Chem grad student with low MCAT for DO

[ChemKing01]

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Hello everyone!

I have a 3.77 GPA with my Masters in chemistry and a 493(21-22) MCAT. Since the average of many DO schools range from 23-25, half of the people must score lower than 24-ish. So hopefully I have some chance.

I was wondering if any DO school would accept me, and if so, which schools I should apply to! Thanks!

 

[dan123]

Probably to late to apply this cycle . I would re-take the mcat this spring or summer and try and get a better score. also try and find out what went wrong in your studying to get that score and fix it for next time

 

[trs88]

What was your undergrad GPA? Or is the 3.77 your undergrad?

I really think that mcat score is too low, and that you'll need to retake it. Also, I think the average mcat is 25-26. It's slowly creeping upward with each passing year.
Admissions said that the average incoming mcat score for the 2020 class was a 503. And I'm not at one of the long term established schools either.

 

[ChemKing01]

What was your undergrad GPA? Or is the 3.77 your undergrad?

I really think that mcat score is too low, and that you'll need to retake it. Also, I think the average mcat is 25-26. It's slowly creeping upward with each passing year.
Admissions said that the average incoming mcat score for the 2020 class was a 503. And I'm not at one of the long term established schools either.

Med admissions said the grad. gpa being a 3.77 is just as, or more important than my undergrad., since my undergrad. was well over a 3.0, but not as high as 3.77. They said the upward trend and high GPA is as much or more important.

Im think of applying to every DO next cycle, and very early. I still think that since the average of some DO schools is 24, many people have to be getting 21-23 as well.

 

[Optimist Prime]

Not good for DO retake your mcat.

 

[ChemKing01]

What are my chances of getting in "somewhere" for DO, if I applied to every DO school?

 

[Philotic]

What are my chances of getting in "somewhere" for DO, if I applied to every DO school?

Here's a list of some stats for a lot of the DO schools that some SDN folk have put together: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/msar-for-do.1115265/#post-16055436

You can also take a look at the underdawgs thread to see if anyone had your similar stats and got accepted: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...derdawgs-thread.1128083/page-10#post-17457616

Honestly though, why would you only want to shoot for "somewhere?" If you've already put in a lot of effort and time into this career goal, it doesn't make any sense that you wouldn't want to make yourself the most competitive applicant. It sounds like you're absolutely capable with that fantastic GPA, so why settle? Best of luck 🙂

 

[zero0]

What are my chances of getting in "somewhere" for DO, if I applied to every DO school?

You don't want to apply to every DO school. It would be expensive and a waste of time to apply to some schools, even with a 520 MCAT, because a lot of them are mission based or biased toward a specific region. You're going to have to do some research and come up with an actual list. Apply day 1 to maximize your chances.

As far as MCAT averages go, most of the stats we have on admissions are a little outdated. After this cycle, I'd be surprised if any DO school had an average MCAT below 25/500. DO admissions is getting kind of rough. Also, keep in mind the people who are accepted with low MCAT's have something else going for their application like monster EC's (and I mean MONSTER EC's), URM, military service, etc.

Btw a 493 is actually closer to a 20 on the old scale, and that's being generous. You're most likely going to have to retake the MCAT you poor bastard. The new one is just miserable...

 

[costales]

I have a 3.77 GPA with my Masters in chemistry and a 493(21-22) MCAT. Since the average of many DO schools range from 23-25, half of the people must score lower than 24-ish.

You're confusing the average with the median.

 

[el_duderino]

Your application will list your undergrad and grad GPAs separately. Your undergrad GPA matters much more.

What is it?

 

[zero0]

Your application will list your undergrad and grad GPAs separately. Your undergrad GPA matters much more.

What is it?

This too. Most grad GPA's are notoriously inflated. Med school admissions don't really take them seriously unless it's from a reputable program.

 

[mathnerd88]

Hello everyone!

I have a 3.77 GPA with my Masters in chemistry and a 493(21-22) MCAT. Since the average of many DO schools range from 23-25, half of the people must score lower than 24-ish. So hopefully I have some chance.

I was wondering if any DO school would accept me, and if so, which schools I should apply to! Thanks!

