If so, what other qualities do you think may have helped you get your acceptance(s)? By the way, CONGRATULATIONS!
Do anyone have an acceptance w/ an MCAT score below 23?
- Thread starter drjds
- Start date
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2006
- Messages
- 5,187
- Reaction score
- 403
yeah... stop being lazy.
There is no way that you should be applying to medical school with a 30-40 percentile MCAT unless you've taken it several times.
It used to be different. There used to be only two administrations per year that lasted 8-9 hours per administration. That is not the case anymore so you have no excuse to not prep more and retake that awful exam.
If you aren't willing to do the work now for one test then how will you find the motivation IN medical school?
There is no way that you should be applying to medical school with a 30-40 percentile MCAT unless you've taken it several times.
It used to be different. There used to be only two administrations per year that lasted 8-9 hours per administration. That is not the case anymore so you have no excuse to not prep more and retake that awful exam.
If you aren't willing to do the work now for one test then how will you find the motivation IN medical school?
First of all, I really don't care about idiotic people like you making dumb statements like this, but just b/c a person has less than a 23 does not mean he/she is lazy! What is your purpose, I mean really, if you don't have anything of substance to say, just bypass this thread!!! You have no right to pass judgment...I mean, WHO ARE YOU? You don't know a person's situation. For anyone else that makes stupid statements like this, I will try my best not to respond to your ignorance. Only serious posters need to respond to my post, please!!!
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2007
- Messages
- 353
- Reaction score
- 0
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2004
- Messages
- 1,317
- Reaction score
- 9
Just think about the kind of Physician he/she is going to be.
things like high gpa, involvement in extra currics., interesting life experiences, upward trend in grades, interest in medicine, etc. can all contribute to offset a lower mcat score. i applied one cycle with a 23 and was accepted to a school for the following year instead of the current year at the time. I retook the mcat and scored much higher, re-applied and was accepted to my first choice and i'm very thankful.
With that said, MaximusD does have a good point. Now that the MCAT is offered so many more times that it has been in the past, you have more opportunities to better prepare yourself for the test and retake if you wish. I think my problem with the MCAT is that i took the real test even though my diagnostic tests weren't producing the scores i wanted. Once i was getting the scores i wanted on practice tests, i knew i felt ready to take the real deal. good luck
With that said, MaximusD does have a good point. Now that the MCAT is offered so many more times that it has been in the past, you have more opportunities to better prepare yourself for the test and retake if you wish. I think my problem with the MCAT is that i took the real test even though my diagnostic tests weren't producing the scores i wanted. Once i was getting the scores i wanted on practice tests, i knew i felt ready to take the real deal. good luck
1
112258
I think MaximusD was saying you are lazy if you don't retake the test to get a better score, not saying your score is what made you lazy. Like he said, when I took them, I was there from 7 something until 6 and the test was only offered twice a year, so to retake them you had to wait either 4 months or 8 months, try to register, prepare yourself for another million hour day, etc....whereas now that process is not as grueling. It sucks to retake it, trust me I know from personal experience, but I'm going to agree with him and say with a score below 23 definitely retake it.
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2007
- Messages
- 223
- Reaction score
- 0
the answer to your question is yes. i turned down several interviews too, so I could have had more than 1. Who knows. now I am not the typical applicant - my EC's are a mile long and really good, I did undergrad breast cancer research (as the lead researcher), my brother is a doc, I have some good connections, and I interview really well. I am also one of the luckier people on the planet.
MaxD - I dont entirely agree with you, but I see your point. Laziness is not necessarily the cause for a poor score here. I took it back when it was 2x a year (the "good ole days"). I see little corrolation between a standardized test and my ability to synthesize new information and apply it toward patients in a clinical setting - its just different. I never have to worry about 90% of the crap on that test ever again...how many patients will care about the velocity of an elevator as it descends in freefall or the amount of heat generated by the friction as it brushes against the walls? how about solar panels? nothing. nada. the test is meaningful to a point. after that point, who cares.
