Chances Please

[HIghbury]

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What are the chances with this stat
GPa 3.55 MCat 21- 5VR, 8Phys, 8Bio, WR P.
I have filled out the AAMCAS already. Prompt response appreciated.

 

[shadowy onion]

yes sir! on the double sir!

 

[bella_dottoressa]

I don't know much but I don't think your chances are that great at MD schools. Did you apply to any DO schools by chance? I'd probably retake with that MCAT.

Good luck...It may take time but you can do it 🙂

 

[shadowy onion]

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This question is probably the most redundant. But lads please help me out. I understand that this forum is well informed to give you good advice. This April '04 MCAT has made it the 4th time I am taking this MCAT. I am from Cameron originally. English is my second language. I just don't seem to excel in standardized test. These are the times I took the MCAT and scores attained.
Aug 2000 VR 4, Phy 5, Bio 6, WS M
Aug 2001 VR 4, phy 6, Bio 4 WS N
Aug 2002 VR 3, phys 8, Bio 5 WS S
April 2004 VR 5, phys 8, Bio 8 WS P.

My Gpa is ~3.55. Please what should I do. I know I might be a subject of ridicule but please whoever has any concern should please tell me if I have any chance at all or should I give up medicine entirely. I know if I do I don't see myself happy. Please I beg you guys to please give me an honest advice because I am totally perplexed. Thanks and God bless.

 

[bella_dottoressa]

I've only been in the MCAT forum as of late, I missed the multiple posts. 🙂 But yes, multiple posts of the same thing won't increase your chances 😉

I don't know...DO schools or carib....?

 

[HIghbury]

That was my prior post. Still thanks for input though.

 

[BSChemE]

Check MD Applicants to find people accepted with stats close to yours.

 

[Bubchik]

have you thought about podiatry or DO or maybe PA?
check MDapplicants.com to see if anybody was accepted with that score. Do you have research?

 

[Pinkertinkle]

Slim to none.

 

[jeatmonkey]

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This question is probably the most redundant. But lads please help me out. I understand that this forum is well informed to give you good advice. This April '04 MCAT has made it the 4th time I am taking this MCAT. I am from Cameron originally. English is my second language. I just don't seem to excel in standardized test. These are the times I took the MCAT and scores attained.
Aug 2000 VR 4, Phy 5, Bio 6, WS M
Aug 2001 VR 4, phy 6, Bio 4 WS N
Aug 2002 VR 3, phys 8, Bio 5 WS S
April 2004 VR 5, phys 8, Bio 8 WS P.

My Gpa is ~3.55. Please what should I do. I know I might be a subject of ridicule but please whoever has any concern should please tell me if I have any chance at all or should I give up medicine entirely. I know if I do I don't see myself happy. Please I beg you guys to please give me an honest advice because I am totally perplexed. Thanks and God bless.

I would definitly suggest DO or carib schools.. im sure adcoms understand applicants with english as a second language struggle with the MCAT, especially VR.. It would be great if you could pull up your PS and BIO sections some. I can't imagine how hard it must be to take the MCAT without english being your first language.. so many native english speakers struggle with it. You gpa is there.. I would suggest calling some of the schools you are interested in and see what they suggest. Don't lose heart.. good luck

 

[Bubchik]

English is not my primary language, i started studying it 5 yrs ago, but did OK on verbal(10). The sciences were 12 and 12, and writing sample Q. So I do not think that it is the language barrier, but the test is designed in a weird sick way to fail people. I would definitely recommend cvarribean, i forgot about those in my previous post.

 

[HIghbury]

Thanx for the kind words . It is really encouraging. With regards to a question posed about research. Yes, I have done research. I have 3 publication. All co authors in Neuron and Nature medicine.Also co author in a HAA abstract.I hope it will help.

 

[Bubchik]

That's awesome! You research is very good, so apply if you have money to spare, but again carrebean and Do schools should be on yr list. Good Luck!

