Diminishing effect of really high MCAT scores? ie: 3.6/43 vs 3.8/39

[randombetch]

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Do MCAT scores have a diminishing effect once you're past a certain threshold?

Basically, is the difference between a 36 and a 30 much greater than the difference between a 44 and a 38?

I'm just curious because I remember people telling me in high school than once you're past a 2250 on the SAT's, it's all pretty much the same. The adcoms just check off the fact that you have a high SAT score, and it doesn't really matter whether it was a 2400 or 2250.

I was wondering if something similar is done during medical school admissions...

 

[RogueUnicorn]

diminishing returns apply to gpa as well

 

[apumic]

There's a reason there's the phrase "the law of diminishing returns." Whether we're talking GPA, MCAT or repeated doses of Lysol, there comes a point where higher or more doesn't really make a significant difference. When it comes to something like GPA & MCAT, balance also comes into play, so a 3.7/35>>3.3/41.

 

[bannie22]

but a 44... will get u interviews almost everywhere... EVEN if u have a couple of red flags...

 

[himself]

Do MCAT scores have a diminishing effect once you're past a certain threshold?

Basically, is the difference between a 36 and a 30 much greater than the difference between a 44 and a 38?

I'm just curious because I remember people telling me in high school than once you're past a 2250 on the SAT's, it's all pretty much the same. The adcoms just check off the fact that you have a high SAT score, and it doesn't really matter whether it was a 2400 or 2250.

I was wondering if something similar is done during medical school admissions...

30 = 75.3 percentile

36= 97.2 percentile

38= 99.1 percentile

44 = 99.9 percentile

What do you think?

 

[FlowRate]

I would think of GPA and MCAT on a different scale. Think of GPA and MCAT as two different aspects of your application. How's your research? How's your MCAT? How's your volunteering? How's your GPA?

One exceptional area can partially make up for another, but there are still standards for each.

 

[randombetch]

30 = 75.3 percentile

36= 97.2 percentile

38= 99.1 percentile

44 = 99.9 percentile

What do you think?

Very valid point.

 

[JJMrK]

30 = 75.3 percentile

36= 97.2 percentile

38= 99.1 percentile

44 = 99.9 percentile

What do you think?

This is what I would have said if I felt like looking up the numbers.

OP:
The difference between a 30 and a 36 is HUGE. The difference between a 38 and 44 is still significant, but not nearly to the same degree, and either of those scores is just beastly.

As far as 3.8/39 vs 3.6/43: I'd take the former.

 

[neuro raqs]

my research mentor/lab P.I. who does interviews told me on a couple occasions (before I took the MCAT) that when they see scores over 40 they start thinking the person might be a crazie and will need to see other things (ECs, good LORs that indicate the person is not a robot or psycho).

 

[neuro raqs]

but a 44... will get u interviews almost everywhere... EVEN if u have a couple of red flags...

🙄

are you just making a claim, or do you have evidence of this?

 

[ApoK]

but a 44... will get u interviews almost everywhere... EVEN if u have a couple of red flags...

this is not true.

 

[schrizto]

I think for your examples, either combination would be great. Both would probably be enough to get some interviews, from there, I think each applicant would be evaluated on their impression.

On the other hand, your SAT example. I had a 2250 SAT and tried really hard to get a 2400 or close to it but couldn't. Thus in my personal experience I don't think a 2250 and 2400 should be considered the same.