I only know of two schools that has MCAT averages of less than 25, and that is LUCOM and KYCOM (with 24.6 MCAT.) Everywhere else have at least 25 MCAT averages. There are many who are already 28-30. I would say most DO schools have average MCAT of 26-27. Your assumption is a bit off.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...o-school-list-by-stats.1181065/#post-17360717

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I agree with @mathnerd88 with the only thing I would change is that your assumption is way off, instead of a bit. You need to retake the MCAT and score above 505 to have a real chance. The only people who get in with 20 MCATs are those who have some incredible story, are URM, or have a crazy EC like military service. Usually a combination of the above. And no school will care about your grad GPA. Your undergrad GPA is pretty much all that matters.

 

[IslandStyle808]

I actually made some secondary cutoffs because of my combined gradGPA and ugGPA. From the standpoint of admissions, I am not sure how they view gGPA. There are handful of MD schools who weigh both equally, but not sure on how DO schools weigh them (I believe that some may put equal weight but others may not). However, don't believe for a second that they won't care how you did in your masters just because one has a high ugGPA.

 

[0dee]

You should look into podiatry as an alternative unless you really want that DO spot so bad. If so, then retaking the MCAT is your only option.

 

[FutureD.O]

Hello everyone!

I have a 3.77 GPA with my Masters in chemistry and a 493(21-22) MCAT. Since the average of many DO schools range from 23-25, half of the people must score lower than 24-ish. So hopefully I have some chance.

I was wondering if any DO school would accept me, and if so, which schools I should apply to! Thanks!

Coming from someone who bombed a sub-20 score and then SIGNIFICANTLY improved (I made poor decision to take my first MCAT at a very bad time in my life), you NEED to retake your MCAT. Score consistently 500+ on your practice tests before taking the real deal and I think you'll land a spot if you apply wide (assuming you have decent ECs).

PM if you have any further questions!

 

[ChemKing01]

My undergrad. GPA was only around the B range, which is why I entered a difficult masters program to show med school I could handle the course load and what-not. I'll probably graduate with a 3.77 chem. grad GPA, which is still decent considering some of the courses I took were actually undergrad. classes that weren't inflated (A- in quantum chemistry, etc.)

But I failed to do well on my MCAT, and dont know how a 22 will look. I was kind of hoping one DO school would take mercy on my soul and accept me.

I do plan on applying to every DO I can for next cycle early, and if I do not get accepted, Im retaking the MCAT. I'll retake it the maximum amount of times before considering dentistry, etc. I scored an average of 499 between 6 or 7 practice tests. 493 on the real thing.

Thanks everyone for the feedback! I reall do appreciate it, but still am unsure if applying everywhere is worth it (lets assume money isnt an issue in applications when I ask this). Thanks!

 

[torontopharm]

My undergrad. GPA was only around the B range, which is why I entered a difficult masters program to show med school I could handle the course load and what-not. I'll probably graduate with a 3.77 chem. grad GPA, which is still decent considering some of the courses I took were actually undergrad. classes that weren't inflated (A- in quantum chemistry, etc.)

Thanks everyone for the feedback! I reall do appreciate it, but still am unsure if applying everywhere is worth it (lets assume money isnt an issue in applications when I ask this). Thanks!

Speaking from experience, kudos to you for getting through those nasty Phys Chem, Inorganic and Quantum/Structure and bonding courses.
I'd contact the DO schools you're interested in and directly ask them how they view grad GPA. If you search around sdn, you'll see some people mentioning there are certain schools that look at grad GPA favorably. In any case, better to contact the admissions officials directly. And don't take the MCAT again until you score 500-505+ on your practice tests. As someone else mentioned, your MCAT might be fine for Podiatry schools..so look into that if you're interested.

 

[ChemKing01]

Speaking from experience, kudos to you for getting through those nasty Phys Chem, Inorganic and Quantum/Structure and bonding courses.
I'd contact the DO schools you're interested in and directly ask them how they view grad GPA. If you search around sdn, you'll see some people mentioning there are certain schools that look at grad GPA favorably. In any case, better to contact the admissions officials directly. And don't take the MCAT again until you score 500-505+ on your practice tests. As someone else mentioned, your MCAT might be fine for Podiatry schools..so look into that if you're interested.

Yes, I have noticed admission committees seem more straightforward and obviously more insightful than what I can gather here. Most admissions for example tell me my grad. GPA is actually more important than my undergrad. because of the decent upward trend (after all, they are the ones that advised me to get a masters in a hard science to prove I could handle it).

