Chances with 34 mcat but poor physical sciences?

[IKDairo]

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I have a 34 total on the MCAT: 13 bio, 12 verbal 9 physical sciences. Undergrad GPA was 3.8 from a top school and 3.9 from a postbac at an excellent school. My EC include significant volunteer work in healthcare settings in developing countries and in clinical and research settings in the US. What are my chances for a top ten with that poor showing in MCAT physical sciences?

 

[abcabc1]

I think you should apply to the top schools, but understand that a score of 9 on the PS does hurt. You have an excellent application, but there is one minor flaw (your PS score). These schools get such strong applicants, that a minor flaw such as yours can be the difference between acceptance and rejection.

That said, you still have a chance at the top schools and, so long as you can absorb the additional cost, I think you should apply to them.

 

[IKDairo]

Thanks for the advice. I've been considering re-taking to pull that PS section up. It's a risk, but potentially worth it. Anyone have knowledge about how it would look to re-take with an already decent cumulative?

 

[big_smiles]

That doesn't sound like a good idea. You sound like an excellent candidate. Why go through all the pain and money.
34 is really, really good. . stick with it. You'll get interviews.

 

[physic]

If you retake your MCAT your cumulative score would likely stay the same up in PS down in something else. I see this over and over again with candidates that I interview. A 34 is a solid score that is hard to improve upon. If your physics and math grades are good then perhaps you just had a bad physics day.

The low PS may not put you in the top tier of applicants at the top schools but you are very competitive. If you interview well then the PS will not be as much of a factor. If you interview is so-so then the PS score may become more of an issue when the committee meets.

 

[IKDairo]

Thanks for the replies everyone. It's much appreciated! Good luck to everyone applying now, in the past, and in the future.

 

[Textuality]

Yeah, and the 9 will matter less if you had A's in your physics classes. I don't think it'll be a huge deal, I think a 9 in the bio or verbal sections would hurt a lot worse, heh.

We actually have similar stats 🙂 Hope it all goes well!