Does my 22Q mcat mean thats how I did on my practices? no. I averaged about a 34 (between a 31 and a 39...yeah a 39. i was elated) on my practice mcats from E-Mcat. Am I lying here? no, I am being honest, roll your eyes if you may. Am I proud of my 22? not particularly, but I live with it. Its more motivation for me now than before, so I think I will end up doing just fine in school. That score motivated me to go on a diet, work on my interview skills, study harder, and keep myself in a position that I could still do what needed to be done. 50 pounds later, some great interviews, and a senior year w/ a 3.7 gpa, it all worked out. I did what I thought was enough work for the MCAT, it was not nearly enough apparently - it happens. gotta keep trying. When the accepted average for DO schools is ~24 or 25, SOMEONE with a low MCAT has to get in, especially with good grades (didnt have those either) or great EC's or something. its a total package thing, but the MCAT will be used to screen. work hard, dont slack, do better than I did on the mcat. when I got that score, that was the worst day of my life (friday the 13th coincidentally). I had worked really hard, essentially devoted 6 months of life away to this thing, and it at the time seemed like it would not pay off. I started looking at other grad options and jobs, and I applied BROADLY. 12 schools - 4 interviews (2 declined) - 1 acceptance at my 2nd choice school (being from Oklahoma, OSUCOM was my #1 and I was waitlisted there. im surprised I even made the WL). Dont give up hope, but dont put yourself in my position. now that the MCAT is offerd 54,245 times a year, take it again after 2 months of hard studying and many practice tests and I guarantee you will do better. if not, take it a 3rd time after really assessing things. Good luck, dont be brought down by naysayers, the dream can be realized...its just a harder dream to grasp if you dont do what needs to be done. Now go study.
MaxD - I dont entirely agree with you, but I see your point. Laziness is not necessarily the cause for a poor score here. I took it back when it was 2x a year (the "good ole days"). I see little corrolation between a standardized test and my ability to synthesize new information and apply it toward patients in a clinical setting - its just different. I never have to worry about 90% of the crap on that test ever again...how many patients will care about the velocity of an elevator as it descends in freefall or the amount of heat generated by the friction as it brushes against the walls? how about solar panels? nothing. nada. the test is meaningful to a point. after that point, who cares.
Does my 22Q mcat mean thats how I did on my practices? no. I averaged about a 34 (between a 31 and a 39...yeah a 39. i was elated) on my practice mcats from E-Mcat. Am I lying here? no, I am being honest, roll your eyes if you may. Am I proud of my 22? not particularly, but I live with it. Its more motivation for me now than before, so I think I will end up doing just fine in school. That score motivated me to go on a diet, work on my interview skills, study harder, and keep myself in a position that I could still do what needed to be done. 50 pounds later, some great interviews, and a senior year w/ a 3.7 gpa, it all worked out. I did what I thought was enough work for the MCAT, it was not nearly enough apparently - it happens. gotta keep trying. When the accepted average for DO schools is ~24 or 25, SOMEONE with a low MCAT has to get in, especially with good grades (didnt have those either) or great EC's or something. its a total package thing, but the MCAT will be used to screen. work hard, dont slack, do better than I did on the mcat. when I got that score, that was the worst day of my life (friday the 13th coincidentally). I had worked really hard, essentially devoted 6 months of life away to this thing, and it at the time seemed like it would not pay off. I started looking at other grad options and jobs, and I applied BROADLY. 12 schools - 4 interviews (2 declined) - 1 acceptance at my 2nd choice school (being from Oklahoma, OSUCOM was my #1 and I was waitlisted there. im surprised I even made the WL). Dont give up hope, but dont put yourself in my position. now that the MCAT is offerd 54,245 times a year, take it again after 2 months of hard studying and many practice tests and I guarantee you will do better. if not, take it a 3rd time after really assessing things. Good luck, dont be brought down by naysayers, the dream can be realized...its just a harder dream to grasp if you dont do what needs to be done. Now go study.