However, they are sometimes less direct with MCAT scores so I was just wondering what the overall consensus was here. I plan on getting an industry job in chemistry or teaching chemistry at a small college while studying for an MCAT retake.

However, I was really hoping one DO school would weigh stats way more heavily on academics and ECs over MCAT scores. Things like me being a published chem. author and starting a health-related organization on campus. Having a good high GPA and masters in chem. That stuff to make up for my 22 MCAT. Just one DO school. lol.

 

[IslandStyle808]

Yes, I have noticed admission committees seem more straightforward and obviously more insightful than what I can gather here. Most admissions for example tell me my grad. GPA is actually more important than my undergrad. because of the decent upward trend (after all, they are the ones that advised me to get a masters in a hard science to prove I could handle it).

However, they are sometimes less direct with MCAT scores so I was just wondering what the overall consensus was here. I plan on getting an industry job in chemistry or teaching chemistry at a small college while studying for an MCAT retake.

However, I was really hoping one DO school would weigh stats way more heavily on academics and ECs over MCAT scores. Things like me being a published chem. author and starting a health-related organization on campus. Having a good high GPA and masters in chem. That stuff to make up for my 22 MCAT. Just one DO school. lol.

Unfortunately they will be averaging that GPA along with your ugGPA. So pre-interview having a high overall and high MCAT will net interviews, they don't take recent upward trends into consideration until after your interview. Your best bet is retaking that MCAT and getting it high as possible before you apply.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Yes, I have noticed admission committees seem more straightforward and obviously more insightful than what I can gather here. Most admissions for example tell me my grad. GPA is actually more important than my undergrad. because of the decent upward trend (after all, they are the ones that advised me to get a masters in a hard science to prove I could handle it).

However, they are sometimes less direct with MCAT scores so I was just wondering what the overall consensus was here. I plan on getting an industry job in chemistry or teaching chemistry at a small college while studying for an MCAT retake.

However, I was really hoping one DO school would weigh stats way more heavily on academics and ECs over MCAT scores. Things like me being a published chem. author and starting a health-related organization on campus. Having a good high GPA and masters in chem. That stuff to make up for my 22 MCAT. Just one DO school. lol.

You don't have a 22. You have about a 20 and that is being generous. Don't apply this cycle, you will be throwing away money with that score. Not to mention you are at a significant risk to fail boards. Study for a retake and don't take it until you are averaging a 500+ on every practice test.

I agree that podiatry schools will take you with that MCAT. I would look into it. You might get a scholarship with that grad GPA.

 

[ChemKing01]

I'll probably apply to get used to the application process and because there are some DO schools with low MCAT scores. I could always work chemistry industry or as a chemistry instructor at a college while studying for a year.

D.O. is my first choice, not podiatry, etc.

 

[zero0]

I'll probably apply to get used to the application process and because there are some DO schools with low MCAT scores. I could always work chemistry industry or as a chemistry instructor at a college while studying for a year.

D.O. is my first choice, not podiatry, etc.

Wait I forgot to factor in that COCA approves several new schools a year. Just apply to the 5 or 6 for-profit schools that are bound to open up next year and you might get lucky.

 

[samac]

Just pointing out that your MCAT score as others have said is NOT a 21-22. You seem to be ignoring that. It's more like a 19. You're not getting anywhere with that and an inflated grad GPA.

 

[deleted610572]

.

 

[el_duderino]

I'll probably apply to get used to the application process and because there are some DO schools with low MCAT scores. I could always work chemistry industry or as a chemistry instructor at a college while studying for a year.

D.O. is my first choice, not podiatry, etc.

Bad idea. Being a reapplicant is bad. Schools can see your previous applications, and applying when you're sure to fail is a sign of poor judgment. You certainly don't need any tick marks against you.

 

[68PGunner]

I'm going to spell this out for you. Your chances of getting an acceptance at even the lowest of the low among DOs is close to zero if you are not URM or prior military. You will throw close to $1000 away if you don't listen to us. Retake the MCAT and come back here when you get a new score.

 

[Ho0v-man]

I've had to retake. I know it's stressful but necessary. There's always that fear you'll do even worse and that's tough to deal with.

