Concerned: MCAT is Back

[JacobLMDorDO]

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Hey everyone,

So I just got my MCAT back and I am a little disappointed...I got a 25 and I really thought I was going to do better than that. I got a 7P/8V/10B.

I've got a 3.46sGPA and a 3.56cGPA. I've already applied this cycle...do you think I should just submit that score or retake the MCAT?

Thanks for your help!

 

[baxt1412]

Some schools automatically screen out sub-8 scores.

You will have to look at schools that you could get in with a 25 and decide if those would be acceptable to you or not and the likelihood of being accepted there. That is the only thing that should dictate whether you should retake or not.

I got a 24 and have signed up to retake and have a 3.70 cGPA 3.64 sGPA. However, I am still applying right now. We are somewhat in the same boat and here is my list of 15 schools:
ACOM
MUCOM
CUSOM
KYCOM
ATSU-KCOM
ATSU-SOMA
KCUMB
KYCOM
PNWU-COM
DMU
RVUCOM
GA-PCOM
VCOM-Auburn
LMU
LECOM-E

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Hey everyone,

So I just got my MCAT back and I am a little disappointed...I got a 25 and I really thought I was going to do better than that. I got a 7P/8V/10B.

I've got a 3.46sGPA and a 3.56cGPA. I've already applied this cycle...do you think I should just submit that score or retake the MCAT?

Thanks for your help!

Where did you apply?

 

[JacobLMDorDO]

ATSU-SOMA
AZCOM
CCOM
LE-COM BRADENTON
NSU COM
NYIT
OHU
PNWCOM
RVUCOM
TCOM (ca/nv)
WesternU Pomona and Lebanon

I'll add more today

 

[chizledfrmstone]

ATSU-SOMA
AZCOM
CCOM
LE-COM BRADENTON
NSU COM
NYIT
OHU
PNWCOM
RVUCOM
TCOM (ca/nv)
WesternU Pomona and Lebanon

I'll add more today

These schools usually like higher MCAT scores. Right now MWU is sending out IIs to people w/ 30+

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I dont know too much about the Arizona schools so I cant help you there...
CCOM is very likely out...
LECOM you might still have a solid chance.
NSU is a maybe, you fall in their standard deviation but you will have to have something that really sparks their interest. Your grades are fine so its about 50/50.
NYIT is a maybe, they have a massive class size so who knows.
OHU, you pretty much had no shot unless you nailed a 30+ MCAT... They have a pretty heavy in-state bias (roughly 85-90%). The people who get in from out of state usually have connections or are stellar applicants (both GPA and MCAT).
Pacific you definitely got a shot, especially since you are a west coaster
RVU I would argue that you have a fair shot.
TCOM, similar to OHU you had no shot, even when you started the cycle. By law they have to take in 90% in-state students. The out of state students are usually good enough to get into MD schools.
Western you have a good shot.

I would definitely add a couple other LECOMs if you are cool with their style. MUCOM for sure, plus this fits into your profile of schools in cities. You would also have a fair shot at ACOM. Otherwise I have a few other suggestions, but from the list you made it definitely seems that you are trying to not stay rural or at new schools... Sadly a more rural and/or new school might be your ticket to becoming a doctor if you have MCATs of 24 and then 25. While I definitely think you could have a fair enough shot at a few of the schools on your list, I think you are doing yourself a disservice by not adding a few of the new guys.

What are your feelings towards rural?
What are your feelings towards east coast?
Have you lived in CA your whole life?

I can try giving a few others once I get those answered.

 

[cfsouthie]

I could use any friendly advice as well. First mcat score was a 25 (8,10,7 taken in 2012). I dropped 2 points and got a 23 on my retake (7,7,9 taken in July). I'm an underdog 3.19sgpa, 3.3 cgpa, and have already submitted 11 secondaries mostly at the beginning of July. I'm debating on whether I should sign up for a third retake in the fall since I would prefer to not have to worry about the new format that starts in January. Any helpful input would be welcome but I'd rather not have to go into a long string of why my score dropped 2 points, my study habits, etc. Thanks ahead of time.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

These schools usually like higher MCAT scores. Right now MWU is sending out IIs to people w/ 30+