Thanks🙂! I'm glad that you have a sensible comment. You should be proud, you worked hard and did your best and got in...congrats and good luck! And to the ones who are making assumptions or trying to assume what MaxD "could have meant," I was just curious with my post. This does not mean that I am not retaking the MCAT and also you don't have to educate me about how the MCAT use to be b/c I have taken the test during the times when it was only offered 2 times/year and 8 hours/day!!!! Oh yea and don't worry Lamont, the naysayers NEVER bother me with their ignorant comments...I know what I am capable of and I really am not concerned with what they are talking about. I really can't understand, why I just can't ask a question like this and get an answer to my question...instead of suggestions and opinions. The question does not reflect my own decisions for the future, nor does it mean I'm trying to settle. Once again, serious posters please!!
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2006
- Messages
- 5,187
- Reaction score
- 403
I'm not going to read your rant at me.
Everyone knows that I am not an dingus to premeds on here, but it is a simple fact that when you get less than a 23 on the MCAT the impulse should be to RETAKE. If you have only taken it once, you are doing yourself harm by applying without showing the initiative to take the exam again. There is no excuse anymore not to with many testing availabilities offered year-round.
Getting a 22 on the MCAT after one administration does not show a lack of initiative or intelligence... however, getting a 22 and not having the perserverence to retake is shortsighted and lazy...
Now unclench and reread my posts. Better yet, go study for the next test.
On my diagnostic with Kaplan I got a 21... and you think I am judging your qualifications to be a physician? I am not... but applying to medical school has VERY LITTLE to do with your ability to actually be a future physician. Rather, it has more to do with jumping through hoops.
The goal here is to give schools a reason to want you. The lowest numbers possible aren't a good indicator of what made schools select applicants. There are MANY DO matriculants with MCATs below 23. You may get in to one or more places with that MCAT assuming the rest of your application is strong... especially GPA. You'll want a 3.6+ GPA with that MCAT, although the sliding scale is, in many instances, a quazi-myth.
Let me put it this way -- this year PCOM got like 5800 applications for 250 spots. Assuming they gave out 500 acceptances to fill those spots, that means they rejected 5300 applicants or roughly 90 percent of those who applied. With an extremely low statistic as part of your application, it is much easier to be in that 90 percent...
Everyone knows that I am not an dingus to premeds on here, but it is a simple fact that when you get less than a 23 on the MCAT the impulse should be to RETAKE. If you have only taken it once, you are doing yourself harm by applying without showing the initiative to take the exam again. There is no excuse anymore not to with many testing availabilities offered year-round.
Getting a 22 on the MCAT after one administration does not show a lack of initiative or intelligence... however, getting a 22 and not having the perserverence to retake is shortsighted and lazy...
Now unclench and reread my posts. Better yet, go study for the next test.
On my diagnostic with Kaplan I got a 21... and you think I am judging your qualifications to be a physician? I am not... but applying to medical school has VERY LITTLE to do with your ability to actually be a future physician. Rather, it has more to do with jumping through hoops.
The goal here is to give schools a reason to want you. The lowest numbers possible aren't a good indicator of what made schools select applicants. There are MANY DO matriculants with MCATs below 23. You may get in to one or more places with that MCAT assuming the rest of your application is strong... especially GPA. You'll want a 3.6+ GPA with that MCAT, although the sliding scale is, in many instances, a quazi-myth.
Let me put it this way -- this year PCOM got like 5800 applications for 250 spots. Assuming they gave out 500 acceptances to fill those spots, that means they rejected 5300 applicants or roughly 90 percent of those who applied. With an extremely low statistic as part of your application, it is much easier to be in that 90 percent...
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2006
- Messages
- 5,187
- Reaction score
- 403
Classy.
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2006
- Messages
- 5,820
- Reaction score
- 17
Can you get accepted with an MCAT score below the average for a matriculant? Yes, of course it is possible.
Be aware, however, that applying with a low MCAT score can diminish your chances and narrow your choices. In my humble opinion, the best question isn't whether you can or can't get into any medical school, but rather, how can you get into the best program that fits you? In order to maximize your chances and to give yourself the most options, you want to score maximally on your MCAT. Really, you owe it to yourself to do that. After all, medical school is a huge investment, both financially and time-wise. You want to set yourself up for the best experience possible. If scoring something below the average is your best, then there is nothing that can be done in that regard. Make the rest of your application as good as possible. Work with what you have. If, however, you can do better with reasonable effort, it would behoove you to do so. Doing so could enhance your application experience. In this sense, I agree with Max. You shouldn't settle for less, if it isn't necessary.