 

[elephino]

I hate to drop the bomb-but I would suggest reconsidering medicine as your career. Not doing well on standardized tests is not a good excuse-most of your medical career will be judged on standardized tests (USMLE etc).
I think you should not take this lightly. I mean you may be smart and dedicated, but what good is it if you never pass the boards? You can't get your MD without standardized tests, and you won't pass residency without standarized tests.

 

[HIghbury]

Quite understood. I don't consider myself a failure . Failure is not getting up when knocked down. When you keep getting up, even for one more time, success is on the way. A man isn't judged by the height attained, but how much depth the came from.

 

[jeatmonkey]

English is not my primary language, i started studying it 5 yrs ago, but did OK on verbal(10). The sciences were 12 and 12, and writing sample Q. So I do not think that it is the language barrier, but the test is designed in a weird sick way to fail people. I would definitely recommend cvarribean, i forgot about those in my previous post.

I did not mean to imply that ESL people could not succeed on the mcat. I was simply stating its a hard test for everyone, and I can not imagine how difficult it would be to have to translate it, especially with the time limitations. Congrats to you though.. great score.. good luck this interview season.. 👍

 

[bella_dottoressa]

Go get em, if it's what you really really want don't reconsider. Do consider alternate routes; namely DO and caribbean. Your GPA and ECs are GREAT, it's just that stupid mcat that's holding you back.

There will be more standardized tests, but I think its foolish to quit the med route because the mcat wasn't your thing. I know there are plenty of people who struggled with the mcat, took it three times, and rocked their boards...And vice versa. Do what you have to do. GOOD LUCK!

 

[HIghbury]

Thanks bella. I know you wish me well.

 

[BlueFalcon]

What are the chances with this stat
GPa 3.55 MCat 21- 5VR, 8Phys, 8Bio, WR P.
I have filled out the AAMCAS already. Prompt response appreciated.

The chances are really, really crappy.

 

[HIghbury]

Thanks for your opinnion. That would not deter me anyhow

 

[bigdan]

HI-

I say do your thing and apply if you're convinced you're gonna be a doc.

Your original post asks for your chances, and by numbers/averages, you have a average/low average GPA and a very low MCAT, as compared to numbers for accepted applicants. It's fact; you may choose whatever response you please.

BUT my school (SUNY Binghamton) posts the year's applicant progress. Last year SEVERAL folks got into US schools with sub-22 MCAT scores. The lowest, I believe, was a 15 or so - to a DO school, and a 19 to an allopathic.

Don't let SDN "pre-reject" you. But know that the cards are stacked against you. IT ONLY MATTERS WHAT THE AD COMMS SAY.

If you do apply, good luck.

dc

 

[Taj]

HOw about 3.15 sci 3.4 non sci and a 24 MCAT with LOTS of experience as medical assistant and research. (I am traditional)
-taj

 

[4 Ever]

Unfortunately, a low Verbal score can really hurt you in the application process. mostly because ADCOMS view the score (in some cases) as the ability to communicate with patients and having low scores deters them from looking further into the applicant. Though get a nobel prize and you'd have good chances of acceptance.

 

[liverotcod]

HOw about 3.15 sci 3.4 non sci and a 24 MCAT with LOTS of experience as medical assistant and research. (I am traditional)
-taj

Taj, I think you need a post-bacc with those numbers.

 

[Taj]

Taj, I think you need a post-bacc with those numbers.

Is there no hope for me at all? even in DO? or random medical schools??

 

[principessa]

Thanks for your opinnion. That would not deter me anyhow

If it won't deter you, why ask your chances in the first place?