My first attempt was a 23. I live 20 minutes from a new DO school. I know people that work there. I have mad clinical experience and a 3.83 gpa. Doctors in the area that I work with went and spoke with the dean on my behalf even before my interview. I thought that I could squeak in and never worry about the MCAT again.

Waitlisted due to low MCAT.

No other school even gave me the time of day until I got a higher score. My old score is higher than yours.

You're MCAT is too low for an SMP to save you and that's really the only masters level work that ever makes a difference in admissions. Having a masters in chemistry doesn't make you special. Plenty of applicants have masters degrees AND a good MCAT.

The MCAT is stressful, but it's not as stressful as the application cycle. You only want to apply once!


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[ChemKing01]

I've had to retake. I know it's stressful but necessary. There's always that fear you'll do even worse and that's tough to deal with.

My first attempt was a 23. I live 20 minutes from a new DO school. I know people that work there. I have mad clinical experience and a 3.83 gpa. Doctors in the area that I work with went and spoke with the dean on my behalf even before my interview. I thought that I could squeak in and never worry about the MCAT again.

Waitlisted due to low MCAT.

No other school even gave me the time of day until I got a higher score. My old score is higher than yours.

You're MCAT is too low for an SMP to save you and that's really the only masters level work that ever makes a difference in admissions. Having a masters in chemistry doesn't make you special. Plenty of applicants have masters degrees AND a good MCAT.

The MCAT is stressful, but it's not as stressful as the application cycle. You only want to apply once!


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I went and talked to many different schools (DO and MD), and they told me this:

1.) Get a masters in any science and do well

2.) Do well on the MCAT

I agree that my MCAT needs a lot of work, but to say that having a high GPA with a chem masters isnt extremely helpful is untrue, according to admissions themselves.

An SMP isnt helpful to me at this point because Ive already shown I can handle an extremely difficult load well. I just havent proved I can score well on standardized testing yet.

I can't see it hurting to apply a couple times. Not enough to make the difference for an acceptance/rejection.

 

[Ho0v-man]

I went and talked to many different schools (DO and MD), and they told me this:

1.) Get a masters in any science and do well

2.) Do well on the MCAT

I agree that my MCAT needs a lot of work, but to say that having a high GPA with a chem masters isnt extremely helpful is untrue, according to admissions themselves.

An SMP isnt helpful to me at this point because Ive already shown I can handle an extremely difficult load well. I just havent proved I can score well on standardized testing yet.

I can't see it hurting to apply a couple times. Not enough to make the difference for an acceptance/rejection.

Well hey I hope it works out for ya. I kind of feel like this is like giving relationship advice to someone who really just a wants someone to validate what they already want to do. No one has given you that validation.

Your masters degree would be very useful for distinguishing between you and another applicant who has a similar application in terms of gpa, MCAT, extracurriculars. However, it seems that there's only one way you're going to learn this lesson.

I am curious as to why someone who asserts that he/she knows so much about this process would even bother starting this thread.


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[88559]

I went and talked to many different schools (DO and MD), and they told me this:

1.) Get a masters in any science and do well

2.) Do well on the MCAT

I agree that my MCAT needs a lot of work, but to say that having a high GPA with a chem masters isnt extremely helpful is untrue, according to admissions themselves.

An SMP isnt helpful to me at this point because Ive already shown I can handle an extremely difficult load well. I just havent proved I can score well on standardized testing yet.

I can't see it hurting to apply a couple times. Not enough to make the difference for an acceptance/rejection.

I think the consensus everyone is saying here is you are going to be taking a huge gamble applying with that low score and being a reapplicant isn't a good thing. Most people I know say you get three strikes. By the third strike of reapplying, if you are rejected, then it's game over. That being said, there are always people who applied more times and get in and people who have low numbers that get in. However, those instances are really RARE. The safest thing to do is restudy and take the MCAT again (as you are planning) to show them you can do it. In medical school, you're going to have to take so many more standardized tests. I think taking some time to learn how to study and how you take tests can not only improve your MCAT scores but increase your board scores later on.

I agree with others here who says that applying to as many school as possible isn't going to increase your chances of getting accepted. You have to be very very meticulous on where you apply. For example, do you have ECs that resonate with one school's mission? If so, maybe they will overlook a low score because you match their mission. That is something to consider.