Good luck to you.
Be aware, however, that applying with a low MCAT score can diminish your chances and narrow your choices. In my humble opinion, the best question isn't whether you can or can't get into any medical school, but rather, how can you get into the best program that fits you? In order to maximize your chances and to give yourself the most options, you want to score maximally on your MCAT. Really, you owe it to yourself to do that. After all, medical school is a huge investment, both financially and time-wise. You want to set yourself up for the best experience possible. If scoring something below the average is your best, then there is nothing that can be done in that regard. Make the rest of your application as good as possible. Work with what you have. If, however, you can do better with reasonable effort, it would behoove you to do so. Doing so could enhance your application experience. In this sense, I agree with Max. You shouldn't settle for less, if it isn't necessary.
Good luck to you.
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2006
- Messages
- 5,187
- Reaction score
- 403
👍 There that's the nice version of what I meant to say.
Can you get accepted with an MCAT score below the average for a matriculant? Yes, of course it is possible.
Be aware, however, that applying with a low MCAT score can diminish your chances and narrow your choices. In my humble opinion, the best question isn't whether you can or can't get into any medical school, but rather, how can you get into the best program that fits you? In order to maximize your chances and to give yourself the most options, you want to score maximally on your MCAT. Really, you owe it to yourself to do that. After all, medical school is a huge investment, both financially and time-wise. You want to set yourself up for the best experience possible. If scoring something below the average is your best, then there is nothing that can be done in that regard. Make the rest of your application as good as possible. Work with what you have. If, however, you can do better with reasonable effort, it would behoove you to do so. Doing so could enhance your application experience. In this sense, I agree with Max. You shouldn't settle for less, if it isn't necessary.
Good luck to you.
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2004
- Messages
- 833
- Reaction score
- 1
drjds,
I can feel your disgust, I scored a 23 on my MCAT. I know the lazy comment can cause somewhat of a reaction, but trus me when I say that Maximus is one of the good guys. Most people on this forum are pretty positive just by responding to our questions. I don't think anyone is trying to degrade you in anyway. Be aware that tough love is common here.
Good Luck
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 8,454
- Reaction score
- 39
Maximus didn't mean anything by that, you took his post the wrong way OP. However, I do understand that there are some people who are just horrible test takers. I know a girl who is very intelligent and works super hard but couldn't break 1000 on the Sat ( when it was out of 1600 for all you younglings). She wants to be a Dr, and I think that is great but you have to understand how difficult med school is, and that the career is deeply centered in pressured, 'think on your toes' moments. Plus you don't want to go to med school and then bomb the boards. There are ways you can work on your test taking skills, and if you are new in your undergrad I PROMISE you will get better at taking tests. It just happens.
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2002
- Messages
- 998
- Reaction score
- 13
I had 30+ on e-mcat and Kaplan too 🙁 but it was not an indication of my performance on a real test, i think i freaked out on the real thing...i actually never believed in myself that was a thing that killed me.
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2006
- Messages
- 7,984
- Reaction score
- 50
Couldn't break a 1000? That is beyond horrible test taker.lol I'm a horrible test taker and stilld id better than that.lol
I can't hate on max..he is a penn stater. Sometimes when something bad happens one just has the tendency to get offended easier. Apply, but study your ass off and retake. Nobody is saying it is impossible...I think they'd be an idiot if they said that. Weirder things have happened on this earth than someone doing poorly and getting accepted to med school...but the odds are not with you. I don't know about you, but I rather spend extra time and get the odds in my favor.
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2006
- Messages
- 303
- Reaction score
- 0
The answer is quite simply YES!!!!! and regardless of what anyone thinks, one test score, such as the MCAT, does not define what kind of physician you will become! (That's a VERY important factor to remember!!!)
Furthermore, I know friends that were accepted to the Class of 2011 at PCOM with MCAT scores less than 23. When applying to schools, please keep in mind that averages are there to give you a sense of what you're competing against. They are not, by no means, a standard.
