DECREASED MCAT score: how bad is it?

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

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I took the MCAT 2 years ago and got a 27. I retook it last summer and got a 499 (i know it's horrible)

I want to use my 27 to apply to DO schools, but will my 499 ruin it?

 

[kj8210]

What are your other stats? I personally think it will hurt your chances, its not like it was a one point difference. Is this your first time applying?

 

[MADD!!!]

Depends on the school you apply to, but this is a tough one. The big question is will you pass the screen cutoffs for schools that want a 500+ MCAT

 

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

What are your other stats? I personally think it will hurt your chances, its not like it was a one point difference. Is this your first time applying?

This is my first time applying... my EC's are good, I have 2000+ hours as an EMT, I work as a CPR Instructor, I'm president of an underprivileged tutoring club for the past 4 years, shadowed a DO and got a great letter of rec, and more. But my numbers are what scares me 🙁

 

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

What are your other stats? I personally think it will hurt your chances, its not like it was a one point difference. Is this your first time applying?

also my gpa is a 3.4 BUT my science gpa is 3.13... however i have a significant upward trend that ends with 4.0 senior year but starts with 2.9 freshman year

 

[benjamin94559]

It looks bad but its done right? Either decide to wait a cycle and retake and all that or YOLO and thats what you're applying with. Upward GPA we'll probably help you though, and your ECs seem solid.

 

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

It looks bad but its done right? Either decide to wait a cycle and retake and all that or YOLO and thats what you're applying with. Upward GPA we'll probably help you though, and your ECs seem solid.

I've looked into it and most of the school say "will take best MCAT score", so assuming that, do you think i still have a shot? sorry I'm internally freaking out. i applied to 32 DO schools though and ij just want to get in SOMEWHERE

 

[kj8210]

I know its scary but freaking out will only hurt the situation. Only thing to do is to move on. Upward GPA will help but a science GPA that low (dont get me wrong its not horrible) and your new MCAT score will really hurt you. Like someone said earlier, its about getting past the screen which I think should be fine with your previous 27. If money isn't a problem then apply broadly and hope for the best honestly. If I were you I would submit my application this week to get everything out as early as possible.

 

[benjamin94559]

I've looked into it and most of the school say "will take best MCAT score", so assuming that, do you think i still have a shot? sorry I'm internally freaking out. i applied to 32 DO schools though and ij just want to get in SOMEWHERE

You've already applied whats done is done. Relax and chill for a minute and then either prep for a reapp cycle/ interviews. Sending good vibes your way.

 

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

You've already applied whats done is done. Relax and chill for a minute and then either prep for a reapp cycle/ interviews. Sending good vibes your way.

thank you so much 🙂 youre right, and same to you! good luck!

 

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

I know its scary but freaking out will only hurt the situation. Only thing to do is to move on. Upward GPA will help but a science GPA that low (dont get me wrong its not horrible) and your new MCAT score will really hurt you. Like someone said earlier, its about getting past the screen which I think should be fine with your previous 27. If money isn't a problem then apply broadly and hope for the best honestly. If I were you I would submit my application this week to get everything out as early as possible.

thanks for your help and input, i appreciate it! i spent $2k on primaries from applying widely so i hope that helps, i also targeted all of the schools with the lowest averages and the newer schools 🙁 youre right about my science gpa though, its an extreme weak point and i regret it a lot. does science gpa play as big of a role as normal gpa? otherwise I'm at a 3.4 and 3.69 non science

 

[Alienman52]

I've looked into it and most of the school say "will take best MCAT score", so assuming that, do you think i still have a shot? sorry I'm internally freaking out. i applied to 32 DO schools though and ij just want to get in SOMEWHERE

That's actually awesome to hear. Where did you get this information?
I'm sorta in the same position as you OP

First MCAT was 501 (125 124 126 126) second was 500 (125 123 124 128) so it may hurt my app a bit.

 

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

That's actually awesome to hear. Where did you get this information?
I'm sorta in the same position as you OP

First MCAT was 501 (125 124 126 126) second was 500 (125 123 124 128) so it may hurt my app a bit.

It's under their mcat section of their admissions site, most say they'll take the best one but others say they'll look at both combined or only take the newest one 🙁 your decrease isn't that bad though so you shouldn't be that worried!

 

[PossibleDOC?]

I took the MCAT 2 years ago and got a 27. I retook it last summer and got a 499 (i know it's horrible)

I want to use my 27 to apply to DO schools, but will my 499 ruin it?