He was kind of top heavy for sure... I agree

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I could use any friendly advice as well. First mcat score was a 25 (8,10,7 taken in 2012). I dropped 2 points and got a 23 on my retake (7,7,9 taken in July). I'm an underdog 3.19sgpa, 3.3 cgpa, and have already submitted 11 secondaries mostly at the beginning of July. I'm debating on whether I should sign up for a third retake in the fall since I would prefer to not have to worry about the new format that starts in January. Any helpful input would be welcome but I'd rather not have to go into a long string of why my score dropped 2 points, my study habits, etc. Thanks ahead of time.

Thats pretty killer... there are definitely people that have gotten in with similar stats but its an uphill battle.
Where did you submit secondaries to? Have you received any post-secondary rejections?

 

[chizledfrmstone]

I could use any friendly advice as well. First mcat score was a 25 (8,10,7 taken in 2012). I dropped 2 points and got a 23 on my retake (7,7,9 taken in July). I'm an underdog 3.19sgpa, 3.3 cgpa, and have already submitted 11 secondaries mostly at the beginning of July. I'm debating on whether I should sign up for a third retake in the fall since I would prefer to not have to worry about the new format that starts in January. Any helpful input would be welcome but I'd rather not have to go into a long string of why my score dropped 2 points, my study habits, etc. Thanks ahead of time.

Doubt check if it changes in January. I heard a later month.

Going from a 25 to 23 is bad. Don't retake unless you're constantly scoring 28+ on practice exams.

 

[ananasmed]

Some schools automatically screen out sub-8 scores.

This is largely not true for DO schools. I know PCOM suggests subscores of 8 or higher, but I don't think they actually SCREEN OUT people with a subscore below that, at least for secondaries.
I had a higher overall MCAT score, but with a 7 PS, have received secondaries everywhere that I've applied (save for the ones that haven't sent out secondaries yet..), and have received 5 II so far to what most on this forum consider to be competitive DO schools. The overall score of 25 might hold you back some, OP, but from my limited experience so far, the 7 won't be a deal breaker.

 

[cfsouthie]

Thats pretty killer... there are definitely people that have gotten in with similar stats but its an uphill battle.
Where did you submit secondaries to? Have you received any post-secondary rejections?

I submitted and have been complete at both MWU (Arizona and Chicago)
All 3 VCOM campuses
LECOM Erie
NYIT
RVU
UNE
and Western (Pomona)
I'll add some more but have focused on schools that are accredited since I'd like to do the Military HPSP if accepted to any schools and I'm pretty sure that accreditation is a requirement

 

[cfsouthie]

And to date, I have not yet received any post secondary rejections but maybe schools were waiting on my retake. I felt comfortable applying with the 25 at the time and hoped my retake would bump me up instead of down.

 

[JacobLMDorDO]

I have already received multiple secondaries and have filled them out ( about 6 secondaries so far) and sent them in. I'm waiting on a few more...MWU already sent me secondaries, as did WesternUs

I'll designate a few more schools and see how it plays out! I have some good ECs (5 years of formal tutoring, 268 hours of volunteering, teaching assistant, etc...and shadowing in OR, ER, psychiatry, and pediatrics.

Anyway, just kinda dissapointed! All my practice tests were above 30! My most recent practice was a 34 lol


I'll still try though!

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

And to date, I have not yet received any post secondary rejections but maybe schools were waiting on my retake. I felt comfortable applying with the 25 at the time and hoped my retake would bump me up instead of down.

Have you already been in the service prior to applying?

 

[cfsouthie]

Have you already been in the service prior to applying?

I have not but I have wanted to serve and been interested in this for a while now. I also wouldn't mind coming out of school with no extra debt, which would be useful since I'd like to go into primary care. Obviously with these statements I'm clearly jumping the gun to a future that might not exist but that's the general idea.

 

[cfsouthie]

Doubt check if it changes in January. I heard a later month.

Going from a 25 to 23 is bad. Don't retake unless you're constantly scoring 28+ on practice exams.

So if you were in my position, would you proceed forward with the rest of the cycle and see how it plays out and then retake next year and reapply if necessary?