The average MCAT at PCOM is only a 24. So I'm not sure what everyone is complaining about in the beginning. I think the highest MCAT average belongs to Western at a 28ish.
have your extra curriculars in. Shadow, research, volunteering will all benefit you. Moreover, the most important thing is to really show the ADCOM that you're more than an applicant. Show them that you're really interested in the school, in osteopathic medicine, and that you'll stop at nothing than success. A friend of mine who was accepted to PCOM with less than 23 was asked during their interview, "What will you do if you dont' get accepted?". They answered that they will try to higher their GPA, higher their MCAT. But more than that, that they will go learn. Wherever that might be. Whether it be in the lab, at school, or in a SMP or Post-bacc, they will broaden their knowledge and expand what they know. They told the ADCOM that they wanted this and they will keep trying until they succeed. (Now i admit, that there's a limit...)
But you have to show them that you want to become a DO. You have to show them something about you that makes you stand apart from all the rest.
Best of luck to you!
and dont' mind all the negative posts. Truthfully, just remember, you will enver realize or know what you could ahve been and what you could have accomplished if you never try.
Furthermore, I know friends that were accepted to the Class of 2011 at PCOM with MCAT scores less than 23. When applying to schools, please keep in mind that averages are there to give you a sense of what you're competing against. They are not, by no means, a standard.
The average MCAT at PCOM is only a 24. So I'm not sure what everyone is complaining about in the beginning. I think the highest MCAT average belongs to Western at a 28ish.
have your extra curriculars in. Shadow, research, volunteering will all benefit you. Moreover, the most important thing is to really show the ADCOM that you're more than an applicant. Show them that you're really interested in the school, in osteopathic medicine, and that you'll stop at nothing than success. A friend of mine who was accepted to PCOM with less than 23 was asked during their interview, "What will you do if you dont' get accepted?". They answered that they will try to higher their GPA, higher their MCAT. But more than that, that they will go learn. Wherever that might be. Whether it be in the lab, at school, or in a SMP or Post-bacc, they will broaden their knowledge and expand what they know. They told the ADCOM that they wanted this and they will keep trying until they succeed. (Now i admit, that there's a limit...)
But you have to show them that you want to become a DO. You have to show them something about you that makes you stand apart from all the rest.
Best of luck to you!
and dont' mind all the negative posts. Truthfully, just remember, you will enver realize or know what you could ahve been and what you could have accomplished if you never try.
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2006
- Messages
- 3,193
- Reaction score
- 3
drjds,
I can feel your disgust, I scored a 23 on my MCAT. I know the lazy comment can cause somewhat of a reaction, but trus me when I say that Maximus is one of the good guys. Most people on this forum are pretty positive just by responding to our questions. I don't think anyone is trying to degrade you in anyway. Be aware that tough love is common here.
Good Luck
😀 👍Maximus is a good guy, trust me!
I know of a few people who got in with a 22 and one who got in with a 21, but I don't know of anyone who got in with a score lower than that. You are definitely limiting your options by applying with a lower score. If you have strong ECs, good LORS, and a decent GPA to balance your application, it may not be as bad. It also really depends on what you scored on each section. If you scored 7 in each section and got a 21, then that is a lot better than scoring high in one section and a 4 or 5 in another. Many schools view any score below a 7 as a red flag.
So, to answer your question, yes it is possible to ssore below a 23 and get an acceptance, but there are a lot of things to factor in. Really examine your reason for your low score, take a good look at the rest of your application, and then decide if you are ready to apply. Lots of luck to you!
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2006
- Messages
- 303
- Reaction score
- 0
So, to answer your question, yes it is possible to ssore below a 23 and get an acceptance, but there are a lot of things to factor in. Really examine your reason for your low score, take a good look at the rest of your application, and then decide if you are ready to apply. Lots of luck to you!
I think that's the best advice anyone can give you. personally, I know people who got in with MCAT scores lower than 20. I think the lowest i know of is a 19 at PCOM. I also know someone with a 21 at LECOM and acouple others that hover aroudn a 23-24. So yes, examine your file and if you really think that you're ready to apply, GO FOR IT and don't let anyone discourage you! You'll never know what will happen unelss you try!
