn't remember the actual score.

 

[mcloaf]

I'm not sure if any of you have had this experience, but sometimes I ask doctors what they got on their MCAT and most of them tell me that they can't remember. Does that sound right? I mean, as hard as we work to get a good MCAT score, don't you think we would remember? Do you think they are ashamed to share it for fear of criticism?

I hope someone has that double facepalm jpeg handy...

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

lol wut

 

[bogle8]

I hope someone has that double facepalm jpeg handy...

My gosh I'll just go ahead and do it for you. Ok everybody I asked an honest question that was apparently too stupid for people to handle. My fault.

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

My gosh I'll just go ahead and do it for you. Ok everybody I asked an honest question that was apparently too stupid for people to handle. My fault.

I mean keep asking if you want. They probably all laugh at you when you're gone though.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

I mean keep asking if you want. They probably all laugh at you when you're gone though.

👍

 

[Danbo1957]

Puhlease!! Everyone remembers his/her MCAT score. Saying, "I don't remember my score", is a polite way of stating, "You are a total douchepocket for asking that question."

 

[Ashley1989]

Oh my OP... I think there would be a billion other more relevant questions you could ask them. Something like that might be viewed as intrusive.

 

[Docility]

Why would you ask them that to begin with? Now you're the wierdo kid who keeps asking them about MCAT scores. Way to go OP.

Haha 😛 Personally, I would never have the guts to ask a doctor who is unrelated to me what his/her MCAT score was. 😳

The MCAT is only a big deal to pre-meds. Just trust me.

Best avatar ever. 👍 Just sayin'.

 

[bogle8]

Oh my OP... I think there would be a billion other more relevant questions you could ask them. Something like that might be viewed as intrusive.

I may not totally disagree with that. But it's not the only thing I ask them. Normally we will already be talking and have established some kind of rapport. I don't do it in a creepy way, trust me. Funny thing is they normally tell their GPA and have no problem with that.

 

[DrChels]

If you're that curious, I might bring up the subject it in a more cautious way if I were you, just in case they don't wish to share the info.

Perhaps asking how they felt about the MCAT when they took it, or how much study time they put into it and if they thought it paid off well. Obviously study time pays off but this way it's a less intrusive hint.

I wouldn't be surprised if they don't remember by now though in all honesty, even more so depending on age of course.

 

[bogle8]

If you're that curious, I might bring up the subject it in a more cautious way if I were you, just in case they don't wish to share the info.

Perhaps asking how they felt about the MCAT when they took it, or how much study time they put into it and if they thought it paid off well. Obviously study time pays off but this way it's a less intrusive hint.

I wouldn't be surprised if they don't remember by now though in all honesty, even more so depending on age of course.

Agreed. Thank you.

 

[xffan624]

I had one osteopath doctor who when I told her my score (in the context of discussing my applying to medical school) she said she didn't even remember what that meant or whether it was good or not. It kinda felt false, I mean everybody remembers what a good SAT was or at least I remember when a 1600 = perfect. I didn't like her too much anyways.

I think my SAT was like 1350 (on the old scale) and I took it 12 years ago

 

[bollywoodlover]

Most of the docs I've asked had scores between a 25 and 29. And gpas were about a 3.5. Funny how much harder it is these days.

 

[MedPR]

I'm not sure if any of you have had this experience, but sometimes I ask doctors what they got on their MCAT and most of them tell me that they can't remember. Does that sound right? I mean, as hard as we work to get a good MCAT score, don't you think we would remember? Do you think they are ashamed to share it for fear of criticism?

lol.

 

[MedPR]

I know a doctor who remembers his percentile but couldn't remember the actual score.

sounds legit

 

[MedPR]

I had one osteopath doctor who when I told her my score (in the context of discussing my applying to medical school) she said she didn't even remember what that meant or whether it was good or not. It kinda felt false, I mean everybody remembers what a good SAT was or at least I remember when a 1600 = perfect. I didn't like her too much anyways.

