chances w/ my mcat score

[ankit1ag]

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Hello,

Unfortunately after months, even years of studying for the mcats, i did not see any improvements. I felt the most prepared for this May exam, but my scores obviously say otherwise.

Here they are:

may 07: PS 8 VR 7 BS 9 Total 24O
jan 07: PS 7 VR 8 BS 10 Total 25Q
aug 06: PS 8 VR 8 BS 8 Total 24
aug 05: PS 6 VR 7 BS 7 Total 20M

Do you think I should still apply for a US MD program or is it def out of my reach...I am thinkin I might have to try MD programs in the Carrribeans that are affiliated with the US.

My other stuff is avg...3.5 gpa, good EC's, publications, 1 yr. Research exp.

 

[jochi1543]

Yeah, US MD is definitely out. I'd try DO or the Caribs.

 

[DiverDoc]

Yeah, US MD is definitely out. I'd try DO or the Caribs.

I dont know. Yeah its a long shot, but with a killer gpa, a 25 could get some interviews. I personally know of a person who got a interview with a 23, at my state MD school, but the admissions ppl said there cutoff is 24.

 

[DiverDoc]

With a gpa of 3.3+, at a lot of DO schools you could be considered fairly competetive.

 

[jochi1543]

I dont know. Yeah its a long shot, but with a killer gpa, a 25 could get some interviews.

The OP has a 3.5.

 

[pdw]

Is allopathy out because of the score or because of the number of times the exam was taken. What if one of the scores were at least 30?

 

[jochi1543]

Is allopathy out because of the score or because of the number of times the exam was taken. What if one of the scores were at least 30?

Because of the score AND no worthwhile improvement.

 

[swifteagle43]

Hello,

Unfortunately after months, even years of studying for the mcats, i did not see any improvements. I felt the most prepared for this May exam, but my scores obviously say otherwise.

Here they are:

may 07: PS 8 VR 7 BS 9 Total 24O
jan 07: PS 7 VR 8 BS 10 Total 25Q
aug 06: PS 8 VR 8 BS 8 Total 24
aug 05: PS 6 VR 7 BS 7 Total 20M

Do you think I should still apply for a US MD program or is it def out of my reach...I am thinkin I might have to try MD programs in the Carrribeans that are affiliated with the US.

My other stuff is avg...3.5 gpa, good EC's, publications, 1 yr. Research exp.

Some of us have been blessed with keys to a house. Sometimes you gotta use the backdoor. And sometimes you gotta crawl through the first floor window. And sometime you gotta go through the second story window. I just took my MCAT this week. Whatever my score- 20 or 40- I am applying out to MD schools. Even if I get a 40 I am still applying to carribean schools- because i know how life works. Sometimes things don't go your way and sometimes they do. The point is you get where you want to in the end- a hospital and working as a physician.

Carribean is a good option....DO is not bad either..... Do a shotgun effect of applying to 20+ schools- maximizes chances

 

[artaxerxes]

those are some rough numbers,
I'd give it one more shot before applying, because I don't think you're going to make it in the US without some crazy ECs

what do you think the biggest problem has been with the MCAT? with the number of exams, you should have plenty of prep time or is not that the case?

 

[Nikki2002]

Let me tell ya--i am crawling through the second story window. OP....what state are you from? While you don't want to waste a bunch of money applying to MD schools that you really have no chance at, at least apply to a few in state schools and also apply D.O. The carribean is a last resort and I don't think you are to that point yet...I'm not on an adcom....I haven't seen your whole application....so who knows what could happen? In my state, a 24 on the MCAT definitely wouldn't put you out of the running....especially at my state D.O. school.

If you are planning to apply this year, hurry up and get your stuff together for both MD and DO....you'll definitely want to make sure you write a good PS and get your applications out as early in the cycle as possible. If you live near any med schools that you are going to apply to, go and personally meet with the dean of admissions. It's not as scary as it sounds and it will certainly help you.