 

[youcandoit21!]

I dont know too much about the Arizona schools so I cant help you there...
CCOM is very likely out...
LECOM you might still have a solid chance.
NSU is a maybe, you fall in their standard deviation but you will have to have something that really sparks their interest. Your grades are fine so its about 50/50.
NYIT is a maybe, they have a massive class size so who knows.
OHU, you pretty much had no shot unless you nailed a 30+ MCAT... They have a pretty heavy in-state bias (roughly 85-90%). The people who get in from out of state usually have connections or are stellar applicants (both GPA and MCAT).
Pacific you definitely got a shot, especially since you are a west coaster
RVU I would argue that you have a fair shot.
TCOM, similar to OHU you had no shot, even when you started the cycle. By law they have to take in 90% in-state students. The out of state students are usually good enough to get into MD schools.
Western you have a good shot.

I would definitely add a couple other LECOMs if you are cool with their style. MUCOM for sure, plus this fits into your profile of schools in cities. You would also have a fair shot at ACOM. Otherwise I have a few other suggestions, but from the list you made it definitely seems that you are trying to not stay rural or at new schools... Sadly a more rural and/or new school might be your ticket to becoming a doctor if you have MCATs of 24 and then 25. While I definitely think you could have a fair enough shot at a few of the schools on your list, I think you are doing yourself a disservice by not adding a few of the new guys.

What are your feelings towards rural?
What are your feelings towards east coast?
Have you lived in CA your whole life?

I can try giving a few others once I get those answered.

What would you recommend if he said yes to those three questions? Just kinda curious. Soaking up all the information I can!

Thanks!

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I have not but I have wanted to serve and been interested in this for a while now. I also wouldn't mind coming out of school with no extra debt, which would be useful since I'd like to go into primary care. Obviously with these statements I'm clearly jumping the gun to a future that might not exist but that's the general idea.

Ahh gotcha, it was a hope. People who go into the military and then try to get into medical school usually get in to awesome places, regardless of scores. It was worth asking haha.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

What would you recommend if he said yes to those three questions? Just kinda curious. Soaking up all the information I can!

Thanks!

KYCOM (rural)
CUSOM (technically rural but near the research triangle in NC, so a lot of opportunity)
VCOM (CC in particular)
Just a couple more off the top of my head that he could apply to.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

So if you were in my position, would you proceed forward with the rest of the cycle and see how it plays out and then retake next year and reapply if necessary?

That 25 might look like a fluke to ADCOM members.

It really depends on the schools. You MIGHT have a shot at the newer ones.

Do you believe 27+ is possible on a retake?

 

[user3]

I submitted and have been complete at both MWU (Arizona and Chicago)
All 3 VCOM campuses
LECOM Erie
NYIT
RVU
UNE
and Western (Pomona)
I'll add some more but have focused on schools that are accredited since I'd like to do the Military HPSP if accepted to any schools and I'm pretty sure that accreditation is a requirement

most schools will take your higher score. Here are some schools you may stand a chance at: LMU, LUCOM, WVSOM, PNWU, KYCOM, KCOM, SOMA, Touro-NV, PCOM-Ga, MUCOM, WCU and ACOM.

 

[cfsouthie]

That 25 might look like a fluke to ADCOM members.

It really depends on the schools. You MIGHT have a shot at the newer ones.

Do you believe 27+ is possible on a retake?

I honestly do believe a 27+ is in the cards. I did an SMP post bac (finished in May with my masters of science) at what is generally recognized as a good program and did pretty well in the physio courses. Our coursework was physio, histo, biochem the first semester and physio, elective (pharm), and biostat the 2nd semester. I understand a 23 is pretty terrible but thats what happened and I'm not one to make excuses so with that said, should I plan an October or November retake?

 

[IslandStyle808]

This is largely not true for DO schools. I know PCOM suggests subscores of 8 or higher, but I don't think they actually SCREEN OUT people with a subscore below that, at least for secondaries.
I had a higher overall MCAT score, but with a 7 PS, have received secondaries everywhere that I've applied (save for the ones that haven't sent out secondaries yet..), and have received 5 II so far to what most on this forum consider to be competitive DO schools. The overall score of 25 might hold you back some, OP, but from my limited experience so far, the 7 won't be a deal breaker.