I think my SAT was like 1350 (on the old scale) and I took it 12 years ago

I don't remember if a 1350/1600 is good or not. Some people (like you, apparently) care a whole lot about standardized tests because they think it matters beyond getting into college/medschool/whatever. It doesn't. SAT/ACT/MCAT are not tests of intelligence. They mean nothing once you get into whatever kind of program you were applying to. Even if I somehow remember my MCAT score when I'm an Attending, I'll still have no idea if the same score is competitive for pre-meds.

 

[IslandStyle808]

I don't remember if a 1350/1600 is good or not. Some people (like you, apparently) care a whole lot about standardized tests because they think it matters beyond getting into college/medschool/whatever. It doesn't. SAT/ACT/MCAT are not tests of intelligence. They mean nothing once you get into whatever kind of program you were applying to. Even if I somehow remember my MCAT score when I'm an Attending, I'll still have no idea if the same score is competitive for pre-meds.

True

 

[xffan624]

I don't remember if a 1350/1600 is good or not. Some people (like you, apparently) care a whole lot about standardized tests because they think it matters beyond getting into college/medschool/whatever. It doesn't. SAT/ACT/MCAT are not tests of intelligence. They mean nothing once you get into whatever kind of program you were applying to. Even if I somehow remember my MCAT score when I'm an Attending, I'll still have no idea if the same score is competitive for pre-meds.

I definitely agree that the standardized scores are not that important once you get in the school or program you're trying to get in to, but I guess I remember them, because I worked hard to achieve it. For example, I also took the GRE but I don't even remember the score, #1 cause it didn't matter as much for admissions to grad school, #2 I studied for like 2 weeks before I took it.

Compare that to the MCAT, where because I was almost 7 years from my last college course covered by the MCAT, I had to restudy and relearn all those topics all while working a full time job. I studied for 6 months. I don't think I will forget my score for a while.

 

[darkjedi]

The second you matriculate no one gives 2 craps about your old standardized test scores.

Puhlease!! Everyone remembers his/her MCAT score. Saying, "I don't remember my score", is a polite way of stating, "You are a total douchepocket for asking that question."

👍 couldn't have said it better myself

 

[Cinclus]

I never asked any, but one of my personal physicians asked me how I did. He didn't really remember how the test was scored (he thought it was out of a much higher number than 45), so he thought I failed it when I told him my score. I then explained the scoring system and told him the percentile instead.

But yeah, as others have already mentioned, once application season is over and you're admitted, the MCAT memories sort of fade into oblivion, and nobody cares anymore.

 

[bogle8]

I definitely agree that the standardized scores are not that important once you get in the school or program you're trying to get in to, but I guess I remember them, because I worked hard to achieve it. For example, I also took the GRE but I don't even remember the score, #1 cause it didn't matter as much for admissions to grad school, #2 I studied for like 2 weeks before I took it.

Compare that to the MCAT, where because I was almost 7 years from my last college course covered by the MCAT, I had to restudy and relearn all those topics all while working a full time job. I studied for 6 months. I don't think I will forget my score for a while.

This is what I'm saying. A lot of people worked really hard to get a good score and because of that, they will probably not forget it. I do agree with everyone's comment that once you're in, nobody gives a crap about your score.

 

[bogle8]

Most of the docs I've asked had scores between a 25 and 29. And gpas were about a 3.5. Funny how much harder it is these days.

The ones that have remembered have quoted numbers to me in this range as well.

 

[bogle8]

I had one osteopath doctor who when I told her my score (in the context of discussing my applying to medical school) she said she didn't even remember what that meant or whether it was good or not. It kinda felt false, I mean everybody remembers what a good SAT was or at least I remember when a 1600 = perfect. I didn't like her too much anyways.

I think my SAT was like 1350 (on the old scale) and I took it 12 years ago

Okay at least someone gets what I'm saying.

 

[TX500]

Okay at least someone gets what I'm saying.

Yeah man, I don't know why you're getting so much hate. I've worked with plenty of physicians and have gotten close to them. I haven't asked them directly, but I don't think there's anything wrong with it (as long as you have a good relationship with them). A pediatrician I worked with said back in the day, when he took the MCAT, there was a "general knowledge" portion. The test is completely different now, so their scores can't really be compared with ours.