The decreased MCAT score will hurt the app, its around/below a 25 so it shows some decay in ability to take the test. However, you have already applied so you'll have to ride it out. I suggest retaking some classes with C's in them, studying and retaking the MCAT to prepare for a second app cycle if needed

Good Luck

 

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

The decreased MCAT score will hurt the app, its around/below a 25 so it shows some decay in ability to take the test. However, you have already applied so you'll have to ride it out. I suggest retaking some classes with C's in them, studying and retaking the MCAT to prepare for a second app cycle if needed

Good Luck

Thank you for your input 🙂
I know it definitely shows decay, but will they pay attention to the subsections? The thing that ruined my new mcat was the psych section... Everything else was fine... So maybe they'll be more understanding since it's not like I severely decayed on the normal bio/verbal/physical?

 

[PossibleDOC?]

Thank you for your input 🙂
I know it definitely shows decay, but will they pay attention to the subsections? The thing that ruined my new mcat was the psych section... Everything else was fine... So maybe they'll be more understanding since it's not like I severely decayed on the normal bio/verbal/physical?

The psych/soc section isn't the "measuring stick" that the other sections are but I would still be ready to explain that weak subsection. If the others are comparable to the old ones then you may get by but again its all up to the committees

 

[GypsyHummus]

Why would you ever retake a 27?

 

[mathnerd88]

Why would you ever retake a 27?

It is easy to go back and regret actions that turned out to be a bad choice, but it could be possible that the old MCAT expired.

Some schools require an MCAT three years or less prior to matriculation...so the MCAT has to be less than two years old at this point.

Also, if you took the MCAT and got a 499 last year, why didn't you try retaking it again this year? There was ample time for improvement and another 'red flag's that can be construed by adcoms.

 

[GypsyHummus]

It is easy to go back and regret actions that turned out to be a bad choice, but it could be possible that the old MCAT expired.

Some schools require an MCAT three years or less prior to matriculation...so the MCAT has to be less than two years old at this point.

Also, if you took the MCAT and got a 499 last year, why didn't you try retaking it again this year? There was ample time for improvement and another 'red flag's that can be construed by adcoms.

Meh, a 499 isn't the end of the world but golly, a 27 is a good score

 

[Goro]

At my school, you'll be reject bait.

We have a tendency to dislike knowledge decay.

Luckily, some schools will take only the highest score.

I took the MCAT 2 years ago and got a 27. I retook it last summer and got a 499 (i know it's horrible)

I want to use my 27 to apply to DO schools, but will my 499 ruin it?

 

[hallowmann]

I've looked into it and most of the school say "will take best MCAT score", so assuming that, do you think i still have a shot? sorry I'm internally freaking out. i applied to 32 DO schools though and ij just want to get in SOMEWHERE

Don't worry about it now. You've applied very broadly and all you can do is wait and see. Obviously it was a mistake to retake without knowing that you will at very least stay the same if not improve, but there's nothing you can do now. The other issue is that it points out a weakness that was unknown before: psych/sociology.

Some schools will look at the highest one, some will look at the most recent, some even break down the subsections. That said it's unfortunate, but I think you'll still get in somewhere, you just would have been better off without the retake.

That's actually awesome to hear. Where did you get this information?
I'm sorta in the same position as you OP

First MCAT was 501 (125 124 126 126) second was 500 (125 123 124 128) so it may hurt my app a bit.

500 to 501 is almost negligible. The only downside it really shows is that that is roughly where your true score is. You hit it. There's no room to say, oh well I could have done better, that's where you sit. You should be fine, and I doubt it will affect your app much.

For others, please try to be careful with this test. Take it only if you are very confident you will reach close to your goal or your score will improve.

It is easy to go back and regret actions that turned out to be a bad choice, but it could be possible that the old MCAT expired.

Some schools require an MCAT three years or less prior to matriculation...so the MCAT has to be less than two years old at this point.

Also, if you took the MCAT and got a 499 last year, why didn't you try retaking it again this year? There was ample time for improvement and another 'red flag's that can be construed by adcoms.

OP said they took the 27 2 years ago (meaning 2014). I'm not sure, but I think all DO schools accept scores up to 3 years, so I think they would have been fine applying with the 27 this cycle.

 

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

At my school, you'll be reject bait.

We have a tendency to dislike knowledge decay.

Luckily, some schools will take only the highest score.

So your school would toss my app even if my 27 met the standards as well as my PS/EC?

 

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

Why would you ever retake a 27?

I thought I could do better but I messed up 🙁 I was also going through intense personal problems the summer I took it which took a humongous toll on my score... I really regret all of it so much and will be so thankful to just get in anywhere

 

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

It is easy to go back and regret actions that turned out to be a bad choice, but it could be possible that the old MCAT expired.

Some schools require an MCAT three years or less prior to matriculation...so the MCAT has to be less than two years old at this point.

Also, if you took the MCAT and got a 499 last year, why didn't you try retaking it again this year? There was ample time for improvement and another 'red flag's that can be construed by adcoms.