 

[4 Ever]

Try DO or foreign medical schools. Itll be tough to get in with those scores. Doesn't hurt to try but its a lot of money on the process so think about it carefully

 

[willthatsall]

If you have above a 20 and somewhere in the 3.4 + range, you have a shot. How much of a shot? Probably well below 10%. [Lloyd Christmas] So you're telling me there's a chance!? [/Lloyd Christmas]

 

[Taj]

Try DO or foreign medical schools. Itll be tough to get in with those scores. Doesn't hurt to try but its a lot of money on the process so think about it carefully

The reason I ask is because i keep hearing these stories of miracles where people with horrible stats get in....like texas tech accepted a 2.9 and a 20 ( i dont think they were the same person though)...its jsut that i am about to apply to amcas and I dont know whether i should! any opinions or similar miraculous stories (ie.rays of hope) ?
Taj

 

[4 Ever]

Taj, there is always some small chance of acceptance. But generally those stats will make it highly unlikely for you to get an acceptance. I only suggest either those other medical schools or the possibility of going to grad school to beef up your grades and the mcat score because if you reallly want to get into a US medical school, your numbers need to be higher. If you want, you can throw away 2000dollars on the application process or even more just to increase your odds (some have spent even 5000) but in the end, if you dont get in, then youll have wasted a lot of money. Just something to think about

 

[liverotcod]

Is there no hope for me at all? even in DO? or random medical schools??

It's not a zero chance, by any means. DO is reasonable. Allopathic will depend on state of residency, URM status, etc. You're probably 1.5 to 2 standard deviations behind the mean for allopathic schools with those numbers. A quick review of mdapplicants.com (which admittedly is skewed high) yielded 18 results for applicants with MCAT <=24 and GPA <=3.3. Many of these were non-traditionals with post-bacc work to compensate. That's why I suggested post-bacc.

A one year program could probably make you a strong candidate, if you're motivated to do well in it. Say you got straight A's in 50 credits of post-bacc, and that you have 120 credits of UG at 3.3 currently. You could make a 3.5 overall, and, say, a 3.6 science. Plus, you might be able to tack on another couple points on your MCAT.

Apply this cycle, but bear in mind that there are other possibilities out there.

 

[Taj]

you guys so totally rock! i think i'll take your advice on the post bacc thing...I'll go ahead and apply to amcas for a few schools that i have most chances in...i still have a year left so i'll try to boost my grades, take the mcat again.. and apply next year which applying to masters or soemthing..that way i wont loose time!

it feels good to know, though, that i am not a total hopless case! I've worked reallyhard, but second year was really really tough time forme..resulting in my grades! (i know its not an excuse..but facts are facts!)

thank you guys, and good luck to all of you..i really appreciate the constructive advice!
taj

 

[liverotcod]

With an excellent senior year, you can be a strong candidate. I didn't realize you had a year left - that's essentially the same as what I was thinking of for post-bacc.

 

[UseUrHeadFred]

Taj, if I were you, I'd go DO. Don't let arrogant people convince you it's any different. You may pull an acceptance with your current numbers, it's not too late, and there's just not enough real difference in training to justify doing the MCAT again and taking/paying for a post bacc.

 

[nico05]

The reason I ask is because i keep hearing these stories of miracles where people with horrible stats get in....like texas tech accepted a 2.9 and a 20 ( i dont think they were the same person though)...its jsut that i am about to apply to amcas and I dont know whether i should! any opinions or similar miraculous stories (ie.rays of hope) ?
Taj

There is always hope, however, do not let these well below average scores fool you. Yes you may possibly get in with sub-par numbers but why rely on "may" when you could improve your chances. Try to bump up your GPA. Take a few more undergrad classes or apply to grad school, you'll get in with a 3.0. Be realistic about your dreams, be true to yourself and give yourself every oppurtunity to get in. Go for it but dont go for it with one hand tied.

 

[jlee9531]

for both highbury and taj.......i think DO should be the route to go. just reinforcing what most others have said on here.

 

[4 Ever]

just remember, if you go the DO route, from what i was told, you need a LOR from a DO that you've worked with or volunteered with. Definitely make sure you start on this then ASAP.

