Chances? 31P/3.83 GPA/ Lots of EC's

[Nell]

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Hi everyone,

Just got my MCAT score back and I am a little disappointed. Actually very disappointed. I had been scoring pretty consistent 35s in practice exams, and I got a 31P. BS: 11 PS: 9 VR: 11 This is very annoying to me because I have never gotten below a 13 on BS before! Grrrr.
My GPA is 3.83, but would be 3.95 if we ignored my first semester. I had some health problems which are explained in my personal statement.
I have done undergrad research as well as clinical research, and some clinical and non-clinical volunteering. I have had more paid employment than volunteering, though. I also have several leadership positions. Probably good rec's (my school does committee letter) although I'm not allowed to see them. Also, I will have rec's from two high-profile doctors in the field I have done all my activities in (cardiology).

So... how much is that 9 going to hurt me? If its any consolation, I have only taken 1 semester of physics and attempted to teach myself electricity, magnetism, and optics. I'm not particularly consoled. Is it worth it to take the Aug 5th MCAT?

I am not obsessed with top schools, I just want to be a doctor. I don't care what brand I am. I really want to go to a California UC, preferably SD. Also, I am applying now, which is kind of late.

My list of schools: (I go to a Catholic undergrad...)
Dartmouth
Georgetown
Tulane
Loyola Chicago
USC
UCLA
UCSD
UCSF
UCI
UCD

If anyone suggests I apply to more schools, I will ask them for money - just a warning.

Opinions?
Second opinions? 😉

 

[Mobius1985]

A PS of 11 is impressive after taking only one semester of physics.

You have a good solid application with your stats and ECs the way they are. From my knowledge of how competitive California schools are, you are not assured of an admittance there, so applying broadly is wise. I will not suggest you add more schools, but if you decide to subtract the more competitive CA schools, be aware that UIC and Rosalind Franklin in Illinois are very California-friendly, and your stats are in their range. Loyola should love you (the medical campus is actually in a suburb of Chicago BTW).

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Hi everyone,

Just got my MCAT score back and I am a little disappointed. Actually very disappointed. I had been scoring pretty consistent 35s in practice exams, and I got a 31P. BS: 11 PS: 9 VR: 11 This is very annoying to me because I have never gotten below a 13 on BS before! Grrrr.
My GPA is 3.83, but would be 3.95 if we ignored my first semester. I had some health problems which are explained in my personal statement.
I have done undergrad research as well as clinical research, and some clinical and non-clinical volunteering. I have had more paid employment than volunteering, though. I also have several leadership positions. Probably good rec's (my school does committee letter) although I'm not allowed to see them. Also, I will have rec's from two high-profile doctors in the field I have done all my activities in (cardiology).

So... how much is that 9 going to hurt me? If its any consolation, I have only taken 1 semester of physics and attempted to teach myself electricity, magnetism, and optics. I'm not particularly consoled. Is it worth it to take the Aug 5th MCAT?

I am not obsessed with top schools, I just want to be a doctor. I don't care what brand I am. I really want to go to a California UC, preferably SD. Also, I am applying now, which is kind of late.

My list of schools: (I go to a Catholic undergrad...)
Dartmouth
Georgetown
Tulane
Loyola Chicago
USC
UCLA
UCSD
UCSF
UCI
UCD

If anyone suggests I apply to more schools, I will ask them for money - just a warning.

Opinions?
Second opinions? 😉

A 9 in the PS wont realy hurt you. You have good ECs, a good GPA, and a solid MCAT score....Apply to some more mid range private or friendly OOS schools, and I think youll have lots of success. Just do it ASAP!


*oops didnt see your disclaimer at the bottom*

well if thats the case throw out Dartmouth( you probably wont get in), UCSF, and UCSD....and apply to some less competitive schools.

 

[BrnEyes]

The 9 is nothing to worry about my friend. Sometimes with all the high scoring members on this forum, it is easy to become discouraged. In reality, your score is pretty solid and, combined with your GPA and EC's, makes you a competitive applicant at a number of schools.

While money is definitely an issue, ask yourself if you would rather spend a few hundred or even a thousand dollars extra (I'm exaggerating here) on applications this year, or lose a whole year because you didn't apply broadly enough. I am also applying this cycle and had to confront this issue.

As far as the schools you have selected, I agree with the poster above. It might be a good idea to narrow down those UC schools, especially if you're not applying as a resident (I'm not sure, are you?). I've also heard that UC schools can be quite unpredictable, so composing half your list of schools of UC's seems like putting all your eggs in one basket. If you're really serious of becoming a doctor, no matter where you go, why not apply a little more broadly?

Sorry if I come off as critical. I'm just trying to give you a different spin on things. All the best to you in the application process.🙂

 

[Nell]

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I am a CA resident, that's why I'm so interested in UCs. I wouldn't bother otherwise. Also, one of my letters will come from the chief of cardiology at UCD. Does name dropping help, or annoy admissions committee members?

 

[BrnEyes]

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I am a CA resident, that's why I'm so interested in UCs. I wouldn't bother otherwise. Also, one of my letters will come from the chief of cardiology at UCD. Does name dropping help, or annoy admissions committee members?

What I have heard seems to be the common sense view: if the person knows you well and can write you a good letter of recommendation, go for it! If the person, as well-known as he/she might be, can't write a good letter, it seems their name alone will not carry much weight with the adcom's.

Just my 2 cents.🙂

 

[Nell]

That makes perfect sense and I think I knew that already, but I need reassurance on just about everything after getting that score back...
Thanks for the help.