 

[Schaden Freud]

Don't waste your time and money applying to MD programs in the US. Your chances are essentially nil. The Caribbean schools are always an option, but I'd strongly consider going DO.

Hello,

Unfortunately after months, even years of studying for the mcats, i did not see any improvements. I felt the most prepared for this May exam, but my scores obviously say otherwise.

Here they are:

may 07: PS 8 VR 7 BS 9 Total 24O
jan 07: PS 7 VR 8 BS 10 Total 25Q
aug 06: PS 8 VR 8 BS 8 Total 24
aug 05: PS 6 VR 7 BS 7 Total 20M

Do you think I should still apply for a US MD program or is it def out of my reach...I am thinkin I might have to try MD programs in the Carrribeans that are affiliated with the US.

My other stuff is avg...3.5 gpa, good EC's, publications, 1 yr. Research exp.

 

[cher25]

Don't waste your time and money applying to MD programs in the US. Your chances are essentially nil. The Caribbean schools are always an option, but I'd strongly consider going DO.

A friend of mine applied, interviewed, and got accepted with a 22 MCAT. I should also mention that she had a 3.9 and good ECs.

 

[WanderLustMD]

Hello,

Here they are:

may 07: PS 8 VR 7 BS 9 Total 24O
jan 07: PS 7 VR 8 BS 10 Total 25Q
aug 06: PS 8 VR 8 BS 8 Total 24
aug 05: PS 6 VR 7 BS 7 Total 20M

Do you think I should still apply for a US MD program or is it def out of my reach...I am thinkin I might have to try MD programs in the Carrribeans that are affiliated with the US.

My other stuff is avg...3.5 gpa, good EC's, publications, 1 yr. Research exp.

With those stats I head right to St. Geroge in the carribbean, They are the best and I believe they have ~26MCAT and 3.3 GPA. Def the top choice for the "big three" carib schools...

I just would have a hard time repeating to the ignorant people that "Yes I went to medical school and am a real Doctor" if I got a DO. Although I do like their philosophy...

 

[wongb18c]

I'm in a very similar situation as the OP and would like some input from the forum....

My GPA is low at a 3.45 and my May MCAT this year is 33P. I just took the June.15th MCAT also in hopes of trying to improve a few points.

I only have 1 semester of research exp in a biochem lab at my school atm... I plan to get involved with some more research at my chem dept. in my university this fall.
I have about 6 months hospital work experience here in the US (I forget how many hours). I also have about 5 months work experience abroad in a hospital in China if it helps any.

Do I have a chance at a US allopathic school? What do you people suggest?

 

[WanderLustMD]

I'm in a very similar situation as the OP and would like some input from the forum....

My GPA is low at a 3.45 and my May MCAT this year is 33P. I just took the June.15th MCAT also in hopes of trying to improve a few points.

I only have 1 semester of research exp in a biochem lab at my school atm... I plan to get involved with some more research at my chem dept. in my university this fall.
I have about 6 months hospital work experience here in the US (I forget how many hours). I also have about 5 months work experience abroad in a hospital in China if it helps any.

Do I have a chance at US allopathic? What do you people suggest?

Yeah that work experience helps... if you want to solidify your resume, volunteer as well... You def have a shot especially with that MCAT, I'd apply broadly and if your BCMP isnt too low you'll be a shoe in... apply to your state schools as well even if they are reaches... Just my .02

 

[Schaden Freud]

You retook with a 33? You do realize that if you score lower you'll look like a real *******, right?

And a 3.45 is not generally considered low. 3.2 is low.

I'm in a very similar situation as the OP and would like some input from the forum....

My GPA is low at a 3.45 and my May MCAT this year is 33P. I just took the June.15th MCAT also in hopes of trying to improve a few points.

I only have 1 semester of research exp in a biochem lab at my school atm... I plan to get involved with some more research at my chem dept. in my university this fall.
I have about 6 months hospital work experience here in the US (I forget how many hours). I also have about 5 months work experience abroad in a hospital in China if it helps any.