Isn't it considered reallyyyyyy bad to take it 3 times? I thought 2 times is the limit

 

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

Don't worry about it now. You've applied very broadly and all you can do is wait and see. Obviously it was a mistake to retake without knowing that you will at very least stay the same if not improve, but there's nothing you can do now. The other issue is that it points out a weakness that was unknown before: psych/sociology.

Some schools will look at the highest one, some will look at the most recent, some even break down the subsections. That said it's unfortunate, but I think you'll still get in somewhere, you just would have been better off without the retake.



500 to 501 is almost negligible. The only downside it really shows is that that is roughly where your true score is. You hit it. There's no room to say, oh well I could have done better, that's where you sit. You should be fine, and I doubt it will affect your app much.

For others, please try to be careful with this test. Take it only if you are very confident you will reach close to your goal or your score will improve.



OP said they took the 27 2 years ago (meaning 2014). I'm not sure, but I think all DO schools accept scores up to 3 years, so I think they would have been fine applying with the 27 this cycle.

And yes my score is Summer 2014

 

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

Don't worry about it now. You've applied very broadly and all you can do is wait and see. Obviously it was a mistake to retake without knowing that you will at very least stay the same if not improve, but there's nothing you can do now. The other issue is that it points out a weakness that was unknown before: psych/sociology.

Some schools will look at the highest one, some will look at the most recent, some even break down the subsections. That said it's unfortunate, but I think you'll still get in somewhere, you just would have been better off without the retake.



500 to 501 is almost negligible. The only downside it really shows is that that is roughly where your true score is. You hit it. There's no room to say, oh well I could have done better, that's where you sit. You should be fine, and I doubt it will affect your app much.

For others, please try to be careful with this test. Take it only if you are very confident you will reach close to your goal or your score will improve.



OP said they took the 27 2 years ago (meaning 2014). I'm not sure, but I think all DO schools accept scores up to 3 years, so I think they would have been fine applying with the 27 this cycle.

Thank you so much for your positivity, it means a lot to me 🙂 I'm really stressed out about this whole thing

 

[hopefullyafutureDOstudent]

Of all the DO's which do you think I have a shot at/are reasonable within my range? Considering my situation and stats

 

[DrMikeP]

Yes it will hurt and some schools will auto eliminate you. How it hurt much varies. At this point not much you can do but hope and make sure you applied broadly and to all of the newer schools.

You might want to take a little break and then start studying to take it again in the spring if you don't get any interviews. Or a slightly risky strategy but one that might help, if you haven't taken it yet, take Biochemistry in the fall and make an A. Then update all of your apps in December with the good news. That said, a poor grade in biochem could hurt you as well so it is a bit of a risk.

 

[medschoolplease123]

How much is spending "too much" on primary apps for DO schools only? OP said he applied to 32 schools (2k) is that too much? What price range would you guys suggest sub 1.5k for only DO?

 

[Necr0sis713]

Well considering you took a different test, it might not look so bad? Maybe you were just better at the old style.

 

[DrMikeP]

How much is spending "too much" on primary apps for DO schools only? OP said he applied to 32 schools (2k) is that too much? What price range would you guys suggest sub 1.5k for only DO?

What is the cost of not getting in? Apply to whatever schools you would want to attend and however many that you can afford. Every person's dollar amount is different.

 

[PossibleDOC?]

At my school, you'll be reject bait.

We have a tendency to dislike knowledge decay.

Luckily, some schools will take only the highest score.

I need to know which school Goro is at and avoid it because I feel like I'll never get in there lol

 

[Alienman52]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...athic-underdawgs.1204052/page-2#post-17833226

Hey @hopefullyafutureDOstudent, check out our osteopathic underdogs thread! Feel free to post your stats here and join the underdog community haha it's a support group for those who may or may not satisfy the typical pre-med academic requirements. 🙂🙂 I've found past underdog threads to be super motivating!

 

[hallowmann]

Isn't it considered reallyyyyyy bad to take it 3 times? I thought 2 times is the limit

Not reeeaalllly bad. Taking it once is best. Twice is ok, and 3 times I'd consider that the limit. That said if you do opt to take it a 3rd time, it would have to be an amazing score, higher than the 27 equivalent.

If you're not confident that'll happen and you don't manage to get an acceptance this cycle, I wouldn't even risk it unless there's nothing else in your app to work on. Strategic retakes to bump your sGPA above a 3.3 might be of more use to you. Again though, I think with your broad and early app, you'll have something to show for it this cycle.

 

[mathnerd88]

OP said they took the 27 2 years ago (meaning 2014). I'm not sure, but I think all DO schools accept scores up to 3 years, so I think they would have been fine applying with the 27 this cycle.

Many schools do say three years prior to matriculation, which means three years from matriculation (August 2017.) The earliest you can take the old MCAT and have it count for those schools is August 2014.