Very True

The auto screening starts usually around below a 6 or 7 for DO schools. I remember one forum member stating that PCOM would take the sections of other tests to make the students score (if one section is below an 8). I don't know if this was for an interview invite or acceptance. KCUMB will auto screen for scores below a 7, from what I have seen on their website (not sure if there are exceptions).

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Very True

The auto screening starts usually around below a 6 or 7 for DO schools. I remember one forum member stating that PCOM would take the sections of other tests to make the students score (if one section is below an 8). I don't know if this was for an interview invite or acceptance. KCUMB will auto screen for scores below a 7, from what I have seen on their website (not sure if there are exceptions).

This is true, some schools superscore.

 

[bug123]

I got the same exact MCAT score. I've sent primaries to 23 schools and secondaries to 20. I haven't been screened out at all.
That being said I haven't gotten any II either, but it is still early and no one that has been completed after me (as far as I know/searched on here) hasn't either.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

This is largely not true for DO schools. I know PCOM suggests subscores of 8 or higher, but I don't think they actually SCREEN OUT people with a subscore below that, at least for secondaries.
I had a higher overall MCAT score, but with a 7 PS, have received secondaries everywhere that I've applied (save for the ones that haven't sent out secondaries yet..), and have received 5 II so far to what most on this forum consider to be competitive DO schools. The overall score of 25 might hold you back some, OP, but from my limited experience so far, the 7 won't be a deal breaker.

I don't think there is a single DO school who screen sub-8 scores. sub-7 however is a different story

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

Doubt check if it changes in January. I heard a later month.

Going from a 25 to 23 is bad. Don't retake unless you're constantly scoring 28+ on practice exams.

You can always void if the test is going badly.

 

[doctorOP]

You should retake and shoot for a 32. Otherwise you're just wasting money.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

You should retake and shoot for a 32. Otherwise you're just wasting money.

Shooting for a high score is never a mad idea but its not like he needs one that high to be competitive.

 

[pericardium]

You should retake and shoot for a 32. Otherwise you're just wasting money.

Part of this statement is right. I'd say a 28 is more the right number. Although your GPA is slightly above the average of some of the schools you listed, your MCAT is significantly lower. I strongly suggest a retake.

OP, what did you feel went wrong?

 

[chizledfrmstone]

You should retake and shoot for a 32. Otherwise you're just wasting money.

Are you a pre-med advisor or something?

 

[osteohack10]

Are you a pre-med advisor or something?

Why is it that undergrad pre-med advisors tend to always take the disaster scenarios? I didn't run in to a single helpful advisor until grad school, and by that point I had already done most of it myself. Why can't more of them assist students as undergrads when we really need it???

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Why is it that undergrad pre-med advisors tend to always take the disaster scenarios? I didn't run in to a single helpful advisor until grad school, and by that point I had already done most of it myself. Why can't more of them assist students as undergrads when we really need it???

Mostly because telling someone to learn to speak Chinese when you've never gone through the process of learning it yourself is not helpful advice nor guidance. It's empty and meaningless talk.


That being said, my Premed Committee has been pretty amazing. So it's not always the case that they're horrible. Albeit my major's advisor was legit uninterested at all.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

So a 3.4/3.5/25 is not exactly the worst position, but its not the best. I'd largely advise you to consider a retake if it is within your power and time. If not, then it is in your best interest to submit your primary as fast as possible and to apply to a broad selection of schools ( Mostly focusing on newer and lower stat schools such as WCU, WVSOM, and VCOM or PNWU).

 

[pericardium]

So a 3.4/3.5/25 is not exactly the worst position, but its not the best. I'd largely advise you to consider a retake if it is within your power and time. If not, then it is in your best interest to submit your primary as fast as possible and to apply to a broad selection of schools ( Mostly focusing on newer and lower stat schools such as WCU, WVSOM, and VCOM or PNWU).