Do I have a chance at a US allopathic school? What do you people suggest?

 

[almo88]

I'm in a very similar situation as the OP and would like some input from the forum....

My GPA is low at a 3.45 and my May MCAT this year is 33P. I just took the June.15th MCAT also in hopes of trying to improve a few points.

I only have 1 semester of research exp in a biochem lab at my school atm... I plan to get involved with some more research at my chem dept. in my university this fall.
I have about 6 months hospital work experience here in the US (I forget how many hours). I also have about 5 months work experience abroad in a hospital in China if it helps any.

Do I have a chance at a US allopathic school? What do you people suggest?

You had a great chance with a 33. I wouldn't have retaken unless there was some major malfunction with the last exam. Your EC's are excellent. I'm sure you'll do fine with your GPA too. I certainly do hope your MCAT didn't go down. Other than that, you're home free.

 

[spicedmanna]

I'm in a very similar situation as the OP and would like some input from the forum....

My GPA is low at a 3.45 and my May MCAT this year is 33P. I just took the June.15th MCAT also in hopes of trying to improve a few points.

I only have 1 semester of research exp in a biochem lab at my school atm... I plan to get involved with some more research at my chem dept. in my university this fall.
I have about 6 months hospital work experience here in the US (I forget how many hours). I also have about 5 months work experience abroad in a hospital in China if it helps any.

Do I have a chance at a US allopathic school? What do you people suggest?

You are a decent candidate for US allopathic medical schools. Your GPA is a bit below average, but it isn't that bad. Apply EARLY and broadly; see what happens.

I don't understand why you retook your MCAT, though, because it's already above average. In your case, I think a retake would be justified if you in fact didn't perform optimally, or if you have evidence to show that you can improve substantially, through consistant improvement on practice exams. I think if your GPA is low, then you would benefit most from fixing that, rather than from retaking your MCAT. Raising your MCAT won't make up for the fact that your GPA is lower; that kind of reasoning is faulty, in my opinion, and it is generally a myth that a better MCAT score can make up for a GPA deficiency and vise versa. Both your GPA and your MCAT score need to be good as you can get them. I don't want to scare you, but there is a likihood that scores could go down on a retake. Anyway, you've already retaken it, so hopefully you went up in score.

 

[spicedmanna]

Hello,

Unfortunately after months, even years of studying for the mcats, i did not see any improvements. I felt the most prepared for this May exam, but my scores obviously say otherwise.

Here they are:

may 07: PS 8 VR 7 BS 9 Total 24O
jan 07: PS 7 VR 8 BS 10 Total 25Q
aug 06: PS 8 VR 8 BS 8 Total 24
aug 05: PS 6 VR 7 BS 7 Total 20M

Do you think I should still apply for a US MD program or is it def out of my reach...I am thinkin I might have to try MD programs in the Carrribeans that are affiliated with the US.

My other stuff is avg...3.5 gpa, good EC's, publications, 1 yr. Research exp.

With those MCAT scores, I basically agree with Jochi. The majority of US allopathic schools are out of reach. I'd still apply to your state school(s), though, as sometimes, they will accept even with lower MCAT scores if you are instate. Your best options are the top Caribbean programs if you are only interested in an MD degree, and/or DO schools, if you can appreciate osteopathic medicine. In fact, you are pretty much right on the average in terms of osteopathic medical schools. I think if you applied early and broadly there and demonstrated an interest in osteopathic medicine, you'd have a decent chance.

 

[Phoenix.]

You retook with a 33? You do realize that if you score lower you'll look like a real *******, right?

And a 3.45 is not generally considered low. 3.2 is low.

I have NO idea what that person retook with a 33 and a 3.45 gpa, and I agree it doesn't seem like it was a good idea. But I could think of a circumstance where it *would* seem like a good idea to do so. If, for instance, they had a bad breakdown, like 7 13 13. It may seem unusual, but I've seen a number of people post who slay the science sections, but have real trouble with the verbal section. Perhaps that's why they retook. *shrug*

 

[almo88]

Hello,

Unfortunately after months, even years of studying for the mcats, i did not see any improvements. I felt the most prepared for this May exam, but my scores obviously say otherwise.