 

[SOMBound13]

Yeah man, I don't know why you're getting so much hate. I've worked with plenty of physicians and have gotten close to them. I haven't asked them directly, but I don't think there's anything wrong with it (as long as you have a good relationship with them). A pediatrician I worked with said back in the day, when he took the MCAT, there was a "general knowledge" portion. The test is completely different now, so their scores can't really be compared with ours.

I can imagine that it's more likely that people don't remember their exact SAT score (2180? 2210? 2240? too easy to forget unless perfect). However, MCAT score is more like ACT composite, a somewhat easier number to remember. I imagine a number of doctors do remember their score, but don't want to share that info for a variety of reasons. Even if they're proud of their score, they may not want it out for public consumption and discussion.

It's really not appropriate to be asking random doctors what their MCAT score was. The entire college-related standardized testing has kind of been turned on its ear with people spending thousands of dollars and thousands of hours practicing, prepping for these exams. Maybe when some of these doctors tested, people just took the test cold.

 

[Textbookversion]

Why would you ask them that to begin with? Now you're the wierdo kid who keeps asking them about MCAT scores. Way to go OP.

+1. Plus they aren't really comparable. When my parents generation took the test, the score you needed to get into top tier privates was less than the average at D.O. schools now. I believe that is because before you could only take the test once, so there weren't dumb people retaking the test a billion times to inflate the scores of the people that just take it once and do well.

 

[GadRads]

They mean nothing once you get into whatever kind of program you were applying to.

True words

 

[xffan624]

This is what I'm saying. A lot of people worked really hard to get a good score and because of that, they will probably not forget it. I do agree with everyone's comment that once you're in, nobody gives a crap about your score.

That's what makes me wonder about Doc's that don't remember. I imagine it correlates with age quite a bit. After x number of years, I guess there are more important tests (boards, etc.) and they don't really remember that medical school wasn't a guaranteed thing and they had to work to get in.

Another Osteopath doctor was impressed with my score, but he used to be on the admissions board for USUHS so that's probably why.

 

[Alby]

Step 1 >>>>>>>>>>>> MCAT. No one cares about MCAT scores starting the day after matriculation. I'm betting most docs forget their step 1 score (if they took the test after it was no longer P/F) eventually as well.

 

[kindasorta]

What's an MCAT?

 

[PreMedOrDead]

+1. Plus they aren't really comparable. When my parents generation took the test, the score you needed to get into top tier privates was less than the average at D.O. schools now. I believe that is because before you could only take the test once, so there weren't dumb people retaking the test a billion times to inflate the scores of the people that just take it once and do well.

Very much this. I was told about the general knowledge portions. One doc even said it was the only reason he passed, he was good at trivial pursuit

The MCAT never used to be a big deal. The craziness that encompasses it now has changed that. I'll never forget my comp, but I have no doubt many older docs did.

 

[NickNaylor]

Very much this. I was told about the general knowledge portions. One doc even said it was the only reason he passed, he was good at trivial pursuit

The MCAT never used to be a big deal. The craziness that encompasses it now has changed that. I'll never forget my comp, but I have no doubt many older docs did.

IMO this is largely because access to higher education was much more restricted. "Back in the old days" being a college graduate was enough to demonstrate competence and preparation for future work because, frankly, not everyone COULD go to college. Now that everyone gets to go to college and being a college graduate has become meaningless, we get the great opportunity to distinguish ourselves with things that were never meant to evaluate students on their ability to be a successful physician.

(sent from my phone)

 

[ACOM2017]

I never asked any, but one of my personal physicians asked me how I did. He didn't really remember how the test was scored (he thought it was out of a much higher number than 45), so he thought I failed it when I told him my score. I then explained the scoring system and told him the percentile instead.

But yeah, as others have already mentioned, once application season is over and you're admitted, the MCAT memories sort of fade into oblivion, and nobody cares anymore.

My derm said the scoring was different when she took it.

What is the point of even asking?

 

[Geebeejay]

I'm not sure if any of you have had this experience, but sometimes I ask doctors what they got on their MCAT and most of them tell me that they can't remember. Does that sound right? I mean, as hard as we work to get a good MCAT score, don't you think we would remember? Do you think they are ashamed to share it for fear of criticism?

They probably stopped caring what it was once they started being doctors. Also, why would you ask this question? Do you also ask them what they bench?