All that being said, if you feel you are prepared and want to see where you stand, I will say go and apply. Although I didn't do a Master's program, I did take an extra year in undergrad to demonstrate an upward trend and did a lot of extra curricular. My advisor suggested I wait another year and retake the MCAT to get a higher score, but I wanted to see where I stand. I went and applied, but I was very realistic about my chances as was preparing to apply to a Master's program, etc. I understand you have worked hard and it sucks to think that your upward trend and ECs mean nothing because of a low MCAT score. However, again, don't go applying to every school (unless you are that rich and can really afford the money as well as the time doing supplemental) and remember to be realistic about your chances.

While applying, you should start working on retaking your MCAT as well as adding to your application with other things such as shadowing, etc. because if you are not accepted, then you need to show improvements as a reapplicant and not just with an MCAT score. Good luck!

 

[Poro]

I agree with the others that you should retake your Mcat. Aim for a 500 at least to give yourself a chance.

How do your ECs look?

I have a similar ugpa. Finishing my chem masters with a 4.0 gpa. And a 31 mcat.

Pretty sure I wouldn't have gotten very far without that mcat score so I highly recommend retaking it after some serious studying.


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[DrMikeP]

Hello everyone!

I have a 3.77 GPA with my Masters in chemistry and a 493(21-22) MCAT. Since the average of many DO schools range from 23-25, half of the people must score lower than 24-ish. So hopefully I have some chance.

I was wondering if any DO school would accept me, and if so, which schools I should apply to! Thanks!

Many DO schools will weigh in your grad education gpa, thus not concerned about that as much. However, you recognize you have a HUGE MCAT problem and several months or more and still be considered an early applicant for the next cycle to fix it. This isn't a case of someone saying it's application time and I'm putting my best foot possible forward and throwing a hail mary pass to see if it sticks. Applying now is a waste of time when you should be studying.

Assuming your application wasn't automatically eliminated by the min wage student worker who was blindly sorting based on scores. As an adcom member I'd wonder why you were maybe 'too lazy' to make yourself a better candidate by being decently over 500+ MCAT and would that mean you'd be ok with below average boards, coursework, etc. My question would be why the heck wouldn't you fix it first?????????? Apply with that low of an MCAT would show poor judgment. Poor judgement = questionable med student. Following my logic?

~60% plus of people won't get in and you are competing against those showing they will do whatever what it takes if given any possible amount of time.

So take the MCAT and nail it and you'll have a good shot. Stop wasting time on SDN and study! Best of Luck!

 

[el_duderino]

I went and talked to many different schools (DO and MD)

What does this mean? What schools let you physically show up and talk to adcoms about selection criteria?

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

You aren't listening, it appears you will have to learn the hard way. Go ahead and apply but it is your funeral. You have about a 0.5 % chance of acceptance. If you have to apply then apply to LUCOM so you aren't a reapplicant at other schools.

 

[ChemKing01]

I agree with the others that you should retake your Mcat. Aim for a 500 at least to give yourself a chance.

How do your ECs look?

I have a similar ugpa. Finishing my chem masters with a 4.0 gpa. And a 31 mcat.

Pretty sure I wouldn't have gotten very far without that mcat score so I highly recommend retaking it after some serious studying.


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EC's look fine. Many hours job shadowing, helped start a Timmy Global Health Chapter at my Uni., Chemistry Publication, etc.

The one thing that really hurts my app is the MCAT.

 

[ChemKing01]

What does this mean? What schools let you physically show up and talk to adcoms about selection criteria?

I had one on one meetings with my states Medical Schools admissions personnel at a couple universities. The meetings generally last 10-20 minutes.

 

[ChemKing01]

You aren't listening, it appears you will have to learn the hard way. Go ahead and apply but it is your funeral. You have about a 0.5 % chance of acceptance. If you have to apply then apply to LUCOM so you aren't a reapplicant at other schools.

If I was a reapplicant, then my MCAT would only be even better by the time I would reapply. So I just dont see the harm in applying, getting rejected, and then applying later with a better MCAT. It just seems worth the chance. The theoretical O.5% is a number I wouldnt mind gambling, considering the payoff is medicals school.