Here they are:

may 07: PS 8 VR 7 BS 9 Total 24O
jan 07: PS 7 VR 8 BS 10 Total 25Q
aug 06: PS 8 VR 8 BS 8 Total 24
aug 05: PS 6 VR 7 BS 7 Total 20M

Do you think I should still apply for a US MD program or is it def out of my reach...I am thinkin I might have to try MD programs in the Carrribeans that are affiliated with the US.

My other stuff is avg...3.5 gpa, good EC's, publications, 1 yr. Research exp.

I think your chances for a US MD school are slim. I would suggest DO before Carribean. Good luck.

 

[spicedmanna]

I have NO idea what that person retook with a 33 and a 3.45 gpa, and I agree it doesn't seem like it was a good idea. But I could think of a circumstance where it *would* seem like a good idea to do so. If, for instance, they had a bad breakdown, like 7 13 13. It may seem unusual, but I've seen a number of people post who slay the science sections, but have real trouble with the verbal section. Perhaps that's why they retook. *shrug*

Yeah, that's another possible indication to retake that I hadn't previously considered.

 

[wongb18c]

You are a decent candidate for US allopathic medical schools. Your GPA is a bit below average, but it isn't that bad. Apply EARLY and broadly; see what happens.

I don't understand why you retook your MCAT, though, because it's already above average. In your case, I think a retake would be justified if you in fact didn't perform optimally, or if you have evidence to show that you can improve substantially, through consistant improvement on practice exams. I think if your GPA is low, then you would benefit most from fixing that, rather than from retaking your MCAT. Raising your MCAT won't make up for the fact that your GPA is lower; that kind of reasoning is faulty, in my opinion, and it is generally a myth that a better MCAT score can make up for a GPA deficiency and vise versa. Both your GPA and your MCAT score need to be good as you can get them. I don't want to scare you, but there is a likihood that scores could go down on a retake. Anyway, you've already retaken it, so hopefully you went up in score.

Thanks for the info... I'll give it a shot and apply broadly and see what happens.

My breakdown was 11PS 13BS 9V. Weak in the verbal.

The only reason I re-took the MCAT is because of my low 3.45.... I figured with my 3.45, a 33 probably won't get me in anywhere, and I am one of those people who thought that a low GPA needs to be compensated by a better MCAT score. Apparently, from what you say, my reasoning is not exactly correct. I hesitated a lot too when deciding whether to retake or not... and you guys are most likely probably right, when I look at my AAMC scores... I'm probably not going to do any better, most likely worse.

AAMC3 26
AAMC4 31
AAMC5 33
AAMC6 35
AAMC7 27
AAMC8 30
AAMC9 34
AAMC10 33

 

[BrokenGlass]

Some of us have been blessed with keys to a house. Sometimes you gotta use the backdoor. And sometimes you gotta crawl through the first floor window. And sometime you gotta go through the second story window. I just took my MCAT this week. Whatever my score- 20 or 40- I am applying out to MD schools. Even if I get a 40 I am still applying to carribean schools- because i know how life works. Sometimes things don't go your way and sometimes they do. The point is you get where you want to in the end- a hospital and working as a physician.

Carribean is a good option....DO is not bad either..... Do a shotgun effect of applying to 20+ schools- maximizes chances

What do you mean by "sometime you gotta go through the second story window?" Do you mean IN or OUT of the building?

