Here is my story.
6 V, 9 PS, 9 BS, Q.
3.7 GPA
I have been on this site from time to time and I think it can be very helpful. I would like to add my 2 cents. I was accepted to a top tier school last year in the south east.
The MCAT is used as a screening tool by admissions committees mainly to select for interviews. Once the interview is offered, MORE or LESS, the playing field is leveled and the MCAT is no longer as big of a factor. Here, a very strong gpa can have a big impact, as can research, or work experience. Some schools will weigh the MCAT more than others but there are MANY out there that use it for what it is, just one test on one day. It allows the admissions office to screen through 6000 applications and to punch in data to expeditiously crunch out interview decisions. But not all schools use this system and some do really evaluate your application and letters prior to deciding your interview candidacy.
I have read many of you who have a score of 24-28 and feel that the door is shut on your chances (some even are scrapping the application process altogether this year). Take my advice, dont do it. Apply broadly, now is not the time to save money. A low MCAT DOES NOT mean you wont make an excellent physician and you need to make this clear in your application!!
Dont underestimate the power of phone calls by the applicant to stress ones desire to interview. Make yourself available. "I can come up at any time if there is a cancellation." Send emails to the adcom committee director. If you get a rejection, so what. Probably going to come anyways if your did nothing.
I believe a big part of this process is about being persistent and going after what you want, not being docile and waiting by your email for offers.
Hope this helps. Good luck as the process gets underway
6 V, 9 PS, 9 BS, Q.
3.7 GPA
I have been on this site from time to time and I think it can be very helpful. I would like to add my 2 cents. I was accepted to a top tier school last year in the south east.
The MCAT is used as a screening tool by admissions committees mainly to select for interviews. Once the interview is offered, MORE or LESS, the playing field is leveled and the MCAT is no longer as big of a factor. Here, a very strong gpa can have a big impact, as can research, or work experience. Some schools will weigh the MCAT more than others but there are MANY out there that use it for what it is, just one test on one day. It allows the admissions office to screen through 6000 applications and to punch in data to expeditiously crunch out interview decisions. But not all schools use this system and some do really evaluate your application and letters prior to deciding your interview candidacy.
I have read many of you who have a score of 24-28 and feel that the door is shut on your chances (some even are scrapping the application process altogether this year). Take my advice, dont do it. Apply broadly, now is not the time to save money. A low MCAT DOES NOT mean you wont make an excellent physician and you need to make this clear in your application!!
Dont underestimate the power of phone calls by the applicant to stress ones desire to interview. Make yourself available. "I can come up at any time if there is a cancellation." Send emails to the adcom committee director. If you get a rejection, so what. Probably going to come anyways if your did nothing.
I believe a big part of this process is about being persistent and going after what you want, not being docile and waiting by your email for offers.
Hope this helps. Good luck as the process gets underway