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2005
- Messages
- 3,245
- Reaction score
- 139
Can some one get in with an MCAT <23? Yes. Can YOU get in with an MCAT <23. That's anybody's guess. Remember that there are plenty of people with MCATs above 23 who couldn't get into med school too.
You are seriously limited by that score because some schools will never ever touch you. The "lower" schools don't like taking people with low MCATs, even though they do. I don't know anyone at my school who is in academic trouble right now with an MCAT >23.
You are seriously limited by that score because some schools will never ever touch you. The "lower" schools don't like taking people with low MCATs, even though they do. I don't know anyone at my school who is in academic trouble right now with an MCAT >23.
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2007
- Messages
- 223
- Reaction score
- 0
for the record...i was not expecting an acceptance and had already started looking at masters programs and jobs back home. a 22 is not ideal, but it got the job done for me. a friend of mine got a 22, didnt get in, and just retook to get a 32. had i taken the april mcat and earned a 22, I would have retaken in august, but I got my 22 in august so I decided to go for it and if it didnt work out, well I would have to be patient. if your application is deficient, ABSOLUTELY HAVE A BACKUP PLAN!!! If it is strong enough to get you in, HAVE A BACKUP PLAN. plan ahead so you dont face dire consequences. If you can retake, retake. simple as that. as far as my e-mcat discrepency (sp? probably why i did so bad lol) I think I was actually overconfident. I thought the MCAT was cake and expected at least a 28, if 32 or 33. It happens. Good luck to everyone, sorry if anyone thought I was being a jerk earlier, I kinda came off that way. no need to flame maxD either, they are just trying to give you an honest opinion and help you evaluate your chances. if you are not happy with your score, retake if you can, its that simple. apply broadly if you think you can get in to a school that you want to go to. i am happy w/ DCOM but man was I skeptical! a brand new school usually isnt a good idea, but the dean is from Ok State and I am very familiar with that school (brother went). I tend to think the dean at DCOM (dr. stowers) will earnestly try to create an environment that breeds success. anyway, good luck to everyone
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2007
- Messages
- 649
- Reaction score
- 7
No kidding it's up to 5800 now? That's so awesome.
I hope in my cycle it's even tougher competition. Competition is good.
More student's will be applying with Osteopathy in mind a couple years in advance to stay competitive, not as a "fall back plan", and that's just plain good for the tradition, not to mention the classes.
It's great for PCOM to be increasing its app's so dramatically over the past couple of years. I like that. 👍👍
I hope in my cycle it's even tougher competition. Competition is good.
More student's will be applying with Osteopathy in mind a couple years in advance to stay competitive, not as a "fall back plan", and that's just plain good for the tradition, not to mention the classes.
It's great for PCOM to be increasing its app's so dramatically over the past couple of years. I like that. 👍👍
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2007
- Messages
- 64
- Reaction score
- 0
I got into Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Columbia & Duke with an MCAT score of 10. 3vr, 3ps, 4bs. But I had a really high GPA (1.4) and lots of volunteer work (community service ordered by the judge for public nudity).. Anyway, I actually took the MCAT 4 times (4, 5, 7, 10). So retake the MCAT & maybe you can get a high score like I did.
🙂
🙂
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2006
- Messages
- 303
- Reaction score
- 0
i really don't think this was necessary. and i think it was immature. they were asking an honest question.
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2003
- Messages
- 2,006
- Reaction score
- 1
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2007
- Messages
- 64
- Reaction score
- 0
Oh my gosh, i was just having some fun.
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2004
- Messages
- 1,495
- Reaction score
- 3
Anyone know the lowest score a COM has accepted? Teens? I almost don't want to know...
While most of what is tested on the MCAT will never be used, its the process behind that innanely irritating stuff that is indicitive of potential/intellectual ability. 100% accurate? No way! Afterall, someone let me in, lol! Does it test for bedside manner? Nope.But you gotta use something to screen applicants that kills as many birds with one stone as possible while doing it. GPA/MCAT/extracurriculars
It sucks if you just have a bad test day though. Can ruin the best laid plans.