 

[wongb18c]

ops double post

 

[texassax]

I don't want to get flamed by those who are or might be attending a Caribbean medical school, but.... I attended a Caribbean school for two years, finishing the basics and didn't pass Step 1 on my first (and only) try. I went back and studied, and raised my MCAT score to be competitive in Texas, and hope to be the first med school student to repeat the first two years. Out of the class of around 180 that started, only a handful of my friends graduated on time, and will practice as foreign med grads.
It's an extremely tough and expensive way to go. If your grades/MCAT are not there, invest in a review course, and dedicate your life to improving your MCAT score. Although I learned an incredible amount, and now have a chance at going to a U.S. medical school, I also have a large amount of debt to pay off.
Bottom line, go D.O. first, or else think about another career. In my opinion, if you can't score high enough on the MCAT, you probably are not prepared to get through med school and pass step 1. Sorry if it sounds negative, but please think very long and hard before you go to a Caribbean school.

 

[atalkinghead]

My advice: don't listen to people telling you to apply to DO schools. If you want to apply to an MD school, then do your best with your application. I know someone who got into medical school with an MCAT score of 24 and a GPA of 3.4. She also took the MCAT 3 different times, but she was phenomenal in her interview, and she had a lot of volunteer work. She also did very well in medical school. She is now a resident at the same university.

I know people like to ask for advice, but only you can get yourself where you want to be!!

 

[deleted103644]

You have no shot at US MD schools. Schools will consider people with MCAT scores as low as yours only if they can be reasonably convinced that it was a fluke - i.e. not one of 4 or 5 extremely bad scores. Your GPA also will not convince them that you can handle the material, unless perhaps you go to a top tier engineering school - which I doubt judging from your PS scores. I know I'm being harsh, but I'll say what needs to be said: you should reconsider medicine as your career.

Your stats make it tough for you to even get into a lower tier DO school, and aside from the top few Caribbean schools, most are essentially scams to take American students money without preparing them for US boards. If after this much preparation you cannot do better on the MCATs, it is very unlikely that you will be able to pass the USMLE, and definitely not get a score good enough to make up for a foreign medical degree. Save yourself a lot of money, frustration, and grief by looking into other options now. I may get flamed for writing this, but better you hear it now than after spending tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars at a Caribbean medical school only to find out you can't practice medicine.

 

[noshie]

First of all you will never know if you can get in unless you try. Also I wouldnt put too much faith into some of the people on this thread telling you that you have no chance of getting into a US med school and not to even bother applying, they probably dont want you to apply to give themselves a better chance. I live in Texas. Yes we have just about the most competitive medical schools in the country. I work with people that got in this year to Galveston and Tech with 25 MCATs. Its all about how you sell yourself. You cant just rely on GPA and MCAT alone. You need some experience in the medical field and possibly volunteer work to back up your application. Good Luck.

 

[BigRedPremed]

My advice: don't listen to people telling you to apply to DO schools. If you want to apply to an MD school, then do your best with your application. I know someone who got into medical school with an MCAT score of 24 and a GPA of 3.4. She also took the MCAT 3 different times, but she was phenomenal in her interview, and she had a lot of volunteer work. She also did very well in medical school. She is now a resident at the same university.

I know people like to ask for advice, but only you can get yourself where you want to be!!

Everyone always has an anecdote, don't they?

The numbers say otherwise. DO schools are the OP's best bet with those scores and that GPA.

 

[BigRedPremed]

Thanks for the info... I'll give it a shot and apply broadly and see what happens.

My breakdown was 11PS 13BS 9V. Weak in the verbal.

The only reason I re-took the MCAT is because of my low 3.45.... I figured with my 3.45, a 33 probably won't get me in anywhere, and I am one of those people who thought that a low GPA needs to be compensated by a better MCAT score. Apparently, from what you say, my reasoning is not exactly correct. I hesitated a lot too when deciding whether to retake or not... and you guys are most likely probably right, when I look at my AAMC scores... I'm probably not going to do any better, most likely worse.

AAMC3 26
AAMC4 31
AAMC5 33
AAMC6 35
AAMC7 27
AAMC8 30
AAMC9 34
AAMC10 33

It was definitely gutsy retaking the MCAT. Let us know how it turns out. Good luck!