 

[care bear]

if you are from cameroon, you might qualify as an under-represented minority for med schools, so your 21 combined with your research might not be that bad. however since you are from africa, not america, you should try to get across on your application that you feel some kinship to the african-american communities here (tutor some inner-city children, etc)


that being said, i might still re-take the MCAT. i would sign up for private tutoring if you can afford it, or a prep course if you can't afford tutoring. your writing sample is not bad, which is a good thing since your verbal is low.

i don't know if you are in school or working, but whatever you are doing, if you retake the mcat, make it your primary goal. just 'thinking postive' is a great thing in itself, but it will not get you anywhere where the MCAT is concerned. take several months to ONLY study for the MCAT, if you can at all afford it. you are right that you cannot let failures get you down, but when you rise back up you must have a PLAN, and a good one.

speak with some admissions offices about your numbers and see which ones are most receptive. this can save you a lot of money if you are definitely bent on applying this year.

 

[uclabruin2003]

there is totally nothing wrong with DO. you'll be a doctor irregardless. but if youre thinking of doing some cool stuff like neurosurgery you may be out of luck...but in any case. be realistic and apply to schools that you can get in....dont waste your money on applying to harvard....just keepin' it real.

 

[Dr. N]

English is not my primary language, i started studying it 5 yrs ago, but did OK on verbal(10). The sciences were 12 and 12, and writing sample Q. So I do not think that it is the language barrier, but the test is designed in a weird sick way to fail people. I would definitely recommend cvarribean, i forgot about those in my previous post.

Well, it is so nice of you to share your incredible grades with us. You sure gave lots of support to HIghbury 👎 Why don't you get yourself a medal.

 

[skhichi]

to everyone trying to deter the OP, maybe instead of wasting your time downplaying other's chances you should take a minute to see if your getting into medical school is as sure of a thing as you think it is. Only about 50% of people that apply get in anywhere in the country.

 

[liverotcod]

to everyone trying to deter the OP, maybe instead of wasting your time downplaying other's chances you should take a minute to see if your getting into medical school is as sure of a thing as you think it is. Only about 50% of people that apply get in anywhere in the country.

Well, duh! The OP (and others) asked, and we gave our opinions. If a person is in the lower quartile of applicants, and as you so helpfully pointed out only 50% of applicants get in, then the person's chances are low. Why would you want to criticize people for answering the OPs question?

 

[tupac_don]

What are the chances with this stat
GPa 3.55 MCat 21- 5VR, 8Phys, 8Bio, WR P.
I have filled out the AAMCAS already. Prompt response appreciated.

Hey there,

Sorry to say, but prognosis is not good. Your MCAT is way too low. Unforturnately that effectively eliminates you for getting in. The good news is that you have a decent avg. Which is typically harder to get. All you need to do is improve your MCAT, which is very doable. My advice, don't apply now, study MCAT. It really matters what books u study from. Examkrackers are excellent to study from. They cover all the basic concepts pretty well.

Your chances will dramatically improve with a better MCAT, otherwise I'll tell u how it is, you won't get in. Some will tell you to try, or maybe go DO, trust me 99.9% you will not get in with these stats. Go and retake MCAT and then apply with force. Best of luck.

 

[ShyRem]

Try the Caribbean - I know a guy (white, regular joe schmoe, regular college age) who got into the caribbean (UAC maybe?) with a 19 on his MCAT - he had like a 4 on the Verbal. Not a dumb guy, but lazy and probably screwed up the bubbling. I can't imagine them not wanting you - lots of experience (the other guy had none) works well in your favor.

Also, your outlook on life will help you go far. Don't give up and keep your eye on the prize. Good luck! 🙂

 

[willthatsall]

to everyone trying to deter the OP, maybe instead of wasting your time downplaying other's chances you should take a minute to see if your getting into medical school is as sure of a thing as you think it is. Only about 50% of people that apply get in anywhere in the country.

Did he ask for opinions and advice, or did he ask people to lie and tell him how great his chances were? 🙄