While most of what is tested on the MCAT will never be used, its the process behind that innanely irritating stuff that is indicitive of potential/intellectual ability. 100% accurate? No way! Afterall, someone let me in, lol! Does it test for bedside manner? Nope.But you gotta use something to screen applicants that kills as many birds with one stone as possible while doing it. GPA/MCAT/extracurriculars
It sucks if you just have a bad test day though. Can ruin the best laid plans.
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2006
- Messages
- 303
- Reaction score
- 0
you have an odd sort of twisted sense of humor.
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2004
- Messages
- 957
- Reaction score
- 0
19...the guy was as dumb as a box of rocks. He got in via "connections." He ended up failing a few classes his first year. He then failed two more classes his second year (after taking an extra year to remediate his first year courses). He basically spent 4 years trying to finish a two year pre-clinical curriculum before seeing the light and dropping out. To his credit, he could bench press more than I could.
p.s. I don't know if this is the lowest score a COM has ever accepted. This is the lowest score I've ever heard of.
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2005
- Messages
- 1,476
- Reaction score
- 0
Take it with a grain of salt. I have seen someone accepted to a COM with a 17. (via mdapps). Also on that site, I have seen someone accepted to Mayo with a 17. ------- It is possible I guess, but not probable under any circumstances.
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2006
- Messages
- 112
- Reaction score
- 0
Isn't 19 just about the average score for PCOM?
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2006
- Messages
- 5,820
- Reaction score
- 17
That would be my Sherlockian conclusion as well, only I would say, "might not be as probable," if the MCAT score was in a more reasonable range. You can probably increase options and chances with a better MCAT score. Basically, it makes sense to do whatever you reasonably can to turn the tide in your favor.
This is your application process, however. Take in all good feedback and do what makes sense for you.
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2006
- Messages
- 5,820
- Reaction score
- 17
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2006
- Messages
- 303
- Reaction score
- 0
no, it's a 24.
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2005
- Messages
- 2,516
- Reaction score
- 4
It is possible
The rest of your application should indicate you can handle med school material.
If it does not happen and you still wish to pursue medicine, retaking it could be an advisable option. Best wishes.
The rest of your application should indicate you can handle med school material.
If it does not happen and you still wish to pursue medicine, retaking it could be an advisable option. Best wishes.
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2004
- Messages
- 947
- Reaction score
- 7
Math lesson:
If MCAT of average matriculant for medical school is, say 24 (for illustrative purposes only), not all applicants who were accepted will have a 24. Some may have higher, some lower.
This means, for every person who has a higher MCAT than the average (24, in this theoretical case), someone must have a lower one (or sometimes 2 or more must have lower, depending).
So, for instance, if I go to this theoretical medical school with an average MCAT of 24, with my 31 MCAT score, this means if one person were to average out my score, they would get in with a MCAT score of 17 (31+17=48 /2 = 24). See how this works?
More than likely, 2 people would get in under the 24 mark for my 31, but lets just keep it simple.
So, yes. People do get into medical school with less than stellar MCATs and GPAs. If you apply broadly enough and you have a decent GPA and extracurriculars you might get in somewhere, provided you aren't a serial rapist or have some other personality disorder (kill many animals or like to light buildings on fire as a child?).
Relax...
Breathe...
Just don't hang your hat on getting in this year. You may need to do a post-bac and/or retake the MCAT before you are accepted if you have any other knocks against your application.
jd
If MCAT of average matriculant for medical school is, say 24 (for illustrative purposes only), not all applicants who were accepted will have a 24. Some may have higher, some lower.
This means, for every person who has a higher MCAT than the average (24, in this theoretical case), someone must have a lower one (or sometimes 2 or more must have lower, depending).
So, for instance, if I go to this theoretical medical school with an average MCAT of 24, with my 31 MCAT score, this means if one person were to average out my score, they would get in with a MCAT score of 17 (31+17=48 /2 = 24). See how this works?
More than likely, 2 people would get in under the 24 mark for my 31, but lets just keep it simple.