I would have to concur with this

 

[burntorange]

I could use any friendly advice as well. First mcat score was a 25 (8,10,7 taken in 2012). I dropped 2 points and got a 23 on my retake (7,7,9 taken in July). I'm an underdog 3.19sgpa, 3.3 cgpa, and have already submitted 11 secondaries mostly at the beginning of July. I'm debating on whether I should sign up for a third retake in the fall since I would prefer to not have to worry about the new format that starts in January. Any helpful input would be welcome but I'd rather not have to go into a long string of why my score dropped 2 points, my study habits, etc. Thanks ahead of time.

I hope I can help you with your decision and provide some words of encouragement. I went from a 27 MCAT in 2013 to a 23 MCAT in this past April and just received a 32 MCAT from my July exam. Persistence and hard work will pay off. If you want it bad enough, you will get the score you've always wanted and then some!

Message me if you want some more help.

 

[JPickos9989]

I have not but I have wanted to serve and been interested in this for a while now. I also wouldn't mind coming out of school with no extra debt, which would be useful since I'd like to go into primary care. Obviously with these statements I'm clearly jumping the gun to a future that might not exist but that's the general idea.

You will need a higher MCAT than the 23 to get a look from any branch of service for the HPSP. They have a 24 minimum and they only consider your most recent MCAT (per the recruiter I worked with). Just my two cents.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

I dont know too much about the Arizona schools so I cant help you there...

Western you have a good shot.

He's below average in all 3 categories: cGPA, sGPA and MCAT. I wouldn't call that a "good shot," but I wouldn't discount him either.

 

[mrttihw]

.

 

[adriano710]

I could use any friendly advice as well. First mcat score was a 25 (8,10,7 taken in 2012). I dropped 2 points and got a 23 on my retake (7,7,9 taken in July). I'm an underdog 3.19sgpa, 3.3 cgpa, and have already submitted 11 secondaries mostly at the beginning of July. I'm debating on whether I should sign up for a third retake in the fall since I would prefer to not have to worry about the new format that starts in January. Any helpful input would be welcome but I'd rather not have to go into a long string of why my score dropped 2 points, my study habits, etc. Thanks ahead of time.

Very low chance. Suggest a retake and maybe a little GPA repair.

 

[kalat]

What were you getting on your AAMC practice tests? Did you take any before your exam? Specifically, did you take 9-11? I see you said you were getting 30+ on your practice tests, but I have not seen people deviate like 7-10 points. Were you really nervous? Did you finish all the questions?

You will need at least a 27 to be competitive for the more established schools. I don't know why people are saying you're not competitive otherwise though. Your cGPA and sGPA are around a 3.5 which is good for most DO schools. You just need to get your MCAT under control. If I was you, I'd submit my primaries to some schools that do not prefer high MCATs and then retake ASAP. If it turns out better next time you just submit to more schools.

Also, there's a lot of people talking about how they have such and such stats and they "got secondaries from all their schools." DO schools give secondaries to all people who meet their minimum requirements which is like a 2.8 and 6 on any section. EVERYONE pretty much gets secondaries...

 

[futuredoc7576]

hello,
does anyone know if schools (particularly DO schools) take into account a higher section score that was scored on another MCAT exam, in other words can they pick and choose which section scores are the best? I've taken the MCAT twice...

 

[JPickos9989]

hello,
does anyone know if schools (particularly DO schools) take into account a higher section score that was scored on another MCAT exam, in other words can they pick and choose which section scores are the best? I've taken the MCAT twice...

I'm not sure of any schools that take your highest in each subsection for a composite, maybe someone else can shed some light but I don't believe very many schools do that.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

I'm not sure of any schools that take your highest in each subsection for a composite, maybe someone else can shed some light but I don't believe very many schools do that.

Some do

 

[AlteredScale]

Very True

The auto screening starts usually around below a 6 or 7 for DO schools. I remember one forum member stating that PCOM would take the sections of other tests to make the students score (if one section is below an 8). I don't know if this was for an interview invite or acceptance. KCUMB will auto screen for scores below a 7, from what I have seen on their website (not sure if there are exceptions).

I might be that exception or the pre-secondary screen isn't that bad. (26 MCAT: 8 PS / 6 VS / 12 BS)