 

[el_duderino]

I had one on one meetings with my states Medical Schools admissions personnel at a couple universities. The meetings generally last 10-20 minutes.

And these 15-20 minute meetings with multiple adcoms at multiple medical schools told you that your undergrad GPA doesn't really matter?

 

[el_duderino]

I just dont see the harm in applying, getting rejected, and then applying later with a better MCAT.

That's because you refuse to see.

 

[ChemKing01]

Many DO schools will weigh in your grad education gpa, thus not concerned about that as much. However, you recognize you have a HUGE MCAT problem and several months or more and still be considered an early applicant for the next cycle to fix it. This isn't a case of someone saying it's application time and I'm putting my best foot possible forward and throwing a hail mary pass to see if it sticks. Applying now is a waste of time when you should be studying.

Assuming your application wasn't automatically eliminated by the min wage student worker who was blindly sorting based on scores. As an adcom member I'd wonder why you were maybe 'too lazy' to make yourself a better candidate by being decently over 500+ MCAT and would that mean you'd be ok with below average boards, coursework, etc. My question would be why the heck wouldn't you fix it first?????????? Apply with that low of an MCAT would show poor judgment. Poor judgement = questionable med student. Following my logic?

~60% plus of people won't get in and you are competing against those showing they will do whatever what it takes if given any possible amount of time.

So take the MCAT and nail it and you'll have a good shot. Stop wasting time on SDN and study! Best of Luck!

I actually did try very hard to study for the MCAT. Chemistry graduate school took up a lot of time, even during the summers. Im not sure if lack of time had anything to do with it. I did watch 1,000+ Khan videos on normal speed, read the biochem. kaplan book, and took 6-7 MCAT practice tests beforehand (averaged 499.6), so basically 25. I thought I was ready, but I wasn't.

Maybe I should take a Kaplan course. What do you think? Thanks!

 

[ChemKing01]

And these 15-20 minute meetings with multiple adcoms at multiple medical schools told you that your undergrad GPA doesn't really matter?

They all told me pretty much the same thing:

1.) Do a science masters, and do it well

2.) Do well on the MCAT

Yes, undergrad. GPA matters, but if your grad. GPA shows immense improvement, then that is looked well upon by medical school committees. Some of which, said my grad. GPA mattered equally, "if not more". They wouldnt advise otherwise if it didnt.

 

[DrMikeP]

You aren't listening, it appears you will have to learn the hard way. Go ahead and apply but it is your funeral. You have about a 0.5 % chance of acceptance. If you have to apply then apply to LUCOM so you aren't a reapplicant at other schools.

I disagree, I think apply to every DO school on aacomas and Texas as well. It's only money. I bet you get a ton of secondaries and if you don't want to take the advice then posting on SDN is pretty useless.

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[FutureD.O]

In my opinion, the reapplicant status you will have at all of the school's the second time around is NOT worth the gamble.

 

[ChemKing01]

In my opinion, the reapplicant status you will have at all of the school's the second time around is NOT worth the gamble.

I would imagine the worst case scenario is they reject me, and I for sure have to retake the MCAT, and then I can just apply again. I can't imagine any Medical School would reject me the second time again solely on the basis I was rejected the first time? Or is that off base?

 

[ChemKing01]

I disagree, I think apply to every DO school on aacomas and Texas as well. It's only money. I bet you get a ton of secondaries and if you don't want to take the advice then posting on SDN is pretty useless.

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The MCAT advise on SDN was what I was mostly looking for. The whole "chem grad school gpa", etc. is something Ive already discussed with many admissions so that's what Im trying to avoid. However, most admissions arent as clear as to what MCAT scores will work and what wont, so thats why I chose SDN for advise ont hat specific topic.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I would imagine the worst case scenario is they reject me, and I for sure have to retake the MCAT, and then I can just apply again. I can't imagine any Medical School would reject me the second time again solely on the basis I was rejected the first time? Or is that off base?

I am going to try and be very clear. Being a reapplicant is a bad thing, and if you are one then adcoms expect SIGNIFICANT improvement from one app to the next. I honestly don't think just an improved MCAT score will cut it unless you honestly get a 505+. Applying with the equivalent to a 19 is showing poor judgement as well and many adcoms will wonder what you were thinking. Even if you came in with a 505+ many will wonder what you were thinking and most likely hold it against you. Not saying you wouldn't get in but it would cause unnecessary doubt you could have avoided.