So, yes. People do get into medical school with less than stellar MCATs and GPAs. If you apply broadly enough and you have a decent GPA and extracurriculars you might get in somewhere, provided you aren't a serial rapist or have some other personality disorder (kill many animals or like to light buildings on fire as a child?).
Relax...
Breathe...
Just don't hang your hat on getting in this year. You may need to do a post-bac and/or retake the MCAT before you are accepted if you have any other knocks against your application.
jd
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2004
- Messages
- 1,495
- Reaction score
- 3
C
CommanderRiker
Riker, from Enterprise.
Some months ago, brothers, I posted data showing that D.O. schools have a much lower M.C.A.T. score requirement for acceptance. I know people who got an 18/19 composite and got accepted to multiple D.O. schools. One of these schools was Des Moines and the girl who was accepted was, I would not say '******ed', but rather limited. Data doesn't lie. However, there are 3 or 4 osteopathic colleges with high M.C.A.T. requirements as well.
Riker signing out.
Some months ago, brothers, I posted data showing that D.O. schools have a much lower M.C.A.T. score requirement for acceptance. I know people who got an 18/19 composite and got accepted to multiple D.O. schools. One of these schools was Des Moines and the girl who was accepted was, I would not say '******ed', but rather limited. Data doesn't lie. However, there are 3 or 4 osteopathic colleges with high M.C.A.T. requirements as well.
Riker signing out.
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2006
- Messages
- 5,187
- Reaction score
- 403
Ahh it's back! Kill it! KILL IT!
S
supernareg
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2004
- Messages
- 947
- Reaction score
- 7
Ummm, "Riker;"
In case you didn't know, the laws of mathematics apply to allopathic medical schools as well.
If an ALLOPATHIC medical school has an average MCAT score of 30 (for instance) and someone is accepted with a 38 (for grins), then there could possibly be someone accepted with a 22...
Magic, the way that elementary mathematics comes to bite you in the a$$, isn't it?
jd
C
CommanderRiker
This is Riker, William T.
My good friend, the ranges are usually not that wide. By this reasoning, D.O. schools with an average M.C.A.T. acceptance score of 21 may have taken a person with a 35 M.C.A.T. and also a 7 M.C.A.T.
Computer, scan sector ZC-45 for class-5 nebulae. Authorization Riker, William T. Gamma Six.
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2005
- Messages
- 5,748
- Reaction score
- 2,712
I'll 2nd that
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2004
- Messages
- 109
- Reaction score
- 0
Wow, that was really rude of you. One day this little comment is going to bite you back in the butt.
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2006
- Messages
- 7,984
- Reaction score
- 50
No. I don't think it will. There is no reason to sugarcoat anything. He isn't trying to dash the kid's dreams...but be realistic..that is not a good score. It doesn't mean they are not a good person, or that they will be a bad doctor. It means they got a crappy score and should retake for their best chance to get in.
People are so hypersensitive now......I long for the days where it was ok to use red pen without hurting a person's feelings and it wasn't a right to go to college...That might be the spite of grading people's papers who were completely below par academically and would've gotten their asses booted back in the day if they didn't try harder. Although, it was fun to use green or blue ink and mark off 30 points. You never expect bad news to come to you in such a soothing color. (I didn't start off as an a-hole, but I am sure turning into one.....if you don't try at life that is.)
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2006
- Messages
- 303
- Reaction score
- 0
Realistic... maybe. The truth of the matter is, no it's not your ideal score. I mean ideally, wouldn't we all want 45's? But that's not going to happen. To call someone "lazy" or "inept" for getting a score less than 23 I think is harsh. Moreover, I really don't think that your score on the MCAT reflects what kind of physician you have the potential of becoming.
Now, I acknowledge the fact that a lower MCAT score will mean a tougher road for you for acceptance. A MCAT score less than a 23 will make it just that much harder when you're competing against students that have scores of 26+. However, for most DO schools, the MCAT average resides in the mid 20's. Thus, it's definitely possible. As mentioned above in one of the posts, if you feel that your application is strong enough to hold on it's own and that the MCAT score is your one weakness, then go for it. You'll never know what will happen.
You also have the option of doing a Post-bacc or retaking the MCATs. These choices are up to you and we all wish you the best of luck.