 

[ToldYouSo]

There's no point in asking because there's no meaningful conclusion you could infer from it, plus it just sounds stupid.

That being said, since MCAT plays such a crucial role in getting into med school I HIGHLY doubt that a physician would forget it... I mean we invest so much time studying and stressing about it.

 

[NickNaylor]

There's no point in asking because there's no meaningful conclusion you could infer from it, plus it just sounds stupid.

That being said, since MCAT plays such a crucial role in getting into med school I HIGHLY doubt that a physician would forget it... I mean we invest so much time studying and stressing about it.

For the last generation of physicians it wasn't so much of a big deal...

Besides, you could say the same thing about SAT/ACT scores. I don't even remember my SAT score and I don't remember my ACT section scores. Eventually you grow up and stop remembering pointless things like these.

(sent from my phone)

 

[TangoDown]

There's no point in asking because there's no meaningful conclusion you could infer from it, plus it just sounds stupid.

That being said, since MCAT plays such a crucial role in getting into med school I HIGHLY doubt that a physician would forget it... I mean we invest so much time studying and stressing about it.

Remembering how hard you worked doesn't necessarily correlate with remembering the composite score you received.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Do you also ask them what they bench?

You haven't shadowed and orthopod, have you?

Mine benched 350. Srs.

IMO this is largely because access to higher education was much more restricted. "Back in the old days" being a college graduate was enough to demonstrate competence and preparation for future work because, frankly, not everyone COULD go to college. Now that everyone gets to go to college and being a college graduate has become meaningless, we get the great opportunity to distinguish ourselves with things that were never meant to evaluate students on their ability to be a successful physician.

(sent from my phone)

Absolutely. This lines up exactly with what I was told as well. It's not that the path was easier, it was just much different back then. Asking MCAT score and judging an older physician on this is quite naive.

For the last generation of physicians it wasn't so much of a big deal...

Besides, you could say the same thing about SAT/ACT scores. I don't even remember my SAT score and I don't remember my ACT section scores. Eventually you grow up and stop remembering pointless things like these.

(sent from my phone)

Also, I took college prep exams raw, with no prep and no prior idea of what they were like. I think most people do this (maybe no on SDN). For them, the MCAT would be very comparable to someone who is just taking the SAT/ACT to get into a local college today. You just had to sit for the test and not fail. The score wasn't a big deal.

Edit: I'm pretty sure my SAT score was below average, while my ACT score and MCAT were both > 98th percentile. But the scores for my ACT/SAT? No idea. And that was just 4 years ago... the thing is, I just had no inclination because the school I was going to already accepted me and just needed me to sit for the exams.

 

[SOMBound13]

This is what I'm saying. A lot of people worked really hard to get a good score and because of that, they will probably not forget it. I do agree with everyone's comment that once you're in, nobody gives a crap about your score.

+1. Plus they aren't really comparable. When my parents generation took the test, the score you needed to get into top tier privates was less than the average at D.O. schools now. I believe that is because before you could only take the test once, so there weren't dumb people retaking the test a billion times to inflate the scores of the people that just take it once and do well.

That's what makes me wonder about Doc's that don't remember. I imagine it correlates with age quite a bit. After x number of years, I guess there are more important tests (boards, etc.) and they don't really remember that medical school wasn't a guaranteed thing and they had to work to get in.

Another Osteopath doctor was impressed with my score, but he used to be on the admissions board for USUHS so that's probably why.

Well, it may just be evidence of how much things have changed. Maybe when they were applying, the actual MCAT score wasn't as important. They didn't study for it, they took in one time, and as long as their score was deemed adequate (which may have been a 25 for all we know), they never gave it a second thought.

Maybe there was a time when only GPA, state of residence, and School Name played a lot into admissions, and the MCAT was just some perfunctory test people took as well.

 

[gyngyn]

The old MCAT had 5 separate scores as I vaguely recall. The total score was not used as a shorthand to communicate your results as it is today. Thus, asking for an MCAT score won't necessarily get a single answer and few would recall 5 numbers whose significance has long since faded.

The MCAT was just as important in the old days (1970's). Everyone studied for it. They even took prep courses (Kaplan).