Discussing weaknesses?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

JohnnyNU82

Member
10+ Year Member
7+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Aug 12, 2005
Messages
89
Reaction score
0
Has anyone discussed (not made excuse for) their less than stellar MCAT scores on their secondaries?

I got a 10B 10P 7V in August 2004, and I know the verbal wasn't representative of my potential, I just messed up my pacing for that section. Anyhow, I had received around 10 on the verbal sections of practice MCATs and so when I got my score I registered to retake the test in April 2005. However, about a month before the test my father passed away suddenly (only a week before the one year anniversary of my mom's death) Needless to say I didn't take the MCAT in April. I talked with my advisor, and decided that instead of retaking the MCAT in August, I should just apply now and hope that the rest of my application (which is good) will balance things out.

I have mentioned my situation in a few secondaries when they asked for any additional information. But, now I'm thinking that maybe I shouldn't for the rest of them (espeically for the schools that I think I might have a shot at). I don't want Adcoms to think that I'm making excuses or that I'm emotionally unstable (which I'm not), but I do think that my situation is somewhat unique.

Any advice? I could really use some.

Thanks!
 
JohnnyNU82 said:
Has anyone discussed (not made excuse for) their less than stellar MCAT scores on their secondaries?

I got a 10B 10P 7V in August 2004, and I know the verbal wasn't representative of my potential, I just messed up my pacing for that section. Anyhow, I had received around 10 on the verbal sections of practice MCATs and so when I got my score I registered to retake the test in April 2005. However, about a month before the test my father passed away suddenly (only a week before the one year anniversary of my mom's death) Needless to say I didn't take the MCAT in April. I talked with my advisor, and decided that instead of retaking the MCAT in August, I should just apply now and hope that the rest of my application (which is good) will balance things out.

I have mentioned my situation in a few secondaries when they asked for any additional information. But, now I'm thinking that maybe I shouldn't for the rest of them (espeically for the schools that I think I might have a shot at). I don't want Adcoms to think that I'm making excuses or that I'm emotionally unstable (which I'm not), but I do think that my situation is somewhat unique.

Any advice? I could really use some.

Thanks!

I definitely think you should mention your situation, it's very relevant. Geez, I think you would come off as kinda cold hearted if you didn't explain your situation (if they asked you about it later). It's definitely not like you're making excuses (except maybe for the timing on the verbal part, but otherwise no).
 
Thanks for the advice, Tacrum.

Anyone else? Don't worry about being harsh or anything like that, I wouldn't have asked for your opinions if I didn't want them.

Thanks
 
I agree, you should definitely explain what happened. But I would leave off the part about timing the verbal poorly. If anything, just write it off as one subpar performance without going into specifics.
 
In complete agreement; many schools (I hear...) complete preliminary reviews of applications and without an explanation of your lower verbal score (a section I loathe) they may pass you up without a fighting chance. Don't mention the timing, just explain with your family history.
 
Thanks for the advice everyone! I really appreciate it.

Good luck with your applications! 🙂
 
Top