And again, what you are saying about your grad GPA is going against what multiple verified ADCOM members on this site have said. Your grad GPA will be nice but unless your uGPA is up to snuff not many people will care unless your masters is an SMP. Only one school in the whole nation will replace your uGPA with gGPA that I am aware of and I believe it is Wayne State (? Someone is free to correct me, I could be wrong)

The MCAT advise on SDN was what I was mostly looking for. The whole "chem grad school gpa", etc. is something Ive already discussed with many admissions so that's what Im trying to avoid. However, most admissions arent as clear as to what MCAT scores will work and what wont, so thats why I chose SDN for advise ont hat specific topic.

And schools are very clear on the MCAT. Your score is abysmal for admissions. That is just the brutal honest truth. Unless you are URM and just got off a plane from an active tour then you don't have a chance. Most schools these days have a cutoff on their websites of a 500. The lowest I have seen is a 498. And those are cutoffs.

Heck even if you need to apply this cycle start prepping for a retake now and take it in July and get your app out there in August. That isn't too late for DO admissions.

 

[IslandStyle808]

And these 15-20 minute meetings with multiple adcoms at multiple medical schools told you that your undergrad GPA doesn't really matter?

It's because their advice only applies to their schools. I had been given similar advice by an adcom in the past. They are not seeing it in the larger scale picture, hence the importance of SDN. Yes a handful of school look at both gGPA and ugGPA equally. However, these are more the exceptions than the rule.

 

[mathnerd88]

I would imagine the worst case scenario is they reject me, and I for sure have to retake the MCAT, and then I can just apply again. I can't imagine any Medical School would reject me the second time again solely on the basis I was rejected the first time? Or is that off base?

You have to realize that reapplicants get judged harsher than just first-time applicants from adcoms. All your essays, secondaries, etc have to be rewritten. You also have to show the school how much you've "grown" or changed which made you a poor applicant earlier. Also, realize that some adcoms may consider you as a candidate who doesn't really try hard to work on their weak areas, a bad impression to have. You need to first fix your own deficits before even considering to apply.

Improving on your MCAT is good, but in a year, there should be more if you're a reapplicant. If you've only improved your MCAT by like 2-3 points in one year and reapplied, it would look bad because adcoms are going to see that you've taken one whole year to study on your MCAT just to improve 2-3 points from a 21-22. There has to be more done than just improving your MCAT if you're a reapplicant.

I would say, if you want to do it right, do it right the first time.

 

[ChemKing01]

I am going to try and be very clear. Being a reapplicant is a bad thing, and if you are one then adcoms expect SIGNIFICANT improvement from one app to the next. I honestly don't think just an improved MCAT score will cut it unless you honestly get a 505+. Applying with the equivalent to a 19 is showing poor judgement as well and many adcoms will wonder what you were thinking. Even if you came in with a 505+ many will wonder what you were thinking and most likely hold it against you. Not saying you wouldn't get in but it would cause unnecessary doubt you could have avoided.

And again, what you are saying about your grad GPA is going against what multiple verified ADCOM members on this site have said. Your grad GPA will be nice but unless your uGPA is up to snuff not many people will care unless your masters is an SMP. Only one school in the whole nation will replace your uGPA with gGPA that I am aware of and I believe it is Wayne State (? Someone is free to correct me, I could be wrong)



And schools are very clear on the MCAT. Your score is abysmal for admissions. That is just the brutal honest truth. Unless you are URM and just got off a plane from an active tour then you don't have a chance. Most schools these days have a cutoff on their websites of a 500. The lowest I have seen is a 498. And those are cutoffs.

Heck even if you need to apply this cycle start prepping for a retake now and take it in July and get your app out there in August. That isn't too late for DO admissions.

I agree with what youre saying about the low MCAT score. I see your point about not applying to med schools because it would be harder to show vast improvement, but if the MCAT is the only real weak point in my admissions, then I have a hard time seeing that when its increased, then it wont be good enough because "I needed more improvement", regardless of being a fine applicant for all else.

I have talked one on one in personal with well respected med schools and have talked by phone, and by quote, a respectable MD school said "your grad. gpa matters equally, if not more". This general concept seemed consistent with adcoms.