 

[atalkinghead]

delete

 

[proclivity]

You have no shot at US MD schools. Schools will consider people with MCAT scores as low as yours only if they can be reasonably convinced that it was a fluke - i.e. not one of 4 or 5 extremely bad scores. Your GPA also will not convince them that you can handle the material, unless perhaps you go to a top tier engineering school - which I doubt judging from your PS scores. I know I'm being harsh, but I'll say what needs to be said: you should reconsider medicine as your career.

Your stats make it tough for you to even get into a lower tier DO school, and aside from the top few Caribbean schools, most are essentially scams to take American students money without preparing them for US boards. If after this much preparation you cannot do better on the MCATs, it is very unlikely that you will be able to pass the USMLE, and definitely not get a score good enough to make up for a foreign medical degree. Save yourself a lot of money, frustration, and grief by looking into other options now. I may get flamed for writing this, but better you hear it now than after spending tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars at a Caribbean medical school only to find out you can't practice medicine.

Dude, not appropriate.

I hope the OP is swapping out a heart for you when you are 60.

 

[kitkat33]

Hey guys. I'm new here. Glad I found this thread!
Hey ankit1ag, I'm in the same boat as you. I just got my 6th MCAT scores back (yeah, you heard right.............6th!). My stats:
#1 - 23P
#2 - 24Q
#3 - 26N
#4 - 25Q
#5 - 25R
#6 - 28R (PS10, VR8, BS10.........I can't remember the breakdown of the others........)

I was thinking about doing the Carribbean thing until when I got the score today..............do you guys think I have a chance at 1) a US allo school 2) a US DO school and 3) Carribbean school? somebody said that you need a 'significant' improvement............what do you guys see in my scores?..........any significant change? Has anyone with stats like these gotten into a US allo school? what is the GPA needed to makeup for the low MCAT? Mine is close to3.3.............Any input is welcomed! Good LUck ankit1ag and the rest of you guys, and thnx alot in advance!

K.T.

 

[Funky]

Hey guys. I'm new here. Glad I found this thread!
Hey ankit1ag, I'm in the same boat as you. I just got my 6th MCAT scores back (yeah, you heard right.............6th!). My stats:
#1 - 23P
#2 - 24Q
#3 - 26N
#4 - 25Q
#5 - 25R
#6 - 28R (PS10, VR8, BS10.........I can't remember the breakdown of the others........)

I was thinking about doing the Carribbean thing until when I got the score today..............do you guys think I have a chance at 1) a US allo school 2) a US DO school and 3) Carribbean school? somebody said that you need a 'significant' improvement............what do you guys see in my scores?..........any significant change? Has anyone with stats like these gotten into a US allo school? what is the GPA needed to makeup for the low MCAT? Mine is close to3.3.............Any input is welcomed! Good LUck ankit1ag and the rest of you guys, and thnx alot in advance!

K.T.

With a GPA around 3.3 I would say you should aim 32 and above although even with a 30 you could be getting interviews. There are just so many things that go into the whole process, you can't just consider one or two things. Try getting the highest score you can on the MCAT and then once you get the score, we could give you a better estimate because practices are just practices anyway.

Good luck

 

[kitkat33]

Hey Docfunk - those were the real takes (all 6 of them).........

 

[MedGrl@2022]

Apply D.O..... you will definately get in... CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I wish I could get scores as good as yours

Hello,

Unfortunately after months, even years of studying for the mcats, i did not see any improvements. I felt the most prepared for this May exam, but my scores obviously say otherwise.

Here they are:

may 07: PS 8 VR 7 BS 9 Total 24O
jan 07: PS 7 VR 8 BS 10 Total 25Q
aug 06: PS 8 VR 8 BS 8 Total 24
aug 05: PS 6 VR 7 BS 7 Total 20M

Do you think I should still apply for a US MD program or is it def out of my reach...I am thinkin I might have to try MD programs in the Carrribeans that are affiliated with the US.

My other stuff is avg...3.5 gpa, good EC's, publications, 1 yr. Research exp.