do med schools deny early applications with a MCAT pending?

[docdoc79328]

---

Members don't see this ad.

My GPA is a bit below average and my MCAT from April is also a bit below average. I should be fine at getting an interview at my local state schools with my April MCAT (only two in my state, in Louisiana), but my question is more geared towards towards the top private schools. I retook the MCAT in July and will get my scores at the end of the month.

My question is.. If I apply to these top schools now, will they just assume since I have a lower GPA and a low 1st MCAT that I probably didn't do well and deny me? Because, I probably have to score 36-40 range before I think they will consider me. Or will they just hold off on my app till the second score is available.

 

[BABSstudent]

They won't process your application past the secondary until they receive the second scores. Some schools will not even send you an invitation to complete the secondary until after they receive your scores.

 

[docdoc79328]

thanks for your response, but it doesn't address my concern.

I am aware schools won't grant interviews till the second score is available (which is what I want them to do, because I doubt I'll be granted an interview to top schools with April MCAT).

My question is the complete opposite... will these schools deny me an interview (assuming secondaries were sent in), before the my new mcat score is released? Basically with a lower GPA and lower first MCAT, will they deny be on 'what they have' ?
(If I had a above avg GPA and retook the mcat, than they might wait on the application, I just don't want them to judge on what they have, because hopefully my second mcat is a lot stronger) Or will they hold off on viewing my application till it is complete?

 

[Black Mamba24]

I'm not sure, but I believe that they hold off on viewing your application until your second set of scores are released.

 

[IlDestriero]

As the response above you noted, they likely won't process your application at all without your scores. So in that sense, yes, they will deny you an interview, by not considering your application at all. It's hard to be granted an interview if the committee doesn't look at your application, unless you have the Dean on speed dial.

 

[BABSstudent]

thanks for your response, but it doesn't address my concern.

I am aware schools won't grant interviews till the second score is available (which is what I want them to do, because I doubt I'll be granted an interview to top schools with April MCAT).

My question is the complete opposite... will these schools deny me an interview (assuming secondaries were sent in), before the my new mcat score is released? Basically with a lower GPA and lower first MCAT, will they deny be on 'what they have' ?
(If I had a above avg GPA and retook the mcat, than they might wait on the application, I just don't want them to judge on what they have, because hopefully my second mcat is a lot stronger) Or will they hold off on viewing my application till it is complete?

You did not seem to understand my post. You application will be "On Hold" if you submit your secondary but the school has not yet received your second set of MCAT scores. That means that they will not look at your application AT ALL. You will not get an interview nor will you get a rejection. Your application just waits, in limbo, for your second scores to come in.

Some schools do not pre-screen for secondaries, which means you will still get a secondary. You can even submit it! But the schools will wait for your new scores before making a judgement call.

If the schools screens for secondaries, you might get one because you already have a score. However, some will not give you one until they get your second score.

 

[cheshirecatxox]

You did not seem to understand my post. You application will be "On Hold" if you submit your secondary but the school has not yet received your second set of MCAT scores. That means that they will not look at your application AT ALL. You will not get an interview nor will you get a rejection. Your application just waits, in limbo, for your second scores to come in.

Some schools do not pre-screen for secondaries, which means you will still get a secondary. You can even submit it! But the schools will wait for your new scores before making a judgement call.

If the schools screens for secondaries, you might get one because you already have a score. However, some will not give you one until they get your second score.

I am not sure if this is the correct place to ask this question, but i figured it couldn't hurt to post and hope for a response since you answered this persons post.

I just received my MCAT score and it is lower than any prior practice I have taken (my lowest practice test was a 25, my highest a 34). I am so shocked with my actual score I dont even want to post it.

My mom became seriously ill, lost her job, broke up with her boyfriend, and moved in with me a couple months before I took the MCAT and im fairly certain that stress on my home life and emotions made a huge difference on my score. I have been told to write an addendum to explain this. Is that what you recommend?

Also, I just signed up for another MCAT at the beginning of September. I know I will improve. Should I hold off on submitting my apps until then? or should I just state in the addendum that I have scheduled a new test date but submit my apps early?

Aside from my MCAT score I am a strong applicant. I have a 3.9 overall GPA 3.8 science GPA. I graduated sumna cum laude from UCLA. Phi beta kappa (should I mention this on my app?) I also have a financially disadvantaged background; I lived with my mother and we received federal and local aid, food stamps, ssdi, etc. Ive been a medical scribe for 1 year and I know this is the right path for me.

I appreciate any and all advice.